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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Whether you want to snuggle up to read a book or add a pop of color to your couch, nothing beats a stylish, cozy throw blanket.
We spoke with Jeffrey Silberman, former professor and chairperson of the Textile Development and Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology about the different factors that go into finding the best throw blanket for you. "Your variables are fiber content, yarn type and size, weave type, finish, hand (how it feels) texture and luster," he says.
To further help with your search, we researched and tested dozens of throw blankets, evaluating fabric type, softness, durability, and value. Our favorite is the Sunday Citizen Casablanca Throw, a wonderfully warm option that looks as good as it feels and is machine-washable.
Here are the best throw blankets.
Best Overall: Sunday Citizen Casablanca Throw
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Sunday Citizen
Machine-washable
Multiple color options
Reversible
Pricey
When shopping for a blanket, you certainly don't have to sacrifice coziness for looks—just take Sunday Citizen's Casablanca Throw.
Available in eight different colors, this blanket has an elegant, jacquard-inspired pattern that's meant to show off. It's also reversible, so you can choose between two patterns daily.
This throw uses the brand's signature double-knit microfiber fabric, sure to keep you warm and comfy as you lounge with family or curl up with a book. The microfiber is hypoallergenic, so it's perfect for everyone. Plus, it's thermoregulation, so you won't overheat or feel too cold. Oh, and did we mention it's machine-washable?
Best Budget: Bedsure Fleece Blanket
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Affordable
Highly rated
Tons of color options
Some lint may rub off over time
There's no need to splurge on a luxury blanket to enjoy the comforts of a snuggly throw blanket. This affordable Bedsure Fleece Blanket comes in 26 colors and six sizes without sacrificing comfort or style. The thick micro-fleece material and layered design make this blanket incredibly soft and high-quality despite the low price tag.
Plus, it's fully machine-washable, and it won't lose its color or softness over time. However, you may notice some fabric pilling with continued use. Still, the classic fleece texture looks cozy and comfortable in any living space, combining a cozy, attractive look and feel for an overall great value.
Best Cashmere: Standard Textile Cashmere Reversible Tassel Throw
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Courtesy of Standard Textile
Reversible
Elegant color ways
Looks beautiful when not in use
Not machine washable
For a high-quality everyday throw, you can't go wrong with the Standard Textile Cashmere Reversible Tassel Throw. Measuring 51 x 67 inches, it's the perfect size for draping on the couch or across your lap while working. Its simple, two-toned design has an elegant look that will complement a variety of different aesthetics.
Even when not in use, we love how this pick looks draped over a couch or armchair. If you don't love it right away, you can return it for up to 90 days. One downside is this pick is not machine-washable, so you'll have to keep spills and stains to a minimum.
Best Eccentric: Made*Here Optical Stripe Blanket
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Courtesy of West Elm
Made in the USA
Eccentric design
Supports local artisans
Might be too busy with some decor
If you're looking for an eclectic accessory to add to your space, check out Made*Here's Optical Stripe Blanket. This piece is designed and knit in New York out of high-quality, 100-percent cotton yarn. Its monochromatic warped design will add tons of visual interest to your space while still being versatile enough to pair with other patterned or textured pieces. We also love the hand-finished scallop detailing.
The classic black and white colorway can easily fit with other colors in your living space, but the busy pattern may be too much for some styles. However, a fun patterned throw blanket like this one can add interest to an otherwise simple or minimalistic space.
Best Fur: CB2 Icelandic Sheepskin Throw
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Courtesy of CB2
Lightweight
Ethically sourced
Extremely warm
Expensive
If you're looking to make a statement—particularly in the colder months—we're partial to this Icelandic Sheepskin Throw from CB2. More lightweight than many fur throws in this price range, it drapes easily across couches and armchairs, adding a comfortably plush texture. While it comes at a high price point, the beauty when not in use adds to this blanket's value.
