The charm of quilts: 70 ideas to make your sofa more stylish
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MARÍLIA VEIGA
Sofas decorated with blankets make the living room more charming and with more personality. Extremely versatile, the blankets are made of different types of materials, colors, prints and can be used in numerous ways on the sofa. There are models for all kinds of tastes and you can change them whenever you feel the need to change the look of the room.
In addition to making the environment more beautiful, the blanket can also take on other functions, such as keeping us warm on the coldest days and preventing dirt and stains on the sofa. Even if the sofa is older, and you want to restore it in a more practical and economical way, the blanket can also be a good option to give it a new look and make it look new.
But despite these multiple uses, architect Thiago Mondini explains the true function of blankets: “They can be used as covers, they can hide imperfections, serve as a small covering on cold days, but mainly serve to “break” the size of the blankets. upholstery, creating a different visual perception of the size of the piece and balancing the overall composition”.
Get the color right
Choosing the ideal color can be a challenge, as there is a very wide variety of compositions. According to Thiago, the work of composition is much more linked to a perception of good taste and adequacy of the solution, than to any practical rule. One of the combination options can be from tone on tone, where you work from the color of the sofa, making small variations in the colors of the blanket. “This line of composition will bring a more neutral effect to the set, allowing you to explore the composition of colors on pillows, paintings, walls, rugs”.
According to the professional, we can also work with analogous colors, that is, colors that are close in the chromatic circle. For example, on a navy blue sofa, we can use blankets with shades that go through green, other shades of blue and also shades of purple. This effect can further enrich your room’s composition. “It is also possible to work with contrasts, through light/dark or through the use of complementary colors, which are the colors directly opposite in the chromatic circle, such as green-red, blue-orange, purple-yellow”, emphasizes Thiago.
In addition to the colors, other questions may arise when we want to use the blankets. Check out:
Types of blankets
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / THIAGO MONDINI
According to Thiago, sofa blankets can be made from a wide variety of materials: acrylic yarn, cotton, synthetic or natural wool, chenille, synthetic fur, in addition to various yarn blends. There is no rule to use them, the particular taste of each one will influence this decision. “I particularly like the acrylic and cotton thread blankets, because they have a soft touch and a neutral thermal sensation”, he says.
The right way to use
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / THIAGO MONDINI
The use of blankets is quite free and adaptable to each situation, however, according to Thiago, monitoring by a professional is important to avoid mistakes. It is necessary to have a good sense of composition and balance of volume and background/figure, to get their use right. “I really like to use the blankets more loosely, marking the edges of the furniture, especially when I need to contrast the color against the background or punctuate the finishing of the furniture in a decorative way”, he says. See some of the architect’s recommendations so you don’t get it wrong:
* The size of the blanket will always depend on the size of the sofa. Larger blankets can be folded to the desired size and are therefore more versatile. But you must remember that if the fabric is too thick, the folds will tend to create too much volume. Very small blankets must be used with care to achieve the desired result, as they can appear too loose in the composition.
* Remember that the layout of the blanket will indicate whether the environment is more formal or informal. Longer throws look great in informal settings. A slightly more formal situation may require the blankets to be arranged in a very correct way, aligned.
* You should avoid placing blankets only over the seats, stretched out.
Blanket suggestions for you to buy
We have separated a list of beautiful blankets in various styles for you to choose and use on your sofa. Check out:
70 ideas for sofas decorated with blanket to inspire you
After the excellent tips from architect Thiago Mondini, check out the amazing models that we have separated to help you use blankets on your home sofa:
1. Combine the blanket with other decor elements
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / YAMAGATA ARCHITECTURE
The blanket can combine with other objects in your room, it is elegant and harmonious. In this case, it’s matching the rug, which has exactly the same colors. Leaving the piece folded on the sofa is a good solution so that the combination does not become excessive.
2. Stripped and authentic
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / VIVE STUDIO
If you like a more laid-back look, let the blanket looser on the sofa, you don’t need to always fold it straight and well marked. Just remember to be careful not to let it get too loose and crumpled, as it can look like a messy environment.
3. Printed blankets are also great choices
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MAJÓ INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
If your sofa is smooth, printed blankets are great options. They are more fun and give personality to the environment. You can also use the same print as the blanket on one of the pillows, making a kind of sofa set. It looks beautiful!
