How to Choose the Right Wool Throw for Autumn
Donegal Autumn Scene
There’s a point in autumn when the evenings start to draw in and a wool throw becomes less of a finishing touch and more of something you actually want within reach. Across the back of the sofa. Folded over an armchair. At the end of the bed for cooler nights. A good throw should be beautiful, of course, but it should also feel right for how you live. The fibre, weight, weave, size and colour all make a difference. So, if you’re looking for a wool throw for autumn, where should you start?
Choose the right fibre
Not all wool throws feel the same. The fibre used in a throw affects its softness, texture, weight and character. Merino wool is known for its fine fibres and soft handle, while lambswool has a naturally soft and cosy feel. Other natural fibres, such as cashmere and alpaca, bring their own qualities to a woven throw. At McNutt, we work with a range of natural fibres, including merino wool, merino lambswool, cashmere, alpaca and linen. There isn’t one fibre that is right for everyone. Think about how you want to use your throw and, most importantly, how you want it to feel. For an everyday throw on the sofa, you might look for something soft and versatile. For a particularly special piece, a cashmere blend brings a different level of softness and luxury.
100% Cashmere Scarf
Think about where you'll use it
Before choosing a throw, think about where it will live.
On the sofa
A sofa throw is something you'll probably reach for often, so look for a size and weight that are easy to live with. Drape it over the back or arm of the sofa, or keep it folded within easy reach for cooler evenings.
On an armchair
A smaller throw can work beautifully on an armchair. Look for something that adds warmth and texture without taking over the chair.
At the end of the bed
A throw at the end of a bed can add another layer when you need it and bring colour and texture into the room when you don't. For larger beds, an extra-large throw gives you more fabric to work with and can create a generous, relaxed look.
Donegal Tweed Throws on Bed
Pay attention to the weave
The fibre is only part of the story. How a throw is woven affects its texture, drape and overall character. Different weaves can make the same type of fibre feel and look quite different. This is where the craft of weaving matters.
At McNutt, we have been weaving at our mill in Downings, Donegal since 1953. Our surroundings have always been an important source of inspiration, from the colours of the Atlantic to the changing light across the landscape. A throw isn't simply a piece of fabric. The yarn, colour and weave all come together to create the finished textile and when you live with something every day, those details matter.
Choose the right size
There is no single perfect throw size. It depends on what you want it to do. If you want a throw primarily for wrapping around yourself, a more generous size can be useful. If it's intended mainly as a decorative layer over a chair, a smaller throw may be all you need. For beds and larger sofas, an extra-large throw can give a more generous drape and make better use of the space. It's worth measuring the piece of furniture before you buy, particularly if you're looking for a throw to cover a specific area.
Lady Wrapped in Donegal Tweed Throw
Don't forget about colour
Autumn doesn't have to mean decorating your home in orange and brown. Some of the most beautiful autumn colours are found in the landscape around us: deep greens, heather, stone, warm neutrals, rich blues and softer earthy shades. A wool throw is an easy way to introduce colour without changing an entire room. If your interior is already quite colourful, a neutral throw can help balance things. If your room is built around softer tones, a deeper colour can add contrast and warmth and don't be afraid of pattern. A woven check or plaid can bring another layer of texture to a simple interior.
Think about how you'll care for it
A good wool throw doesn't need complicated care, but it does need the right care. Always check the care instructions for your individual throw before washing it, as different fibres and constructions can have different requirements. Avoid washing wool unnecessarily. Often, airing your throw is enough to freshen it between uses and when you're putting it away for a season, make sure it is clean and completely dry before storing it. With the right care, a well-made wool throw can be something you enjoy for many years rather than something you replace every autumn.
Throw on Chair
Why choose a throw woven in Donegal?
Where a textile is woven is part of its story. At McNutt of Donegal, our mill is in Downings on the northwest coast of Donegal, where our family has been weaving since 1953. Our collections are designed with modern homes in mind, but our approach is rooted in the craft and knowledge that has been built up over generations. We work with natural fibres and a wide range of colours, textures and patterns, creating throws that are made to be used, not simply admired. That's what we look for in a good throw: something that feels beautiful in your hands, works naturally in your home and stays with you beyond one season.
Find your autumn throw
There is no single perfect wool throw. The right choice depends on the room, the size, the fibre, the texture and the colours you love. Whether you're looking for a soft merino lambswool throw for the sofa, an extra-large throw for the bed or something special in cashmere or alpaca, our collections are designed and woven at our mill in Donegal. Explore the McNutt of Donegal collection and find a throw you'll want to reach for all autumn…and for many seasons to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The best wool throw depends on how you plan to use it and the feel you prefer. Merino lambswool is a popular choice for its softness and cosy feel, while cashmere and alpaca blends offer a different level of softness and texture. Consider the room, the size you need and how you want the throw to feel before choosing.
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For a sofa, choose a size that gives you enough fabric to drape naturally over the back or arm while still being practical to use. If you have a larger sofa or want a more generous drape, an extra-large throw can be a good option.
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Yes. Wool is a natural fibre that is well suited to cooler weather, making a wool throw a useful extra layer for autumn evenings. It can also add texture and colour to a room without needing to change your wider interior.
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Both are natural wool fibres, but they have different characteristics. Merino wool comes from Merino sheep and is known for its fine, soft fibres. Lambswool is taken from a young sheep's first shearing and is valued for its softness and warmth. The finished feel also depends on how the yarn is spun and how the throw is woven.
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McNutt of Donegal has been weaving at its mill in Downings, County Donegal since 1953. The company works with a range of natural fibres to create throws in different colours, patterns, textures and weights.