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No matter the temperature outside, sometimes there’s nothing better than curling up with a throw blanket and a good book. Draped over the back of the couch, on your favorite chair, or on the edge of your bed, the best throw blankets keep you warm and cozy all year long. Depending on the season, there are many fabrics to choose from, whether that’s soft fleece and sherpa or lightweight cotton. The most important feature is comfort, so picking a quality fabric is paramount.

In addition to keeping you warm, throw blankets also add a stylish touch to your home ambiance. With so many colors and styles to choose from, there is bound to be one that enhances your room aesthetic. Sit down and get ready to cozy up to our selection of the best throw blankets.

How we selected the best throw blankets

To make the best selections for our list of best throw blankets, we looked at twelve brands and eight products among them. As someone who lives in a New York City apartment without any control over the temperature, I swear by my throw blankets. Not only do I want them to do their job of keeping me warm, but I also want them to look good in my space. Keeping that in mind, the most important features I considered were the fabric, style, and color offerings. 

Fabric was number one on my list, because that will determine how soft, lightweight, and comfortable a throw blanket is and which season the blanket is best suited for. For example, fleece and sherpa blankets are super warm and cozy and are the best option for curling up on the couch during the colder months. During chilly spring and summer nights, cotton blankets are the best option because they are lightweight and breathable. I also considered style and color offerings because you want your blanket to look nice in your home, especially since it’s typically displayed draped over the couch or on the edge of the bed. 

The best throw blankets: Reviews & Recommendations

A comfy blanket is just what you need at the end (or beginning…or middle) of a long, stressful day or just anytime you want to be wrapped in the fabric equivalent of a hug. Here are some of the best.

Best overall: Double Stitch by Bedsure Throw Blanket

Bedsure

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Specs

  • Colors: Cool Multi, Warm Multi
  • Dimensions: 50 inches x 60 inches
  • Materials: Cotton

Pros

  • Machine washable 
  • Affordable
  • Durable

Cons

  • Fewer color options
  • Only one size

The Double Stitch by Bedsure features a subtly striking geometric design. With a quality throw blanket, you want something that not only looks good but will also last. The throw blanket is made of 100 percent cotton, and the yarn is specially woven for durability. The versatile, cozy blanket looks at home everywhere from the couch to the patio. There are two color options to choose from. This blanket also meets OEKO-TEX 100 standards for high-quality textiles and using water responsibly.

Best for cold weather: Longhui Cable Knit Throw Blanket

Longhui

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Specs

  • Colors: Gray, black, burnt orange, cream, gray blue, ivory, light gray, mustard, navy, sage green
  • Dimensions: 63 inches L x 50 inches W
  • Materials: Acrylic and sherpa

Pros

  • Machine washable and dryer-friendly 
  • Multiple colors to choose from
  • Two sizes to choose from

Cons

  • Two layers are sewn together only at edges

We’ve all heard of sweater weather, but what about sweater-blanket weather? Whatever you call chilly weather, the Longhui Cable Knit Throw Blanket is perfect for it. The top layer of the blanket features a cable-knit design, made of acrylic, offering cozy vibes that are sure to enhance your bed, couch, or favorite reading chair. The bottom layer is made from warm, soft, and fuzzy sherpa fleece. Snuggling under the two layers together feels like putting on your favorite oversize sweater. Speaking of oversize, this blanket is available in two sizes: 63 inches long by 50 inches wide and and 80 inches long by 60 inches wide. The majority of reviewers speak to the quality of this blanket, but a few noted that the size listed is not entirely accurate. Additionally, the two layers are sewn together only at the edges, so they can separate easily. 

Washing and drying your throw blanket can be a headache, but this blanket is both machine washable and dryer-friendly. Reviewers say that the blanket held up well without any pilling or shrinkage after washing it on the gentle cycle and drying on low heat. All in all, this blanket is a great cozy option that won’t compromise the design of your living room or bedroom.

