We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-HOME-12-best-blankets-4157559-9049d11d2beb4280b8f3aae1c78c4a63.jpg)
The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Choosing the best blanket for you depends on your preferences, but there are a few important things to consider when you're shopping for a cozy covering.
We researched and tested blankets from the top bedding brands, evaluating softness, durability, ease of care and cleaning, and value. Our favorite, the Pottery Barn SleepSmart Temperature Regulating Basketweave Blanket, is a lightweight option that's temperature-regulating, easy to clean, and great for layering over the duvet on your bed or curling up on the couch.
Here are the best blankets.
Best Overall: Pottery Barn SleepSmart Temperature-Regulating Basketweave Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sleepsmart-temperature-regulating-basketweave-blanket-o-06808e1ad3294916a7172f133f1c3278.jpeg)
Temperature regulating
Machine washer- and dryer-friendly
Lighter weight is perfect for layering
Only available in white
May not be as effective if over-dried
Who else recommends it? Good Housekeeping also picked the Pottery Barn SleepSmart Temperature Regulating Basketweave Blanket.
The Pottery Barn SleepSmart Temperature-Regulating Basketweave Blanket is our top choice for snuggling up at the end of a long day and maintaining the ideal temperature. This blanket's lightweight cotton and performance yarn blend prevents your body from suffering nighttime chills or sweats, depending on whether you run cold or hot. The technology works to either trap heat or push it away from your body if it senses that you're too warm or cold, keeping you comfortable all night.
In addition to temperature regulation, the SleepSmart's weave pattern is soft and gives off a lightweight feel—perfect for underneath a duvet or even as a standalone blanket. This blanket is available in several sizes, including full, queen, king, and California king. However, it's limited to a single white shade.
On the plus side, the material is 80 percent cotton, so you can throw it in the washer and dryer without issue. Though somewhat expensive, this blanket's comfort features are in a league of their own, making the investment worth it.
Best Budget: Bedsure Fleece Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/71FVYMHFWUL._AC_SL1500_-b8266a20745f4cfd835c5eb6ba73c043.jpg)
Budget-friendly
Double-sided
Available in 24 colors
Made entirely from synthetic materials
Only machine dryer-friendly without heat
If you’re looking to score a cozy blanket on a budget, Bedsure has you covered. The brand’s Fleece Blanket is soft and versatile, and it also happens to be available at a ridiculously reasonable price point.
Like many fleece items, the blanket is crafted from a synthetic material—microfiber polyester, to be exact. In addition to being incredibly soft, this material promises to hold up over time, resisting wrinkles and maintaining its color, even when subjected to the wear and tear of everyday life. The blanket is available in four different sizes and 24 different colors, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding an option that suits your space. And since the blanket is machine wash-friendly, you can give it a refresh whenever it needs one—no trip to the dry cleaner’s necessary.
Best Weighted: Baloo Weighted Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BalooWeightedBlanket-b6c23cf012c149b395e3f0fb8da35433.jpg)
Courtesy of Amazon
Breathable
Machine washer- and dryer-friendly
Available in 4 weights and 3 sizes
Expensive
Weighted blankets have become an incredibly popular way to get cozy. For the uninitiated, weighted blankets are heavier-than-average blankets designed to help you reduce anxiety and fall asleep. Baloo’s Weighted Blanket is a popular option available in a variety of sizes and weights.
Since weighted blankets are so heavy, they tend to trap heat—making them a nightmare for hot sleepers. But since Baloo’s Weighted Blanket is crafted with a 100 percent cotton shell and microbead fill, it’s a surprisingly breathable option that's suitable for year-round use. Since the beads are quilted into small pockets, you won’t have to worry about all the weight pooling in one spot. Also great? The blanket is machine washer- and dryer-friendly, so you can rest assured knowing it’s as convenient as it is cozy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Baloo_WeightedBlanket_04-cf30137b4f004de38b21b6131e960eb2.jpg)
The Spruce / Stephanie Vermillion
Best Heated: Beautyrest Textured Fleece Luxury Heated Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/4487133251907g-e1beeb24a7cc4995832a905666599b1f.jpeg)
Amazon
20 heating settings
Queen- and King-size blankets are dual-sided
Machine-washable
Available in 5 colors
Not dryer-friendly
Expensive
Blankets typically do a great job of providing warmth, but if you’re hoping to double up on coziness, consider snagging an electric blanket—like Beautyrest’s Heated Micro Fleece Blanket. As you’d expect from its name, the blanket is crafted from micro-fleece—a soft, textured material made of polyester. But it also boasts a series of soft, flexible woven-in wires, which will warm your blanket when activated.
