“A throw blanket offers so many different functions and adds color and texture to a room, as well as being used for warmth and comfort,” says Anki Spets, owner and designer of AREA Home in New York, New York. Since throw blankets are available in so many different fabrics, colors, and sizes, you can find a blanket for every style and budget. To find the best throw blankets, we researched a variety of selections in multiple sizes and assorted materials. In addition to Spets, we also consulted Karin Sun, founder of luxury bedding brand Crane & Canopy, and Lucy Penfield, founder and design principal at Lucy Interior Design. Overall, the best throw blanket is the Cozy Earth Bamboo Throw Blanket because of its softness, breathability, moisture-wicking technology, and ease of care. Here are the best throw blankets. Keep in Mind: It’s only available in white. The temperature-regulating blanket is also ideal to use as an accent blanket, and looks luxurious whether it’s draped over a chair, sofa, or bed. Because of its pure white color, this neutral blanket works well with any color scheme. The throw blanket is also the perfect size to cuddle under without being too bulky when you’re cozied up with a book or dozing off on the sofa. This comfortable blanket earns our top spot because it’s easy to care for. Made with a durable enhanced weave, the fabric prevents pilling over time. To launder, simply toss in the washing machine and the dryer—no dry cleaning required. However, keep in mind this blanket is only available in white, so if you’re looking for something more colorful, this may not be the choice for you. Price at time of publish: $176 Size: 50 x 60 inches | Material: 100% viscose from bamboo | Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry Keep in Mind: It may take more than one cycle to dry it, and you should avoid washing this throw in top loading machines. The Napper is also a weighted blanket, so it’s designed to provide a deeper level of sleep and stress relief. The 10-pound Cotton Napper is the lightest of the Bearaby weighted blankets and is made of 100% cotton. There are also three additional weights available—15, 20, and 25 pounds—which are made of 95% organic cotton and 5% spandex. The Napper’s handknit chunky design also makes it a breathable choice, so you won’t get too hot when lying under it. Available in colors like asteroid gray, evening rose, moonstone gray, midnight blue, and cloud white, the throw blanket can work with a variety of decor styles. The Napper should be washed separately in cold water on a delicate or permanent-press cycle and tumble dried on low. However, it may take more than one dry cycle to completely dry. Avoid laundering in top loading machines with agitators to prevent snagging the blanket’s loops. Price at time of publish: From $249 Size: 40 x 64 inches | Material: 100% organic cotton | Care Instructions: Wash on delicate cycle and tumble dry Keep in Mind: As with all cashmere, pilling is inevitable. When laundering, the Quince Mongolian throw blanket should only be hand washed with cold water and neutral soap. To dry, lay it flat at room temperature. Since this blanket is cashmere, keep in mind that it will be susceptible to pilling. Price at time of publish: $130 Size: 50 x 60 inches | Material: 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere | Care Instructions: Hand wash and lay flat to dry Keep in Mind: It’s dry-clean only and can’t be ironed. Available in several different plaid designs, this fringe blanket is perfect for adding autumn color to your décor. Choices include a neutral oatmilk colorway with white, light gray, and dark gray blocks; an indigo with navy blue, orange, and blue/orange blocks; and an autumnal colorway with white, light blue, and orange blocks. Keep in mind that this blanket should be dry cleaned to help preserve the blanket’s natural beauty and shape. Price at time of publish: $129 Size: 50 x 70 inches | Material: 100% wool | Care Instructions: Dry clean Keep in Mind: The blanket has a medium-light weight, making it heavier than some throw blankets. Made of 100% cotton, the medium-lightweight blanket looks chic and effortless thrown across your sofa or bed, and feels cozy when you’re snuggled under it. The classic herringbone blanket is available in yellow, tan, blue, and pink and can be easily laundered in the washing machine and dryer. Price