At the heart of trends, plaid is a popular accessory for a cocooning interior decoration. The plaid is used for multiple functions and is no longer just the one that keeps us warm.

Plaid: definition, uses and characteristics

Plaid has become a trendy, elegant accessory and has a wide range of choices. Also called sofa throw, the latter should be chosen according to your tastes, preferences and needs.

What is a plaid?

Be careful, and the plaid is not quite a blanket. Using it as a decoration and associating it with your sofa is inevitable to know well what you will be working with.

It is a perfect solution to offer a beautiful harmony to your living room, especially when it is in line with the rest of your interior design. Since there are many models, you can create multiple atmospheres and decorations.

Plaid/blanket difference

Slightly smaller than a blanket, it’s also made from a single, unique fabric. This is because a blanket is usually thicker and more like bedding. The plaid, on the other hand, is a fundamental decorative element. Of course, it still allows you to cover yourself in low temperatures, which is essentially why it is installed on the sofa.

Sizes, colours and fabrics

Mainly used to decorate a sofa, the plaid comes in several sizes. The latter must be chosen according to the decor and space available in your living room. It must cover the back of the sofa and the armrests to choose the right size. Make sure it is not too big, and it should not fall on the ground. The average size is 1.20 m wide by 1.50 m long. Since there are a large number of models, it is also necessary to find the ideal colour for the decoration of the room where it will be. If your decoration is simple, clean and formal, you can opt for a simple colour or a conservative pattern. You can choose a brighter, more vibrant colour for a less formal decoration. This will bring a touch of originality to your interior.

The atmosphere expected when creating your decor must be considered. We will associate light colours with a playful interior while a more formal decoration will be accompanied by dark colours. Finally, several fabrics can be used to make it. If it is chosen according to the desired decoration, it will be a real plus. In addition, there are three main categories of plaids: wool, cotton and silk. Cotton is suitable for playful decor, wool is associated with traditional decorations and finally, and silk is the fabric to be favoured to create luxurious decor.

At the heart of trends, more and more people decide to personalize or create this cover personally.

You don’t have to be a knitting expert; several solutions are used, allowing as many people as possible to make their own creations. An essential winter ally, the plaid can very quickly be designed using a knitting yarn and according to several balls of colours of your choice.

It is quite possible to sew as well. You can use any fabric you want to sew your ideal, personalized blanket. For a perfect realization, it is strongly advised to take the measurements of the furniture on which the cover will be affixed.

Decorate the sofa with a blanket

Multiple ways exist regarding the installation of this modern cover on your sofa. In its different ways, each has advantages and disadvantages.

Use multiple blankets

This decorative element can be used in quantity to create a layering of colours. Place them on top of each other for a personalized and creative design. This arrangement brings a touch of colour to a living room: it is an ideal solution when it is challenging to bring colour to the walls, for example.

Arrange the plaid in the middle of the sofa

For this arrangement, it is essential to have a sufficiently large plaid. On the other hand, the latter should not be too bulky. Fold it in thirds lengthwise and make sure the edges are perfectly aligned. Once nicely folded, you can install it on your sofa.

Cover the sofa with a blanket

The plaid can be used to cover the sofa. It will make your sofa more comfortable and can also be an ideal solution to hide an old sofa, without necessarily changing it. In addition, you benefit from protection for your furniture.Whatever the model of your sofa, the size of the plaid must be chosen according to its shape. Thus, your armchair remains clean and gives you a new interior decoration.

Place the plaid at the level of the armrest.

When installed on your armrest, the plaid creates a relaxed atmosphere. Fold it and install it as you see fit at the armrest and not the backrest. This arrangement allows a beautiful harmony. It dresses your sofa and brings a new element of decoration. Of course, several cushions can accompany the plaid to fill your sofa.

Create a Cushion Illusion with Plaid

The blanket can be folded to create an extra cushion. In the form of a cushion, it can be much easier to use and install on any model of chair or sofa. To get a cushion, lay the plaid out flat: the long side should be up. Fold the first end about 5 cm from the other.

Thus, the edges are aligned. Repeat the process until you get a cushion shape.

How to clean your blanket?

A source of relaxation, the plaid takes its place in your home and spreads out on your sofa or your bed. What could be more pleasant than snuggling up in the latter at any time of the day? There are now a large number of models, and these differ in size, colour or even the fabric used. Like any textile, this semblance of blanket catches dust, stains, odors, etc. It, therefore, requires unique and regular maintenance to maintain its softness.

Washing Tips

No one is safe from awkwardness causing the creation of a task but it is not necessary to wait for this to happen to clean your plaid. First, shake it outside to remove dust and give it some freshness. This freshness can be supplemented with lavender or mint extracts to spray on the blanket.Finally, store it in a place free of humidity when not in use.

Wool

Several maintenance techniques are recommended depending on the material of your blanket. It is recommended to clean it about 3 to 4 times each year to maintain its quality and that it remains comfortable. If it’s a woolen blanket, it’s essential to retain its softness and the warmth it provides. To do this, be aware that wool is a particularly delicate material and that it is best to seek the expertise of a professional for its maintenance. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, wash the throw by hand, the water should not exceed 30°C, and you will need to soak for one hour. The next step is to rinse and lay out the throw to dry appropriately. Be careful; remember to treat the stains before washing.

In faux fur

For example, if it is a faux fur or fleece fluffy blanket, it is quite possible to put it in a washing machine. However, use a delicate programme, below 30°C and your basic detergent. If the washing machine is possible, it is better not to use a dryer. In the same way, as for a woolen plaid, favour flat drying: this helps preserve the material’s softness. Of course, there is no need to iron it, but the passage of a brush can restore volume to the hairs.

Linen

Linen can be put in the washing machine: again, prefer a wash at around 30°C. Few people know it, but linen is one of the few materials to soften when cleaned. Over the washes, your plaid becomes softer and softer if you respect drying in the open air. It can be ironed with a hot iron.

Synthetic

Synthetic is undoubtedly the most accessible material to maintain. After several washes, this material does not deteriorate. Wash the blanket in lukewarm water with your basic detergent. An anti-static product can prevent the blanket from sticking to your skin after washing. Avoid ironing and tumble drying for this one: it dries better naturally.

Cotton

Cotton is easily washable in the washing machine, but it still requires a temperature adapted to its colouring and weaving. The washing machine should never exceed 40°C, unless it is a pure white cotton fabric: the machine can then clean at 9