The blanket ships with a remote control, which you can use to toggle between 20 different heating settings. (Any setting you choose will automatically shut off after 10 hours). And good news: If you buy a Queen- or King-size blanket, you’ll receive two remote controls, so you and your partner can activate different heating settings at the same time.
Best Knit: Parachute Oversized Rib Knit Throw
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/oversized-rib-knit-throw_flax_lightbox_21991-09a1ca88cc9c44daa38e5a1779c5b28a.jpeg)
Lightweight but cozy
Machine washer- and dryer-friendly
OEKO-TEX certified
Available in 3 colors
Only available in Queen size
Parachute is a best-in-class brand in the bedding space, and its Oversized Rib Knit Throw does not disappoint. The knit blanket is crafted entirely from soft Turkish cotton, and its oversized silhouette makes it an easy addition to bedrooms, living rooms, and more.
At 60 x 80 inches, the blanket is about the size of a Queen bed—which is certainly big enough to snuggle up in. And its rib knit design adds a dose of welcome cozy texture to the otherwise-lightweight cotton blanket. Snag the blanket in a versatile shade—like flax, black, or clay—and drape it over your couch, bed, armchair, or anywhere else that could use a little cozying up.
Best Wool: Pendleton Eco-Wise Washable Wool Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/PendletonWoolBlanket-5baa532d46e0fb0025bb6ce0.jpeg)
Courtesy of Lands' End
Sustainably-sourced wool
Durable
Machine washer- and dryer-friendly
Available in a variety of colors and prints
Might be too lightweight for some people
May feel rough or scratchy
If you’re looking for a great wool blanket, it’s hard to go wrong with Pendleton. The brand’s Eco-Wise Washable Wool Blanket is a tried-and-true classic—and since it's available in a variety of different colors and prints, it shouldn’t be hard to find an option that looks great in your space.
The blanket is crafted entirely from wool, one of the warmest and coziest materials around. And though machine washing wool is typically a no-no, Pendleton’s Washable Wool Blankets promise not to shrink, fade, or pill if thrown in the wash.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/4157559-3_8-9294e06c788547ebb1c2ff5b19761a05.jpg)
The Spruce / Jordan Provost
Best Fleece: Garnett Hill Cotton Fleece Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2750_main-b2ba3d4bde3c445099c28c54e1d8c000.jpeg)
Fleece made from 100% cotton
OEKO-TEX certified
Available in 12 colors
May shrink in the wash (after-wash measurements provided)
Color may look different in-person
Many fleece blankets are crafted from synthetic materials, like polyester. But thanks to Garnet Hill, you can get the signature coziness of a fleece blanket without skimping on materials. The brand’s Cotton Fleece Blanket is made of—you guessed it—cotton fleece, so it promises to be plush, breathable, and incredibly soft.
Since cotton tends to be a lighter weight material, this blanket has more year-round staying power than many other fleece options. Still, it promises to be warm and cozy enough to get you through the winter. It's also machine- and dryer-friendly, but be sure to check out the after-wash measurements to account for any shrinkage. And it’s available in 12 striking colors, which range from versatile neutrals to pretty pastels.
Best Lightweight: The Company Store Gossamer Cotton Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/kn83_gossamer_r16_web-dbb58745a0db49fcb5e96849bd4cf0d8.jpeg)
Courtesy of The Company Store
Woven of three gauzy layers
Pre-shrunk
Available in 13 colors
Might be too thin for some people
Expensive
Cotton blankets make an easy addition to just about any bed—and the Company Store’s Gossamer Cotton Blanket is no exception. This airy, lightweight blanket promises to be soft and comfortable thanks to its three gauzy layers—and since it’s available in four sizes and 13 different colors, it should be pretty versatile, too.
