Best blankets to snuggle under

Is there any better feeling than snuggling under the best blankets or throws when it's chilly outside? Whether you use them as an additional layer on top of your bed linen on colder days or wrap one around you when you're relaxing on the sofa, throws will keep you nice and toasty.

A good-quality blanket is just what you need when the temperature starts to drop. And with energy prices still set to be higher than average this year, blankets provide a cost-effective way to keep warm if you're trying to cut down on how much heating you're using. You can curl up in the evenings with a throw over your legs and arms as you're watching TV or take one with you when you go to bed so you can drape it over your duvet covers to keep you snuggly while you sleep. Of course, blankets don't need to just be used as something to keep you warm, they can also be used as decorative throws over furniture and provide your pet with somewhere to sit when they join you up on the sofa.

When it comes to finding the perfect throw, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. We all have different needs and preferences when it comes to texture, warmth and style. Thick blanket or lightweight throw? Chunky wool or soft fleece? Patterned design or plain colour? You may also be thinking about getting an electric blanket for extra warmth or trying out a weighted throw to see if it helps you sleep better. There's a lot to think about, which is why we've included advice on how to choose the best blanket for your needs, as well as places to shop for them and how to wash them in our FAQs.

Best blankets at a glance:

• Best overall: Dunelm Teddy Bear Throw – View on Dunelm
• Best fleece blanket: Bedsure Fleece Blanket Sofa Throw – View on Amazon UK
• Best wool blanket: The Tartan Blanket Co. Grey Ombre Check Tassel Wool Throw Blanket – View on Anthropologie
• Best cotton blanket: Raoul Basket Weave 100% Cotton Blanket – View on LaRedoute

We've searched the web to find throws of various colours, materials and thicknesses to suit a wide variety of homes and personal preferences. Discover the best blankets to keep you warm and cosy in our list below.

Best blankets to keep you cosy and comfortable

Where to buy the best blankets

Have none of our top picks taken your fancy? Here are some of our favourite places you can buy stylish and comfortable blankets from:

Dunelm throws and blankets
John Lewis & Partners throws, blankets and bedspreads
Habitat blankets and throws
M&S throws
The White Company throws
Anthropologie throw blankets (and cushions)
La Redoute blankets and throws

How do I choose the best blankets for my needs?

When picking the best blankets for your needs, there are a couple of things you'll want to consider to make sure you're choosing the right one for you.

Material

Blankets are made from many different materials that will provide varying levels of warmth. You may prefer the feel of certain materials over others, which can affect the overall cosy feel of your blanket. Here are some of the most popular blanket materials:

Cotton: Soft, breathable and versatile, which makes it suitable for year-round use.
Wool: Provides excellent warmth, ideal for those super chilly days.
Fleece: Soft and cosy, perfect for snuggling under during colder months.
Synthetic: Usually the most affordable option. Blankets made using synthetic materials are durable, but they may not be as breathable compared to blankets made with natural fibres.
Down: They're lightweight but very warm. You can use these on top of your bedding for extra warmth.

Warmth level

You'll want to choose a blanket with the ideal warmth level for the climate outside and your personal preferences. For example, if you're naturally a hot person, you probably won't want a super thick blanket compared to someone who always feels the cold. Also, a blanket that's used to keep you warm in the depths of winter will provide more warmth than a lightweight throw you may use to keep the chill off your arms and legs during a summer's evening.

You'll also want to think about where you're using your throw, as one used to keep you warm at home won't have as many insulating properties as one you'll use when you're out and about on a hike or camping, such as a thermal blanket.

You can usually buy blankets that fit into these three categories for warmth:

Lightweight: Lightweight blankets are perfect for summer or hot sleepers.
Medium-weight: Suitable for year-round use, not too lightweight but not too thick either.
Heavyweight: Ideal for providing extra warmth during the coldest times of the year.

Size

The overall size of the blanket you choose will all depend on where you're planning on using it. If you're after a blanket to cover your bed or share with a loved one, pick a large one. Need a throw to cover your legs or wrap around your arms? Look for a smaller one.

Style and design

Sometimes, the hardest part of choosing the best blankets for your home is finding ones that match the aesthetics and décor. You can opt for plain or patterned in the colour that best matches the style of your interior or the bed or sofa you're planning on using the throw on.

How do you wash a blanket?

Giving your blankets the proper care will ensure you get the most out of them for years to come. That includes regularly giving them a wash when they start to feel and smell not-so-fresh. However, not all throws are suitable for machine washing and are dry clean only, so you should always check the care label for washing guidance, including the correct temperature and whether they're suitable for tumble drying.

Washing

Most blankets are best washed on their own so the drum size of your washing machine should be more than capable of taking the load of a single blanket, no matter the overall size or thickness. Cold or cool water is often the safest temperature to wash a throw on to avoid shrinkage, and you should wash it on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent to prevent damage and harsh chemicals.

Drying

The hardest part of washing a blanket is getting it dry afterwards. If it doesn't dry properly, it'll end up having an unpleasant damp smell, which won't be nice to cuddle up to. You should hang your throw up on a washing line outside or use a laundry airer indoors to let your blanket air dry until all the moisture is gone. Some blankets may be suitable for tumble drying, which will not only get it dry more quickly but fluff your throw back up. Just be careful not to leave it in too long as it could overheat.

Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.

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