4. Puffs can also have blankets
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / HILDEBRAND SILVA ARQUITETURA
If you want to get away from the obvious, put the blanket on the puff instead of the sofa and make the composition more daring. Here, the combination of different shades of blue, blanket and pillows, gave a feeling of tranquility to the environment.
5. Bet on the color
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PEREIRA READE ARCHITECTS
The colored blanket gives more joy to the environment and, like the printed one, it looks great on plain sofas. This stripe is pure style! You can enjoy and compose with pillows that are also colored in the same color palette as the blanket.
6. Covered sofas also deserve a blanket
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MARIA BRASIL ARQUITETURA
Even upholstered sofas can be given a little extra touch with the blankets, especially the neutral-tone covers, which you can combine with various colors. This moss green microfiber blanket gave a cozier air to the room, which can also be a corner to relax and read a good book.
7. A vintage decor
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DAF FURNITURE
These retro-style sofas are even more charming when given a blanket. Using it thrown on the arm of the sofa is always one of the best options for those who don’t want to risk making a mistake.
8. For all types of upholstery
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DEBORA AGUIAR ARQUITETOS
The quilts look great on any type of upholstery. On the chaise longue, the famous lounge chairs, they add a touch of sophistication to the environment. This combination was made with dark tones, making the place even more elegant.
9. The contrast of light and dark
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / STUDIO 7
Sofas with neutral colors go well with any model of blankets, but try to use contrasting colors, mixing light and dark colors. The classic combination of black and white or close-up tones such as lead gray and ice, for example, is great for giving this effect.
10. The combination is done in detail
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / LILIANA ZENARO
To choose the ideal blanket, you need to check the color that highlights your sofa, but also harmonizes with the rest of the ambiance. In this room, the gray sofa gained a little more color with the coral blanket and even combined it with one of the pillows.
11. Choose the blanket according to the season of the year
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / QUITETE & FARIA
According to Thiago, the choice of the type of blanket material depends a lot on the time of year. Materials such as wool and leather, which are warmer, are more suitable for winter and convey an even greater sense of comfort.
12. The handmade touch of crochet and knitting
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / SOLO DESIGN STUDIO
Textures can appear on quilts not only as a feeling of touch, but actually as a relief, like crochet or knitting quilts. In these cases, Thiago always indicates to opt for softer materials, to avoid discomfort when using.
13. Mix colors
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MANOELA LUSTOSA DA SILVA
If you have a set of small sofas like this, you can also choose to use blankets of the same material, but with different colors in each one. Here, the colors also match the curtain and the rug. The composition of the set is the same, only the color changes.
14. Modern and discreet
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DEBORA AGUIAR ARQUITETOS
If you like a more modern look, put the blanket on your arm or just tuck it into a part of the sofa. In this room, the sofa also has a more modern design and the blankets were beautiful on the footrests.
15. A more organized room
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PATRICIA COVOLO
If you like a more organized look, fold the blankets straighter and straighter. According to Thiago, it is possible to fold a larger blanket to use as a straight strip over a partial region of the furniture, usually 1/3 to 1/5 of the sofa’s width.
16. Make your chair more comfortable
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / CLARISSE READE
The quilts are also beautiful on armchairs and leave your house with that country house atmosphere. Earthy and pastel tones combine very well with more reddish blankets, giving a touch of color to the environment. The combination of colors and the ethnic print of the pillows are reminiscent of the Afro style.
17. Monochromatic room
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FERNANDA PESSOA DE QUEIROZ
If you like a more neutral environment, without a lot of color variation, give preference to blankets in the same color as the sofa. If you want to give it a little more emphasis, choose a blanket with a shade slightly lighter or darker than the upholstery.
18. Texture is an important point
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / AMBIDESTRO
A very soft blanket makes all the difference to the comfort of the environment. Pay attention to the touch sensation of the blankets you choose: there are rougher fabrics and much softer ones.
19. In the middle of the sofa
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / QUITETE & FARIA
Placing the blanket in the middle of the sofa is also a great option and makes the upholstery more symmetrical. Complement the decor with matching pillows on each side of the sofa and a smaller one in the middle along with the blanket.
20. The charm of the fringes
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FLÁVIA GERAB TAYAR
The fringe makes the blanket even more charming. How about this blanket with striking beige fringes, to give your white armchair an extra touch? Note that the color detail of the blanket also matches the wallpaper and dark wood in the room.