at time of publish: $129 Size: 48 x 65 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Care Instructions: Machine wash in cold water and dry on delicate cycle Keep in Mind: It may actually be too big for just one person. It has a variegated stripe in shades of blue and ivory that are reminiscent of time spent at an island beach or seaside resort, and you can recreate that feeling every time you cuddle underneath it. The blanket has a jacquard-woven design and is reversible, so you’ll never see any unsightly seams. It’s made of a cotton blend that is primarily cotton, but also includes acrylic and a little polyester. It’s easy to care for, since you can machine wash and dry it. In addition, the blanket resists pilling, fuzz, and shrinking. But keep in mind that it’s really big, and may overwhelm small spaces (and you). Price at time of publish: $195 Size: 90 x 90 inches | Material: 58% cotton, 35% acrylic, 7% polyester | Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry Keep in Mind: It doesn’t look quite as stylish as other throw blankets. The flannel on one side and the fleece on the other combine to keep you even warmer. The throw is available in dark green, beige, black, blue, brown, gray, navy, and red. However, it doesn’t look as luxurious as many of the other throw blankets on our list. Price at time of publish: $77 Size: 60 x 50 inches | Material: Flannel | Care Instructions: Before you wash the blanket, disconnect the cord. Machine wash with cold water, and tumble or air dry. Keep in Mind: This blanket must be air dried after washing. Unlike real fur blankets, you won’t have to worry about this Arctic Wolf-looking throw blanket shedding. You can also enjoy this blanket guilt-free since no animals were harmed to produce it. The double-sided blanket is available in the following colors: white tipped (Arctic wolf), chinchilla, mocha, timber wolf, gray frost, ombre beige, and timberwolf. It’s also easy to care for since the blanket can be laundered in the washing machine in cold water and then hung up to air dry, which is a surprising bonus considering the material. Price at time of publish: $169 Size: 69 x 59 inches | Material: Fake fur, acrylic | Care Instructions: Machine wash and hang to dry Keep in Mind: It’s rather bulky and may be too heavy for some people. The throw is also Oeko-Tex certified, meaning it’s been tested for harmful substances. And since it’s machine washable and dryable, the blanket is also easy to care for. Price at time of publish: $119 Size: 50 x 60 inches | Material: 100% acrylic canvas | Care Instructions: Machine wash and tumble dry Keep in Mind: It’s only available in white. Whether you’re at home or on the move, this bamboo throw looks and feels luxurious, and it’s hypoallergenic, breathable, and moisture wicking to keep you cool and dry. The bamboo throw is also naturally antibacterial, which is a bonus for those traveling during cold and flu season. Wherever you are, the temperature-regulating blanket is lightweight enough to provide warmth without weighing you down. Keep in mind that it’s only available in white and is dry-clean only, so if you’re after a colorful, machine-washable blanket, this item may not be for you. Price at time of publish: $149 Size: 50 x 60 inches | Material: Bamboo fibers | Care Instructions: Dry clean only Keep in Mind: It may be too lightweight for cooler climates. The lightweight design looks good at the foot of your bed or thrown across your sofa, and the 50 x 70 size is slightly bigger than most throw blankets, but not so overwhelming to not look stylish in almost any space. It’s available in three colors: rain, petal, and avocado. The waffle weave is designed to help air circulate, which keeps you cooler. And by regulating your body heat, the 100% organic cotton blanket is a good choice for any season—although for especially cold climates, you may want to layer two of these throws together for extra warmth. Price at time of publish: $45 Size: 50 x 70 inches | Material: 100% organic cotton | Care Instructions: Machine wash and tumble dry Keep in Mind: For the best results, you need to select the blanket size that corresponds with your body weight. The key is to get the right blanket for your body type. For example, the 12-pound blanket is best for people who weigh between 100 and 140 pounds, and the 15-pound blanket is best for people who weigh