Christmas in Australia often means warm afternoons and balmy evenings — so your choice of throws should balance festive coziness with breathable comfort. Whether you want throws for sofas in an airy coastal living room or luxury throws to elevate a formal lounge, the right blanket throws can transform your space. Below is an in-depth guide to help you pick the best throw — with practical tips, style ideas, and why Kolka’s handcrafted range is ideal for Aussie Christmas decor.
Why the right throw matters (especially for an Australian Christmas)
Unlike northern-hemisphere winters, an Australian Christmas usually calls for lighter layers and breathable fabrics. Throws are not just functional — they’re a quick, low-cost way to add seasonal colour, texture, and personality to sofas, armchairs, beds or alfresco lounges. When chosen well, throws:
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Add festive colour without overpowering a pared-back room.
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Provide light warmth for cooler evenings without causing overheating.
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Bring texture and visual interest to neutral Australian interiors.
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Make decorating temporary and easy to swap after the holidays.
Keep in mind: breathable materials like cotton perform better in our summer heat than heavy wool; but a soft knitted blanket or a light luxury throw can still create a cozy holiday look indoors.
Pairing your throws with cozy, checkered cushions can instantly elevate your festive décor — explore 5 creative ways to style them for a warm Christmas vibe at home.
4 types of throws to know
Here are 4 types of throws you’ll see most often — we explain what they are, why they’re good for Australian Christmas decorating, and how Kolka’s handloom range fits each category.
1. Knitted blankets and throws
Knitted throws are all about texture: chunky knits, cable-stitch patterns and open weaves create a relaxed, hygge-like vibe. They’re perfect for adding a tactile, handmade feel to sofas and outdoor lounges — try artisanal stripe handloom throw for this exact look. For Aussie summers choose lighter-weight knits or open-stitch designs that allow airflow while still looking snug
Use them: drape a knitted throw casually over a sofa arm or fold at the end of a bed to add depth.
2. Cotton throws
Cotton is breathable, machine-washable and naturally cool — the go-to material for southern-hemisphere Christmas decorating. 100% cotton throws and cotton couch throws are ideal for everyday use: they feel soft on the skin, won’t trap heat, and come in block-printed or handloom textures that read festive but light.
Use them: layer a cotton throw over a neutral sofa and add patterned cushions for a pared-back festive look.
3. Woven & handloom blanket throws (Kantha, block-printed, quilted)
These are artisan-made throws with visible weave, embroidery, or quilting — perfect if you want an ethical, textured statement piece. Kolka’s handloom and block-printed designs, such as the maison checkered throw rug, add global craft appeal and pair beautifully with natural-fibre decor.
Use them: place a woven blanket throw over an outdoor daybed or use as a table-layer for an informal Christmas picnic setup.
4. Luxury throws (velvet, cashmere blends, fine merino)
If you’re dressing in a formal lounge or want a luxe Christmas look, luxury throws add sheen and refined texture. In Australia, pick lighter-weight luxury throws or velvet blends that feel indulgent without being too hot.
Use them: fold a luxury throw on the back of a sofa or over an accent chair to create an elevated, gift-ready corner.
Different types of throws — quick comparison chart
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Knitted blankets and throws — texture-forward, cozy, best indoors.
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Cotton throws / 100 percent cotton throws — breathable, easy-care, everyday.
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Woven/handloom blanket throws — artisan, textured, ethical; great for statement styling.
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Luxury throws — high-end look, tactile sheen; best for indoor, controlled climates.
Choosing the right size: throws for sofas & extra large options
Size matters for both appearance and function. Standard throws work well on single-seaters; for family sofas or sectional lounges, consider extra large sofa throws Australia shoppers love — these oversized pieces cover more of the sofa, allow everyone to share one blanket, and create dramatic visual impact.
Practical sizing tips:
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Small sofas / accent chairs: 120 x 170 cm.
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Standard 3-seater sofa: 130 x 180 cm to 140 x 200 cm.
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Bed ends: choose a throw that covers one-third to half the bed width.
Discover how lightweight cotton throws can add style, comfort, and functionality to your sofa in Kolka’s detailed guide on selecting the perfect throw
Styling tips for Christmas décor — Australian edition
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Play with seasonal palettes: swap traditional dark greens for eucalyptus greens, terracotta, and sandy neutrals that suit Aussie light. Accent with a single jewel tone (deep teal or ruby) if you want a classic Christmas touch.
