We sell a lot of wool throws. We also see a lot of photos of wool throws that look like they were arranged by someone who immediately left the room. Here's how to use one so it looks like it actually lives in your house.

The fold versus the drape ¶

A folded throw over the arm of a sofa looks intentional and tidy. A draped throw looks casual and inviting. Neither is wrong, but they read differently. The folded version works better in a more ordered room. The draped version works better when the room already has some texture and warmth to it.

The mistake most people make with a draped throw is being too careful about it. Throw it over the back of the sofa and let it fall. Sit on it for a bit. The slight rumple is the point.

Colour and the rest of the room ¶

A throw is one of the easier ways to add a new colour to a room without committing to it. The Bracken colourway. Rust and oat. Works well in rooms that are mostly neutral, because the rust reads as warm without being loud. In a room that already has a lot of colour, a more muted throw tends to anchor things rather than compete.

Wool has a natural texture that reads differently in different lights. In morning light, the Bracken throw looks more oat than rust. In the evening, the rust comes forward. This is worth thinking about when you're deciding where to put it.

Washing and storage ¶

Wool throws should be washed as infrequently as possible. Airing them outside on a dry day removes most odours and refreshes the fibres without the stress of a wash cycle. When you do wash, use a wool cycle with cold water and a small amount of wool wash. Lay flat to dry, never hang, as the weight of wet wool will stretch the weave.

Store folded, not rolled, in a breathable cotton bag if you're putting it away for the summer. Cedar blocks nearby will discourage moths without leaving a chemical smell.

The throws we stock are made to be used, not displayed. If yours ends up slightly felted at the corners after a few years of heavy use, that's a sign it's been doing its job.