Last updated: October 2026
There's a particular kind of evening — the kind where the heating's been off for an hour, the sofa's calling, and you just want to be warm — that makes a heated throw one of the best purchases you'll ever make. But with dozens of options on the market at wildly different price points, how do you pick the right one?
We've been making throws and blankets since 1846, and our heated throw range is one of our fastest-growing categories. Here's everything we've learned about what to look for, what to avoid, and how to get the most from your heated throw.
Quick Answer: Is a Heated Throw Worth It?
Yes — emphatically. A quality heated throw costs pennies per hour to run, heats you directly instead of warming an entire room, and can genuinely reduce your energy bills during the colder months. It's one of the smartest comfort purchases you can make.
What Is a Heated Throw?
A heated throw is essentially a large blanket with thin, flexible heating wires woven through the fabric. You plug it in, choose your heat setting, and within minutes you're wrapped in consistent, gentle warmth. Unlike an electric blanket that sits on your mattress, a heated throw is designed for the sofa, armchair, or anywhere you want portable warmth.
Modern heated throws have come a long way from the stiff, plasticky versions of the past. Today's models use soft fleece, sherpa, or faux fur fabrics with ultra-thin heating elements that you genuinely can't feel through the material. They also come with safety features that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
What to Look For in a Heated Throw
Heat Settings
Look for at least 6 heat levels, ideally 9 or 10. More settings give you finer control — the difference between "too warm" and "just right" matters on a mild October evening versus a freezing January night.
Auto Shut-Off
Non-negotiable. A good heated throw should automatically switch off after a set period — usually 1 to 9 hours. This is essential for safety, especially if you tend to fall asleep on the sofa.
Size
Standard heated throws are around 120cm x 160cm — big enough to cover one person comfortably. If you want to share, look for oversized options at 160cm x 200cm or larger.
Fabric Matters More Than You Think
The fabric determines how the throw feels against your skin and how well it retains heat. Fleece is the most common — it's lightweight, soft, and warms up quickly. Sherpa adds a more premium feel and traps heat exceptionally well. Faux fur options look gorgeous draped over a sofa and offer excellent warmth retention.
Pay attention to the outer finish too. A throw that pills after three uses will look tired quickly, no matter how warm it is. Look for anti-pill fleece or densely woven fabrics that hold their appearance wash after wash.
"Our customers tell us their heated throw is the one product they'd never give up. It's become as essential as the kettle."
Running Costs: The Numbers That Matter
One of the biggest selling points of a heated throw is how little it costs to run compared to central heating. Here's a realistic comparison based on average UK energy prices in 2026:
| Heating Method | Approx. Cost Per Hour | 4-Hour Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Central heating (gas) | £1.50 – £3.00 | £6.00 – £12.00 |
| Fan heater | £0.60 – £0.80 | £2.40 – £3.20 |
| Oil-filled radiator | £0.30 – £0.50 | £1.20 – £2.00 |
| Heated throw | £0.02 – £0.05 | £0.08 – £0.20 |
The Bottom Line on Running Costs
A heated throw typically uses between 100 and 160 watts — roughly the same as a light bulb. Even at the highest setting for four hours a night, you're looking at pennies. Over a full winter, the savings compared to running central heating for an extra couple of hours each evening can easily pay for the throw itself.
Safety: What Modern Heated Throws Get Right
Safety concerns are the biggest hesitation people have about heated throws, and they're valid — older electric blankets had a reputation for being problematic. Modern heated throws are genuinely safe when bought from reputable brands and used correctly. Here's what to look for:
Overheat protection — the throw should have built-in sensors that cut the power if any section gets too hot.
Auto shut-off timer — as mentioned above, this is essential. If you fall asleep, the throw turns itself off.
Detachable controller — the controller and power cable should detach from the throw for washing.
BEAB/CE/UKCA certification — always check for UK safety marks. Avoid unbranded imports that lack proper certification.
How to Care for Your Heated Throw
Most quality heated throws are machine washable once you've removed the controller and cable. Here are the basics:
Wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C with mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
Never wring or twist the throw. The heating wires are flexible but not indestructible.
Do not tumble dry unless the care label specifically says you can.
Never iron a heated throw — direct heat will melt the wire insulation.
When storing for summer, fold loosely rather than rolling tightly. Sharp creases can stress the heating elements. Store somewhere cool and dry.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Use a Heated Throw
✓ Great for — anyone who feels the cold, energy-conscious households, people working from home, older adults who want targeted warmth, and anyone recovering from illness.
⚠️ Use with caution — very young children (always supervise), anyone with reduced sensitivity to heat, and pregnant women (consult your GP first).
✗ Not suitable for — infants, anyone who cannot operate the controls independently, or use with other heating devices on the body simultaneously.
Our Heated Throw Collection
At Deyongs, our heated throws are designed to look as good as they perform. We use premium fleece and sherpa fabrics in colours that complement your living space. Every model has ten heat settings, an automatic safety shut off and a detachable controller for easy washing.
Whether you want a classic grey for the family room or something bolder for a bedroom reading chair, we've got you covered. Browse the full range below.
More from Deyongs:
Compare Our Heated Throws
All Deyongs heated throws share the same safety-tested controller, ten heat settings, auto-shut-off timer, and machine-washable fabric. What changes is the fabric, the print, and the size. Here's how they compare.
| Model | Fabric | Size | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Stag Mocha | Printed front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Heritage stag print on mocha, our best seller |
| Woodland Wildlife Green | Printed front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Foxes, rabbits and woodland flowers |
| Angus Cow | Printed front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Highland cow on a soft natural ground |
| Stag Navy | Printed front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Stags among the pines on navy |
| Fox and Deer Chocolate | Printed front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Foxes and deer on dark chocolate |
| Mushroom Wine | Printed front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Autumnal mushroom / burgundy |
| Hounds | Printed front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Dog-lover print in soft neutrals |
| Fox and Deer Teal | Printed front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Bold teal and ochre country print |
| Woodland Folk | Printed front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Whimsical woodland animals |
| Cable Knit Sherpa | Cable-knit front / sherpa back | 140×180cm | Classic, textured, neutral |
Browse the full Heated Throws collection for current pricing and stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a heated throw cost to run?
Heated throws typically use between 100 and 160 watts, which works out at a few pence an hour at current UK electricity prices. That is a fraction of the cost of running the central heating for the same time. The exact figure depends on the heat setting you choose and your tariff.
Are heated throws safe to use all night?
Our heated throws are made for use while you are awake, on the sofa or over the bed, not for sleeping under all night. Every model has an automatic safety shut off. Always follow the instructions supplied with your throw.
Can I wash a heated throw?
Yes. Every Deyongs heated throw is machine washable once you detach the controller. Wash it cold, do not tumble dry, do not dry clean and do not iron. Let it dry fully on the line before reconnecting the controller.
What's the difference between a heated throw and an electric blanket?
Heated throws sit on top of you, on the sofa or over the bed, and keep you warm while you are awake. Electric blankets, or under blankets, fit under your bottom sheet and warm the bed through. Ours are heated throws.
Are faux fur heated throws warmer?
Not warmer — all our heated throws use the same heating element system, so the warmth is comparable. Faux fur models feel more luxurious and trap warm air in the pile, giving the perception of deeper warmth. If maximum plushness matters, pick faux fur.
Do Deyongs heated throws have auto-shut-off?
Yes. Every model has a built in automatic safety shut off, and the controller detaches so the throw can be washed.
Which heated throw is your best seller?
The Sterling Stag heated sherpa throw — a heritage British stag print on one side, plush sherpa pile on the other. It sells out most winters.