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Layer textures: pair a cotton couch throw with a knitted throw and patterned cushions. The contrast gives depth without overheating the room.
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Go alfresco: use lightweight cotton throws on outdoor furniture for evening gatherings. They look festive and are practical when the sea breeze cools things down.
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Create focal points: fold a luxury throw over the back of a statement sofa or use a printed throw as a runner on a low coffee table for a relaxed festive vignette.
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Mix patterns with restraint: if your throw is highly patterned, keep cushions plain (and vice versa).
Caring for your throw
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Cotton throws / 100 percent cotton throws: usually machine-washable on a gentle cycle; reshape while damp and dry flat to avoid distortion.
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Knitted throws: hand-wash or use a delicate cycle; avoid tumble drying for chunky knits.
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Handloom & artisan throws: follow care label — many are best washed gently or dry-cleaned to preserve dyes and weave.
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Luxury throws: often require specialist care; check labels for dry-clean only instructions.
Proper care keeps your throws looking festive season after season.
Why choose Kolka for your Christmas throws?
Kolka’s handloom heritage and focus on responsibly made home textiles make it an excellent choice for Australian Christmas decor. Kolka offers:
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Breathable cotton throws and 100% cotton throws crafted for comfort in warm climates.
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Artisan handloom blanket throws and block-printed designs that inject character into modern Australian homes.
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Options in sizes up to extra large sofa throws Australia households need for shared living spaces.
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A commitment to sustainable materials and ethical production — perfect for shoppers who want beautiful, mindful Christmas décor.
Final thoughts
Choosing the perfect throw for your Christmas décor in Australia comes down to fabric, size and styling. Opt for breathable cotton for outdoor or summer evenings, a knitted throw for texture, a handloom blanket throw for artisanal charm, or a luxury throw to dress a formal space. Layer thoughtfully, pick sizes that suit your sofa (or choose an extra large sofa throws Australia style for family comfort), and don’t forget to care for your new favourite blanket read tips on keeping throws on your sofa so it looks its best every holiday season.
Looking for the perfect throw to match your Aussie Christmas aesthetic? Explore Kolka’s collection of cotton throws, knitted blankets and artisan blanket throws to find pieces that celebrate craftsmanship and holiday spirit — without the heat.
FAQs
1. What are the different types of throw blankets?
Knitted throws, cotton/100% cotton throws, woven/handloom or quilted throws, fleece and microfiber throws, and luxury options like velvet, cashmere or fine wool. Each type varies in weight, texture and care needs.
2. What is the best material for throw blankets?
It depends on use: cotton is best for breathability and Aussie summers; wool/merino and cashmere are top for warmth; fleece and faux fur give cosy, low-maintenance warmth and texture. Choose by climate and how the throw will be used.
3. Is a throw a type of blanket?
Yes — a throw is a smaller, decorative blanket used for layering or quick warmth on sofas, chairs or beds. It’s usually more about style and portability than full bed coverage.
4. What are the best throw blankets for warmth?
Wool and merino blankets, chunky knitted throws, fleece and faux-fur throws are the warmest choices. Look for dense weave and heavier weight for maximum insulation.
5. How to make a throw blanket look good on a bed?
Fold it neatly across the foot of the bed, or drape it diagonally for a relaxed look; layer with cushions and a textured throw for depth. Keep colours coordinated with bedding to create a polished vignette.
6. What are the different sizes of throws?
Common sizes: small ~120×150 cm, standard ~130×180 cm, large ~140×200 cm, and extra large/sofa throws ~180×220 cm or bigger. Pick size based on sofa/bed dimensions and whether multiple people will share it
7. Are cotton throw blankets warm?
Cotton throws provide light to moderate warmth and are ideal for mild evenings and summer use because they breathe well. They won’t insulate as much as wool or fleece in very cold conditions.
8. Why are blankets called throws?
The term “throw” comes from their casual use — they’re easily “thrown” over furniture or shoulders for quick warmth. The name highlights portability and decorative function.
9. Why do people use throw blankets?
People use throws for quick warmth, comfort, visual texture and layering in décor, and for easy, portable coverage indoors or alfresco. They’re an inexpensive way to refresh a room’s look.
10. How long do throw blankets last?
Lifespan depends on material and care: everyday cotton or fleece throws typically last 3–5 years with regular use, while well-cared wool, merino or luxury throws can last much longer. Follow care instructions and rotate use to extend life.