How To Decorate Your Home With Blankets
Blankets can be so much more than just something to keep you warm and toasty on cooler nights. Throw blankets, duvets, and quilts can be full of fun fabrics, bright colors, and intricate patterns, all of which can add a layer of detail to your already beautiful decor. Small additions such as a blanket ladder or a carefully placed throw can tie together your design and create a thoughtful, finished look for your home.
Blankets are the perfect way to embrace comfort and Hygge, which is a concept that originated in Denmark, as per Verywell Mind. Hygge focuses on living a life of peace and comfort. A relaxed atmosphere centering on warmth and coziness like this has endless benefits that range from physical to emotional to social. Hygge is achieved through textures, decor, and comfort, which work together to create an atmosphere that relaxes you and the other people in your space.
A soft blanket draped over the arm of a couch or accent chair will encourage you and your guests to settle in and decompress. Decorating with blankets can transform nearly any room in your home into a soft, welcoming, and safe area to relax and unwind while showcasing your style. Follow these tips to successfully decorate with blankets.
Blanket ladders display all of your favorites
Gorgeous, textured blankets aren't doing anybody any good stashed away in the closet or attic. The last task you want to add to your list is to dig up your blankets from a corner where they have likely become musty and will need a wash before you can hunker down with them. The trick is to make your blankets accessible and visible.
Blanket ladders are the solution when it comes to displaying your beautiful blankets. These simple ladders are easy to make yourself, or you can purchase them at most furniture stores. As noted on Target, a simple wooden design with an arch accent at the top is a seamless way to incorporate your blankets into your decor. A 6-foot ladder with five rungs can easily display five blankets, or you can layer them on top of each other for added storage. Blanket ladders do not need to be elaborate to appear elegant and finished — the idea is to highlight your blankets. Some blanket ladders can even be attached to the wall to easily and safely display your favorites.
Don't be afraid to layer and mix and match
Mixing and matching are exciting and challenging parts of interior design, but the sheer number of choices and prints can be intimidating. One tip is not to shy away from patterns because you're worried they will clash. Instead, follow a few simple tips that teach you how to layer patterned blankets seamlessly every time. According to Masterclass, step one is to start small and simple. Start by choosing similar colors and testing them out together. If your walls are a nice light blue, try incorporating different shades of blue or select a complementary color. This will add layers and complexity to the space without appearing too chaotic.
Another trick to try is to pair your printed blanket with something neutral. If you've discovered a brightly colored blanket with an intricate pattern, place it next to a much simpler design with matching or complementary colors. For example, polka dot throws with varying-sized dots may go nicely with simple, neutral stripes or a solid blanket with a bit more texture.
There are also several pattern-matching formulas you can follow if you're unsure how to pair different prints. For example, stripes have a reputation for pairing nicely with floral patterns. However, polka dots may not balance well with plaid. Yet, the most important rule is to find your own balance.
High-quality materials matter
Quality can be seen from across the room! Whether you are displaying your blankets for all your guests to enjoy or you simply want to keep them accessible for your own personal use, quality matters. You will have a completely different experience snuggling under a cashmere throw than you would a budget fleece wrap, and the two different textures create different aesthetics in the room. You might want to display the soft cashmere on the arm of a sofa, but you might want to hide the fleece when company comes over.
Designer Living suggests trying down alternatives, cotton, Berber fleece, and traditional down materials. Down alternative is a great hypo-allergenic option. These thicker blankets can be the perfect cozy layer on your bed but may not be as insulated as traditional down. Cotton is a durable and comfortable option that will withstand several washes and still retain its shape and texture. Berber fleece and traditional down are warm, soft, and cozy blankets that are perfect for cooler climates.
Blanket baskets are functional and cozy
If you love the look of your blankets but aren't drawn to the folded, draped look, then try a blanket basket. Blanket baskets are functional and perfect for storage, but they come in so many designs, textures, and materials that you can easily find one that fits your style and adds to your decor, according to Good Blankets Guide. These baskets are typically larger than regular baskets, and they're often meant to display your blankets nicely, but still keep them organized and out of the way. You can easily stash your less attractive blankets at the bottom and loosely drape a nicer accent blanket over the edge to give your space a comfortable feel that isn't too cluttered.
