Yes, a plush throw is a blanket. "Plush" describes how it feels, a soft, fluffy, velvety surface, and "throw" describes its size, a smaller piece made for the couch or the foot of the bed.

So the real question is not throw or blanket. It is which feel you want, and which size. This guide walks through both. Shop all blankets and throws

Throw vs blanket: it comes down to size

Every throw is a blanket. Not every blanket is a throw.

A throw is the smallest size. It drapes over a sofa arm, covers your lap during a movie, and folds neatly at the end of the bed. A bed blanket is cut to a mattress size, Twin, Full/Queen or King, so it covers the whole bed.

Many of our plush and fleece blankets come in five sizes: Throw, Throw XL, Twin, Full/Queen and King. That means the same fabric and color can live on your couch and on your bed. For exact dimensions and which size fits which bed, see our blanket size guide.

What "plush" actually means

Plush is a feel, not a fiber. A plush blanket has a dense, soft surface that you sink your fingers into. It feels warm the moment you touch it.

Most plush blankets are made from fleece. Our Fleece Plush Solid Blanket is a good example: soft fleece with a velvety, smooth hand and reinforced edges. It is medium weight, so it warms without feeling heavy. Fourteen colors, five sizes.

Fleece, sherpa and flannel fleece: the plush family

Within plush blankets, the surface finish changes the feel. Here is what each one is like.

Fleece

Smooth and soft. Fleece is the everyday plush blanket, and it layers easily over sheets or on a sofa. The Arctic Boho Knit Fleece Blanket adds a knit jacquard texture to the surface, so it looks like a sweater and feels like fleece.

Sherpa

Sherpa has a fluffy, nubby side that looks like a lamb's coat. It feels thicker and cozier. Our Nuuk Sherpa Fleece Blanket is reversible: a jacquard lattice pattern on one side, solid fluffy sherpa on the other. Two looks, one blanket, medium-weight warmth.

Flannel fleece

Flannel fleece is velvet-like and ultra soft, with a lower, smoother pile than sherpa. The Alaska Diamond Flannel Fleece Blanket has an embossed diamond pattern pressed into the surface. Soft to touch. Subtle to look at.

When a cotton blanket is the better choice

Plush is not for everyone. If you run warm, or you want one blanket for every season, a woven cotton blanket may suit you better.

Cotton blankets are not fluffy. They are woven, breathable and lighter on the body. The Diamond 100% Cotton Thermal Blanket uses a thermal weave that traps warmth without feeling heavy. The 100% Cotton Waffle Blanket has a honeycomb texture with small air pockets that hold warmth in winter and let air move in summer. Our cotton blankets are OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, ensuring they are tested and free from harmful substances.

Both come in a Throw size too, so a cotton throw on the couch is an option if plush feels too warm.

Plush or cotton? A quick way to choose

• You want instant coziness on the couch: a plush fleece or sherpa throw.
• You get cold at night: a plush blanket in your bed size, layered over your sheets.
• You sleep warm: a cotton thermal or waffle blanket.
• You want one blanket all year: cotton, then add a plush throw on the coldest nights.
• You like texture: sherpa, knit jacquard fleece or cotton waffle.

How to layer plush and cotton this fall

You do not have to choose just one. The coziest beds mix textures.

Start with a breathable cotton blanket in your bed size. It does the steady work every night. Then fold a plush or sherpa throw across the foot of the bed. On a cold night, pull it up. On a mild one, leave it folded. It adds color and texture either way.

On the sofa, keep one plush throw within reach. A reversible sherpa gives you two looks to switch with the season. For our top picks, see the best throw blanket for a couch.

Sizing a throw for your couch or bed

A standard Throw covers one person on a sofa. A Throw XL gives more room to share or to tuck your feet under. If you want the throw to dress a bed, fold it across the foot of a Full/Queen or King. For a blanket that covers the whole mattress, choose your bed size.

The exact measurements of each size are in our blanket size guide.

Caring for plush and cotton blankets

Follow the care label on each blanket. Plush and cotton are made differently, and each label gives the right settings for that fabric.

Ready to pick yours? Shop blankets and throws, with free shipping across the US.

Frequently asked questions

Is a plush throw a blanket?

Yes. A plush throw is a small blanket with a soft, fluffy surface. "Plush" is the feel and "throw" is the size.

What is a plush throw?

A plush throw is a throw-size blanket made with a dense, velvety surface, usually fleece or sherpa. It is sized for a couch, a chair or the foot of a bed.

What is a fleece blanket?

A fleece blanket is a soft plush blanket with a smooth, brushed surface. Our Fleece Plush Solid Blanket comes in Throw, Throw XL, Twin, Full/Queen and King.

Plush vs fleece blanket: what is the difference?

Plush describes the feel and fleece describes the fabric. Most plush blankets are fleece. Sherpa and flannel fleece are fleece finishes with a different surface: sherpa is fluffier, flannel fleece is smoother and velvet-like.