Walk into any home store and you'll encounter a dizzying range of throws — sherpa here, waffle there, a chunky knit in the corner — with very little explanation of what makes them different, or when you'd choose one over another.
This guide cuts through the confusion. Here's everything you need to know about the most common types of throw blankets, from their materials and textures to their ideal uses and care requirements.
Sherpa
Sherpa throws are named after the traditional fleece-lined clothing of Himalayan communities. Modern sherpa is typically made from polyester or acrylic fibres woven to mimic the texture of sheep's wool — one side smooth or textured, the other plush and almost cloud-like in softness.
Best for: Maximum warmth and softness. Ideal for cooler months, living rooms, and anyone who tends to run cold. Sherpa holds its shape well and tends to be very durable with proper care.
Warmth level: High
Care: Machine washable on a gentle cycle. Avoid high heat in the dryer, which can mat the fibres over time.
Waffle Knit
Named for the distinctive honeycomb-like grid pattern woven into the fabric, waffle throws are typically made from cotton or a cotton blend. The waffle weave creates pockets of air that help regulate temperature — warm enough for a cool evening but light enough to use comfortably year-round.
Best for: Year-round versatility. Waffle throws are particularly popular as bedroom and sofa throws because they're visually interesting without being heavy. They also drape beautifully, making them ideal for styling over sofas and chairs.
Warmth level: Low to medium
Care: Machine washable. Cotton waffle washes beautifully and often softens further with each launder.
Chunky Knit
Chunky knit throws — whether arm-knit, hand-knit, or machine-made — use thick yarn in a loose, open weave. The oversized stitches give them a tactile, sculptural quality that makes them as much a decorative object as a functional one.
Best for: Styling and texture. Chunky knits photograph beautifully and add an immediate sense of cosiness to any room. They're best used for warmth in mild conditions rather than serious cold, as the open weave doesn't trap heat as efficiently as tighter-woven throws.
Warmth level: Low to medium (despite the visual suggestion of warmth)
Care: Hand wash or delicate machine cycle. Lay flat to dry to preserve the shape of the stitches.
Cotton Woven
A tightly woven cotton throw is perhaps the most versatile type available. Available in a huge range of weights, finishes, and weave patterns — herringbone, stripe, plain — cotton woven throws offer breathability and durability in equal measure.
Best for: Warmer months, outdoor use, or as an everyday sofa throw. Cotton woven throws are easy to wash, hold their colour well, and tend to get softer with every launder.
Warmth level: Low
Care: Machine washable. Cotton woven throws are among the most low-maintenance throws available.
Wool and Wool Blends
Wool throws have been a household staple for centuries — and for good reason. Natural wool is breathable, moisture-wicking, and temperature-regulating, making it warm in winter and surprisingly comfortable in milder conditions too. Wool blends (typically wool with cotton or acrylic) offer many of the same benefits with improved softness and often a more accessible price point.
Best for: Serious warmth, outdoor use, and longevity. A quality wool throw will outlast most other types with proper care, often developing a softer hand over years of use.
Warmth level: High
Care: Hand wash or wool cycle with cool water. Dry flat. Avoid tumble drying, which can cause significant shrinkage.
Bamboo and Bamboo Blends
Bamboo fabric is gaining recognition as one of the most luxurious-feeling natural fibres available. Bamboo throws are incredibly soft, naturally antibacterial, and have excellent moisture-wicking properties. A bamboo-cotton blend is particularly popular — you get the silky softness of bamboo with the durability and structure of cotton.
Best for: Sensitive skin, warm sleepers, or anyone looking for an eco-conscious option. Bamboo is fast-growing and requires significantly less water than conventional cotton to produce.
Warmth level: Low to medium
Care: Machine washable on a gentle cycle with cool water to preserve the softness.
How to Choose
The right throw depends entirely on how you'll use it. For pure warmth: sherpa or wool. For year-round versatility: waffle cotton. For styling and texture: chunky knit. For easy everyday living: cotton woven. For sensitive skin or eco-conscious choices: bamboo blend.
At Loft & Stone, our throw collection spans all of the above — curated for tactile quality, visual appeal, and the kind of longevity that makes each piece worth keeping. Free tracked shipping across Australia.