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How to Choose a Wool Throw Blanket: 100% Wool, Lambswool or Camel Hair? - Murmurs

How to Choose a Wool Throw Blanket: 100% Wool, Lambswool or Camel Hair?

By Murmurs Byunmute

A wool throw around 50 × 60 in is a useful starting point for the sofa. Look for clear fiber content, then consider the feel you enjoy: the texture of pure wool, the softness of a lambswool-cashmere blend, or the light, brushed loft of baby camel hair.

Woman wrapped in the Hush olive wool blanket in Dark Olive Gray, seated on the floor against a pale wall | Murmurs by Unmute

A throw often finds a familiar place in the room: folded over a sofa arm, ready to settle across your knees as the evening cools. Choosing one begins with a few practical details, from the fibers and finish to the size, weight, and care it needs. This guide brings those details together to help you find a piece that feels at home in your day.

The Murmurs approach to a throw: begin with the fiber content, choose a texture you enjoy, and find a size that lets you settle in comfortably.

Key Takeaways

  • Begin with the fiber label. Under U.S. labeling rules, a blanket described as 100% wool or all wool must contain only wool, with no tolerance for other fibers. Recycled wool must be identified as recycled wool.
  • Consider the feel you prefer. Pure wool can offer body and texture, a lambswool-cashmere blend a soft, easy drape, and baby camel hair a light, brushed surface. The weave and finish help shape each fabric's character.
  • Choose the size for how you will use it. Around 50 × 60 in is a common starting point for one person on a sofa. Coverage depends on your height and how you settle in; sharing may call for a larger blanket.
  • Read fabric weight alongside the weave and loft. Grams per square meter (g/m²) describe the weight of an area of fabric. Together with construction and feel, they help you picture how a throw will rest over you.
  • Three Murmurs throws to explore: the Hush Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket (100% wool), the Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket (90% lambswool, 10% cashmere) and the Veil Travel & Sofa Throw Blanket (50% baby camel hair, 50% wool), all 47 × 59 in / 120 × 150 cm.

What Does "100% Wool" Mean on a Blanket Label?

In the U.S., a blanket labeled 100% wool or all wool must be entirely wool, with no tolerance for other fibers. Blanket labeling is covered by the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and the Wool Products Labeling Act. The FTC's guide, Threading Your Way Through the Labeling Requirements, explains what the label needs to include. These details can help you read it with more confidence:

  • Single-fiber claims have no tolerance. Most fiber percentages on a label allow a tolerance of up to 3%. A claim that a product contains only one fiber does not have that allowance, apart from small amounts of decorative trim.
  • Recycled wool is identified separately. Wool reclaimed from an earlier woven or felted product must appear on the label as recycled wool.
  • "Virgin" and "new" describe the fiber's history. Under 16 CFR § 300.20, these terms apply only when the fiber has never been reclaimed from a previously made or used product.
  • The wool category can include specialty fibers. Cashmere, camel hair, alpaca and similar fibers may be described as wool or named individually. When a specialty fiber is named, its percentage must be given.
  • Small amounts may be grouped together. Fibers present at less than 5% may be listed as other fiber.
  • Country of origin is part of the label. Imported products must state where they were made or processed.

When comparing throws, look for the fiber percentages, whether any wool is recycled, and the care instructions. If the description simply says wool throw, the full fiber-content label can give you a clearer picture of what you are choosing.

Pure Wool, Lambswool Blend or Camel Hair: How They Compare

Each can offer comfortable warmth, with a different texture and drape. In the Murmurs collection, Hush has the substantial feel of pure wool, Lilt pairs lambswool's loft with cashmere's softness, and Veil has a light, brushed surface. Here is how the three throws compare.

