Use your imagination one more time and imagine a blanket. Your memory probably “painted” it as checkered and woolen. A similar pattern of intersecting vertical and horizontal stripes of different colors is called “tartan” and is considered classic. In Ukraine we call such a design “tartan”. And all because the word plaid was originally used to describe the checkered woolen cloak of the Scottish highlanders. In fact, the rapport and colors of blankets can be varied, as well as the material from which they are made.

Stroking the fur

Wool is considered the most ideal material for making a blanket. It is also the most expensive, like any natural product, compared to synthetics. In its structure, wool yarn is similar to human hair, therefore, in contact with the skin, it causes a feeling of comfort. The general properties of this material are its unique ability to retain heat (it retains the difference between body and air temperatures), hygroscopicity, and softness.

But wool is different. For example, cashmere blankets are highly valued. This is hand-combed mountain goat down. It is hypoallergenic, warm and soft, but in its pure form it is not very durable, so silk is added to the fabric to increase wear resistance.

Beige-brown blankets are often made of camel hair. This yarn cannot be dyed. Blankets made from this material can be passed down from generation to generation - they are very durable. In addition, they are the lightest.

The warmest insulation materials are made from sheep's wool. They are also the most inexpensive.

Pashmina can be called a real “wool diamond”. It is made from the finest undercoat of high mountain Himalayan goats. The first to appreciate the beauty and softness of pashmina was the wife of Emperor Napoleon Josephine. Houses in those days were not heated, and a warm woolen cape was a great help to its owner.

The only blankets made from llama wool are more expensive than pashmina ones. The material is highly wear-resistant and practically does not fall off. This yarn is not used in its pure form, as it is very stiff. Merino wool is usually added to the fabric composition.

The same applies to mohair. There are no fabrics that are 100% mohair: the hairs are very thin and they do not stick to the fabric. The maximum content of such wool in yarn reaches 83%. People often mistakenly refer to any fluffy yarn with this word, although in fact the definition only applies to goat hair. Mohair blankets are very warm and light. They can be of the most incredible colors, as the fabric is easily dyed.

Also, synthetic fibers, such as acrylic, are often mixed with natural materials. This does not make the fabric artificial. Acrylic makes blankets soft and pleasant to the touch. Such things retain their shape and color for a long time and do not stretch.

Another advantage of acrylic blankets is that they are easy to clean, and this can be done either manually or in a washing machine (you just need to maintain a certain temperature regime). But pure wool blankets are capricious - they cannot be washed (only dry cleaning is acceptable).

Products with acrylic practically do not electrify and accumulate much less dust than pure wool, therefore they are recommended for people suffering from allergies.

All of the listed advantages of the product are added by additives such as polyester, fleece and chenille (viscose). In reasonable doses, of course. The volume of non-natural components in a thing should not exceed 10-15%.

Many manufacturers manage to make completely synthetic products and pass them off as natural, signing “wool” in large letters on the packaging, and adding “artificial” in tiny letters.

Carefully read the ingredients indicated on the packaging. Also pay attention to the color of the product - too bright colors should lead to suspicion: natural fibers are not so actively dyed.

Pure wool also includes woven blankets (their yarn contains up to 90% wool), as well as products with a knitted base, onto which natural fibers from sheep and camel wool are stuffed. The more natural raw materials in a product, the more expensive it is.

And others…

Do not think that blankets are made exclusively from wool. For example, you can often find products made with cotton (jacquard) on the market. Cotton fabric has extraordinary softness and excellent hygienic qualities; it is easy to wash and iron.

There are practically no bedspreads and blankets made of pure cotton: since this material is not elastic, a certain amount of acrylic or wool is added to it. The combination of cotton and polyester provides high density. Things made from such a mixed material seem velvety to the touch.