21. Combine the fabric of the pillows with the blanket
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / QUITETE & FARIA
A combination of pillows and plush blankets was applied to these beautiful and comfortable long chairs. The terry fabric is very attractive and increases the cozy feeling. On colder days, then, you won’t want to get up off the couch anymore.
22. Crochet never goes out of style
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ANNA PAULA MORAES
Despite reminding us of our grandparents’ time, crochet has never lost ground these days. The crochet blanket models are super high and are suitable for any decor and sofa color. And you can even compose with these stools, also made of crochet, which are super fashionable. If you have mastered this manual art, also invest in pillows !
23. A romantic corner
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / LUIS FABIO REZENDE DE ARAUJO
For environments with a more romantic decoration, the thin fabric blankets are a great match. They are lighter and more malleable and therefore can be left looser on the sofa. A good choice of fabric for this case is silk.
24. Tone on Tone
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / AQUILES NICOLAS KILARIS
In this super clean room, the bet was on the subtle mixture of cream, beige and white tones. These colors leave the room wider and with an air of cleanliness. The blanket in one corner of the sofa added a touch of sophistication.
25. The beauty of the Indian print
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ARCHITECTURE SCALE
The Indian print is also very successful nowadays. If you like decor with a more oriental style, also bet on blankets with this type of print. In this room, it was used on the puff in front of the sofa, matching the colors of the pillows.
26. Shades of blue combine with different colors
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PEREIRA READE ARCHITECTS
The blue color is very democratic and combines with many other colors, so it can be a great choice for the color of the blanket, especially if your sofa is light. Here, the navy blue blanket made a beautiful combination with red pillows and other ethnic prints.
27. Blankets look beautiful in environments with wooden furniture
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / LILIANA ZENARO
Furniture and other wooden items add a more rustic touch to the decor. The combination of wood with a fireplace and a beautiful blanket on the sofa will make your home look like a cozy cottage.
28. You can also use the blanket to cover the back of the sofa
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / SA ENGENHARIA E ARQUITETURA
Although less common, you can also use the blankets only on the back of the sofa. Thiago says that, in some cases, it is also possible to cover the entire sofa with a blanket. “But it only works if the blanket is very large, used well and even with pillows on top, he emphasizes.
29. Large sofas are perfect to be decorated with blanket
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / TRIPLEX ARCHITECTURE
Large sofas are very difficult to cover, but that’s not why you can’t use a blanket to decorate and add extra charm to your relaxation space.
30. Diagonal blankets
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / CHERRY ARCHITECTURE AGENCY
Another very elegant way to position the blanket on the sofa is diagonally, partially covering the furniture and forming a corner at the base. If the blanket has fringes, the composition is even prettier. This one has golden fringes that go perfectly with the wooden furniture and even the floor.
31. The recamier is even more beautiful with a blanket
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DEBORA AGUIAR ARQUITETOS
The recamier, also known as a divan, is already a sophisticated and comfortable piece of furniture. If you decorate it with a blanket, it becomes even more delicate and enveloping. Knitting blankets are a great bet!
32. Home cinema
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / IN HOUSE
If you have rooms like this, which look more like an exclusive spot for watching movies, leave a blanket on the sofa to welcome your guests. The quilts are great to cover us during a good movie with popcorn.
33. Fur blankets are the darlings of winter
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / KARLA AMARAL
On cold days, there’s nothing better than drinking that hot chocolate – and, even better, if it’s wrapped in a very warm blanket. In this room, the fur blanket warms and gives life to the sofa. Give preference to warm colors.
34. Different types of blanket in the same environment
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / TRIART ARCHITECTURE
It is often possible to use a composition of blankets of different sizes, colors and textures, in different upholstery in the same room. The result gives a beautiful decorative effect.
35. Black and white print always work
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ÉRICA SALGUERO
Printed blankets give a more youthful and cool look to the environment. Black and white prints are more versatile as they match any other color you want to use in the room. The combination with the wine was amazing.
36. Bring nature into your home
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FÁBIO MOROZINI
This room has several elements of nature in the decoration: the plants, the butterfly painting and the pair of elk horns. Taking advantage of the context, there is nothing better than placing a synthetic fur blanket on the sofa to complement this idea.