Hush Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket Veil Travel & Sofa Throw Blanket
Fiber 100% wool 90% lambswool, 10% cashmere 50% baby camel hair, 50% wool
Surface Double-faced weave, finished on both sides Double-faced weave, finished on both sides Brushed finish with a faint sheen
Feel Substantial, with a natural wool texture Soft and lofty, with an easy drape Light, with a soft, brushed feel
Size 47 × 59 in / 120 × 150 cm 47 × 59 in / 120 × 150 cm 47 × 59 in / 120 × 150 cm
Colors Dark Olive Gray, Cinnamon Bark, Dark Bark Stone Hearth, Mist Mint, Sunsoft Peach Sand Dune
Care Dry clean only Dry-clean recommended Dry clean only
Choose it for Everyday warmth with a little body and texture A soft layer over a T-shirt or bare arms Light, brushed warmth with little bulk

If softness against the skin is your starting point, What Is Lambswool? explores the qualities of a first fleece, while Baby Camel Hair vs. Cashmere takes a closer look at camel hair.

Side-by-side close-ups of Murmurs throws showing their textures: burgundy Hush in 100% wool, beige Lilt in 90% lambswool and 10% cashmere, and cream Veil in 50% baby camel hair and 50% wool.

What Size Throw Do You Need?

A throw around 50 × 60 in is a common choice for one person on a sofa. It may offer coverage from the shoulders toward the knees, depending on your height and position. Retail size guides such as Linens & Hutch give a typical range of 40 × 50 in to 60 × 70 in, so there is room to choose according to the coverage you enjoy.

  • For one person on a sofa: around 47 × 59 in to 50 × 60 in is a useful starting point. All three Murmurs throws measure 47 × 59 in / 120 × 150 cm, with room to drape across the lap and legs.
  • For a desk chair or the lap: a smaller piece can be easier to arrange. The Hush Petit Office Lap Blanket is 100% wool at 30 × 40 in / 76 × 101 cm. For ideas on using it, read How to Keep a Blanket at Your Desk Without It Sliding Off.
  • For two people sharing: consider the larger end of the range, or a separate throw for each person so you can both settle in comfortably.

How Heavy Should a Wool Throw Be?

A comfortable throw has enough weight to settle around you while remaining easy to lift and arrange. Fabric weight is usually given in grams per square meter (g/m²), which describes the weight of an area of cloth. The Hush Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket is about 580 g/m² and the Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket about 560 g/m².

Fabric weights are nominal mill specifications, rounded to the nearest 10 g/m²; finished pieces vary by a few percent with cut and finishing.

Consider weight together with thickness, weave and loft. Much of a fabric's insulation comes from the still air it holds, so a lofty, brushed surface can offer warmth with a light feel, while a dense weave may feel more substantial. These details help explain the experience of a finished throw. Wool vs. Cashmere: Which Is Warmer? explores them in more detail.

Will a Wool Throw Be Itchy?

Comfort depends on the fibers, the finish and where the throw rests against you. Woolmark links prickle to coarse fibers above 30–32 microns pressing against the skin, a form of mechanical irritation. A throw over jeans and a sweater may feel comfortable even if you prefer a finer surface near your neck.

If you often use a throw against bare arms or tuck it around your shoulders, pay particular attention to the surface. The Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket blends lambswool with 10% cashmere for a soft feel, while the Veil Travel & Sofa Throw Blanket has a brushed finish. Hush offers a more textured wool feel that can be lovely over clothing. If you can, try the fabric against your skin to see which feels most comfortable.

Choosing a Color

Choose a color you will enjoy seeing in the room as much as using. A throw often stays in view, folded on a sofa arm or resting over the back of a chair. The colors and materials already around it can offer a natural starting point.

  • Dark Olive Gray (Hush Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket): a muted olive that sits comfortably alongside wood, leather, and gray upholstery.
  • Cinnamon Bark (Hush Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket): a warm rust that brings a little depth and color to a neutral sofa.
  • Dark Bark (Hush Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket): a deep brown for a rich, grounded tone; some everyday marks may be less noticeable than on a pale throw.
  • Stone Hearth (Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket): a soft stone neutral that blends gently into light rooms.
  • Mist Mint and Sunsoft Peach (Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket): pale shades that add a subtle touch of color.
  • Sand Dune (Veil Travel & Sofa Throw Blanket): the natural camel tone of the fiber, with a warm, understated presence.