more than 140 pounds. A weighted blanket hugs your body and provides DTP (deep touch pressure) to relieve stress, lower cortisol levels, and help you relax and fall asleep—but this depends on getting the right size. If the blanket is too light for your size, you may not receive the maximum benefits. The chunky weighted blanket is handwoven and made of 100% cotton. The blanket’s weight is distributed evenly, and the throw is not only soft and breathable, but also calming so it can relax you or help put you to sleep. Price at time of publish: $140 Size: From 44 x 72 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry Keep in Mind: Spot cleaning is preferable, although it can be washed in cold water. The quilt is lightweight and breathable and has a modern sateen weave that works well when cuddling on the sofa, or you can even use it to cover your bed or on top of your duvet. There’s even an option to purchase a set that includes a pillow sham with the quilt to make your bed feel even cozier and more luxurious. The quilt throw and shams are available in white, ivory, and gray. When it comes to care, spot-cleaning is preferable, but you can also toss it into the washing machine in cold water and then tumble dry on low. Price at time of publish: From $215 Size: 96 x 96 inches | Material: 100% organic cotton | Care Instructions: Spot clean preferable; however, also machine washable Keep in Mind: Prolonged sun exposure can cause the blanket to fade. For camping, hiking, or even a backyard movie night, this throw blanket from Yeti is a smart choice. This spacious blanket throw is waterproof on the outside, and it’s padded and insulated on the inside. And good news for pet owners—it also repels dirt and pet hair. The six utility loops on the blanket make it easy to stake it down or hang it up. It’s also spacious (78 x 55 inches), so there’s plenty of room to share. And the blanket even comes with a carrying case, which makes it easy to store and transport. It’s available in four colors—Nordic purple, smoke blue, alpine yellow, and fireside red. Make sure to limit this blanket from too much sun exposure to ensure the blanket doesn’t fade. Price at time of publish: $200 Size: 78 x 55 inches | Material: Top Layer: 65% polyester, 35% rayon; Insulation: 100% polyester | Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry Keep in Mind: If you prefer a matte look, some of the color options may be too shiny. Available in a variety of rich colors, you’re sure to find a hue that matches your aesthetic. And being machine washable makes the throw also easy to care for. Simply wash it on a gentle cycle in cold water, and lay it flat to dry. Price at time of publish: From $85 Size: From 47 x 60 inches | Material: 100% polyester | Care Instructions: Machine wash on gentle cycle and lay flat to dry Keep in Mind: Since it’s made with natural dyes, the color may change or fade over time. The Baloo Weighted Blanket Mini weighs 9 pounds and is designed for kids 5 years old and up—although adults can also benefit from the blanket as well. The mini blanket is made of 100% soft, breathable cotton, and it’s free of both chemicals and plastics. This blanket is made of 100% soft, breathable cotton. Caregivers will love the fact this weighted blanket is chemical- and plastic-free, naturally dyed with vegetables, and has a neutral carbon footprint. The company is also female-founded and focuses on helping others feel restored. Keep in mind, though, that natural dyes can change over time, so the color may fade slightly. Baloo recommends using a gentle detergent and cold water for the first few washes. Price at time of publish: $149 Size: 60 x 40 inches | Material: 100% cotton | Care Instructions: Machine wash and dry
What to Know About Throw Blankets Before Shopping
Size
Most throw blankets are 50 x 60 inches, but they can also be smaller or larger. When choosing the best throw blanket size for you, consider how you want to use it and what space you plan on using it in. For example, if you want to wrap it around yourself when sitting at your desk, a throw blanket that is too large will drag on the floor. On the other hand, if you want to drape it over your king-sized bed, you want it to be proportional to the size of the furniture. Size is also a consideration if you plan on cuddling with another person to avoid having a tug-of-war every time you use it.
