Updated Sep. 07, 2024
We tested over 30 blankets to find the absolute best picks for decorating, cuddling, sleeping and outdoor activities. Here are the best blankets, according to our editors' firsthand testing.
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Blankets are more than just a cozy piece of fabric to wrap up in when the weather gets chilly. The best blankets are soft, breathable, boast a delicate weight to soothe stress and maybe offer a cooling effect. Bonus points for stylish features, luxurious textures and fun colors or patterns.
Here at Taste of Home, we’re firm believers that not all blankets are created equal. That cooling blanket for regulating body temperature while sleeping isn’t necessarily the cozy essential you leap for during movie night. Or what about that plush outdoor blanket? It’s ideal for backyard hangs by the fire pit, but it’s not your best throw to dress up the couch. We all need a few best blankets to stay prepared for every occasion!
Whether you’re looking for a chic throw to grace the bed or a fleece-style fabric to keep warm and toasty during extreme winter weather, choosing the right blanket is essential. To help you narrow the options, our expert product reviewers tested over 30 kinds to determine the best blankets for the home, outdoor enjoyment, sleeping, family movie night and beyond.
Read on for our top recommendations for the best blankets, according to our tests. Bonus: they make thoughtful gift ideas.
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What if we told you there’s a blanket that’s truly pill- and fuzz-resistant while delicately cozy enough for every activity? Yes, it exists, and the secret is a ChappyWrap blanket. “As one of the best blankets, this is the first one I’ve owned that combines luxury with functionality,” says Senior Shopping Editor Nancy Snyder.
“Previously, I always sacrificed one for the other. The material (which is a blend of cotton, acrylic and polyester) and finished edges make it soft yet durable—perfect for movie night or draped at the foot of a bed. And because it’s machine washable, it’s both pet- and kid-friendly. Not to mention, it’s perfect to pack for a picnic or camping trip. It comes in many versatile and stylish patterns and colors, but I’m a sucker for a reversible herringbone design.”
Plus, it’s incredibly durable. “It has now been roughly nine months since I received my Chappy Wrap, and I still consider it my “new” blanket. The blanket holds up in the washer and dryer (tumble dry on low heat) and has shown zero signs of pilling, fading or fuzz,” adds Nancy. “I love how it adds richness to my decor and added coziness for watching TV. My dog (and cuddle buddy) is also a fan, which accounts for the more-frequent-than-usual washing.”
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Aside from looking super chic and cozy, waffle knit blankets are more than aesthetically pleasing. The waffle texture helps regulate body temperature, so if you suffer from night sweats or simply run hot, this type of blanket is a welcome addition. “If you’re looking for a lightweight, waffle-knit blanket that’s perfect for year-round use, then the Saatva Waffle Knit Blanket is what you need,” says Shopping Editor Mary Henn.
“Made of 100% cotton, the brand claims it gets softer after every wash,” adds Mary. “Yes, it’s true—I’ve already washed (and dried) mine a few times, and my blanket is in beautiful condition. The lightweight waffle-weave cotton throw isn’t plush, but it’s soft and won’t make you overheat. I drape mine on the sofa, so it gets a lot of love from pets and humans, and it continuously looks as good as new!”
Even after nine months of use, Mary remains impressed with the quality. “There’s no pilling, ripping or loosening threads. I’ve washed the throw blanket several times, and there haven’t been any noticeable changes. The waffle knit pattern might have become slightly irregular in spots (primarily where the blanket has stretched), but the blanket has gotten softer with more washes.”
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Investment bedding is an investment for a reason. The upfront cost may be high, but the long-term rewards are bountiful. That’s exactly what you’ll get with the Cozy Earth cuddle blanket. Though the nearly $400 price tag is steep—hear us out. I was gifted this blanket in October 2023. It arrived in a gorgeous striped handle bag for easy transport or stashing in the warmer months. After just one sleep with this faux fur beauty, my partner and I both agreed we couldn’t wait to climb into bed again to be graced with the soothing weight of the cuddle blanket.
The cuddle blanket has dramatically improved my sleep—and that says a lot coming from a hot sleeper. The winter evenings are frigid here in Colorado, and this is truly one of the best blankets for staying warm without overheating (my bamboo sheets certainly help, too). I tested the standard throw size but highly recommend springing for the oversized throw if you sleep with a blanket hog. The standard size is wonderful but doesn’t quite stretch across my queen mattress. If you take your sleep (or cuddling) as seriously as our editors, the cuddle blanket adds luxury to the mundane.
