When the weather turns colder – or if you happen to be cold-natured during any season, a throw blanket is perfect when you’re sitting in a chair or lounging on the sofa. They’re also ideal when you don’t necessarily want a heavy blanket on your bed. They can even double as eye-catching design décor elements.
“Throw blankets are great for adding a luxurious texture, along with layers and warmth to your bed,” says Parima Ijaz, founder of Pure Parima. However, she recommends taking into consideration the material and construction – among other features – to find the perfect throw for your needs.
How To Find The Best Throw Blanket For You
Stephen Light, CEO/co-owner of Nolah Technologies, agrees that there are certain features you should look for to choose the right throw blanket.
Fabric
Since throw blankets are made from a wide variety of materials, Light says it’s important to think about how you will use the blanket when choosing the type of fabric that would work best. “If you will be using the throw blanket to keep warm, you will want a fabric like fleece or wool,” he says. “If your throw blanket will be mainly decorative, or you are in a warm climate you may want to use a lighter fabric like linen.”
Materials do make a difference. For example, Ijaz says materials like polyester, microfiber, and sherpa may feel enticing, “but they trap more heat than cotton, and can create an uncomfortable feeling against your skin.” On the other hand, she says cotton in general, and Egyptian cotton in particular, is more comfortable and offers greater breathability.
“It’s also important to take into account the construction of the throw, since loosely woven throws are known to pull easily if not produced correctly,” Ijaz adds. “Knitting patterns like seed-stitch knitting create a denser, but more substantial fabric which, in turn, lasts longer and provides a sumptuous and comfortable feel.”
Color
When choosing the color of your throw blanket, Light also recommends considering the color scheme of the room where you plan to use the blanket. “You can choose to have the throw blanket blend in with your other furniture or use it to add a pop of color,” he suggests.
Size
The standard throw blanket size is 50” x 60” according to Light – although the exact size may vary by retailer. “Larger throws are available and may be what you need if you are taller or will be sharing the blanket with another person,” Light says.
Care Instructions
Always check the care instructions before deciding on a throw blanket. “Unless your throw is only decorative, it will need regular washing – especially if you have kids or pets,” Light says. While some throws can be tossed in the washing machine, Light says others may require special care. “If you want a low maintenance option, check the manufacturer’s care instructions to ensure it is a material that is easy to clean.”
The List: 7 Best Throw Blankets
Bearaby Weighted Knit Blanket
The Bearaby Cotton Weighted Knit Blanket is the smallest of the company’s weighted blankets, and the perfect size for a throw blanket. It’s 40” x 64” and weighs 10 pounds. The handknit design is made of organic long-staple cotton, and free from filler. The materials are also cooling, so the throw blanket does not trap heat.
Since it’s a weighted blanket, it does more than just make you comfortable. The weighted features are designed to increase serotonin and make you feel happier, while the increased melatonin helps you naturally fall asleep. In addition, the weighted blanket reduces cortisol to alleviate stress.
The blanket is machine washable and can also be tossed in the dryer, which makes it easy to maintain. Color choices include moonstone grey, and also in asteroid grey, and midnight blue. On the Bearaby site, other colors include evening rose, cloud white, and driftwood.
Bedsure Fleece Throw Blanket
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better price on a quality throw blanket than the Bedsure Fleece Blanket, which is made of a high-density microfiber in a ultra-plush weave. The 50” x 60” throw is designed to be warm and fluffy for an extra soft feel. It’s also a lightweight throw that adds the right amount of weight without being bulky. The durable blanket resists shedding and fading for a more durable experience.
The Bedsure Fleece Blanket is machine washable. There are over two dozen color choices including charcoal, burgundy red, camel, cream, forest green, purple, straw, and washed blue.
Nolah Bamboo Throw Blanket
For an elegant choice, the Nolah Weighted Bamboo Blanket certainly fits the bill. It’s made of natural 100% viscose from bamboo. Since bamboo is soft and smooth, the durable throw blanket is comfortable, in fact, it feels like fleece. Bamboo is also a breathable material that wicks moisture away from the skin, and it’s also antibacterial and hypoallergenic, so the blanket works well for those who have allergies.
The bamboo throw blanket is 50” x 60, and has fringes at the bottom to add to its luxurious look. The pure white color looks good in any type of home décor, and the blanket comes in a stylish bag with vegan leather straps. However, you can’t toss this throw blanket in the washing machine. Instead, the item should be dry cleaned only. You can also shake the blanket and air it out in-between visits to the dry cleaner.
Double Stitch by Bedsure Alpaca Wool Throw Blanket
The lush colors in the Double Stitch by Bedsure Alpaca Wool Throw Blanket make it inviting, while the texture makes it a great décor piece. The throw blanket is 50” x 60” and is made of 21% wool, 6% alpaca, 62% acrylic, and 11% polyester. The bold hues add a pop of color to any room, and the finely brushed soft finish is both luxurious and warm.
Color choices include a harvest multi plaid, and a harvest brown and cream plaid. The wool throw blanket should dry cleaned only.
Baloo Weighted Blanket Throw
An alternative to a chunky weighted throw blanket, the Baloo Weighted Blanket Throw is made of 100% chemical-free cotton and glass beads are sown in to provide weight. The tightly-quilted pattern holds the filling in place and prevents it from shifting around. The 12-pound blanket is 42” x 72,” making it an ideal size for lounging on the sofa.
It’s easy to maintain since the blanket can be tossed into the washing machine on a cold cycle. You can also tumble dry the blanket in the dryer. It’s available in several colors, including navy, pebble white, silver sage, mulberry, and spruce.
Eddie Bauer Throw Blanket
A great throw blanket at a surprisingly affordable price, the ultra plush Eddie Bauer Throw Blanket is reversible. It has a buffalo plaid pattern on one side and sherpa fleece on the other side. Made of 100% cotton, the cotton flannel is yarn-dyed in one of the following check patterns: black and white, red and black, green and black, grey and black, brown and black, or midnight blue and black. At the bottom is the Eddie Bauer logo patch. On the other side, the throw blanket is made of a white faux shearling popcorn fleece.
It’s 50” x 60” and resists pilling. The throw blanket is also easy to maintain. It’s machine washable, and durable enough to withstand countless laundry cycles.
Brooklinen Cashmere-Lambswool Throw Blanket
As beautiful as it is soft, the Brooklinen Cashmere-Lambswool Throw Blanket is supremely comfortable. Made of 80% Lambswool and 20% cashmere, it combines the best of both worlds. The throw blanket is 50” x 70,” and has fringes on each end to add more interest.
Dry cleaning is recommended for best results. The throw blanket is available in merlot red, heather grey, midnight blue, ivory, and camel.
Is there a favorite throw blanket of yours that isn’t on our list? Please be sure to share your own recommendations in the comments sections below!
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article contains affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.