Of all the necessities for a good night’s sleep, a good blanket is high on the list. This is what you reach for when it’s too hot for a comforter or even your heaviest duvet isn’t keeping you warm. The best blanket might be soft and cozy or light and breathable—it all comes down to what suits you in the moment (or for the night). Since personal preference is the deciding factor in the best blankets, we reviewed dozens of them to find options with varying sizes, materials and features.
Our pick for the best blanket overall, the Waffle Bed Blanket from Boll & Branch, is made with soft organic cotton in a breathable weight that still feels cozy, which means it works on your bed all year long. The oversized blanket comes in three sizes and multiple colors too. But if you’re looking for something warmer, heavier or even heated, keep reading—we have options for all of those preferences as well.
- Best Blanket Overall: Boll & Branch Waffle Bed Blanket
- Best Affordable Blanket: Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket
- Best Splurge Blanket: Cozy Earth Cuddle Blanket
- Best Weighted Blanket: Saatva Weighted Blanket
- Best Cooling Weighted Blanket: Bearaby Tree Napper
- Best Wool Blanket: Pendleton Eco-Wise Washable Wool Blanket
- Best Heated Blanket: Beautyrest Plush Electric Blanket
- Best Cooling Blanket: Brooklinen Linen Quilt
Best Blanket Overall
Soft And Textured With Breathable Warmth
Boll & Branch Waffle Bed Blanket (Full/Queen)
Material: Organic cotton | Colors: White, natural, mist, pewter, stone, sky, shore, mineral, navy, balsam, cranberry | Sizes: Twin (74 x 91 inches), full/queen (96 x 96 inches), king/Cal king (112 x 96 inches)
This soft blanket is made with 100% organic cotton, a breathable material that still manages to add warmth. Climb into bed with this blanket, and you can expect it to drape around you with a pleasing, cozy weight. But it’s the texture and generous cut of the waffle blanket that makes it deserving of our best overall nomination. Boll & Branch has a proprietary interlocking waffle weave that gives the blanket an airy, springy loft. According to the brand, it gets loftier every time you wash it. That’s easy to do too since the blanket can go right into your washer and dryer.
Boll & Branch sells its waffle blanket in three sizes (twin, full/queen and king/Cal king), all of which are oversized for extra coverage. It’s also available in a range of colors to coordinate with your current bed linens.
What the reviews say: There are close to 1,500 reviews for this waffle blanket, and an overall 4.8-star rating. “We love the large size, the softness and the weight of this blanket. We can use it all year long,” writes one reviewer. Another says it’s “well-made, warm and just heavy enough. Finally, a blanket that properly drapes over the sides of a king size bed.”
Best Affordable Blanket
Fuzzy, Warm And Less Than $30
Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Throw Blanket
Material: Polyester | Colors: Dark gray, red, navy, light gray, orange, white, black, brown, camel, charcoal, cream, forest green, ivy green, lilac, linen | Sizes: throw (50 x 60 inches), twin (60 x 80 inches), queen (90 x 90 inches), king (108 x 90 inches)
When you think of a cozy blanket, something like the Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket is probably what you picture. It’s thick and fluffy with a supremely smooth, velvety flannel on one side and soft, springy sherpa on the other. It’s the kind of blanket that’s ideal for snuggling up on cold nights, but in spite of its warmth, it’s surprisingly light. The polyester washes well and adds durability, and the blanket comes in multiple sizes and colors. The best part may be the price point—a queen size sherpa fleece blanket is less than $30.
What the reviews say: The Bedsure blanket has a whopping 77,000 reviews and the vast majority are five stars. People rave about its soft, fluffy feel and warmth. “It's super soft and snuggly, and very warm. But it's not heavy. You don't feel trapped under it and it's not a chore to move the blanket off you to get up off the couch or out of bed,” writes one customer.
Best Splurge Blanket
A Faux Fur Blanket Designed For Cuddling
MOST POPULAR
Cuddle Blanket (Throw)
Material: Polyester | Colors: Walnut | Sizes: Throw (60 x 50 inches), oversized sized (80 x 60 inches)
From the first touch, it’s clear Cozy Earth’s cuddle blanket is aptly named. Thick and surprisingly heavy, this faux fur blanket is made with an ultra plush polyester pile for a cozy and appealing softness that really keeps you warm. That’s due in part to the sheer heft of this blanket, which comes in around 12 pounds for the smaller size.
The cuddle blanket comes in a single neutral colorway—walnut—and two sizes. At $360 for the smaller size, it’s definitely a splurge. But with proper care (Cozy Earth recommends dry cleaning, though it can be machine washed and hung to dry), you should be able to enjoy it for years to come.
What the reviews say: “It is so plush and heavy. I absolutely love the weight. At first I thought it was doubled and folded, but it wasn't—it's just that plush,” says one happy customer. Another, who calls it “the blanket of your dreams,” writes, “cozy is a complete understatement for this one. It's the epitome of plush and soft and perfectly heavy.”
