The Ultimate Guide To The Best Blankets On The Market

Fleece was originally used for making outdoor clothing.

Somewhere along the line, someone discovered that it would be fabulous as a blanket too.

Since it can be made in any colour, pattern or design, the style options are endless and you’re sure to find one that goes well with any decor.

The material won’t fray or pull. A blanket will in all likelihood outlast blankets made of other types of material.

Fleece blankets can also be a great eco-friendly alternative, as they're often made of recycled plastic bottles. 

Warm, soft, and easy to snuggle in, without feeling weighed down, fleece is a great option.

Faux fur can certainly add that touch of luxury to a space.

It can also look great if you’re going with a more rustic or old fashioned look, so it’s actually more versatile than you’d first think.

If you love fur but don’t want the real deal, a high-end faux fur throw blanket can be hard to decipher from the real thing.

Faux fur is usually made from polymeric fibres.

No animals are harmed in the process, and there's a myriad of colours you can choose from.

There are numerous fun, whimsical blankets on the market today.

You can find something to match any sort of decor or even to highlight your favourite animal or colour. 

Mermaid tail blankets have become very popular.

The blanket is made in the shape of a mermaid tail, so you actually slip both legs inside, and voila! Instant mermaid, cozy on the couch.

Sometimes you can find knitted varieties, but we’ve seen them in a lot of different fabrics.

You can also find blankets in animal shapes, or blankets with built in hoods or feet!

For those who can never seem to get warm, or who just enjoy extra heat, an electric blanket is a wonderful choice.

Found in every colour of the rainbow, you can dress up a cozy corner with this type of blanket just as well as with any other kind.

Did you know that the first automatic electric blanket was made way back in 1936?

Since then, electric blankets have been turning themselves off when they sense changes in air temperature or hot spots. This makes them safe to use. 

Generally made of fleece or even polar fleece, sometimes these blankets also sport a strip of silk at one or both ends.

Sure, you could probably take just about any blanket with you on the road. But a blanket that’s specifically designed to be travelled with has certain features that your regular blanket won’t.

Typically these blankets are lightweight, and fold up small into a travel pouch or bag so that you can conveniently pack it along with you.

Some of them are made to drape over your body, while others are more of a smock style.

This is so you don’t shift out of it if you happen to fall asleep on a plane or in a vehicle.

When on the lookout for a great blanket, it helps to know what to look for.

Something that matches your decor is key, but you also need to think about the use the blanket will get.

Is it strictly for your room, or will it be used by everyone as a throw or couch blanket?

Different materials lend themselves well to different situations.

A travel blanket needs to be lightweight and easy washable between trips, while a couch throw can be heavier so that you can cozy up on chilly winter nights.

An electric blanket is likely to stay on your bed, and you’ll want to ensure that the wires are thin and the blanket well-made by a safety-conscious, well-known, and trusted company.

When using blankets as camping or hiking gear, you probably want to look for something in dark colours to hide the possible dirt and stains. On the other hand, a throw that stays in your bed or living room isn't likely to see a lot of dirt and could be a much lighter colour.

You wouldn’t get much use out of a faux fur that was dragged around the country, but when it stays put in the home or a cabin it can certainly add that “wow” factor that you may be looking for.

Kids' blankets can be so fun to shop for and they’re not limited to a plain, solid colour fleece. Kids’ blankets can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes.

There are sharks, mermaids, lions, and just about any cartoon character you can name.

It’s easy to find one with your child’s favourite super hero standing guard or to match a room theme.

Fear not, there are plenty of options out there for anyone with allergies!

Hypoallergenic blankets are designed to help anyone with allergies, as well as asthma sufferers.

You can also buy bedding that has been treated with chemicals of some sort to actively protect you from allergens like dust mites, often referred to as ‘anti allergy’ products.

Regularly washing bedding can help alleviate any extra allergens in the home, such as dust or the build-up of animal hairs.

The material you opt for will obviously make a difference to how badly you suffer, depending on what you are allergic to.

Again, there are hypoallergenic and anti-allergy options available. These are designed specifically to help you avoid allergens, or to completely eradicate them through the use of chemicals.

There’s a lovely alternative to down that is made from hypoallergenic material that can be found easily and relatively cheaply online or in stores.

If you want to splash out, treat yourself to a silk comforter for the ultimate in luxury and comfort. This natural material is hypoallergenic!

It’s worth considering upgrading the rest of your bedding, too, and investing in a full set of anti-allergy or hypoallergenic bedding – from mattress protector to pillows to the duvet itself.

Good brands to look out for include White Mountain Textiles and Harvester. Both offer good quality, reasonably-priced hypoallergenic bedding to suit every bedroom.

If you fancy splashing out, check out Serenity for the ultimate luxury in hypoallergenic bedding!

Another thing to take into consideration is the maintenance behind your blanket.

Most ‘cheap’ blankets will be machine washable, which is great and makes it super easy to keep everything nice and clean.

If you’re opting for a more expensive material or blend, you’ll want to think about the cost of either dry cleaning or hand-washing it.

Materials like cotton are fine to bung in the washer and dryer, but blankets made from wool of any sort will require a bit more attention!

Wool tends to shrink, so consider taking any wool blankets to a dry cleaners to ensure they get the care they need.

If you’re super fancy and have covered your home in cashmere, please hand-wash it or send it off to a professional cleaner to avoid the risk of damaging the fine material.

If you’re choosing to hand-wash, there are a few key things to bear in mind.