Blanket baskets are available in an almost endless supply of materials. Wooden baskets are a nice way to blend natural materials and create an elegant mix. Woven or fabric baskets can be soft and liven up a dark corner in your home. Even plastic baskets with intricate details and patterns will add to your decor. Plastic options are also a sturdy choice that children or pets won't damage. Store these baskets in a corner to take advantage of space, place them near your couch or chair for easy access, or even add them to the bottom shelf of a bookcase or entertainment stand to keep your space ultra-organized.
Create contrasts that will make a statement
Contrasts are the lifeblood of interior design and decor, but there is more to it than simply mixing and matching prints. According to the Santa Fe New Mexican, some "contrast" categories include grouping large items with small items, feminine with masculine, elaborate with simple, and so on. To translate this into your blanket decor, you can try hanging small blankets over large, chunky throws on a blanket ladder or sofa arm. You can mix delicate cashmere throws with more rugged fur or tweed wool blankets, and pair ornate prints with neutral throws.
When thinking about contrasts, consider a central focal point. If you choose a lush faux sheepskin that draws the eye, stay away from another extreme, like plaid or floral throws. Contrasts should be about pushing boundaries but not creating too much chaos or tension. You want it to blend in with the rest of the room.
Tired of minimalism? Try maximalism
Minimalism has been all the rave over the past few years. Neutral tones and simplified patterns were a great relief from some of the craziness that might have surrounded us in other areas of life. However, neutrals, white space, and simple lines are not the only way to establish a personal oasis. If you love experimenting with playful prints, mixing different aesthetics, and aren't afraid of color, then try maximalism.
Blankets are a perfect element if you're aiming for a maximalist aesthetic. According to Artlandish Gallery, layers, textures, colors, and styles are how to achieve the desired look, but you'll also need to create unity in certain areas, or the space will fall apart into disorganized chaos. Throws are an effortless and changeable way to create cohesion and pull the space together. Consider a blanket that matches your wall or carpet color — it will create unity between the focal point and the accents. Or, if your wallpaper has an intricate design, get a blanket in the same shade as one of the colors in the print. In addition to unity, you also want to focus on uniqueness when creating a maximalist space. You want to incorporate playful and eye-catching items, which can translate into your blanket collection. Choose throws with exciting designs, unique color combinations, or that have accents like pom poms or tassels. These kinds of picks will help your maximalist room pop.
Tell a story with blankets
Weaving stories and tales into blankets, tapestries, and clothing have long been a way for many cultures to share their traditions and preserve their history. In Hmong culture, women practiced sewing methods that were used in refugee camps when families wanted to bond and share their history, according to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. This common practice of weaving stories is found throughout other cultures, and the tradition has even found its way into modern decor.
Woven Art is just one company that can weave photos into blankets and display detailed portraits, landscapes, and more within the fabric. This concept of telling a story with everyday items and your decor is a part of interior design that bridges the gap between function and style. Blankets with a story — whether woven into the design or simply has a story behind where it came from — are a way to keep your experiences close to you. Every time you wrap up in your favorite blanket, it may remind you of that trip you took, your best friend, or even the maker of the blanket, depending on its unique story. Incorporating stories and details into your decor makes your home or space personal and interesting.
Style your bed with blankets
When styling bedrooms and creating a nighttime oasis, don't skip over the style of the blankets just because they are a necessity. Every element of your bed, from the headboard to the throw pillows, can be a way to express your style and be creative; your blankets are no exception. While you shouldn't be afraid to try unexpected ideas and designs, Style Curator says there are a few tried and true tricks to begin with. Sticking to a theme or color scheme is an important first step while choosing the material of the throw, and balancing the number of cushions and blankets will keep you on track. From there, think of the blanket's role in your room. For example, your comforter can be the focal point of your bed, while a few light throw blankets can be great accents. Or choose a simple neutral duvet that highlights the patterns and colors in your throw blankets and pillows.