Plus, each shearling is completely one-of-a-kind and ethically sourced, so you can be confident in your purchase. We also love the size of this throw. Because each blanket is unique, the exact size may vary, but its sizably larger than other fur throws we've seen on the market.
Best Design: Ezcaray Matisse Throw
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Courtesy of Goodee
Family-owned company
Hand-dyed and woven
Beautiful designs
Not machine-washable
From the plush mohair and wool material to the vibrant stripes, the Ezcaray Matisse is out to make a statement. Made by a decades-old, family-owned company, this throw blanket has been hand-dyed and hand-woven—basically, it's made with a ton of individual care.
This particular blanket is available in three versions, all equally eye-catching. The blanket features a twisted fringe on two sides that adds to its cozy appearance. Note that because of the materials, this pick is not washer- or dryer-friendly, so be careful to avoid stains and spills.
Best Colors: Three Posts Nader Blanket
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Courtesy of Wayfair
Tons of color options
Perfect for all seasons
Affordable
Not as warm as other options
When it comes to throws, sometimes the simpler, the better. This fringed Nader Blanket from Wayfair's Three Posts line has a classic knitted design with a minimal diamond motif that will look equally as great draped on the sofa as it will on your bed. While the design may be simple, the color options definitely aren't. It comes in more than 30 colors, ranging from bold to neutral.
It's lightweight enough to use in the warmer months, and you can choose from two different sizes to further customize this blanket to your needs. What's more, if this pick gets dirty, you can throw it in the washing machine for an easy clean.
Best Cotton: HAY Crinkle Stripe Throw
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Courtesy of HAY
Adds texture to your space
Great for large couches or beds
Fringed edges add a nice detail
Not suitable for year-round use
HAY is known for its design-forward, Danish-inspired homeware pieces, and their Crinkle Stripe Throw is no exception. Available in four different color combinations—including burgundy, cappucino (a light cream), grey, and yellow—this striped cotton throw has a delightfully textured appearance that can add flair and visual interest to your living space. It's about the size of a Queen bed—making it great for larger couches or sharing.
Note that this is a fairly lightweight throw, so it's best reserved for warmer months (or layering over thicker blankets or bedspreads).
Best Wool: Pendleton Glacier National Park Wool Blanket
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Courtesy of Urban Outfitters
Made in the USA
Stylish designs
Supports the National Park Foundation
Not hypoallergenic
Pendleton is a family-owned business that's been operating for well over a century and is known for its wool blankets. This blanket is from a series that celebrates America's National Parks—specifically Montana's Glacier National Park. Pendleton makes each of these wool blankets in the United States, which means it's more of an investment piece than some throws. However, the blanket is high-quality enough to become an heirloom for generations. It has bold, beautiful stripes and is made from incredibly warm virgin wool.
Despite being made from wool, it doesn't have that scratchy feeling that sometimes accompanies that material. Instead, it's soft to the touch. This blanket is both stylish and functional, and while it makes for a great gift (especially to a National Park Lover) the luxe throw is also ideal for your own home.
Best Sherpa: L.L.Bean Wicked Plush Sherpa Throw in Plaid
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Courtesy of L.L.Bean
Neutral color ways
Two sizes
Reversible
Not reversible
LL Bean's Wicked Plus Sherpa Throw is a classic blanket from a classic retailer. It's available in two sizes and offers a few different neutral patterns in a cozy, super-soft design. While it's not reversible, this blanket offers two patterns and textures. You'll find fleece on one side of the blanket and Sherpa on the other. Your biggest conflict when you snuggle will be which side to have closest to your skin.
The blanket comes in both 50-inch-by-60-inch and 60-inch-by-80-inch sizes. The extra-large size is helpful for taller people or cuddled-up couples who don't want a single toe exposed.
