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Bring your sofa back to life with a throw!

A soft, elegant sofa throw can protect a new sofa or enhance the appearance of old tired one. New sofas are expensive and there is nothing worse than getting it home and the family pet jumps on, leaving his muddy paws and hairs all over. A stylish coloured throw can also transform an older sofa, revitalising its appearance, giving it years more wear.

There are a large variety of throws available, from either the High Street or online. They do not need to cost a fortune, available from as little as £10 for cotton or synthetic materials. At the more expensive end of the scale, throws made from silk, faux fur or cashmere can be found, costing around £200.

Which type of throw to choose depends heavily on family and household, along with what you can afford. For families including young energetic children and pets, the most practical choice of fabric is either cotton, fleece or a synthetic such as polyester. These materials can be easily washed without fading or bobbling, keeping their shape and colour, even after repeated washing.

At the more expensive side of the market, throws made from fabrics such as lamb’s wool, mohair, cashmere and silk, add colour and style to any room. Cashmere and woollen materials feel so luxuriously soft and warm to snuggle up in. They are a great choice for cooler areas which do not see much sun. Colours range from natural, soft blues, greens, to vibrant reds and zingy hot stripes in silk or jacquard. You can choose either plain or beaded edgings, or long tassels for added elegance and effect.

You can expect to spend upwards of £170 for a designer sofa throw made from cashmere or lamb’s wool, but they feel so much softer than cottons or polyester. However, these materials need to be dry-cleaned, and in much used areas it is difficult to justify the extra cost.

Even the cheapest colourful fabrics can cover and transform a badly worn sofa, and at prices from around £25, most households could afford to buy two or three in different colours, to ring the changes. When re-decorating you could choose a new throw to match new curtains and tone with cushions to create a new look.

When a sofa begins to look tired and worn, the choice of new sofa throw can add elegance and vitality, giving it years of extra wear.