Also, throw blankets don't always need to be thrown. Draping them over the edge of the bed or over the headboard works just as nicely as a smooth, folded blanket at the foot of the bed. Keeping things casual, draped, or misaligned can add to the relaxed atmosphere in your room.
While blankets can create a cocoon of comfort in your room, you shouldn't overlook the fact that you actually have to sleep there. Choose a blanket that is cozy but also breathes, especially if you're in a warmer climate. Leave space on your blanket ladder or storage bench to stow extra layers that look great but might need to be stashed on warmer nights.
How to incorporate faux fur
A fur blanket draped over an ottoman or folded over the edge of your couch can be the ultimate invite to get comfy. However, fur can be expensive, hard to maintain, and not animal-friendly. That doesn't mean you have to give up on your dreams of comfort. Faux fur can still be stylish, soft, and easily cleaned, according to Don't Freak It's Faux. Being able to machine wash your faux fur in cold water is a game changer for those who don't want to miss out on the lush texture of fur and the natural aesthetic.
Faux fur blankets are a great way to add some warmth to a colder space. "For a long time, the style was very streamlined, modern and on the colder side, but people are starting to want their homes to feel as comfortable as possible," designer Erin Gates told Elle Decor. "When we use faux fur, we're looking for some really luscious texture in the room. If you look at a space and everything is neat, tidy and clean, you want something that's sumptuous and cozy. It'll really elevate the space." This is a great tool to incorporate into minimalist or mid-century modern spaces. Both designs tend to run a bit cold, but a splash of texture can help them feel more like home.
While faux fur makes a room feel cozier, you want to limit yourself to only using one or two blankets not to overwhelm the space. You also want to choose blankets where the fur is longer in length and comes with tonal variations, making it appear more natural.
Display your interests via blankets
Take your style to a personal level and display your favorite books, songs, movies, and more on a blanket. This is the ultimate way to wrap yourself in your style. Blankets that showcase your hobbies and interests are the perfect cozy reading blanket or movie marathon accessory and also a conversation starter. According to Litographs, you can buy a blanket, t-shirt, scarf, and pillows that display entire books in themed designs. These blankets are a creative and unique way to display your personal style.
Other companies and brands offer blankets that display popular book/movie covers, individual book pages, quotes from songs, and poems. The idea is that books and movies go hand in hand with blankets, but they can also add to your decor. Blankets such as these will tie together the theme in a room and are best displayed as a tapestry or draped across a large surface, so they are visible. Another tip is to pair blankets like these with a solid or neutral backdrop, unless you are going for a maximalist look.
Purchase Sense and Sensibility on Litographs starting at $74.
Be bright and bold
Understanding colors and how they can work together will not only help you incorporate brightly colored blankets but will help you better understand decor and interior design overall. No matter how bright or muted they are, colors will always interact with other nearby colors. You can go with your gut regarding colors and lean into your personal preferences, but there are endless possibilities that you might not consider without the color wheel. According to Ballard Designs, there are a few popular color schemes (monochromatic colors, analogous colors, complementary colors, and triad color schemes) that can be a great jumping-off point for your decor.
The basics of the color wheel can be broken down into three simple-to-understand sections and can guide you through color mixing and matching. Red, yellow, and blue are primary colors, meaning every other color can be created from these three basics. Pair these with similar lighter and darker shades. Secondary colors are orange, green, and violet, which come from blending two primary colors. These more natural colors go perfectly with natural/neutral tones. Lastly, tertiary colors occur when red, yellow, or blue are blended with one of the secondary colors next to them. Use the color wheel and your understanding of hues to mix and match, explore and experiment with bold and bright colors that you may have shied away from before. These tips could transform your space into the ultimate comfort zone that you'll want to snuggle up in and stay in for a while.