Best heated: Zircon Electric Blanket Heated Throw Flannel 

Zircon

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Specs

  • Colors: One
  • Dimensions: 60 inches L x 50 inches W
  • Materials: Sherpa, flannel

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Warm
  • Can help you reduce energy costs

Cons

  • Design not as attactive as some

Think of this as a combo heating pad and throw blanket. An unexpected perk of using a heated blanket? You may lower your electric bill. If you can keep yourself warm under a blankie, you may not need to crank up the heat in your home quite so much. This throw measures 50 inches by 60 inches and features a four-hour automatic shutoff, a 6-foot power cord, and a 3-foot controller cord with remote control, so you won’t get tangled or toasted as you doze. Specs-wise, it’s 110V–120V at 60Hz, and the best part is that it’s machine-washable.

Best lightweight: Loomia Sophie Turkish Cotton Throw Blanket

Loomia

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Specs

  • Colors: Cream
  • Dimensions: 85 inches L x 65 inches W
  • Materials: Cotton

Pros

  • Made with 100 percent Turkish cotton
  • Oversize classic design  
  • Natural materials

Cons

  • Only one color offered

For cool nights, when you just need a little extra coverage to keep you warm, the Loomia Sophie Turkish Cotton Throw Blanket could be your go-to blanket. Made with 100 percent Turkish cotton in OEKO-TEX facilities (products have been tested for harmful chemicals), this blanket is soft, lightweight, and, most importantly, breathable. While it’s ideal for those cooler nights in warmer months, it’s heavy enough to keep you cozy moving into fall as well. And if you love to support small businesses, the Loomia is a family-owned company based in South Carolina. 

The Sophie blanket is both versatile and stylish. With a natural cream base, black stripes, and tassels on all sides, this blanket has a traditional yet modern feel with farmhouse vibes, which will complement nearly all decor styles from the living room to the bedroom. At 85 inches long by 65 inches wide, this blanket accommodates couches and full/queen-size beds. It’s hard to find any downsides for this blanket, though it does only come in one color. For now, the cream will have to do.

Best weighted: CottonBlue Weighted Blanket

CottonBlue

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Specs

  • Colors: Blush pink, gray, Morocco gray, Morocco navy blue, Morocco pink 
  • Dimensions: 72 inches L x 48 inches W (12 pounds); 72 inches L x 48 inches W (15 pounds); 80 inches L x 60 inches W (20 pounds)
  • Materials: Fleece and sherpa

Pros

  • Offered in multiple weights
  • Comes in several colors
  • Fade- and stain-resistant

Cons

  • Not machine-washable; spot clean or commercial wash

If you’re looking for an upgrade from your current throw blanket, then the CottonBlue Weighted Blanket could be what you need. Available in multiple colors to fit your style and three different weights, there is an option for everyone. CottonBlue offers a great chart so you can select the best weight for you. As a rule of thumb, the blanket should be about 7 percent to 14 percent of your body weight, but they suggest going lighter if you’re unsure. Reviewers find this blanket super warm and soft and say it “feels like a hug.”

This weighted blanket features a five-layer design, with fleece as the top layer, an extra layer of fabric just in case the beads leak, the nontoxic ceramic beads, polyester padding, and sherpa as the bottom layer. To ensure even weight distribution and no bead leakage, the beads are locked into smaller compartments. Both the fleece and sherpa are antistatic, wrinkle-free, and non-fading for long-term use. 

That said, this blanket is tricky to clean in that you can’t just throw it into the wash. The brand suggests either spot cleaning or using a commercial washing machine. Whether you’re curling up in bed or on your couch, this weighted

Best for dogs: Pavilia Waterproof Blanket

Pavilia

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Specs

  • Colors: Charcoal, light gray, navy, plaid gray, plaid light gray, plaid navy, plaid red, taupe
  • Dimensions: 80 inches L x 60 inches W and 90 inches L x 90 inches W
  • Materials: Microfiber polyester

Pros

  • Multiple colors to choose from
  • Waterproof
  • Machine washable and dryer-friendly

Cons

  • Sizing inconsistent 

The Pavilia Waterproof Blanket works overtime as your and your pet’s new favorite throw blanket and your couch’s protectant. Before purchasing this blanket, just be sure there’s enough space for both you and your pet on your couch, because your furry pal will rarely want to relinquish their spot. Available in eight colors to accommodate different decor preferences, one side is fleece and the other is sherpa — a pair made in cozy heaven. Made from 100 percent microfiber polyester, the blanket is super warm but won’t be as breathable as blankets made with natural fabrics. 