Linen has long been very popular in the textile industry, despite the fact. which is quite expensive. And there are a number of reasons for this. Firstly, it is environmentally friendly. Secondly, it allows you to create light, openwork, airy products. Thirdly, linen has good performance qualities, as it gets dirty a little and washes well. And fourthly, this material is hypoallergenic, which in the modern world is almost the most important advantage. Unfortunately, linen has one significant drawback - the fabric wrinkles very much and is subsequently difficult to iron.

Fireplace blankets are made from the most delicate types of wool (alpaca or virgin wool). Their size (as well as texture) does not matter - they can be voluminous.

Travel blankets should be warm, compact, light and practical, so they often contain synthetic additives that give these items high wear resistance. The length of such blankets, as a rule, does not exceed 120 cm.

Woolen, silk, or maybe bamboo or synthetic? Which blanket is best for you and how to properly care for it so that it lasts a long time and retains its quality.

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Selection factors

The main thing is the material. Before you buy a blanket, determine your priorities. It is the material (and, of course, the brand - the “name” of the manufacturer) that influence how much the blanket costs, what it looks like, and whether it is comfortable to use this wonderful and cozy thing. How much effort and time it takes to keep the blanket in order also depends on the material.

In Scotland, a plaid was a checkered cape made of sheep's wool - the national outerwear of the highlanders. Today, a plaid with a tartan pattern (the people of Scotland themselves call it “tartan”) is a universally recognized symbol of home comfort.

In the photo: BBS503 PLAID THROW blanket from Baker.

Wool blankets

Alpaca. This is the name of the high-altitude South American llama. Its wool is three times lighter and seven times warmer than sheep's wool and contains almost no lanolin and other organic substances. Therefore, alpaca wool blankets get dirty less and do not cause allergies. The price of a blanket made of pure alpaca wool is from 3 to 8 thousand rubles. More economical options - with the addition of merino, vegetable or artificial fibers.

Merino. The wool fibers of fine-wool Merino sheep are thin (only 15-20 microns), and therefore soft. Merino blanket perfectly absorbs and evaporates moisture, regulates a comfortable temperature. The fibers contain lanolin (animal wax), which has an antibacterial effect. The price of a merino wool blanket is approximately 3-5 thousand rubles.

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A merino blanket will warm you in cold weather, prevent you from overheating in hot weather, and keeps you warm even when wet.

Camel's wool. If you decide to buy a blanket made from natural camel wool, know that it is not dyed. Therefore, your blanket will only be in sand colors. But camel hair has a healing effect on the body, relieving inflammation and pain. The secret is its high content of lanolin, which has a beneficial effect on the human body, providing an antiseptic effect; Moreover, camel blanket does not accumulate electrostatic charges at all. Therefore, the price of a blanket made of natural camel wool is rather high: from 3 to 12 thousand rubles, depending on the size.

Cashmere. Buying a blanket made from the fluff of high-mountain goats of the Kashmir breed means acquiring tenderness itself. The almost airy undercoat is combed out by hand and only in the spring, during molting. A goat produces no more than two hundred grams of fluff at a time, so you shouldn’t be surprised at how much a 100% cashmere blanket costs. The price of such a product can be 10, 20, or 30 thousand rubles. But you can buy a blanket with a mixture of cashmere fiber: even a small proportion gives it extraordinary softness and the ability to retain its shape and color longer.

Examples of cashmere blankets from different manufacturers.

Southeast exotic

Silk. The noble luxury of a silk blanket does not mean that you won’t stay warm under it. Contrary to the first association, a silk blanket can be both fluffy and warm. However, it copes with maintaining coolness in the heat no worse than natural smooth fabric. Good breathability, the ability to absorb moisture while remaining dry, durability - to these advantages we must add that the price of a blanket made of 100% silk is high, but not exorbitant: 5-10 thousand rubles.

In the photo: blanket PRH_5_031_31 from the Provasi factory.

Bamboo fiber. Such blankets are made from natural, environmentally friendly material without synthetic admixtures; In addition, bamboo fiber has antimicrobial properties. Therefore, blankets made of bamboo fiber, although not as warm as blankets made of wool, are durable, lightweight, and have excellent thermoregulation. They cost from 2 to 7 thousand rubles.

