Decorating With Throws

myhomesideas.com Photo Dominique Vorillon

Happy Monday! I've had limited computer access the last 5 days or so and may continue to for a couple more days, so if you haven't seen me around blogland, that's why. I wish I could say it's because I'm on vacation in some remote, exotic location but that's unfortunately not the case. :-)

I appreciate all of those who've stopped by and left such great comments during my semi-absence. You should see me around your blog neighborhood as the week progresses. Also, thanks to all of you kind souls who voted for me for the Apartment Therapy Homies. The votes may not seem like much, but it made me feel like a million bucks!

Pottery Barn

We all know that a cozy throw or quilt is the perfect thing to snuggle up with on those cold winter days (24 below in my neighborhood one day this week!), but it can also be a quick and creative decorating solution.

How about a throw as a tablecloth or tablerunner?

BHG.com Wool Projects to Warm Up Your Home

Here they've used the throw (and chaise/bench/artwork) to add green to this room's color scheme. We've talked before about a good rule of thumb for adding a new color being to repeat it at least three times around the room. Notice also how they've "cross-pollinated" (a term I've heard used by someone in my decorating life to describe this idea but can't remember who) by using the green throw on the purple bed and the purple throw on the green chair.

House Beautiful photo Jeremy Samuelson

Using a throw on a chair like this is a great way to add a splash of color or to neutralize a chair that's too colorful. I've used this same method, with a longer throw which went down over the seat cushion as well, to help give a new look to a chair that I was REALLY sick of but couldn't afford to replace. Your eye was drawn to the throw first and you didn't notice the ugly chair so much. :-)

BHG.com Wool Projects To Warm Up Your Home

This throw adds a nice punch of pattern and color to this netural sofa. Using a plain throw to tone down a sofa that has too much pattern or a pattern that you're tired of would work as well. Just as in the chair scenario, if you're really trying to disguise your sofa, you could also use a larger throw that will come down over the seat cushions. That, combined with some great throw pillows, will give your sofa a whole new look.

House Beautiful Photo Thomas Loof

Using a chenille throw to spruce up a dining chair is a fun idea...

Midwest Living

A throw can also be used as a table topper, or can be folded or draped over an ottoman. Extra throws can be folded in baskets or, if you have a lower shelf on your coffee table, fold a few and place them there to add some color, texture, pattern and make them easily accessible when you want to use them.

If you're not trying to cover anything up, but just want to add a little punch of color and texture, get creative with how you "throw your throw".

Amanda Nisbet Design

For a tutorial on how to make your own throw/quilt go to BHG.com
Do you use throws in your decorating?
Edited to add to The Inspired Room's Friday Winter Homes linky party because throws are a must have for winter decorating! :-)