Best Heated: L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket
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Courtesy of L.L. Bean
Extremely soft
Machine washable
High-quality materials
Short power chord
When you are in truly cold climates—or, just always feel the draft and chilly temperatures—fabric alone won't solve your problems. In cases like these, you may want to consider the power of electricity in the form of heated coils in a heated blanket like the L.L. Bean Wicked Cozy Heated Blanket. This blanket earned an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars in our testing and perfect scores for quality, design, fabric, and effectiveness. It comes in various neutral colors and has three heat settings to help you pick one that leads to a just-right temperature.
In addition to being snuggly and warm, it's also easy to care for—lint doesn't stick to it, and when you need to clean this electric blanket, you can throw it in the washer and dryer. This electric blanket will help keep you cozy and toasty warm, whether you use it in the bedroom at night as an extra layer or keep it in the living room. However, our tester did note that it has a short power code, so be sure to curl up next to an outlet for the best results.
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The Spruce / Theresa Holland
Best Weighted: Baloo Weighted Blanket
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Amazon
Warm yet breathable
Machine washable
Multiple size and weight options
Limited color options
Do you want a blanket that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a hug? Say hello to your new blanket best friend in the Baloo Weighted Blanket. This option is one of the most popular weighted blankets out there. It is also our Best Overall pick based on our weighted blanket testing. You can order it by size (single or queen/king) and also by weight, which ranges from 15 to 35 pounds.
Proponents of weighted blankets say they’ll help you relax—leading to better rest, whether you’re out for the night or getting a Sunday snooze on the couch. Our tester loved how the weight was easily disbursed, leaving her comfortable and warm without overheating. Aside from the throw size, this pick also comes in mini, queen, and king sizes. We do wish, however, that it came in more colors.
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The Spruce / Dera Burreson
Best Plush: UGG Whitecap Plush Flannel Oversized Throw Blanket
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Amazon
Tons of neutral color options
Exceptionally soft
Thick material
Some reported seeing loose threads over time
For the plushest, softest throw to cuddle up with at the end of a long day, we love this pick from UGG. Not just for slippers anymore, UGG has a wide range of cozy essentials like this Whitecap Plush Flannel Oversized Blanket.
Available in multiple neutral and fun colors, this throw is easily machine-washable, and its plushness speaks for itself. While some customers reported seeing loose threads over time, we love this pick for its softness that doesn't fade in the washing machine. The faux leather UGG label on each blanket also adds a touch of luxury.
Best Oversized: Big Blanket Co. Original Stretch Blanket
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Temperature regulating
Tons of color options
Incredibly soft
Heavy
For those looking to share with a partner or double their throw as a bed blanket, opt for an oversized pick like the Original Stretch Blanket from Big Blanket Co. At four times the size of an average throw blanket, this blanket guarantees to keep the whole family warm without fighting for coverage.
The best-selling blanket features temperature-regulating polyester that won't keep you too hot or too cold, with spandex being stretchy enough to spread across couches and beds. If you're worried about making the splurge, Big Blanket Co offers a 100-night trial so you can confirm you love it before committing. It's important to know that at 11 pounds, this is not a lightweight blanket, but we love it for an oversized, thick blanket for the winter.
Best Splurge: Overland Sheepskin Co. Polar Dreams Tibetan Lamb Throw Blanket
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Overland Sheepskin Co.
Luxurious feel
Looks beautiful when not in use
Two color options
Not an achievable price tag for most consumers
If you have a flexible budget, you might consider an extremely luxurious throw blanket like the Polar Dreams Tibetan Lamb Throw Blanket from Overland Sheepskin Co. The family-owned company opened in 1973 and has been handcrafting high-quality artisan goods since then. The fittingly named "polar dreams" blanket would surely make an extravagant gift for a loved one who loved curling up with a furry throw.
Made from thick Tibetan lamb fur, this incredibly soft blanket proves thick and warm in colder months while doubling as an interesting decor piece all year long. At such an expensive price tag, you'll want to be sure to keep this pick clean. The company recommends taking your throw to a fur expert to clean it properly if spills occur.