Man-made fibers

Acrylic. Synthetics are not much inferior to their natural counterparts in terms of consumer properties. A variety of colors and textures (wicker, bouclé, faux fur), durability, and ease of care are the main advantages of acrylic blankets. The disadvantage of acrylic is that it does not “breathe” and does not absorb moisture well, so it is better to use such a blanket as a bedspread. Often there are blankets made from a mixture of acrylic and cotton. By the way, the use of artificial material does not necessarily mean a low price. An ordinary blanket made of 100% acrylic costs from 1.5 to 5 thousand rubles, and, for example, a product with imitation arctic fox or mink fur (acrylic plus cotton) can cost 35 thousand rubles.

Microfiber (velsoft). An innovative material consisting of the finest polyester fibers (10 times thinner than silk). A microfiber blanket is soft, light, fluffy (equal on both sides), has hypoallergenic properties, and absorbs moisture well. And inexpensive: from 1.5 thousand rubles. The low cost is due to the relative fragility and poor resistance to high temperatures.

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Blankets made of polyester with a microfiber backing, the fibers of which are an order of magnitude thinner than silk, are less durable than those made from natural materials, but they are unusually light, absorb moisture well, and are also hypoallergenic.

Fleece. Also a high-tech material, consisting of thin polyester fibers, but processed and woven differently. Soft, retains heat well. Fleece, unlike microfiber, does not absorb moisture at all, but passes it through its pores, remaining dry even at high humidity. Prices for fleece blankets start from 1 thousand rubles.

The appearance of pills on the blanket depends on the degree of twisting of the threads. Manufacturers are trying to get rid of this by special finishing or adding artificial fibers. At the stage of use, we advise you to carefully shave off the lint using a regular razor.

Proper handling

Washing or cleaning? Blankets made of natural wool and silk require very careful handling. You can wash wool blankets only in warm (about 30 degrees) water. When washing, use special detergents with the addition of lanolin (or, in extreme cases, regular shampoo). Do not wring out, rinse in water at the same temperature, dry on a flat horizontal surface. It’s best to take it to a dry cleaner with a decent reputation. The same advice applies to blankets made of natural silk. Unpretentious bamboo blankets, as well as blankets made from artificial materials, can be washed at a temperature of about 35º, wrung out and line dried. Microfiber blankets should not be ironed or dried near heat sources.

How to store? Silk blankets strongly absorb moisture and therefore require regular ventilation. It is advisable to ventilate blankets made from other materials if you put them away for storage. It is best to store blankets in a cardboard box or simply in a closet, with scented lavender balls or bags inside. You should not leave blankets in plastic packaging for a long time: any material will “suffocate” this way.

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Originally a part of the national costume of the people of Scotland (a checkered shawl with tassels), the plaid has long turned into a symbol of home warmth and comfort. How is a blanket different from a bedspread or blanket?

The differences are quite arbitrary, but they still exist:

• The bedspread is designed to protect bed linen from dust and dirt. It is used to cover a made bed, hence the name;
• Cover yourself with a blanket to keep warm. A duvet cover is put on it, which is much easier to wash than the blanket itself;
• A blanket is a universal thing. You can cover your bed with it, take cover, and even wrap yourself in it.

You need to approach the purchase of a blanket based on its functionality, deciding for yourself exactly how you will use it. The color scheme and pattern are chosen solely based on personal preferences, but you need to pay special attention to the size. Large blankets measuring 200x220 mm. Fits regular double beds but is too big to drape over your shoulders. For this, a “chair” option, measuring about 130x170 mm, is more suitable.

In order to determine quality, you need to carefully examine the folds. If the pile in these places has become matted or, worse, worn out, such a blanket will not last long. Flaws in knitting: dropped loops, asymmetrical pattern - all this indicates insufficiently high quality.