Best Weighted Blanket
A Weighted Option Made With Organic Cotton Velvet
Material: Organic cotton velvet, glass | Colors: Taupe, graphite | Sizes: Throw (48 x 74 inches), queen/king (86 x 92 inches)
If you’re a fan of the calming effect of weighted blankets, Saatva’s cotton velvet is a truly luxurious take. The blanket’s weight comes from natural glass beads and the smooth, GOTS-certified organic cotton velvet has diamond quilting to ensure proper distribution for even pressure. It’s that combination of materials that earned it our designation of the best luxury weighted blanket. We also like that the cotton is ethically sourced and every blanket is handmade in Fair Trade Certified factories.
The blanket comes in two neutral colorways and two weights: 12 pounds for the throw and 20 pounds for the queen/king. On the downside, Saatva’s weighted blanket is pricey at $345 for the smaller size at full retail. It’s also dry clean only. If you're not sure about this one, Saatva does offer a 45-return window so you have plenty of time to test it out and decide.
What the reviews say: “This blanket is the perfect addition to my sleep routine,” writes one reviewer. “All sleepers are happy in our house now.”
Best Cooling Weighted Blanket
A Chunky Knit For Extra Breathability
Bearaby Tree Napper (15 Pounds)
Material: Tencel lyocell | Colors: Sage, sweet lavender, bluebell, driftwood, autumn plum, desert rose, cappuccino, willow | Sizes: 40 x 72 inches (15 pounds), 45 x 72 inches (2o pounds), 48 x 72 inches (25 pounds)
With Bearaby’s Tree Napper, hot sleepers can enjoy the gentle pressure of a weighted blanket. Both the fabric and the construction of this blanket combat heat retention, which is how it earned our nod for best cooling weighted blanket overall. Silky Tencel lyocell from eucalyptus fibers wicks moisture and feels cool to the touch, while the open-knit design encourages air circulation. Each blanket is knitted by hand, meets Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification and can go right in the washing machine.
The Tree Napper comes in three weights (15, 20 and 25 pounds) and a range of muted colors. Weighted blankets tend to be expensive and this one is no exception. But Bearaby does offer free shipping and a 30-day return window if you decide it’s not a good fit.
What the reviews say: Well over one thousand reviews have high praise for the Tree Napper. “I instantaneously relax when I lie under it, but the cool Tencel fabric doesn’t feel constricting like other weighted blankets I have used. I’m a hot sleeper and can even sleep with it,” writes one. Another says it’s “cozy yet breathable.”
Best Wool Blanket
A Classic Wool Blanket That's Easy To Clean
Pendleton Eco-Wise Washable Wool Blanket (Queen)
Material: Virgin wool | Colors: Gray heather, camel heather, camp plaid, casper, charcoal, dusk, dawn heather, Irving stripe taupe, ivory, midnight navy, midnight navy stripe, red, Rob Roy ivory, shale blue, sienna stripe | Sizes: Twin (66 x 96 inches), queen (90 x 96 inches), king (108 x 96 inches)
The Pendleton Eco-Wise Washable Wool Blanket was our pick for best wool blanket overall, thanks to its eco-conscious construction and ease of care. It’s made from 100% virgin wool, which is warmly insulating yet breathable. Unlike most wool blankets, which require regular trips to the dry cleaner, this one can be machine washed at home. According to Pendleton, the colorfast wool won’t shrink, fade or pill either.
The blanket comes in multiple sizes and Pendleton uses vegetable dye to offer over two dozen striped or solid design options.
What the reviews say: “It's lightweight but warm and not scratchy at all, unlike some wool blankets,” says one customer. Another writes, “A really nice lightweight blanket, yet it’s heavy enough to be comforting. Wool is such a special material that outperforms cotton or any other fabric. This one is well-made and is durable. My comforter now sits unused at the foot of the bed as this blanket is much better.”
Best Heated Blanket
A Lightweight Blanket With Multiple Heat Settings
Material: Polyester | Colors: Aqua, gray, ivory, lavender, mink, purple, red, sapphire, teal, black, aqua penguins, gray dogs | Sizes: Twin (84 x 62 inches), throw (60 x 70 inches), full (84 x 80 inches), queen (90 x 84 inches), king (100 x 90 inches)
With its soft, lightweight feel and range of heat settings, the Beautyrest Electric Blanket earned our recommendation for best heated blanket overall. It’s a plush but light blanket with evenly spaced heating elements that deliver heat ranging from 85 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The blanket has a preheat boost to warm up your bed before you get in, a two-hour automatic shut-off feature and 20 different heat settings, so you can adjust the warmth to your liking. It’s Oeko-Tex and UL certified, which are reassuring signs of safety and quality. We also appreciate the manageable cord length, which means fewer visible wires.
The blanket comes in multiple sizes and a good range of colors. It’s also machine washable after being unplugged.
What the reviews say: The Beautyrest heated blanket has thousands of positive reviews. “[The] blanket is attractive, soft and works as advertised. Controls are easy to use and are customizable. [It] fits a big king [mattress] with no problem. Prewarm is great for colder nights. No regrets,” says one customer. Another shares, “I love that it has a preheat function to speed up the heating on those very chilly nights when you need it. It also has enough settings to give you just the right amount of heat you need.”