Wool is very sensitive to heat, so use cooler water to wash any wool blankets. This will help to avoid that ‘sag’ that you might have seen on wool jumpers you’ve accidentally machine-washed.

Add detergent (I like the non-bio ones for sensitive skin the most) in whatever ratio the bottle suggests.

Gently move the blanket through the water before leaving it to soak for up to half an hour, depending on how dirty it is.

From here, drain the water and run the blanket under cool water, filling a basin and swishing it around again to remove any soap and leftover dirt.

Keep doing this until the water is clear!

Don’t wring the blanket out as you’ll undo all the good work you’re doing by not using a washing machine. Instead, press it between clean, dry towels or leave somewhere to air-dry naturally.

Naturally, you’ve got to think about what you’re going to be using this blanket for.

Do you want a comfy throw for the couch?

Are you buying it to go with a single, queen or king-size bed?

If you’re choosing a blanket for your bed, it’s worth thinking about how you want it to sit.

If you want it hanging over the edges, you’ll want a slightly larger blanket to accommodate for the depth of the duvet underneath.

Don’t worry, though – most shops make it very clear what blanket is for what kind of bed or couch, and you can always ask someone in the store.

Buying online can be a little trickier, so don’t feel silly if you physically measure your blanket and compare it to online measurements. Better to be safe than sorry, after all!

You can get beautiful custom-made blankets online, too.

Electric blankets are amazing, I’ll be honest. I run pretty hot as it is, but I love the feeling of being super cozy, nestled in amongst layers of warmth and comfort.

But – and this is a big ‘but’ - I do get pretty nervous that I might get a little too hot, if you see where I’m going with this…

If you choose to go for an electric blanket, please stay safe! I know, I know – nobody reads instruction manuals anymore, whether it’s to set up your new phone or assemble IKEA furniture (you’re braver than I am for even attempting it).

When it comes to electric blankets, however, it’s really important to read through the instructions and safety guidelines.

If not, your hopes of a good night’s sleep will be totally ruined by paranoia about spontaneously combusting. Not so peaceful.

If your blanket starts showing signs or wear and tear, it could be more serious than with a usual wool blanket, for example.

It’s not just that it might be looking a little tatty, it’s that it may be a sign of some kind of malfunction or overuse.

Look out for any fraying wires, as with all electrical items.

If your blanket starts showing signs of holding moisture (eg damp patches), this could also be more of an issue than you’d expect.

Most electric blankets come with a warranty, so check to see if you can get it fixed or replaced for free, first.

If not, it’s probably time to buy a new one.

Some blankets come with built-in layers to avoid moisture retention, which can be great if you run hot!

Crochet-style blankets can also be amazing as they provide an, albeit pretty, option for moisture and air to escape.

This is the nicer equivalent of mesh, essentially.

Opt for lighter blankets than you would normally go for – a little goes a long way, and just having an extra layer over you, in general, can make a big difference to how warm you feel, without inducing a gym-style amount of sweat.

Heavy blankets will make you sweat more and you’ll wake up feeling hot and uncomfortable and not at all revived.

Lighter blankets (cotton, silk, etc) are great alternatives to heavier ones – common sense, but hey. Sometimes worth remembering!

That said, wool can be an amazing option for anyone who suffers from night sweats or overheating.

It absorbs moisture, instead of leaving it sitting on your skin, which some materials can do.

This is a great thing as leaving sweat on the skin can lead to skin irritation and all kinds of other nasty things.

Wool-filled comforters are what you want to be looking for if you’re a hot sleeper!

Try leaving a window open at night – you’ll normally stay warm enough anyway but the fresh air helps keep you feeling, well… fresh!

Stay hydrated by keeping water by the bed in case you wake up hot and thirsty.

Sure, you might need to make more trips to the bathroom, but it’s good for you long-term!

Some blanket brands, such as Travelrest or Best Home Fashion, you’ve no doubt heard of and even experienced the quality each has to offer.

Others, like Laghcat, you possibly haven’t had as much exposure to.

All of the brands featured in our best blankets review are known for their style, quality, and dedication to customer satisfaction!

Here we go – keep reading for our list of the best blankets on the market today.

There’s a wide range for you to choose from depending on exactly what you’re looking for, so take a look and try one or more of these blankets and throws around your home.

Even better? It has two separate built in zones so you can match your temperature to your individual needs and have your partner do the same!

Use the pre-heat option to make your bed nice and warm before you even climb in!

Use it on your bed or while snuggling and watching your favourite movie or devouring your favourite book.

Machine wash cold and air dry to keep this blanket as good as new for years to come. Balichun is so convinced you’ll love this blanket that they offer a full money-back guarantee!

couch in your sitting room, or folded on the end of your bed for a romantic touch.

It conveniently comes in 3 different sizes and is machine washable, although you’ll want to air dry it as opposed to putting it in your machine.

Having its own bag also means you keep your blanket clean while going from destination to destination.

If you’re warm enough, this blanket can easily be rolled and used for a pillow or back or neck support! We love that it’s so versatile!

This one will be hard to untangle yourself from once you’ve experienced its soft warmth!

When shopping for a blanket as a gift, make sure you keep the person’s individual needs in mind.

Someone who tends to be hot will enjoy a thinner, cotton throw, while someone who shivers even in warmer weather will love something heavy and big enough to wrap around them.

One thing's for certain, no matter your style or needs, the perfect blanket for you is out there!