The blanket is made entirely of cotton, and arrives pre-shrunk so you don't get any surprises after washing. And since it’s machine washer- and dryer-friendly, you can rest assured knowing it’s easy to clean—although take note that The Company Store recommends using large capacity washing and drying machines for the best results.
Best Faux Fur: Chanasya Super Soft Fuzzy Fur Faux Throw Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/91AnVo6t5kL._AC_SL1500_-c50f741670d94332af92a9387fb16454.jpg)
Dual-sided (faux fur on one side, teddy fleece on the other)
Machine washer-friendly
Available in 22 colors
Crafted entirely from synthetic materials
Non-fur side is prone to pilling
Few things in life are cozier than a faux fur blanket, and Chanasya’s Faux Fur Blanket promises to be one of the snuggliest around. The plush blanket feels both soft and fluffy, and the microfiber construction means it'll hold up over many winters. The best part, though, is that it's dual-sided. So if you get tired of the fluffy faux fur, you can flip your blanket over to enjoy a little plush teddy fleece, instead.
The blanket is available in five different sizes, so whether you’re looking for an option to toss over your couch—or to go to sleep with every single night—you’re sure to find it. And since it comes in a whopping 22 colorways, you can go as neutral or as statement-making as you want to with your blanket.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Chanasya_FauxFurBlankets_05-18f1d5f89c4341449e6c5c3bd873abd4.jpg)
The Spruce / Linnea Covington
Best Sherpa: Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/71Nx0uHl47L._AC_SL1500_-dc6ad97859ca403a8976e8ecdf6609ac.jpg)
Dual-sided
Maintains shape and texture after washing and drying
Available in 28 colors
Budget-friendly
Design isn’t as sophisticated as higher-end throws
May not be heavy enough for some people
If classic fleece simply isn’t cozy enough for you, you may be better served by a sherpa fleece blanket, instead. Like classic fleece, sherpa fleece tends to be made from synthetic materials (like polyester). But instead of boasting the short, low-profile texture you’d expect from classic fleece, sherpa fleece tends to be long, fluffy, and incredibly plush.
Bedsure’s Sherpa Blanket offers a great entry point to the world of sherpa fleece blankets, thanks to its dual-sided design and reasonable price point. The blanket’s dual-sided design means that polyester is rendered in two different ways: On one side of the blanket, you’ll find fluffy sherpa fleece, and on the other, you’ll find short-cut classic fleece. This two-in-one approach means you’ll always have a blanket that meets your needs, whether you’re craving something heavy and cozy or soft and lightweight.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2SP4153787-3-2c9c3ab341e0406fa315d2e0dfa94906.jpg)
The Spruce / Danielle L Goldstein
Best Organic: Boll & Branch Waffle Bed Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BollBranchWaffleBedBlanket-e5f60ecadc044e7baea6547481f28775.jpg)
Courtesy of Boll & Branch
OEKO-TEX, GOTS, and Fair Trade certified
Generously sized
Available in 7 colors
Waffle weave may snag
Expensive
When you’re searching for an oversized blanket, you’re typically looking for an extra-large throw. But what if you want something that’s big enough to both snuggle up with on the couch and cozy up with in bed every night? Boll & Branch’s Waffle Bed Blanket promises to fit the bill.
The organic cotton blanket boasts a classic waffle weave, which will add texture and breathability to your blanket in equal measure. And it promises to get you through every single season (though you might have to double up on blankets during the colder months). It’s available in an array of sleek neutrals—plus a couple pastel shades, too.
Best for Kids: Pottery Barn Kids Cotton Woven Organic Bed Blanket
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/cotton-woven-organic-bed-blanket-1-o-25ef29969e4e407197f3138ab92286aa.jpeg)
GOTS certified
Easy to care for
Available in 4 colors
Larger sizes mean kids can use it for years
May be too lightweight for colder months
Soft, lightweight, and just a little bit textured, Pottery Barn Kids’ Cotton Woven Organic Bed Blanket promises to make a great addition to your little one’s bed. The blanket is made entirely of organic cotton, a material that’s both eco-friendly and breathable. And its subtle weave will add texture without disrupting how soft the blanket feels.
