The Difference Between Throws, Blankets & Afghans

Blankets

• Blankets primarily serve duty on beds. They provide a light covering on top of sheets. Blankets are usually the same size as a top sheet, which the blanket lies on. That means blankets come in twin, full, queen and king sizes. They come in many fabrics, including cotton, velour and wool. Blankets are even available in a thin down covering for those situations where a down comforter is too heavy. For an extra touch of luxury and for extra cleanliness, place an additional top sheet over the blanket.

Throws

• Throws are used to keep you warm when lounging and to accent your decor. A throw is smaller than a blanket, usually 50-by-60 inches, as opposed to a blanket, which is the same size as a top sheet. Throws are smaller because they are meant to provide warmth while lounging in a chair, on a couch or on top of a bed. They are not meant to be used as often as sheets and blankets, so they may come in less durable fabrics such as mohair, angora and cashmere. Add a throw with fringe at the end of a bed or across the arm of a chair for a designer touch.

Afghans

• Afghans are knitted or crocheted from yarn. Afghans can be blankets or throws. They are usually home-made items whose sizes are determined by the maker. The crocheter creates the afghan by using two long, thick knitting needles with hooks at the end. The result is a pattern of large knitted bumps with spaces in between. The crocheter can hook the afghan into one large rectangle or many smaller pieces that are then crocheted together to create an interesting pattern. Afghan patterns are diverse and available in craft stores.

Considerations

• Your use of blankets, throws and afghans depends on your needs and your taste in décor. Consider investing in good cotton or wool blankets, which are warm and durable and last a long time. Be more frivolous with your choice of throw. If you long for the feel of cashmere, it's easy to add it to your bedroom by purchasing a small cashmere throw. Afghans make perfect light coverings for baby's nap-time because of the holes between the pattern of bumps that allow air circulation. Afghans are often made by family members who then pass the items down through the generations.