What to Look for in a Throw Blanket
Material
Throw blankets are made from a variety of materials; each has its own benefits. For instance, wool blankets are some of the warmest, but they can be a bit scratchy and must be washed carefully. Those with allergies may also not be able to use wool. Cotton blankets, on the other hand, are lightweight and easy to care for. For a lightweight throw that's suitable for the summer, Silberman also recommends cotton. "Cotton has a naturally soft hand, but won't be oppressively warm," he says.
For a less expensive throw, opt for a synthetic fiber. "Polyester owns the dominant market share of world fiber consumption in most textile products, largely because it is cheap and performs well throughout the supply chain," says Silberman. Acrylic is another option that's affordable and machine washable, but may not be as soft. For the best of both worlds, combine synthetic and natural materials like cotton and polyester or wool and acrylic.
Size
When choosing a blanket size, consider where you’re planning to use it. If it’s just going to warm up your feet on the couch, a smaller blanket will do just fine. However, if you want to cuddle up with a partner or use it on your bed, you’ll probably need a larger option.
Warmth
When shopping for a throw blanket, think about how warm you want it to be. Heavier blankets provide more warmth and are great for winter and colder climates. Lightweight blankets aren’t as warm and are ideal for fall or spring use.
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How big is a throw blanket?
Standard throw blankets tend to be 50 x 60 inches, but there is no single official standard size for a throw blanket. The size you choose will depend on the size of your bed, armchair, or sofa, as well as your personal preferences and the look that you are trying to achieve.
A standard throw blanket is something warm that you can pull onto your lap or wrap around your shoulders to get cozy while reading in your favorite armchair or marathon-watching your favorite TV series on the couch. If you are looking for a throw blanket for the foot of the bed, be sure that your throw blanket is a couple of feet wider than your mattress so that it can drape over the sides.
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How should you put a throw blanket on a bed?
The way you place a throw blanket is a matter of personal taste and style. Some people prefer a formal aesthetic, with a throw blanket folded neatly in two and carefully placed at the end of the bed with equal sides hanging on either side of the mattress. Others prefer a slightly undone look with the throw blanket left open and draped over the bottom end of the bed with the throw blanket just scraping the floor. Draping this way is a good solution if you want to hide bed legs or prefer a more casual look.
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How do you wash a throw blanket?
That depends on whether it’s made from cotton, wool, fleece, cashmere, acrylic, faux fur, or another fabric. If in doubt, check the care instructions label. In general, you should take care to wash your throw blanket separately from other linens on a cold gentle cycle in the washing machine with mild detergent, and to air or tumble dry on a gentle cycle if the fabric is dryer safe. Or take your dry-clean-only throw blanket to the dry cleaner.
According to Silberman, wool and cashmere are the least washable and may need to be taken to a specialist. Incorrect care can lead to pilling and shrinkage, but certain blends of wool are washable. "Wool is a very durable fiber, more durable than most give it credit for," says Silberman.
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What makes for the softest blanket?
Silberman shares that the fiber type and finish will contribute to a blanket being the softest. "Cotton's hand is soft and smooth and has a 'dry' (natural) hand. Wool has scales on the fiber, so it might be a little scratchy, however, there are breeds of sheep that are bred for fewer scales, which yields a smoother hand (less scratchy)."
However, blankets are finished either chemically or mechanically to make the product softer. An example of a type of finish is flannel or silicone. Therefore, it may be helpful to look into the finish of your fabric to determine the softness, but cotton and wool are great options for those looking for a soft blanket.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Lily Sperry, a lifestyle writer and commerce editor at The Spruce. A self-identified homebody, she knows the importance of blankets and other home linens in creating the perfect cozy atmosphere. She's a huge fan of HAY's product line and is eyeing their crinkled throw for her next homeware purchase.
Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields, a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays. She's also covered similar topics in other roles, including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert interviews, and more.
Expert advice was provided by Jeffrey Silberman, former professor and chairperson of the Textile Development and Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
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