Caring for a Wool Throw

Begin with the care label on your throw. Heat and agitation can cause wool to shrink and felt, changes that can be permanent. The Hush Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket is dry clean only. The Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket is dry-clean recommended; avoid hanging it for long periods. The Veil Travel & Sofa Throw Blanket is dry clean only; store it folded and away from moisture.

Between cleanings, brief airing in a dry, ventilated spot can help keep a throw fresh. Blot spills gently, fold the fabric for storage, and put it away clean and dry. Our Care Guide offers more detail on pilling, spills and storage.

Wool also has natural fire-resistant properties. Woolmark and CSIRO report an ignition temperature of 570–600°C for wool, compared with 255°C for cotton, and note that it does not melt or drip and tends to self-extinguish when a flame is removed. These describe general fiber properties; a finished throw's performance depends on its blend and construction.

A dark brown wool throw draped over the back of a cream sofa in a light living room, with linen cushions and a round wooden coffee table

Is a Wool Throw a Good Gift?

A wool throw can be a thoughtful gift, with warmth and comfort that fit easily into everyday life. There is no clothing size to work out, though the recipient's preferred coverage and care routine are worth considering. Think about the textures they enjoy and the colors in their room. For more ideas, read How to Choose a Cashmere or Wool Gift When You Don't Know Their Size and Gifts for Someone Who's Always Cold.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 100% wool blanket worth it?

It can be a worthwhile choice if you enjoy wool's warmth, breathability and natural resilience. Consider the texture, construction, and care alongside how often you expect to use it. The Hush Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket is 100% wool at 47 × 59 in / 120 × 150 cm and is dry clean only.

What is the difference between a wool throw and a cashmere throw?

Sheep's wool often has a springy feel and a little more texture, while cashmere, from the cashmere goat, is known for its fine fibers and soft drape. The finished feel depends on the yarn and construction, and cashmere throws are generally more expensive. A blend such as the Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket, in 90% lambswool and 10% cashmere, brings qualities of both together.

Is lambswool good for a blanket?

Yes. Lambswool comes from a sheep's first shearing and tends to be softer than adult wool from the same breed, with wool's natural warmth and spring. The Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket blends 90% lambswool with 10% cashmere at 47 × 59 in / 120 × 150 cm. Its double-faced weave has a finished surface on both sides.

Is a camel hair blanket warm?

Camel hair can offer comfortable warmth with little bulk. The warmth of a finished blanket depends on its blend, thickness, weave, and finish. The Veil Travel & Sofa Throw Blanket is 50% baby camel hair and 50% wool, with a brushed finish, at 47 × 59 in / 120 × 150 cm.

What size is a throw blanket?

Around 50 × 60 in is a common throw size, with a typical range of 40 × 50 in to 60 × 70 in. A throw is generally intended for one person, though coverage varies with height and position. Murmurs throws measure 47 × 59 in / 120 × 150 cm.

How do you clean a wool throw blanket?

Follow the care label on the specific piece. Heat and agitation can shrink and felt wool, so many throws call for dry cleaning. Between cleanings, air the throw briefly, blot spills gently and store it folded. The Hush Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket and Veil Travel & Sofa Throw Blanket are dry clean only; the Lilt Desk & Sofa Throw Blanket is dry-clean recommended.


A Throw for One Person and One Sofa

A well-chosen throw becomes a familiar part of the room: close at hand when the evening cools, comfortable to settle beneath, and easy to fold back over the sofa arm. Clear fiber content, a texture you enjoy, and enough coverage for the way you rest are useful places to begin.

At Murmurs, we look for softness, warmth, and a comfortable drape in colors that feel at home around you.

Where to Start

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