After a short respite in use during the summer months, Madi remains impressed after nearly a year of wear. “This blanket has not deteriorated one bit. It’s still as fluffy as day one,” she says. “Though dry cleaning is recommended, the blanket is machine washable with cold water. I’ve ran it through the washing machine once and laid it out to dry with zero issue.”
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Some blankets just simply aren’t big enough. Whether you’re searching for the ultimate cozy accessory for the whole family to enjoy or you live with a blanket hog (or maybe you’re the culprit), we firmly believe everyone needs a larger-than-life throw so that everyone rests easy—and we found just the answer.
“I’ll admit it: I’m a blanket hog,” says Senior Shopping Editor Katie Bandurski. “Whenever I settle in for a movie night, I inadvertently pull the cozy fabric off my husband and onto myself. Oops. Well, thanks to Big Blanket, my selfish tendencies matter no more.”
“This 10×10-foot blanket (10×10 feet!) is massive and more than covers the both of us,” adds Katie. “In my testing, I was awed by the velvety soft fabric and plush, slightly weighted feel. It’s the ideal blanket for lounging on the couch, snuggling or even building a blanket fort. Plus, it’s machine washable. I was nervous its ample size wouldn’t fit in my washer or would damage the motor with its weight. However, it washed up beautifully with no strain on my machine. After two cycles of drying, it was as good as new.”
Katie has been testing this blanket for nine months, and in that time her approval has only grown. “I think my husband might love this thing more than I do,” she laughs. “But it seriously is the best. Almost every night ends with us snuggled (and, let’s be honest, snoozing) under the Big Blanket. I’ve washed it several more times with zero issues.”
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ICYMI: Barefoot Dreams makes some of the most iconic blankets—and it’s clear why. “Once you’ve snuggled under this super soft Barefoot Dreams throw, it will be a little luxury you reach for every. single. day.” shares Senior Shopping Editor Caroline Lubinsky.
“Yes, the quality and softness are that nice. I would call this an oversized throw, which was a very welcome surprise when I unfolded it the first time. This is just the right weight for snuggling—it’s in between a weighted blanket and a loose-weave throw. As the temperature drops, I plan to keep it on my bed for sleeping. However, during the summer, it’s more for snuggles.”
As for how it holds up through multiple washes and with dogs around to cuddle up with it? “This blanket didn’t pill, even with two little dogs joining in on snuggle time,” adds Caroline. “This is a quality blanket, so I handled it with care. I desperately wanted it to stay soft and fluffy, so I washed it in cold water on the delicate cycle as directed. I let it air dry and used the fluff cycle (no heat) for a few minutes. I’m happy to confirm the blanket is still as soft as day one with no shrinkage—and that’s without using fabric softener or dryer sheets. I would definitely recommend purchasing one for yourself or as a gift—you won’t regret it!”
In her nine-month update, Caroline shares that this throw still sees a lot of snuggling with pups. “It is still a very soft, snuggly throw that’s very warm,” she notes. “But it does have a few random, tiny snags and general wear—likely due to the pet usage.”
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At under $20, our best budget pick boasts an attractive price point, and it’s also our favorite accessory for both cozy evenings spent indoors and extreme winter weather conditions. “Living in the Midwest during the polar vortex of 2013 gave me a whole new appreciation for the humble blanket,” says Deputy Shopping Editor Reina Galhea. “So when I pulled the Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket out of its packaging, I was cautiously optimistic. The ultra-soft feel on both the sherpa bottom and velvet flannel top elicited an instant ‘ooh,’ but the weight felt a little light.”
“Pinching one layer, I could easily feel my fingers pressing together through the fabric,” explains Reina. “However, testing the blanket eliminated my worry about it being too thin. This super fuzzy throw locks in warmth—in fact, I sometimes got too warm while wrapped in it (which is a feat for my perpetually frozen extremities). The quality held up through a month of daily use—no pilling or shedding, and no shrinkage or texture change after washing and tumble drying.”
“My one complaint is that this blanket does hold odors, so expect more frequent cleaning,” adds Reina. “Well, I do have another complaint: I can no longer use this blanket because my very shrewd tabby has claimed it as his own. My cat loves this blanket. When it’s out, he spends all his time on it. But thankfully, it doesn’t hold onto hair or stains.”
In her nine-month update of the blanket, Reina notes: “I had to wash this blanket several times in a short period when my cat was sick (I’ll spare you the details), and I’m happy to report it didn’t pill or significantly lose its softness. It’s not as sparkling white on the underside anymore, but it hasn’t held onto any stains.”
File this under the best cozy gifts for the homebody or cat owner on your list.
