At this time of the year, I get the urge to hibernate in my living room with a good book, wrapped in a blanket. Picking the right blanket is all about the fabric and colour.

Fabric

There are many different types of fabrics for throw blankets. Each provide a different level of warmth and comfort. Here are the top three fabrics for the winter:

Natural fleece is luxurious, with a thick, brushed surface. It is soft and incredibly warm – great for those days when the cold winter chill seeps through every crack.

Wool is thick and, if made from lamb’s wool or Mohair, extremely soft. It retains the heat of your body. If you’re looking for something softer than wool, but with the same properties, try Cashmere.

Chenille is that fuzzy yarn that looks like a wooly caterpillar. It’s warm, like flannel, but more attractive.

Colour & Pattern

The colour scheme of your room will dictate the colour you choose, but aim for something that pops. When you have patterns in your decor already, look for a solid blanket or vice versa. When you have a lot of white in your room, pick a dark colour. Not only will it bring your room together, it’ll make your blanket easier to find when you’re shivering.

Size

For the living room, aim for the typical sized throw blanket – 50 x 60”. This will easily fold up and can be laid across the back of the couch or over a chair. For the bedroom, get a twin sized blanket – 66 x 85”. That way, you can use it as an extra blanket when the wind is howling at your window.