Learn how to put a throw on a couch or chair for an effortlessly chic look! Whether you like the structured or a casual look, one of these eight options will work for you! Plus explore a curated list of favorite throws for the season.

Fall is in the air and temperatures are dropping. It’s the time of year that we strive to make our homes feel cozy and warm. One way to introduce the concept of cozy? You guessed it, throw blankets!

Throws are a great visual representation of cozy, but of course, they’re actually practical when you wrap yourself up in them. But beyond that, throws also help introduce other decorating details, like accents colors, and textures. And depending on how you style them, they can also break up the structure of the room with a more organic flow!

So, not only is the throw you choose an important decision but so is how you style it!

industrial coffee table with santos doll in front of linen sofa with dining room in background with numbered chairs

How to Style a Throw on a Couch

I know, you’re probably wondering why this is even a topic, don’t you just throw a throw and call it good? The answer is no, you have to style it! Otherwise, it’ll look like we just woke you from a nap with the throw sprawled out on the couch.

So today is all about how to put a throw on a couch for an intentionally stylish look.

The Folded Arm

This method is easy-peasy for a tidy, yet casual look! The Folded Arm is a great styling method because it’s simple and also allows for easy access to the throw for use. It’s especially great to use if the arm of the sofa faces the entrance to the room!

To Style: Simply fold the throw lengthwise in half and then in half again. Then fold your throw in half widthwise. Drape your throw over the arm of the couch with the decorative edge (if your throw has one) down the side of the sofa. Do not allow the throw to extend below the bottom of the couch.

blue and white herringbone throw with white fringe folded over the arm of slipcovered sofa in living room

The Waterfall

To Style: For this look, simply fold your throw lengthwise into thirds. This way, the sides have clean, folded edges. Simply drape your throw over the back, down the front of the back cushion, and down onto the seat. I usually like a throw pillow placed in the front, but it’s not necessary.

If your couch has legs, your throw can extend down the front of the cushion. If your couch has a skirt or is low to the ground, it’s better to stop on the seat.

living room industrial coffee table with urn of dried hydrangea and santos doll with slipcovered sofa in background with blue cableknit throw

Back and Beyond

Sometimes, the back of the couch faces the entrance to a room. And while some sofas are interesting to look at from behind, some just look like a big, blank canvas waiting for attention!

To Style: Fold your throw in half widthwise and center it on the sofa. If your throw has a decorative edge, the decoration should be down the back and the fold behind the cushions at the top.

Allow the throw to hang all the way down the back almost to the bottom! This additional length down the back is what makes this method different than the old-school way of placing a throw on the back of the sofa.

white wool throw with pom fringe hanging down the back of slipcovered sofa in living room with coffee table and chairs in background

The Cozy Corner

For an organic, flowing look, try the Cozy Corner method. I prefer that the throw peek out from beneath the throw pillows, extending onto the seat.

To Style: Fold your throw in half lengthwise, draping part over the back and then extending down onto the seat. As it cascades from the back to the front, open up the fold a bit and play around with the material making folds to create a casual look.

linen slipcovered sofa with beige decorative pillows and industrial coffee table in front and dining room in background with french round numbered chairs
white slipcovered sofa with blue chunky cableknit throw and blue and white decorative pillows and pumpkins in the background

The Tidy Corner

The Tidy Corner is similar to the Cozy Corner in terms of placement, but for this option, keep it nice and….well, tidy!

To Style: Fold into thirds lengthwise. Start at the back of the sofa drape it down onto the cushion, keeping it folded all the way down.

Living room sofa with white wool pom throw folded and blue decorative pillows on top and dining room in background

The Over Arm

This is similar to Tidy Corner but for low-back sofas or chairs. For this method, skip the back and just have it drape from the arm across the seat.

To Style: Fold the throw lengthwise in half and then drape across the arm, across the seat, and then down the front of the seat just a bit. This last bit is important to keep the shape more organic and prevent it from looking too horizontal.

family room with brown faux fur throw folded over arm of sofa with brown decorative pillow on top and coffee table with myrtle topiaries in front

The Folded Seat

An effortless look is to simply fold your throw and leave it on the seat of the couch. This works best for thinner throws so that when folded, it doesn’t sit too tall.

To Style: Fold the throw lengthwise into thirds. Then fold widthwise in half. The fold it one more time, but not quite in half. Leave it just a bit long so that it drapes down the front of the couch (see pic).

But don’t just fold and leave it stranded in the middle of the sofa! Instead, connect it to another element so that it physically touches. It can touch the arm or even the throw pillows. Think of it as part of a vignette and not a separate element.

closeup of blue and white herringbone throw with white fringe folded on sofa with fall decorative pillow and grain sack pillow on top
closeup of blue and white herringbone throw with white fringe showing how to fold on sofa with fall decorative pillow and grain sack pillow on top

The Basket Case

Sometimes, a throw can just sit off to the side in a basket or other storage option for later use.

To Style: When using a basket (without a lid), I prefer a corner of the throw to peek out the top so it looks like you can just grab the throw and snuggle up on a blustery day!

If you have multiple throws and prefer a structured look, try folding and stacking them, or even rolling them and standing them up tall.

french family room with white slipcovered sectional and french style coffee table with book press on top and large black cabinet against wall
closeup of antique french basket holding a beige pillow and white pom throw on the side of sofa

Here are some of my favorite options for baskets and storage perfect for the side of a sofa.

So now that you’re an expert on how to put a throw on a couch, you’ll feel inspired to add some throws to your home for a cozy look! Here are some of my favorite throws. Simply click to shop!

My Favorite Throw Blankets

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8 Comments

  1. samantha faucher says:

    the link for the white blanket and pom poms is not working – can you please post? Or tell me where it is from? Thanks!!
    Samantha

    Reply

  2. Thank you, thank you, thank you… you are a “fountain of ideas” for decorating with throws!!! I love all of the ideas…

    Reply

  3. This is great. I needed some instruction. I usually give up and just fold it over the arm, but this post has given some great alternatives.
    Happy fall, almost. 😊
    Karen B.

    Reply

  4. Good Morning- i love your fabulous ideas and am thankful i found your site… Looking at your stylish throws, could you share info on your coffee table… i love it and possibly you could put together a 10 french country coffee table segment… Love all if your ideas… thank you, teri…

    Reply

    1. Hi Teri! Thank you so much for your kind comments! I’m assuming you’re referring to my family room coffee table that has the blue cabriole legs…I found that on Craigslist! It used to be green but I painted it. Your timing is perfect because I was in need of an article for next week so I will absolutely work on a French Country Coffee Table post. Thank you for the idea! :) Kim

      Reply

      1. Yes, your lovely Craiglist’s coffee
        Table!!! I am looking forward to next weeks article!!! Thank you 🌹🌹

  5. Chris Cloen says:

    My son found several old ladders when he bought an old farm. My husband sanded, restained and varnished them and I now have two 12 foot blanket ladders to house 6 of my faux throws. The plus is they take of no closet space
    Chris

    Reply

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