The main misconception made when choosing blankets: 100% natural wool is the best and most environmentally friendly material. In fact, synthetic bedspreads or bedspreads made from mixed fabrics have their advantages over expensive woolen ones: they are cheaper, safe for allergy sufferers, and keep their shape well after dry cleaning or washing.

How to choose a blanket, since the choice is quite large? Available in knitted, woven, patchwork, etc. With tassels, braids or edges trimmed with braid.

The manufacturing technique is important, but the most important thing is the material from which the blanket is made.

Wool blankets are beautiful, warm and healthy. They fit perfectly into any interior and warm as well as, or even better than, blankets.

Advantages:

• They have a healing effect for various diseases of the musculoskeletal system and colds;
• Helps activate blood circulation;
• They absorb moisture perfectly, while remaining dry to the touch;
• They do not need frequent washing, as wool has a unique ability to self-clean;
• Pleasant to the touch;
• Durable.

Minuses:

• Cause allergic reactions;
• “Prickly” to the touch;
• Quite a high price;
• Small color palette of colors.

Wool blankets are made from cashmere, camel hair, pashmina and sheep's wool.

Cashmere

Cashmere is the wool of a special breed of goat (originally from the Indian state of Kashmir). Its main feature is its very fine hairs. For comparison, the thickness of a human hair is about 50 microns, and the hair of a Kashmiri sheep is 15 microns.

Advantages:

• Excellent thermal insulation;
• Much warmer than blankets made from ordinary sheep wool;
• Soft and fluffy, and will become increasingly silky over time.

Minuses:

• “Capricious” care (hand wash only in warm water);
• Quite a price - from 10 thousand rubles and above.

Camel's wool

Camel wool is a unique material. It can protect not only from cold, but also from heat and moisture. Since biblical times, people have paid attention to the amazing ability of camels to easily tolerate significant temperature fluctuations: from sub-zero temperatures at night to plus forty and above during the day. Such properties are due to the structure of camel hairs - they are hollow inside, the inner surface perfectly absorbs moisture, while the outer surface does not allow it to pass through.

Advantages:

• Absorbs an amount of moisture exceeding 30% of its own weight and remains dry;
• Thanks to dry heat, they are successfully used to treat arthritis, arthrosis, radiculitis and colds;
• The high content of wax (lanolin) not only contributes to the softness of the blanket, but also has a beneficial effect on the condition of human skin. Even after repeated washing and cleaning, lanolin is not completely washed out of the hairs, continuing to be absorbed into human skin even at normal body temperature;
• Antistatic. Not only do they not become electrified, but they are also able to remove static electricity. In modern homes filled with plastic and electronics, this property is quite important;
• Light, warm and very durable (average service life - 9 years).

To this day, many Easterners consider camel blankets to be a good dowry.

Minuses:

• Unfortunately, camel hair, like any other hair, can cause allergic reactions. However, the reason is not the fur itself, but the mite, whose waste products are the allergen. Regular cleaning and care will get rid of ticks and solve the problem;
• Another disadvantage of camel wool blankets is their “biting” quality. Camel hair is designed in such a way that it tingles delicate human skin quite noticeably, massaging it, which is even considered beneficial for blood circulation, although not everyone likes it.

Pashmin

Pashmina (a type of cashmere) is the most expensive, but also the most “elite” material for making blankets and rugs. Initially, pashmina was the name given to the thin undercoat of goats. And not ordinary goats, but those who lived in the highlands of the Himalayas. Such wool cost fabulous amounts of money, but was particularly tender and light. A modern, improved version is a mixture of pashmina, cotton and silk in percentages of 60%, 20% and 20%, respectively.

Advantages:

• Fluffy, light, warm and highly breathable;
• Wear-resistant.

When purchasing such a blanket, you should pay attention to the percentage of materials - the less pashmina it contains, the lower the quality.

Minuses:

• The need for careful care;
• High price.

If woolen blankets are a “winter” option, then for the warm season it is better to choose thinner and lighter cotton ones.