Best Cooling Blanket
Wicking And Breathable For Cooler Nights
Material: Linen, polyester | Colors: White diamond, cream diamond, charcoal, diamond, reversible pebble gray stripe, reversible indigo mixed stripe, reversible wild rose check | Sizes: Full/queen (96 x 92 inches), king/Cal king (114 x 96 inches)
The Brooklinen Linen Quilt shines for hot sleepers and made our list of the best cooling blankets this year. It’s a practical and high-quality blanket that combines a stonewashed linen shell with lightweight polyester fill. Together, these materials make this soft quilt a breathable and lightweight layering piece that works just as well on its own. Linen also dries quickly, a feature that sweaty sleepers should really appreciate. We also like the diamond stitching, which adds subtle but distinctive style.
Brooklinen’s generous 365-day return policy applies to its linen quilt, which means you have plenty of time to decide if it’s cool enough for you.
What the reviews say: “I was desperate for a lightweight option and this fits the bill,” writes one customer. Another says, “This is the best quilt I’ve ever used. I can actually sleep without burning alive, but I still have the weight and comfort of a blanket.”
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
With dozens upon dozens of sleep and mattress stories under our belts, the Forbes Vetted team has spent hundreds of hours researching all things sleep. Our sleep editors have years of experience testing and reviewing bedding and mattresses. All of our sleep content benefits from their insights. We also consulted several interior designers for their blanket recommendations.
How We Chose The Best Blankets
The Forbes Vetted team has researched and written about all kinds of blankets, so we looked to our team’s extensive knowledge and recommendations to begin assembling this list. We researched options from trusted brands, like Boll & Branch, Saatva, Cozy Earth and Bearaby. We compared materials and features and carefully considered customer reviews to find highly-rated blankets. All of the blankets on our list earned 4.2 stars or higher. Since blankets come in so many options, we also made sure to include a range of recommendations for materials, features and price point.
What To Look For In The Best Blankets
We all have opinions about what makes one blanket better than another. But there are a few considerations that can help you find the best blanket for your individual needs and preferences.
Materials
Materials will dictate a blanket’s comfort level. Beyond its softness and thickness, a blanket’s material can also clue you into how well it retains heat. For hot sleepers who want warmth without excessive heat retention, consider breathable fabrics like cotton and wool. Polyester blankets are undeniably cozy with a luxurious feel, which might be a good option if you always get cold during the night.
You may also want to prioritize blankets made with certifications that indicate a high level of safety or eco-friendliness. In that case, keep an eye out for certifications from Oeko-Tex, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Weight
Some people really love the sensation of a heavy blanket. Just keep in mind heavier fabrics tend to trap more body heat because they have a tighter construction. Looser weaves, like those in Bearaby’s Tree Napper and Boll & Branch’s Waffle Blanket, allow for better air circulation and more breathability. Again, it’s a personal preference, but it’s worth keeping in mind as you shop.
Sizes
Most of the blankets we recommend here come in standard bedding sizes from twin up to California king. Blankets are often oversized so they drape over the bed, so it’s a good idea to compare measurements to your mattress before making a purchase.
Ease Of Care
Like the rest of your bedding, it’s important to keep your blanket clean. While most blankets can typically be washed once or twice a month, that really depends on how frequently you use them. A blanket that stays folded up at the foot of the bed, for example, probably won’t need to be cleaned as often as the one you snuggle up with every night. If you’re looking for a blanket that will get frequent use, consider how often you’re willing to trek to the dry cleaner or look for one that can be washed at home.
What Type Of Blanket Is The Warmest?
Evelina Juzėnaitė, principal interior designer at Planner 5D, recommends three materials if you’re looking for the warmest blanket: wool, down and sherpa. “Known for its long-lasting warmth, wool keeps you cozy while allowing proper ventilation,” she says. “Down is lightweight and soft to not only provide warmth but also comfort. And with their soft and fluffy texture, sherpa blankets offer warmth and a cozy feel.”
How Often Should You Wash Your Blanket?
Generally, blankets can be washed once or twice a month, but that depends on how much you’re using them. If your skin is in direct contact with your blanket or you share it with a pet, you’ll want to wash it more frequently. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Where On The Bed Should You Put A Blanket?
That depends on whether you’re interested in function or aesthetics. According to Juzėnaitė, “The arrangement depends on the style of bedding and the style of the room and its decor elements.” She has four recommendations:
- Folded at the foot of the bed: “Carefully folding the bedspread at the foot of the bed provides a stylish and neat look, complementing the bed without covering the entire view,” says Juzėnaitė.
- Thrown on top of the comforter: “Placing the bedspread on top of the comforter, whether neatly thrown or not, creates an impressive, non-perfectionist look,” she explains. “For added volume and coziness, let it hang on the sides.”
- Layered: You can pair blankets with differing colors or prints for a stylish effect.
- Tucked in: “Tuck the bedspread under the mattress at the foot of the bed for a clean and minimalist appearance,” advises Juzėnaitė.
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