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Outdoor blankets don’t have to be boring. Luxury meets function with Pretty Rugged’s faux fur original blanket specifically designed to withstand elements like rain, dust, dirt—you name it. Whether you’re sitting fireside or camping, indulge in a cozy faux fur material on one side and a waterproof nylon backing on the other, which is ideal for serious outdoor activities. In our testing, we loved the plush weight provided by this blanket. While some outdoor blankets are rather thin, scratchy or damage easily, this pick comes highly recommended from outdoor enthusiasts for a reason. It’s a breeze to wash up and keeps you warm during extreme temperatures.
It sounds ironic to designate a faux fur blanket as your outdoor hero. But here’s why we recommend Pretty Rugged: there’s plenty of material to cozy up next to someone (and it’s thick!); dirt and dust practically slide off the nylon backing, and the waterproof materials keep smells at bay. What’s more, there’s no need to take it to the dry cleaners when some TLC is in order. Our testing experience showed it washes up beautifully in a regular washing machine. Bye-bye boring outdoor blankets!
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If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I’m always trying to up the hygge factor of my living room. In search of an accessory to dress up my white couch and function as an emotional support blanket, I scooped up this woven terracotta throw blanket from Quince. And let me tell you, this is the queen of all throw blankets. Not only does the woven texture offer a timeless look worthy of displaying on the couch, bed or armchair—the cotton throw has a delicate weight perfect for cuddling up with at any time of the year (read: no night sweats!). The best way to describe it is it’s like your favorite chunky cable knit sweater, but in blanket form. Some throw blankets feel thin or too light to cuddle under during movie night—making it a couch accessory at best.
I’ve tested this blanket for over nine months, and I’m impressed by how well the woven texture holds up. It has never once pilled, frayed or fallen apart despite my puppy constantly scratching and chewing on it. The only deterioration I’ve experienced is some stragglers on the ends, but that is 100% attributed to my dog who loves to chew on details like weaving or tassels.
Though it’s recommended to dry clean the Quince throw only, it was necessary to test how well it holds up in the washer (who has time to take a blanket to the dry cleaners?). I’m thrilled to report the Quince throw hasn’t fallen apart post-washing machine cycle. I wash it on a cold, gentle cycle about once a month.
A good throw blanket should be more than just eye candy; I can confidently say my Quince blanket delivers.
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Though many of our best blankets boast a calming weight to them, a true weighted blanket boasts a special ‘oomph’ to ease anxiety and stress. “I had never experienced a weighted blanket before, but the Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket has converted me to the practice,” raves Product Tester Sheri Kaz.
“And I’m not exaggerating when I say I sleep with it nightly. The effect of the weight helps me unwind and quickly grounds me into a deep sleep. It’s a very generous size and weight for a throw. It’s more like a twin-size quilt,” adds Sheri. “The cotton is soft and surprisingly breathable even on a hot night. It’s shocking how cool I sleep even with a 12-pound blanket. I tried to go without it for a few nights, but I’m addicted to it.”
After nine months of consistent use, Sher is still obsessed. “I use it whenever I’m feeling anxious or restless, and it instantly calms me down. At one point, I tucked it away in my cedar chest and found that I was constantly dragging it back out. Now, it lives on top of the chest. It’s quite heavy to be considered a throw (I can’t throw it!) It has held up very well, even with a small dog that likes to scratch it to build a nest. It’s obviously high-quality, and I haven’t witnessed any fraying, snags or damage. It still looks brand new.”
Can you say, life-changing? By the way, here’s how to wash a weighted blanket.
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The benefits of cotton blankets are endless. They’re breathable, lightweight and most importantly, ultra-soft. However, not all cotton blankets are created equal. For a high-quality cotton blanket that holds up with lots of love, organic cotton is your best bet—and we found just the one.
“If you’re looking to cozy up by the fireplace this fall, you need Boll & Branch’s knit throw blanket,” says Senior Shopping Editor Daria Smith. “Engineered from 100% long-staple organic cotton, it measures 50×70 inches. The branch knit design is inspired by nature, intertwined with a classic cable knit—it’s timeless for staying warm season after season. The classic cable knit is cooling while maintaining a heavy weight for warmth. When not in use, I drape this throw over a chair for aesthetic functionality.”
“I washed the blanket in cold water with scent-free detergent (no fabric softener) by itself and tumbled dry on low,” adds Daria. “Then, I laid it out on a drying rack to air dry. After two washes, it’s even softer than the first day I received it.”
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There’s just something about chunky knits that makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Combining the calming feel of weighted blankets with a chunky knit fabric, the Bearaby Cotton Napper is what sweet dreams are made of. Choose from five blanket weights and several soothing colorways for the ideal fit.