Pavilia boasts its blanket is designed with a waterproof layer between the fleece and sherpa layers, so should it get wet, moisture won’t leak through. This feature makes it an ideal choice to protect your furniture from accidents or messy pet paws. Many reviewers have tested the blanket and say that it holds up to its waterproof claim, while others are less convinced. This blanket works well for the couch or a full/queen-size bed, but if you do have a queen, it’s just big enough to lay on top.

Best faux fur: Everlasting Comfort Luxury Faux Fur Throw Blanket

Everlasting Comfort

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Specs

  • Colors: Arctic blue, black, chocolate, dark red, gray, ivory, navy blue, teal
  • Dimensions: 80 inches L x 60 inches W and 90 inches L x 90 inches W
  • Materials: Microfiber polyester

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable
  • Double-sided
  • Big enough for two

Cons

  • Made from synthetic materials

Thick, long, durable fabric in multiple colors is both pretty and cozy, and hidden stitching makes it nice and tidy. This throw is washer- and tumble-dry-safe, so you can keep it fresh as a daisy. Note that some colors (teal, navy, ivory) are the same on both sides, while others (arctic blue and chocolate) are a solid hue on one side, animal print on the other.

Best cashmere: EP Mode 100% Pure Cashmere Throw Blanket 

EP Mode

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Specs

  • Colors: Baby blue, beige border, camel tartan, grey tartan, light heather gray, merlot, neutral checkered, neutral windowpane, rugby tan, whisper white
  • Dimensions: 65 inches L x 50 inches W
  • Materials: Cashmere

Pros

  • Elegant
  • Warm
  • Lots of colors and designs to choose from
  • Made of natural materials

Cons

  • Not machine-washable
  • Can pill

This lightweight cashmere throw blanket is made of 100 percent cashmere and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit a variety of settings. It measures 65 inches by 50 inches, which is enough room for a person to curl up in. It’s worth noting that because cashmere is a natural material, it’s prone to pilling and absolutely cannot be hand- or machine-washed—so, factor in extra costs for dry-cleaning. Using a garment bristle brush will prevent unsightly snags, but this throw is definitely best for people who are gentle with their things and/or don’t mind the occasional pill sighting. 

Best budget: Bedsure Fleece Blanket Throw

Bedsure

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Specs

  • Colors: Camel, dark gray, gray, navy, teal, white
  • Dimensions: 60 inches L x 50 inches W
  • Materials: Acrylic

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Offered in multiple colors
  • Nice design

Cons

  • Thin
  • Might wear easily

Cozy up on your couch or your favorite chair with the Bedsure Knit Throw Blanket. The knit design features a diamond pattern with handmade fringes all around the sides. This combination offers a sophisticated yet contemporary design that looks great in the living room or bedroom. Available in five solid colors, there is an option for every palette. Made from acrylic, this blanket is super lightweight, to the point that reviewers were surprised at how warm it actually was. They found it was versatile enough to keep them cozy during summer, spring, and fall.

While this blanket has a lot of great features, some reviewers said that due to its thinness, it ripped and came out a bit fuzzy after being washed. With that said, this blanket is a great option for adding a pop of color into your home and using it seasonally.

What to consider when buying the best throw blankets

Linus was onto something. There’s just something comforting about a soft blankie. But what makes one better than another—never mind the best throw blanket—is subjective. The key is to figure out what “comfort” means to you. 

Season

Throw blankets can be used for every season, but how do you know which style is best for the colder months versus the warmer ones? During fall and winter, you’ll want a heavier blanket to keep you warm. Materials like fleece, sherpa, and wool will do the trick. Lighter blankets are ideal for spring and summer. Breathable materials like cotton will offer just the right amount of warmth on chilly spring and summer nights.

Heat

If you are the person wearing two sweatshirts and socks while everyone else in the room is sweating, consider a heated throw blanket. The best part about it is that you can use the heat option when you want to—or not. So, maybe in winter, you wrap that baby around you as if you were a toasty pig in a blanket, while in summer you forgo the heat option and just enjoy the natural warmth of the material itself.