Material
When choosing the best throw blanket material, there are several factors to keep in mind. According to Spets, you should ask yourself what your purpose for the blanket will be: Will you be using it as decor for your sofa or to keep you warm when the temperatures drop? “Also, I personally find that color, patterns, and drapes are equally, and sometimes a more important factor, in choosing a throw blanket as they do tap into qualities of a throw,” Spets says. Your needs and personal preferences will determine what type of material to look for in a throw blanket. “For the perfect throw blanket, choose a soft, natural, breathable, and easy-to-wash material like 100% cotton,” says Karin Sun, founder of luxury bedding brand Crane & Canopy. “I like a rayon blend or wool as well, but if placing in a high-traffic area, keep in mind these fabrics usually aren’t machine-washable like cotton.” She advises against synthetics because they’re not as breathable and can feel rough to the touch. “Consider the texture—a smooth weave or a chunky knit—and look you’re hoping to achieve in the room, and the season—a nice medium-weight is suitable year-round, but you may want a cozier heavy knit for winter,” Sun says. Spets also offers some considerations when choosing the right material. “Wool is the warmest while linen gives off a more rustic summer vibe; cotton offers the most options and types,” she says.
Care Instructions
Your throw blanket’s care and washing needs is something else you’ll want to keep in mind. When you purchase a throw blanket, wash and care instructions are typically included, and Spets says the specifics are based on the material and quality of the throw blanket. “As an example, most wools and alpacas can be washed at home if you have a hand or wool setting on your machine,” she says. “Never use the dryer, as it’s best to dry flat to retain the shape, such as hanging over several [rungs] on a fold-out line dryer.” Spets also notes that most companies recommend dry cleaning to prevent any laundry mishaps (like snagging or shrinking) if you wash it at home. “As a rule, anything that looks and feels thin or sensitive probably should be taken to a professional—and again, always beware of the dryer and hang dry whenever possible,” she says. Penfield is also a fan of dry cleaning— she actually recommends selecting a throw blanket that is dry cleanable to extend the life of your blanket. “It will last longer and not pill,” she says.
Your Questions, Answered
How should you style and fold a throw blanket on your bed, sofa and chair?
“On a bed, drape a throw blanket across a bottom corner to add interest, texture and—if you’d like—a pop of color,” Sun says. “Typically a throw blanket is much smaller than a bed blanket and too short to cover the entire width of the bed.” If you want a perfectly layered bed, Sun recommends choosing a quilt or knit bed blanket to fold across the bed’s bottom third, and then add a throw blanket as the finishing touch. “On a chair or couch, a throw blanket can be folded neatly across the back cushion or armrest, or draped casually along the back corner and layered with throw pillows—just make sure it looks intentionally styled, rather than messy,” Sun says. According to Penfield, the throw blanket needs to look pretty as an accent on the sofa or as a finishing touch draped across the bed. “Ideally, romantically toss it casually over the arm of the sofa as a welcoming invitation to cuddle up when you return home,” she says. “Nothing perfect, but more relaxed in a casual style.” On a bed, Spets recommends draping it across the foot of the bed. “If you have a shorter throw (as in, if it doesn’t drape across the entire bed) you can drape around the corner of the foot of the bed as opposed to across.” Spets notes that the throw blanket can also be spread casually over the bed or sofa. “But be mindful that this is easier to do with a fabric like cashmere or baby alpaca so that it has a nice natural drape; otherwise, it will just look schlumpy.”
What is the best size throw blanket?
Sun recommends dimensions of 50 x 60 inches or larger so the throw blanket is big enough to bundle up with on cold nights.
How often should you clean your throw blanket?
The frequency of washing your throw blanket depends on how often the throw blanket is used and under what circumstances. “If used frequently and/or around pets, ensure you’re washing frequently, but avoid any harsh detergents and never use bleach on a throw blanket,” Sun says. Usually a monthly laundering is sufficient for occasional use, but every week or two may be needed for more frequent use.
Who We Are
Terri Williams is a freelance journalist and product review writer with bylines at Architectural Digest, Realtor.com, The Daily Beast, CNN, NBC News, USA Today, Popular Science, and more. To find the best throw blankets, she spoke with several textile experts including Anki Spets, owner and designer of AREA Home; Karin Sun, founder of luxury bedding brand Crane & Canopy; and Lucy Penfield, founder and design principal at Lucy Interior Design. She also researched a variety of options, and took factors like material, size and care instructions into consideration.
