Cable knits, textural weaves, rich faux furs ... this fall, throws are showing up in all the retailers' collections.
Basically small couch blankets, throws set the stage for comfy days spent on a comfy chair cocooned in a comfy - well, you get the idea.
What makes a throw a must-have is its wrapabil-ity. It shouldn't be too weighty, and should have a soft, pliant feel. Today's woolens and blends are very different from the scratchy, itchy, heavier versions of the past. And the new synthetics are a tactile wonderland of supple, velvety plushness.
In a great colour that coordinates with your furniture, a snuggly throw is a functional, stylish accessory.
Elaine Griffin, a contributing design editor to Better Homes & Gardens, recommends restraint when using this decorative element.
"Solid colours and discreet patterns add style to living rooms and dens; leave the boldly striped and patterned throws for across the foot of your bed or in children's spaces," she advises.
But she also encourages a little colour play.
"Throws are guilt-free occasions to indulge in the season's trendiest colours," she says. If you can't commit to a burgundy or citron wall, consider a throw in those hues.
Karma Living's got a fun, honeycombed Indian cotton throw with pompom trim, available in a kaleidoscope of playful colours. (Honeycomb throw, $32, fab.com)
Those looking for sumptuous, high-end throws might turn to the "Luxe Lodge" fall collection from Schumacher, which includes the Bancroft throw in a windowpane-check Scottish wool, available in sable, malt or oxford grey. ($312.50, decoratorsbest.com)
Yves Delorme's pastel-striped, baby alpaca Cote-a-Cote throw, and his rich, mulberry-hued Reflet jacquard throw, are elegant choices. Rosita Missoni's Lenny and Montgomery throws, in the iconic Italian house's signature designs, would work in a variety of interiors. And Rani Ara-bella's opulent cashmere throw can even be worn as a shawl. (Cote-a-Cote, $390; Reflet, $435; Missoni, $365$590; Arabella, $650, gracioushome.com).
Garnet Hill's fall collection includes a vibrant colour-block design, perfect for a contemporary space. ($278, garnethill.com )
Wilhelmina Jacobs does pricey but unusual faux fur throws in ocelot, Tibetan lamb, cow print and chinchilla. (WJ Home Collection, $89.99-$499, amazon.com )
At O.co - as the company is calling itself in Canada; many people know it by its webname, Overstock.com - you will find a lovely, soft, leaf-patterned cotton throw in two of the season's popular hues, sky blue and chocolate. Vibrant blues, greens and oranges play up a boho floral/stripe cotton-blend print on the Bocasa Oleana throw.
A reversible dotted acrylic throw in chocolate/ light brown or natural/ivory is a versatile, modern option. (woven mottled cotton, $54.99; polka dot reversible, $22.99; Bocasa, $59.99, overstock.com)
This company is actively promoting its services to Canadian consumers and is worth checking for other housewares, too.
Bed, Bath and Beyond has sofa throws to suit the humans and also throws designed for furniture that's shared with the family pets.
HomeSense has items to suit the season, including throws. Their lines change so rapidly, you have to drop by the store and see what is available.
Sears has throws in fleece or faux fur for $30.
So it's safe to say there's a throw for any budget.