Jacquard plaid

Jacquard fabrics can consist of both natural and synthetic, mixed fabrics, but most often, when it comes to blankets, cotton is used. The pattern of such a product can be very complex and intricate, two-layer, double-sided, large-patterned or piled.

Advantages:

• The main advantage of a jacquard blanket is wear resistance. It can withstand an almost unlimited number of washes, maintaining its shape, texture and color;
• With all its lightness, it is able to warm you up on cool summer evenings and create an atmosphere of special, “country” comfort.

Minuses:

• Practically none, except perhaps some “simplicity”. Such a blanket is unlikely to fit into an ornate interior with pretensions to luxury.

Fleece blankets

A very good alternative to products made from natural materials. Fleece fabric is made from polyester, a synthetic material that has a number of advantages.

Advantages:

• Resistance to mechanical stress and high temperatures;
• Retains color when exposed to sunlight;
• Does not cause allergic reactions;
• Wear resistance;
• They do not wrinkle, do not fade and are resistant to washing in a washing machine, as well as dry cleaning and ironing;
• Not of interest to moths and microorganisms;
• They absorb moisture, but remain dry, since water evaporates very quickly;
• Suitable for home, garden and travel.

Minuses:

• The only drawback of these blankets is the ability to accumulate static electricity, which is easily solved by rinsing with any antistatic conditioner.

Acrylic

A synthetic material with properties very close to natural wool.

Advantages:

• They will last a long time without losing their heat-insulating properties and appearance;
• Lightweight, warm, easy to care for (can be washed in a washing machine);
• Do not cause allergic reactions;
• Not electrified;
• Wide range of colors;
• Affordable price.

Minuses:

• Doesn't allow air to pass through very well;
• Absorbs odors;
• “Pellets” may form on the surface.

Regular airing and washing with conditioners will eliminate the last two shortcomings of the blanket.

Blankets made from acrylic+cotton blend fabric allow air to pass through and absorb moisture much better than products made from 100% acrylic. Their price is comparable to the price of a cotton blanket, but they last much longer.

Viscose blanket

Products made from viscose have all the properties of other synthetic materials:

• Relatively low price;
• Wash resistance;
• Durability.

At the same time, they are softer and more pleasant to the touch than acrylic ones.

When purchasing a viscose blanket, you need to take into account the “shrinkage” of the material when washing.

Minuses:

• Just one - viscose fabrics wrinkle easily.

Microfiber

Modern synthetic material made from polyamide and polyester. Its main difference from acrylic is the thin thread, thanks to which the microfiber blanket has a small thickness and weight. This material is successfully used to produce terry fabric - fluffy and light.

Advantages:

• Easy to wash;
• They don't shed;
• The pile on their surface does not roll off;
• Moisture does not accumulate inside the fibers, easily penetrating the product and evaporating from its surface. Thanks to this feature, microfiber blankets dry very quickly after washing.

Minuses:

• A small drawback of such blankets is the impossibility of ironing and drying on a radiator. Exposure to high temperatures for microfiber fabrics is contraindicated.

Fur blankets

A completely special category of blankets of this kind. Their main purpose is to give the interior a certain style, sophistication and comfort. A blanket made of fur, natural or artificial, is warm, fluffy and soft. It's a pleasure to lie down on one of these.

Artificial fur

Modern technologies make it possible to produce artificial fur that is practically indistinguishable from natural fur in appearance. The basis of such a canvas is a fabric primed with a special composition, to which a pile of synthetic material is attached.

Advantages:

• Wear resistance and strength;
• Resistance to moisture;
• Wide range of colors;
• Excellent heat retention;
• Easy to clean (can be machine washed at 30 degrees)

Minuses:

• Absorbs dust;
• They become electrified.

Natural fur

In past centuries, blankets made of natural fur were an attribute of palace bedrooms and boudoirs.

Advantages:

• Not everyone can afford a blanket made of natural fur, but for this price you will get an excellent cover for furniture that will last for many, many years;
• Protect from any frost.

Minuses:

• Perhaps one - they require special “dry” cleaning, which is best left to professionals.