37. Beautiful composition in the round puff
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / VIVE STUDIO
The magazine about the blanket in the round puff left the environment more authentic and creative. The soft color palette combined with the small plant vases convey a feeling of peace.
38. When the chair is not upholstered
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / RADUAN ARCHITECTURE
In this example, the long chair is not upholstered but made of clear acrylic. These models have been very popular and if you choose to have one of these in your home, you can make it more comfortable by using a blanket and pillow.
39. A very original idea
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FERNANDA MARQUES
If you like to get away from the obvious and adopt bolder ideas, how about putting the blanket in a less likely place? You can choose to use it on a decorative object near the sofa, it looks beautiful and authentic.
40. Texture diversity
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / QUITETE & FARIA
As for textures, there’s nothing better than choosing terrycloth fabrics, such as wool and other natural fibers. You don’t have to worry about using them only in winter, as they are nice for any time of year, just be careful on extremely hot days.
More images of sofas decorated with blankets to give your living room a special touch
Check out more options to inspire you:
41. Sofas with footrests look great with blankets
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MARÍLIA VEIGA
42. Blankets with thicker fabrics combine with relaxing armchairs
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DEBORA AGUIAR ARQUITETOS
43. Gray is very versatile: play with different shades on the blanket and pillows
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ARCHITECTURE SCALE
44. In this large and clean room, the synthetic fur blanket was used in only one of the armchairs
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ANDREA TEIXEIRA & FERNANDA NEGRELLI
45. Red blankets bring more life to the room
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ORLANE SANTOS
46. On this sofa that fits the whole family, the blankets help fill in the empty spaces
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / GUARDINI STANCATI ARCHITECTURE + DESIGNER
47. A beautiful set of chaise longues with brown blankets
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ROBERTO MIGOTTO
48. Very large and bulkier blankets are better folded and positioned in the corner of the sofa
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DEBORA AGUIAR ARQUITETOS
49. An indigenous touch: beautiful and delicate blanket with braided details
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / RENATA PISANI ARQUITETURA & INTERIORS
50. Black and white is always a great combination
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / LUCIANA LATORRE
51. Add a special touch to home theater rooms: use fringed blankets
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DEBORA AGUIAR ARQUITETOS
52. This coral blanket is beautiful with flower pillows
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / CHERRY ARCHITECTURE AGENCY
53. Make your room more intimate and cozy with different types of blanket
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DT STUDIO
54. Ice-colored blankets look great on white sofas and combine with wooded environments
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DEBORA AGUIAR ARQUITETOS
55. Armchair almost entirely covered by a simple and delicate blanket
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / CRISTINA BARBARA
56. This set of armchairs was even more charming with the composition of the blanket with the pillow in contrasting colors
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / QUITETE & FARIA
57. Another option for an earth tone fur blanket
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / FÁBIO MOROZINI
58. If the sofa is dark and you still choose a black blanket, bet on colored pillows
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / LO INTERIORS
59. Brown blankets are preferred for more rustic environments
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / CLARICE SEMERENE
60. Microfiber is one of the most highly rated materials for blankets
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / ERICK FIGUEIRA DE MELLO
61. Another cozy chalet-like corner
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DEBORA AGUIAR ARQUITETOS
62. White sofa contrasting with dark blanket and pillows
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MAURÍCIO KARAM
63. The blanket makes the living room even more welcoming
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / PAOLA RIBEIRO
64. The blanket could be the missing accessory to add a touch of color to your environment
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / QUITETE & FARIA
65. Chaise longues are even more comfortable when decorated with throws and pillows
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / GF PROJECTS
66. Another cozy corner with a plush blanket
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MAURÍCIO KARAM
67. Another rustic combination option: fur blanket and bamboo furniture
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / DEBORAH ROIG
68. Blankets with geometric shapes print give a more modern look to the room
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / CAROLINA BERNARDI
69. Blankets match all styles of decor
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / MANOELA LUSTOSA DA SILVA
70. Neutral tones for blankets and sofas is the most used combination
PHOTO: REPRODUCTION / TRIPLEX ARCHITECTURE
It’s always good to give a new decoration in a simple and practical way, and for that, sofa blankets are a great solution. Now that you know the right way to use and the best combinations for your home, add that touch of charm to your living room!