Weight

If you’ve ever had X-rays done at the dentist and felt an extra sense of relaxation when the hygienist put the leaded apron on your body, you may want to consider a weighted blanket. Though it’s unclear whether the effects of a weighted blanket are psychological or physiological, it hardly matters if you happen to be one of the many people who find the application of weight to be sleep-inducing and anxiety-abating. (Think of the way swaddling calms a newborn. It’s like that.) Weighted blankets, also called gravity blankets, get their heft from plastic- or glass-bead filling. They’ve long been used by practitioners in the neurodivergent community to help restore a sense of calm in children with sensory-overload issues. They can reportedly also help promote better sleep. However, if you have any respiratory or circulatory issues—or you just want to double-check that a weighted blanket is the right choice for you—always ask your doctor first.

Style

This one seems like a no-brainer but bears repeating: If you don’t like synthetic fabrics in your clothing, you won’t like them in your throw blankets. The reverse is also true: If you wear only vegan materials, there’s a throw out there for you too, with no animal products involved. Cashmere throws are the gold standard when it comes to draping yourself in luxury, and options abound in this soft wool. They’ll cost you a little more, of course, but there are many good choices out there that won’t break the bank. If you’re interested in spending nearly two grand on a blankie, there are options for you too.

Price

When purchasing a throw blanket, consider your budget. You don’t have to empty your wallet to get a good one, but it’s a good idea to think about longevity, materials, and style. If you’re looking for a throw blanket to use for one season, you don’t have to spend much, but if you’re hoping to use the same blanket season after season, you might want to consider one that is a bit higher in quality.

FAQs

Q: What is the best material for a throw blanket? 

“Best” is entirely subjective, and the answer depends on your needs and lifestyle. If you have active kids or pets, or you’re just not particularly precious with your belongings, pick a hardy microfiber that can take a licking. If you’re more about the aesthetics and or like to wrap yourself in a pretty throw and sit as still as a mummy or instantly fall asleep, consider upgrading from a basic wool throw blanket to something like cashmere, which is regal but also delicate. One undeniably premium pick, however, is a stylish Brooklinen throw blanket, available in a variety of eco-friendly materials (baby alpaca, wool, lambswool, cashmere, and lambswool) that will keep you warm by the fire or when you’re basking in the warm glow of Netflix.

Q: What is the difference between a throw and a blanket? 

The difference between a throw and a blanket is in the eye of the beholder! All throws are blankets, but not all blankets are throws—did that clear things up? Here’s the easiest way to tell the difference: If the item of which you speak is something that spends most of its day atop your bed, covers the entire bed, and you climb under it at night, it’s probably a blanket (or a comforter or a duvet). If it’s the kind of thing you fold up and place over a chair or couch for decoration when it’s not in use and then casually drape over yourself when you are settling in for a night of TV bingeing, it’s more likely a throw. The good news? It doesn’t really matter what you call them as long as you pick one you like. 

Q: How many blankets should you sleep with? 

A better question: How many blankets do you want to sleep with? If you like the feel of a weighted blanket but either don’t want to invest in one or can’t find an option that’s the proper weight, consider layering multiple blankets to mimic the feeling of having calming weight on top of you. Otherwise, even if you’re a cold sleeper, one blanket—depending of course on other factors, like how cool or drafty your home is—should suffice. Once you get settled, the blanket will trap hot air underneath and warm you up. Ever notice how sometimes when you get into bed it’s frigid, and then only a few minutes later you’re just right? Or the opposite: You feel great when you climb under the blankets, then suddenly you’re sweating? It’s a Goldilocks proposition: Trial and error is the only way to figure out how many blankets are the right number for you and your best night’s sleep. 

The final word on choosing the best throw blankets

Throw blankets are like pizza: Even if they’re cheap, they’re still pretty good. The best throw blankets use quality materials, enhance your home decor, and, most importantly, are comfortable and keep you warm. Our five selections do just that and cover a range of style, necessities, and fabrics. After choosing your perfect blanket, you’re just one throw away from a cozy night in.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.