A blanket made of any material will last a long time if you follow the basic rules of caring for it.

Every person needs warmth during the cold months of the year. This is especially true in winter and autumn. Even the most ordinary blanket will help you warm your body. What could be better than sitting in a soft chair, drinking your favorite drink, wrapped in a warm blanket? A quality product can give you these moments of joy and make your life brighter.

The very first and most important factor that you should pay attention to is the material from which the blanket is made. It is the material that determines the characteristics of the blanket, its advantages and even disadvantages.

List of the most famous materials from which blankets are made:

• Wool;
• Cashmere;
• Pashmina;
• Cotton;

There are also various synthetic materials, but these cheap options should only be considered as a last resort.

Review of the most popular materials

First of all, you need to decide on the purpose of your blanket. If you just want to keep warm, then a wool product can provide you with maximum heating. The only negative is that blankets made from this material can prick, which causes discomfort for many people.

A cotton blanket can be called more delicate. He will be able to create that atmosphere of comfort and romance, which is implied when we imagine a person wrapped in a delicate product.

The following advantages of cotton can be noted:

• The material is pleasant to the touch.
• Cotton is easy to wash.

If you are allergic to many materials, then the best solution for you would be to buy a cashmere product. Completely hypoallergenic material is quite expensive, but if you value comfort and quality, it is still worth spending money on a good product.

What will a plaid look like in the interior of an apartment?

If you choose the right blanket, this product can perfectly highlight the interior of your apartment. This is especially true for the famous Provence and country styles. As a rule, the color of the blanket is matched to the tone of the overall interior in the room. A product that is two or three shades lighter than the sofa will look especially elegant.

Checkered blankets are extremely popular. And yet, it is worth noting that the cage is not suitable for all design styles.

The most traditional and suitable print for a blanket is flowers. They are suitable for both a discreet interior and a brighter one.

Choosing the size of the future blanket

Size is also an important factor when choosing a blanket. If you plan to take it on trips, on vacation and value compactness, then small options are suitable for you. For such cases, a blanket with dimensions of 140 by 200 centimeters will be enough for you.

Do you want to use a blanket only at home and use it as a cover for a sofa or bed? Then large products are suitable for you. The exact size depends on your individual situation and preferences. As a rule, add 20 cm to each side of the bed - this will be the most suitable size of blanket for your room.

Even the highest quality product loses its positive properties over time if it is not properly cared for. That is why you should listen to the advice of experts regarding the care of your blanket.

• Experts do not recommend storing products in bags or plastic wrappings. The best place to store your blanket is in a closet.
• It is best to wash such items by hand. It is not recommended to use a washing machine to wash a blanket.
• It is advisable to choose delicate laundry detergents designed for delicate fabrics.
• It is best to dry a blanket unfolded on a flat surface. Otherwise, it may lose its shape.
• Don't wash your blanket too often. It can be cleaned with a regular brush. If after cleaning it is still dirty, you should wash it.

How to crochet a blanket with your own hands (video instructions)

A blanket is just a small detail in your interior. And yet, you should not pay little attention to it, because it is from such small details that a stylish and unsurpassed interior is created. The most important thing is to be able to select all the necessary parts yourself, and then the entire mechanism will be in your control.

Good luck choosing your blanket!

Anna Gaevskaya | 10/14/2014 | 802

Anna Gaevskaya 10/14/2014 802

A blanket is one of the symbols of home comfort. But choosing a truly high-quality and warm one is not an easy task. Which blanket is better to buy?

Synthetic blankets are considered to be of poor quality. Because, although they are quite cheap, they accumulate so much dust that it is impossible to do without frequent use of a vacuum cleaner, and even dry cleaning. I would like to draw your attention to other, better materials from which you can and should choose blankets. Let's consider several options.

Acrylic blankets

It’s hard to think of anything better for a child than an acrylic blanket. Its properties:

• soft, light, warm;
• very durable;
• practically does not fade in light;
• retains its original appearance for a long time;
• not electrified;
• weakly attracts dust (unlike natural fur);
• resistant to bacteria, microbes and allergens;
• widest choice of colors.

