The Best Throw Blankets for the Home

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Versatile throw blankets provide comfort and warmth while adding a design element to home decor. Between offering added coziness while sitting on the patio, an extra layer on the bed, or a pop of color in the living room, throw blankets are for function as well as fashion. This guide describes the different types, materials, and features to consider when shopping for a throw blanket and showcases our top picks, which represent some of the best in each category.

1. BEST OVERALL: Bedsure Fleece Blanket Throw Microfiber
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: GREEN ORANGE Fleece Throw Blanket
3. BEST HEATED: MaxKare Electric Blanket Heated Throw
4. BEST SHERPA: LOMAO Sherpa Fleece Blanket
5. BEST PLUSH: Kingole Flannel Fleece Microfiber Throw Blanket
6. BEST KNIT: BOURINA Decorative Knitted Throw Blanket
7. BEST FAUX FUR: The Connecticut Home Company Faux Fur Throw Blanket
8. BEST COTTON: DII Rustic Farmhouse Cotton Chevron Blanket Throw
9. BEST LINEN: Sofia’s Linen 100% Pure Flax Linen Blanket
10. BEST BAMBOO: WONAP Cooling Weighted Blanket 100% Natural Bamboo

Photo: depositphotos.com

Popular Types of Throw Blankets

Throw blankets come in many different styles and fabrics from cotton and faux fur to even bamboo. There are also heated versions available. Read on to learn about the look and feel of various materials to zero in on the best throw blankets for your home.

Heated Throw Blankets

Heated throw blankets, also referred to as electric blankets, contain insulated wires throughout the entire blanket that heat up quickly when plugged into an electrical outlet and turned on. Most of the best heated throw blankets include a control unit to adjust the heat settings and an automatic shutoff function for added safety in case you fall asleep with the blanket on. These soft, plush blankets, typically made out of polyester microfiber, are designed to keep you toasty, even in cold winter temperatures. Many heated throw blankets are machine washable, but make sure to carefully follow manufacturers’ instructions.

Sherpa Throw Blankets

Sherpa throw blankets, sometimes referred to as faux shearling, are designed to look and feel like sheep wool, without using any actual animal products. They’re usually a blend of such materials as polyester, acrylic, and/or cotton, with faux sheepskin on one side and fleece on the other—a double-layered construction that makes sherpa blankets especially warm. Although sherpa is considered to be a lightweight material, the dense construction provides optimal insulation without being overly bulky. Sherpa throw blankets also have moisture-wicking capabilities and are machine washable.

Plush Throw Blankets

Thick and ultra-soft, plush throw blankets offer warmth plus a luxurious look and feel. They’re made out of velvet-like synthetic fibers and have a long, soft nap (the term for a blanket’s raised surface). A long nap creates a layer of air between you and the blanket, which helps retain body temperature. Most plush throw blankets are easily machine washable.

Knit Throw Blankets

With their open-weave surface, knit throw blankets add interesting texture to a room, whether draped over the back of a sofa or laid across the foot of the bed. Knit throw blankets may be made out of a variety of materials, including cotton, wool, or acrylic; the yarn used can be chunky or fine to create different looks. Keep in mind, however, that the tighter the weave, the warmer the knit blanket, as a tight weave allows less space for heat to escape from. Many knit throw blankets are machine washable, but those made of wool should be dry-cleaned or hand washed, as they are more delicate and can be prone to pilling. Wool knitted throws should also be air-dried.

Faux Fur Throw Blankets

An animal-friendly alternative to real fur, faux fur throw blankets are made of synthetic materials. They are soft and warm, with thick fibers that trap heat and offer good insulation, though the softness level varies depending on the material used. Faux fur throw blankets have a luxe look that makes a bold style statement, and they can layer with other blankets in appealing combinations. Faux fur throw blankets are machine washable in cold water on a gentle cycle, but a second spin cycle may be required because they absorb a lot of water. Since the material is delicate, faux fur throws should be air-dried.

Cotton Throw Blankets

The benefits of cotton throw blankets include breathability, softness, and hassle-free maintenance. Cotton is a natural material that’s well-ventilated and moisture-wicking, which adds to the comfort level when woven into a throw blanket. Since cotton doesn’t trap air, these lightweight blankets can regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter. Cotton throw blankets are machine washable and durable, and cotton becomes softer after each wash—another appealing asset.

Linen Throw Blankets

As a cool and comfortable throw blanket, linen is a fine fabric choice. It’s a natural material woven from the fibers of the flax plant and can keep you cool in summer by absorbing sweat. The loose weave of linen allows air to circulate throughout the blanket and regulate body temperature, so it’s suitable for use during colder months, too. Similar to cotton, linen becomes softer with repeated machine washings, but it tends to wrinkle easily—keep it neatly folded when not in use to encourage a smoother surface.