To keep things convenient, the blanket is machine washer- and dryer-friendly. Choose between crisp white, light pink, soft lavender, or deep navy, and snag the size that best suits your little one’s bed. Since it's available in both Twin and Full/Queen sizes, you can always upgrade to the larger option when your little one switches beds.
It’s hard to beat a blanket that’s cozy when you’re cold and breathable when you’re hot—and that’s why Pottery Barn’s SleepSmart Temperature-Regulating Basketweave Blanket (view at Pottery Barn) is our top pick. The blanket is designed with temperature-regulating technology to keep you at the ideal sleeping temperature every single night, and has a sleek, minimalist design that only sweetens the deal. If you’d prefer something more affordable, Bedsure’s Fleece Blanket (view at Amazon) is an excellent option. The versatile blanket promises to remain soft and wrinkle-free over time, and since it’s available in four different sizes and a whopping 24 different colorways, it should make an easy addition to any decor scheme.
What to Look for in a Blanket
Material
You can tell a lot about a blanket by paying attention to the material it’s made out of. For one thing, you can determine what it’s likely to feel like—both in terms of texture and weight. (Cotton is more likely to feel breathable and lightweight, for example, while faux fur is likely to feel fluffy and heavy.) You can also keep an eye out for potential irritants—for example, wool may feel cozy to some and scratchy to others. Synthetic materials like polyester and microfiber may be less expensive, but they tend to trap heat, which might make hot sleepers uncomfortable.
Weight
Another key indicator of a blanket’s performance is its weight, which is typically measured in grams per square meter (or GSM). Blankets with a higher GSM will be heavier and warmer—the average is around 200 GSM, which is comfortable enough on its own during the summer but better as an extra layer in winter.
Size
Throw blankets tend to come in pretty standard sizes. But when you’re talking about bed blankets, size can vary a lot more. Many blankets come in standard bedding sizes like Queen and King, but take note that cotton blankets are prone to shrinking, so you may want to look for one that's oversized.
Care
Cozy blankets are great, but cozy blankets that are easy to care for are even better. Keep an eye out for options that are machine washer- and dryer-friendly—they’re more abundant than you might expect. Of course, always pay attention to your blanket's care instructions, especially where drying is concerned. Most blankets need to be tumble dried on low or even no heat, and some need to be line-dried. Additionally, larger blankets might fare better in commercial washers.
-
How often should you wash your blanket?
How often you should wash your blanket will depend entirely on how often it’s used. If your blanket sits at the foot of your bed, largely untouched, you can probably get away with washing it every few months. But if you snuggle up with your blanket nightly—like you do with your sheets and comforter—you’ll want to wash it every 1–2 weeks.
-
Where should a blanket be placed on a bed?
When making your bed, it can be tough to figure out where to put your blanket. And while there is a “right place” to put your blanket, that “right place” depends on the kind of blanket you’re using.
If you’ve swapped your heavy comforter with a summer-friendly blanket, your blanket should go above your top sheets—exactly where you’d put your comforter. But if your blanket is merely a layering piece, it should go between your sheets and your comforter.
Finally, if your blanket is more of a decorative top layer—or if you only use it some of the time—it should go on top of your comforter. According to Chaumien, you can fold it at the foot of your bed, toss it over the side of your bed like a throw, or cover your comforter with it entirely.
-
How often should you replace your blanket?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for buying and replacing blankets. A blanket that’s kept in tip-top shape can last for years, whereas an improperly cared for blanket may need to be replaced within months. If your blanket is stained, matted, or otherwise disheveled, consider replacing it ASAP. But if your blanket is still soft and usable, there’s no real need to replace it.
Why Trust The Spruce?
When selecting products for this article, lifestyle writer Lindsey Lanquist focused on three things: comfort, convenience, and variety. She prioritized blankets that were genuinely well-reviewed by those who’d tried them, and consulted experts for their opinions. She favored options that were machine washer- and dryer-friendly (AKA easy to clean), and blankets that were available in a range of different colors and sizes.