How to Put a Throw on a Leather Sofa

Throws are some of the most versatile decorative items out there. Along with being super fun to snuggle into, they also can add a splash of style to your home. If you have a leather sofa, a good throw can help guests avoid getting their behinds stuck to the couch, too. Of course, with any sofa accessory, knowing how to place the throw makes a ton of difference. So, what are the best ways to do it?

There are several ways to place a throw on a leather sofa. The most popular methods include:

  • Folding the throw and placing it in the center of the sofa
  • Literally throwing it over a corner of the sofa
  • Draping it over the back of the sofa
  • Using it to cover the sofa's arms

Contrary to what the name suggests, throws don't always have to be tossed over a sofa to look stylish. There are other options that are more elegant or clean-cut, depending on the look you want. A look at each method can help you choose the right style for your needs, so be sure to keep reading.

Gray knitted blanket from merino wool on couch with pillows in the interior of the living room, How To Put A Throw On A Leather Sofa

Before You Begin: Choose Your Throw

Real photo of handmade macrame and mockup poster hanging on the wall in bright sitting room interior with leather sofa and metal rack with decor and books

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Part of the art of using a throw blanket is knowing what throws you can and cannot use. When choosing a throw, make sure it's a color that works with leather couches. From there, pick a material that jives. These common questions below can help you make the most of your shopping. 

What Materials Don't Slip On Leather?

It's actually pretty rare to find a material that actually slips and slides off leather. Most cotton, wool, and suede throws will be perfectly fine sticking to your couch. Some types of leather couches, like suede, can even have super-silky materials and fur as throws without a care about losing grip.

With that said, it depends on the leather type used in the making of your couch. If your leather tends to be slippery, then you might want to avoid fur or silk. 

Can You Mix Leather Furniture With Fabric Furniture?

Of course! We live in an era where mixing and matching furniture isn't just acceptable, but encouraged. Mixing and matching fabric furniture with a leather couch is a great way to add dimension and texture to your home. If you're looking for a way to break out of the "traditional box" of interior design rules, this is it. 

If you want to give this look a try, we have a suggestion. Match your throw to the fabric furniture in your room. It's super trendy, and also adds a layer of unity to your design.

Do Throw Blankets Have To Match Throw Pillows?

Though matching your throw blankets to your throw pillows can be a great look, there's no rule saying that it has to happen. In many situations, it can actually look dull and monotonous. Rather than focus on matching, try to coordinate instead. So, try to use similar (but not identical) colors, similar textures, or the same color using different patterns. 

Coordination offers that unified look that people love, without the risk of monotony. It's action-packed aesthetics!

How Do You Make A Leather Couch Look Cozy?

Let's just face it: leather is not the coziest-looking material out there. Shiny leather, in particular, can be a bit too "club-like" if not given a cozier decoration. There are several ways that you can make your leather couch look a little less clinical and a lot cozier. The easiest way to do it is to add throws and pillows. How you place your throw, of course, makes a big difference in the vibe you get. 

The Folded Look

white wall of natural living room interior with grey fashionable couch with yellow pillow and warm blanket

The folded throw look is pretty easy to do. To accomplish this look, fold your throw into thirds ("hot dog" or "hamburger" style is fine) and then gently place the folded throw right in the center of your sofa. If you want, you can also use this folding look to accent one of the couch's arms. 

This look is clean-cut and modern. If you're the type of person who cannot stand the idea of being thought of as sloppy, then this is a great way to add a throw. If you want to use this method, stick to a square or rectangular throw. It's pretty hard to fold a circular or sheepskin throw. 

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Click here to see this snuggly throw blanket on Amazon.

The Toss

Gray knitted blanket from merino wool on couch with pillows in the interior of the living room

Hey, they don't call "throws" a throw blanket without reason. This is one of the few decorative items that actually is totally okay to throw. If you love the idea of having the blanket fully cover a large portion of your couch, making it happen is simple. Unfurl the throw, and then toss it on top. Spread it out and adjust it as you see fit. 

This can work with almost any throw imaginable. It looks particularly good with thick woven throws and sheepskin-style throws. 

Click here to see this faux fur sheepskin throw on Amazon.

The Back Drape

Horizontal image of a modern leather sofa with throw and a Union Jack pillow, in bright living room.

Did you ever wish that you could have a bi-color sofa? Many designers are starting to make their own sofas with a different back color than seat color. While this sleek look can be hard to replicate, it's not impossible. You just need to get a large enough throw for the job. To do this properly, carefully place it over the back of your couch, with its width spanning the couch. 

If you do this right, then the majority of your sofa's back will be covered with the throw blanket. Because this throw placement style can act as a bold statement or color change, we suggest getting a more eye-catching throw for the job. Striking patterns or textures, for example, would work well with this method. 

Click here to see this textured throw on Amazon.

The One-Arm Drape

Black table next to sofa with green blanket in cozy apartment interior with gallery of posters

Did you ever notice how many home design magazines feature couches that have a throw blanket draped over a single arm? It's a trend, and it's a vibe. While it looks effortless, it still has that stylized appearance that makes it feel put together. Working this method is simple. All you need to do is bunch up the throw, toss it partially over one of your sofa's arms, then lengthen out the throw as you see fit.

You don't want the throw to look scrunched-up, but there should be some minor folding. This is what adds the texture to this look, and what gives it the effortless look. Of course, some just toss the throw over the arm of the couch, too. This works, but you may still need to readjust it depending on how it falls. 

This classic look is all about effortless coziness, so you may need to stick to woven fabrics that look and feel touchably soft.

Click here to see this woven grey throw blanket on Amazon.

In Closing

It's often said that every well-decorated home needs to have a throw blanket, and it's easy to see why that's viewed to be true. If you have a leather couch, then you need to have a throw to make it feel more inviting and cozy to the touch. While choosing the right throw for your room's design matters, it's also important to choose a neat way to place your throw. 

There are tons of ways to turn your throw blanket into a statement. Are you a folder? Someone who prefers a loose toss of the blanket? Or, are you a fan of draping? There are no wrong answers here, so have fun experimenting with each method. You're bound to find one that stands out above the rest. 

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