The best heated throws

A closer look: The display goes dark after 10 seconds, so it won’t glow through a film or a late-night doze. It runs from a wall socket only, not a power bank, and isn’t for outdoor use; the cord detaches when it’s time for a wash. Set the timer before settling in and it switches itself off if they nod off on the sofa.

A closer look: Begin on one of the top settings, 7 to 9, to warm it through quickly, then drop back into the 1 to 6 range once you’re settled on the sofa. It switches itself off after two hours, which suits a film but means switching it back on for a longer sit, and like any electric blanket it should be turned off before you fall asleep.

A closer look: Unclip the controller and cable and the whole throw can go in the washing machine at 40°C, which matters for something that lives on the sofa all winter. One face is smooth flannel and the other fluffy sherpa, so flip it to suit the evening, and set the timer to roughly the length of whatever you’re watching in case you nod off.

A closer look: Ten heat levels leave plenty of room between barely warm and properly toasty, and the timer runs from one to nine hours, so it can see out a long evening or switch off after a nap. When it needs a freshen-up, disconnect the power cord, machine or hand wash it at 40°C, then hang it on the line to dry.

A closer look: Drape it over you rather than lying on it, as it’s designed to go on top, not underneath. Unplugged, it still works as an ordinary flannel-and-sherpa blanket, and when it needs washing, detach the controller and cable and use a gentle cycle below 30°C. The digital display stays readable with the lights off, which helps when choosing one of the four timer settings.