“This chunky knit blanket arrived as the weather cooled down, so I immediately put it to work,” says Shopping Editor Emily Way. “The 10-pound weighted cotton knit perfectly complements my quiet mornings reading on the couch with a cup of tea. I’m a hot sleeper who’s skeptical of weighted blankets, but sleeping with my Bearaby completely melts away my anxiety from the day. Between the breathable buttery-soft cotton and airy loop-knit style, I never once woke up sweating.”
Plus, after nearly a year of use, it’s still going strong. “It still looks as good as new, minus a small mustard stain,” Emily says. “One thing to note is that it doesn’t spot clean very well, at least for me. The fabric really soaks up stains, so you have to notice them and take care of them quickly or they’ll set. This made me a lot more careful around my blanket. No more couch snacking when I’m curled up in it!”
Speaking of cleaning, Emily does note that this blanket is a bit tricky to wash. “The brand recommends using only front-load machines, as the agitator can tangle up the loops. Luckily, I have access to both, so that’s not the main issue. The problem is that, while my size is compatible with a tumble dry (the larger weights like the 20-pound blanket physically stop dryers from tumbling, so they should be air dried), it takes 4-5 cycles on low to completely dry. Because it’s so bulky and heavy, trying to hang it to dry stretches out the loops. No matter which way I approach the cleaning process, it’s a bit of a pain.”
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This do-it-all bamboo beauty is the cozy accessory every home needs. “If you want a blanket that you can cuddle up with for a movie night and don’t need to hide away in the closet once it’s over, meet Cozy Earth’s bamboo throw blanket,” says Senior Shopping Editor Caitlyn Fitzpatrick. “For a blanket that folds down to a compact size, I’m pleasantly surprised by its weight, making it ideal for chilly evenings lounging on the couch or adding to your side of the bed for an extra plush layer.”
“Since my initial tests, I’ve washed this Cozy Earth throw about six times,” adds Caitlyn. “The 100% viscose from bamboo material is strong, yet soft. The smooth texture is still there and the fringe detailing looks like the day I got it in the mail. Bonus: it’s safe in your washer and dryer and it feels even softer than the day I got it. Plus, it hasn’t shrunk or pilled. This blanket is a bit of a splurge, but with the quality and chic design, it’s one you’ll want to keep out all. year. long.”
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Hot sleepers (and anyone who runs uncomfortably hot in general), listen up. Cooling blankets are truly one of the greatest inventions, and if you’re not taking advantage of their magic, take this as your sign to convert and ditch night sweats for good.
“The Dangtop cooling blanket is lightweight, soft and the perfect density,” says former Associate Shopping Editor Andrea Carillo. “I’ve had it for a few months now, and I love that the porous bamboo fibers help filter air and keep me cool. Plus, it comes in multiple colors to match your aesthetic (I went with lavender, and it adds the perfect touch to my bedding).”
“Unfortunately, the pilling is evident after frequent use and a few washes (I also forgot to air dry it once). But I put heavy emphasis on ‘frequent use’ because I use it on my bed, as a movie night essential and as a lounging blanket—it’s that good!”
Not all blankets are created equal, and it’s important to keep in mind the following considerations when shopping for the best blanket for your home, family and needs:
I know, I know—how exactly do you test a blanket? Because the cozy home essential comes in all shapes, sizes, fabrics and textures, we thoroughly tested over 30 different kinds to find the absolute best blankets for every activity. We prioritized testing blankets in the standard throw size (50×60). Our editors snuggled with and slept under these blankets for at least 30 days to test their overall weight and feel, versatility and how they hold up after rigorous enjoyment and washing. The best blankets were selected based on overall quality, how well they wash up, value for the price and problem-solving features.
Then, to ensure all our initial recommendations were still delivering on their promise of warm, cozy snuggles, we checked in with our testers at the 3-, 6- and 9-month marks. This added layer of long-term testing ensures that products are just as good on day 250 as they are on day 1.
As a home-obsessed shopping editor with 6+ years of experience writing for various print and digital lifestyle publications, including Better Homes & Gardens, Reader’s Digest, The Family Handyman and Taste of Home, I’m constantly testing the best homewares to help readers level up their space. I go the extra mile in my testing (like dumping coffee on my white couch or machine-washing a dry clean-only blanket) to ensure I only recommend the absolute best products. Cozy home decor, cleaning and organizing are like therapy for me, so I take a fine-toothed comb in my product research to discover life-changing essentials.
Originally Published: October 24, 2023