Bamboo Throw Blankets

Fibers from the bamboo plant can be woven into naturally breathable material that’s great for blankets, as it allows for ample air circulation that’s especially pleasant in warm environments. Bamboo blankets are soft and smooth, producing a feeling similar to cotton. These eco-friendly blankets are ultra-absorbent with moisture-wicking properties, pulling moisture away from the skin to keep you dry and comfortable. Bamboo throws are odor-resistant and antibacterial, which helps keep them fresh and clean longer, but they’re also machine washable, wrinkle-resistant, and durable enough to withstand prolonged use.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Throw Blanket

When shopping for a new throw blanket, focus on features such as softness, size, style, and ease of care.

Softness

Throw blankets made of synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or acrylic tend to be softer than those made out of natural materials. Plush, faux fur, and sherpa are all ultra-soft options. If you want to stick with natural materials, cotton is one of the softest choices. Keep in mind, however, that throw blankets have other “feel” qualities in addition to softness, such as silky, fluffy, and chunky.

Thickness

When shopping for a new throw blanket, consider the ideal thickness level based on the time of year and desired warmth. Thickness also correlates to the weight of a blanket, measured by GSM (grams per square meter). The higher the GSM, the heavier the blanket will be. Heavier GSM materials also tend to be thicker and more plush. You may want to opt for a thinner throw blanket with a lower GSM (like cotton or linen) to keep you warm yet comfortable on a summer night. Conversely, look for a thicker throw blanket with a higher GSM (such as a double-layered sherpa) to stay extra toasty on a cold winter night.

Size

Throw blankets come in various sizes, but the average size is 50 inches wide by 60 inches long. This is large enough to use as an accent piece on an average-size sofa yet not so big that you’d be overwhelmed when wrapping it around your shoulders. If you wish to cuddle on the couch and share your blanket with someone else, a throw blanket of 90 inches wide by 100 inches long may be more suitable.

Style

Since throw blankets are used for both comfort and decor, style is a key factor. Fortunately, throw blankets come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, with some including other features, such as fringed borders. Choose a throw blanket that complements your home’s decor and reflects your personality. Colors and textures can coordinate with other design elements in your room, or you can select a patterned throw blanket, such as striped or plaid, for contrast.

Optional Heating Feature

Heated throw blankets (electric blankets) come with an optional heating feature for additional warmth. The heating element is plugged into an electrical outlet, and insulated wires spread heat throughout the blanket, similar to the function of a heating pad. These blankets include a control unit to adjust the temperature and can be used as regular blankets when not plugged in.

Ease of Washing and Required Care

Maintenance and care are important factors to consider when shopping for a new throw blanket. Routine cleaning is recommended to keep your throw looking, smelling, and feeling fresh. For quick and easy cleaning, go with a machine washable and dryable version. Throw blankets made of such delicate fabrics as cashmere or silk may require hand washing or dry-cleaning for best results. Check a blanket’s specific care and maintenance information for the recommended cleaning method before purchase.

Our Top Picks

Throw blankets run the gamut from ultra-soft and luxurious to lightweight and breathable. The throw blankets listed are among the best in their respective categories.

Best Overall

Photo: amazon.com

Breathable and lightweight, this 100 percent microfiber 50-inch by 60-inch fleece throw blanket features a different softness on each side—one side fuzzier, the other smoother. Microfiber flannel fleece also tends to be a solid alternative for those sensitive to natural fibers while offering similar softness and warmth.

This versatile blanket can suit a variety of settings, from the living room sofa to the guest room daybed. Use it during the winter for extra warmth, or all year round for a soft and cozy covering. This Bedsure throw blanket is machine washable (cold water, gentle cycle) and can be put in the dryer on low. It’s resistant to wrinkles and dries quickly for easy maintenance.

Best Bang for the Buck

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This budget-friendly 50-inch by 60-inch ribbed fleece throw blanket is made out of premium 270 GSM microfiber polyester. For good looks and a good feeling that lasts, the manufacturer treats the blanket to both an innovative anti-shedding technique and a unique anti-pilling process.

This soft microplush blanket is also lightweight and breathable, which makes it suitable for year-round use. Its warmth is similar to wool, yet the blanket is 100 percent hypoallergenic, so it’s a good alternative for people with sensitive skin. Use it as an additional layer for your bed, bring it with you on your next camping trip, or throw it across your sofa for decoration. This blanket is machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle.

