A good blanket is one of the simplest comforts at home. It keeps you warm in bed, makes the sofa inviting on a winter evening and adds color and texture to a room. With so many materials, weights and sizes to choose from, though, it’s worth knowing what you’re looking for before you buy. This guide explains the main options and how to pick the right blanket for how you’ll use it.
Start with how you’ll use it
Think about where the blanket will live and who will use it.
- On the bed: a blanket adds a warm layer between your sheet and comforter or works on its own in milder weather.
- On the sofa: a throw for reading, napping and movie nights.
- For travel or the outdoors: something light, durable and easy to wash.
- For babies and kids: soft, washable and age-appropriate.
Once you know the purpose, choosing material and size is much easier.
Blanket materials compared
Cotton
Breathable, soft and easy to wash. Cotton blankets suit warm sleepers and work all year round.
Wool
Naturally warm, moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, so it keeps you warm without overheating. Some wool can feel scratchy; merino is softer.
Fleece
Lightweight, warm and affordable. Fleece dries quickly and is great for kids and casual use, but it doesn’t breathe as well as natural fibers.
Chenille and chunky knits
Thick, textured yarns create a soft, squishy blanket that looks beautiful draped over a bed or sofa. A hand-woven chenille thick-thread blanket adds cozy texture to any room.
Down and down-alternative
Very warm and lightweight, these are closer to comforters than blankets.
Sherpa and faux fur
Plush and warm, ideal for a luxurious feel on cold nights.
Choosing the right weight
- Lightweight: good for summer, warm sleepers and layering.
- Midweight: a versatile choice for most of the year.
- Heavyweight: best for cold bedrooms and winter.
Layering several lighter blankets gives you more flexibility than one very heavy one. See our guide to bedding layers.
Getting the size right
- Throws are usually around 50 by 60 inches and suit sofas and chairs.
- Twin, full, queen and king blankets are sized to cover the bed with a little overhang.
- Oversized throws are great for sharing on the sofa.
If you like your blanket to hang over the edges of the bed, size up.
Heated blankets and wraps
For anyone who’s always cold, a heated blanket or wrap can make winter evenings much more comfortable. A heated shoulder and neck shawl drapes over the shoulders for focused warmth while reading or working at a desk. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, switch heated products off when not in use and don’t use them for babies or anyone who can’t adjust them on their own.
Blankets as gifts
Blankets are thoughtful gifts because they’re used every day and they get better with age. Personalized blankets with a message or name make lasting keepsakes. The Life Is Better With You heirloom blanket is a lovely gift for a partner or best friend. For more ideas, see our Christmas bedding guide.
Caring for your blankets
- Read the care label first. Wool and chenille often need gentle washing.
- Wash on a cool, gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
- Avoid high heat in the dryer, which can shrink natural fibers and damage knits.
- Air-dry chunky knits flat so they keep their shape.
- Shake and air blankets outside between washes.
- Store clean and dry in a breathable bag.
Our post on caring for bedding has more tips.
Blankets for different sleepers
Hot sleepers
Choose cotton, linen or a lightweight knit that breathes well.
Cold sleepers
Wool, fleece, sherpa or layered blankets keep you warm.
Couples with different needs
Use a light main blanket and give each person their own throw.
Allergy sufferers
Choose washable blankets and wash them regularly in warm water.
Building a blanket collection
Most homes do well with a few blankets for different jobs: a breathable blanket on each bed, a cozy throw on the sofa, a washable blanket for picnics and pets and a spare for guests. Choosing a few colors that go together means blankets can move between rooms and still look good. Keep a basket or chest in the living room so throws are always close at hand on chilly evenings.
What to look for when you shop
Check the edges and seams for neat, secure stitching, since loose threads are the first sign a blanket may unravel. Feel the fabric for softness and look at how densely it’s woven or knitted. A tighter weave usually means more warmth and durability. Finally, think about how often you’ll want to wash it and whether it will fit in your washing machine.
Choosing colors and textures
A blanket is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room. Warm tones such as rust, mustard and deep red feel cozy in fall and winter, while soft blues, greens and whites feel fresh in spring and summer. Neutral blankets in oatmeal, gray or cream go with almost anything and suit any season. Mixing textures, such as a smooth cotton blanket under a chunky knit throw, adds depth and makes a bed look inviting even with simple sheets. Seasonal colors can be swapped in and out without changing the rest of the bedding.
FAQ
What is the warmest type of blanket?
Wool, down and heavy fleece or sherpa are among the warmest.
How often should I wash my blankets?
Blankets used on the bed every night should be washed every couple of weeks; throws used occasionally can go longer.
What’s the difference between a blanket and a throw?
Throws are smaller and used for decoration and lounging; blankets are sized for beds.
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