How to Choose a Wool Throw: Our Simple Buying Guide

A good wool throw is one of those things you use every single day: over your knees on a winter evening, across the end of the bed, in the car for a beach walk, or wrapped around you on a chilly terrace. It also makes one of the most lasting gifts you can give. But with merino, lambswool, Shetland and recycled wool, plus herringbone, honeycomb and check weaves, it can be hard to know where to start. Here's our simple guide.

1. Choose your wool

Merino lambswool is the softest of all. Fine, light and gentle against the skin, it's the one to choose if you want a throw to snuggle under on the sofa, or if the person you're buying for finds some wool a little scratchy.

Shetland wool has a slightly firmer, more textured feel and a lovely natural character. It's warm, hard-wearing and looks beautiful in a cottage or coastal setting. Perfect for the end of the bed or the back of an armchair.

Pure new wool simply means the wool is being used for the first time rather than recycled. It gives a good balance of warmth, softness and durability, and many of our classic herringbone throws are made from it.

Recycled wool is made by re-spinning wool that would otherwise go to waste. Every throw is slightly different, which makes each one unique, and they're tough enough for picnics, camping and the car.

2. Choose your weave

• Herringbone: the timeless zig-zag pattern. Classic, smart and easy to place in any room.
• Honeycomb and waffle: a textured, cellular weave that traps warmth and looks wonderfully tactile.
• Check and tartan: traditional and cosy, especially good for picnic blankets and country interiors.
• Stripe: cheerful and colourful, great for adding a pop of colour to a neutral room.

3. Get the size right

As a rough guide, around 120 x 150cm suits a sofa, armchair or single bed; around 140 x 180cm drapes nicely over a sofa or across the end of a double bed; and XL throws of 140 x 200cm or more are ideal for a king-size bed. Our Blanket & Throw Size Guide has UK bed sizes and more tips, and every product page shows the exact measurements.

4. Think about where it will live

• Living room: soft merino or pure new wool in a colour that picks up your cushions.
• Bedroom: a Shetland or herringbone throw folded across the foot of the bed adds warmth and instantly makes a room look finished.
• Out and about: a waterproof-backed picnic blanket is perfect for the beach, festivals and the car boot.

5. Caring for your throw

Wool is naturally breathable and resists dirt and odours, so it rarely needs washing: an airing outside on a dry, breezy day works wonders. When it does need a clean, always follow the care label (many of our throws are cold wash or dry clean only), and dry them flat, away from direct heat. Looked after well, a good wool throw will last for many years.

A gift that lasts

A wool throw is a gift that gets used every day and remembered for years, whether it's for a new home, a wedding, a birthday or Christmas. Browse our full range of wool blankets, throws and wraps, or see more ideas in our Christmas gifts collection. We offer free UK delivery on orders over £75.

Happy snuggling!
Sue and Andy