Washing an acrylic blanket will not be difficult: throw it in a machine with a water temperature of no more than 30°C, turn on the gentle mode - and relax!

Mixed plaids

Thanks to the “commonwealth” of acrylic, cotton and viscose, they have many valuable qualities:

• very practical to use;
• washes well and dries quickly;
• comfortable.

Pay attention to travel blankets from the acrylic-cotton series. If their 100% cotton “relatives” are short-lived (like clothes, they can lose their appearance after several washes), then in combination with acrylic these things will delight their owners much longer. Plus, they are very comfortable.
Blankets made of natural wool

These blankets are simply therapeutic! No wonder our ancestors wrapped woolen scarves around their heads, trying to get rid of toothache and headaches. Science has confirmed that wool:

• stimulates blood circulation;
• reduces pain in the back, joints and muscles;
• keeps the body dry and warm;
• absorbs moisture (or rather sweat, neutralizing its harmful components);
• allows the body to breathe;
• resilient, elastic, durable, stays clean for a long time.

The most valuable blankets are made from wool that has not been treated with chemicals or dyes. Which, by the way, is especially important for people suffering from radiculitis or rheumatism, osteochondrosis, allergies, circulatory disorders, asthmatic (bronchial) and orthopedic diseases.

Wool blankets made from cashmere and camel hair are highly prized. It is lighter and stronger than sheep's.

Camel wool blankets retains heat more reliably and protects against moisture.

Products made from it cannot be dried in the sun - it is better to take it out in humid weather for ventilation.

Cashmere blankets very soft and light. This fluff (undercoat) of a mountain goat is plucked with a special device or combed out by hand in the spring. Enterprising manufacturers have learned to mix natural cashmere with artificial cashmere. The price is lower, but the quality is almost the same. When purchasing a cashmere blanket, pay attention to the country of origin. Products from Mongolia and China are considered high quality. Slightly worse (and cheaper) are Indian, Iranian and Afghan blankets: their cashmere is dirtier, thicker and darker.

Blankets in which sheep's, camel's and even artificial fibers are stuffed onto a knitted base are also considered woolen.

How to care for wool blankets?

Wool blankets need to be dry cleaned. It can be produced at home.

1. Beat half a cap of shampoo in a small amount of warm water (no more than +30°C) until thick foam appears.
2. Distribute it evenly over the woolen fabric.
3. When the foam dries a little, remove it with a vacuum cleaner using a plastic attachment.
4. Wipe the treated area with a cloth dampened with clean water.
5. Comb thoroughly while the hair is damp.
6. Then lay the blanket out on a flat surface to dry.

In winter, you can take the blanket out onto a clean snowball, beat it out on both sides alternately and dry it indoors, laying it out on a flat surface.

Electric blankets

The real “Oblomov’s dream” is an electric blanket! It will warm not only you, but also the bed (and dry it if necessary). Its heating elements are completely invisible, it folds easily, and is not afraid of moisture. But the main thing is that it will calm you down and help you relax, distributing heat evenly and gently over the entire surface.

Blanket design

In terms of color and pattern, the blanket must fit into the interior, for example, harmonize with curtains, furniture or wallpaper. For a bright room, it is better to choose a blanket in muted colors - plain or with an abstract pattern.

Blanket sizes

When choosing a blanket, don’t go wrong with the size!
For a small sofa, sofa, or just to hide, a 150x200 cm blanket could not be better suited.
For standard beds (160x200, 180x200 cm), a blanket measuring 220x240 cm will be just right (it will also cover the ends by 20-30 cm).
If you want to lay out a blanket all the way to the floor (the latest in fashion), take the size 240x260 cm - you won’t go wrong!
For a small bed with a width of 100-140 cm, parameters of 170x240 cm are sufficient. A winning option for a pair of large armchairs is a fur blanket measuring 130x170 cm.