Best Heated

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This 50-inch by 60-inch reversible electric throw blanket is made from a combination of soft flannel and sherpa for extra warmth and coziness. Both materials retain heat, while the electric heating capabilities have three different settings (low, medium, and high) for quick, full-body warmth and comfort. There’s an automatic shutoff function that kicks in after four hours of nonstop use for safety, plus built-in overheating protection for more peace of mind. This heated throw blanket is easy to care for; just remove the controller before throwing it into the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle and tumble dry on low for about 10 minutes before hanging it to dry the rest of the way.

Best Sherpa

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This 51-inch by 63-inch throw blanket has a dual-sided design and boasts sherpa fleece on one side and coral fleece jacquard (a soft and absorbent thick polyester synthetic fabric) on the other for comfort, warmth, and two unique feelings of softness. Luxurious and lightweight, the throw is created using ring-spun yarn technology, which makes for super-soft, high-density fiber. Quality construction and easy maintenance add to the blanket’s durability. It’s machine washable (on a gentle cycle) and though it can be tumbled dry at a very low setting, air-drying is recommended to keep it in the best condition.

Best Plush

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If your household can be hard on functional decor items, easy care and durability may be a priority. This Kingole throw is low maintenance, thanks to its shrink-resistant, anti-fading, anti-pilling, and wrinkle-free qualities. Just wash separately in cold water and toss in the dryer on low. The 50-inch by 60-inch plush throw blanket is made out of ultra-soft, lightweight 350 GSM premium microfiber polyester and is durable enough to withstand long-term use. This throw blanket is designed to provide comfort during all seasons, even in the spring or summer, due to its lightweight construction.

Best Knit

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If you prefer a thin, not bulky, knit blanket, this BOURINA throw may be just the ticket. The silky, soft, 50-inch by 60-inch throw is 100 percent high-quality acrylic and a lightweight 500 grams. It features a geometric pattern, a fringed border, and is available in 18 color choices. This knit blanket is suitable for both comfort and decoration, and can be easily carried from room to room or even brought along on vacation because it’s so lightweight. To clean, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and tumble dry low.

Best Faux Fur

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Made of thick, luxurious faux fur on one side and sherpa on the other, this blanket offers a warm and cozy feel no matter how you throw it. The faux fur side can add sophistication to your home’s decor, while the sherpa side is more casual. At 50 inches by 65 inches, it’s a bit longer than standard size, which adds to the luxe appeal. This throw blanket is suitable for washing (gentle cycle) and drying (tumble dry low) and is resistant to shedding and pilling.

Best Cotton

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For those who like natural fabrics, this 100 percent cotton 50-inch by 60-inch throw blanket may fill the bill—especially if you favor farmhouse style. It has a classic chevron pattern and decorative fringed border which adds to its rustic yet refined appeal. This throw blanket provides the breathable warmth of cotton and is machine washable and dryable for easy care (wash before first use). Whether tossed over a sofa for casual style, draped across your shoulders while you sit on the patio, or brought to the park for a picnic, this durable throw blanket is likely to get a lot of use.

Best Linen

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This 87-inch by 79-inch linen throw blanket is a comfortable and well-designed choice made out of 100 percent pure flax fibers. It has a versatile double-sided weave, which is a type of woven textile that forms a two-layered cloth. This linen throw blanket has a classic pattern and comes in soft colors that can complement a variety of decor styles. It’s ultra-soft, absorbs moisture, and helps regulate body temperature to help warm you up in the winter and cool you down in the summer. This linen throw blanket is machine washable in cold water on a gentle cycle.

Best Bamboo

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This 60-inch by 80-inch throw blanket, made out of 100 percent natural bamboo fabric, features breathable construction and a cool-to-the-touch surface that helps regulate body temperature. It’s also a weighted blanket, designed to provide a feeling of being hugged. Ultra-soft, diamond-shaped compartments throughout the blanket contain hypoallergenic, nontoxic, odorless glass beads, distributed evenly to apply the same amount of pressure to the whole body. This bamboo throw blanket is machine washable and weighs 15 pounds.

FAQs About Throw Blankets

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about throw blankets, including helpful tips and reminders to help in your search for the best products for your home.

Q. What are throw blankets used for?

Throw blankets can be used as both a decorative accent and as a cozy covering to help keep you warm. As an interior design accent piece, they can also protect your furniture from pet fur, spills, and other mishaps.

Q. How big should a throw blanket be?

Throw blankets are typically a standard size of 50 inches wide by 60 inches long, but some larger throws are as big as 90 inches wide by 100 inches long.

Q. Can you sleep with a throw blanket?

Yes, you can use a throw blanket as an extra layer of warmth and comfort while you sleep.