There are nearly infinite opinions on what makes a throw blanket the very best. Some may prefer a lightweight, cotton knit blanket, whereas another person may gravitate toward a cozy and warming fleece style. Because throw blankets come in so many materials, sizes, and colors (not to mention variations in price), we decided not to name a single best one, but instead to share our favorites across the wide spectrum of features.
While essential for comfort, the best throw blankets are also a beloved tool for decorating and creating a welcoming ambiance, whether draped over an accent chair in your living room or at the edge of a guest bed.
The best throw blankets are typically smaller than comforters, measuring about 50 inches by 60 to 70 inches, depending on the style, and are ideal for individual use.
To find the best throw blankets, we conducted extensive research and testing, including consulting BI staffers about their favorite blankets and snuggling up with several options ourselves. In addition to recommending throw blankets we tested ourselves, we also researched and considered options from trusted bedding brands and other retailers we've tested for the best sheets, weighted blankets, electric blankets and comforters.
Fleece and sherpa throw blankets
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Staff Pick
The best fleece throwL.L.Bean’s Wicked Plush Throw is one of our favorite fleece blankets we tested. The machine-washable polyester keeps you warm in the winter months, but it's lightweight enough that you can use it all year round. -
A cult favorite throwBarefoot Dreams throw blankets take lounging to the next level. This impossibly soft pick is machine washable and comes in 12 different colors.
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Delectably cozySunday Citizen's "Snug" fabric is quite literally the butteriest, coziest fleece we've come across. It's available in several colors and even prints. You can also double up on warmth with a double-layer design for extra thickness.
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The best cheap throwBedsure's reversible throw is 50 by 60 inches, with a soft microfiber side and a sherpa-like fleece side. You can find a slew of colors and a few plaid options on Amazon, all for under $30.
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Thick and warmThis polyester throw from The Company Store is supremely soft and comes in almost a dozen colors. It's 50 by 70 inches and machine washable. It's a thick blanket to keep you toasty.
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Designed for Sensory Processing Disorders, useful for allThe newly launched CozyThrow incorporates nifty feet and hand pockets, including finger and thumb openings, so you can envelop yourself in coziness, keep your extremities warm, and leave hands free to hold a mug or book.
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Fun printsAt just $15, this affordable fleece throw measuring 60 by 72 inches is available in various fun prints and colors that rotate seasonally. For the print-obsessed, they've become a sort of collector's item among fans.
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Puffed perfectionThis puffy, quilted fleece blanket is pure plush perfection and available in four iconic colorways.
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Combines heat and weight for maximum therapeutic enjoymentPure Enrichment's WeightedWarmth heated throw blanket combines a 13-pound weighted blanket with an electric element that has four heat settings. Our sleep reporter loved it so much that he bought it twice.
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The largest blanket we've seenMeasuring 10 by 10 feet, this massive fleece blanket can fit the entire family underneath as it stretches across the couch. It comes with a a 100-night guarantee to try it out, and despite its size, it can still be cleaned in a regular washing machine.
Lightweight cotton and knit throw blankets
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Like a cozy sweaterKnit from Turkish cotton, the Parachute Oversized Rib Knit Throw has a comforting, sweater-like look and feel. The machine-washable blanket is generously sized at 60 by 80 inches.
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Staff Pick
The best weighted throwThe cocoon-like, knit-woven Bearaby Cotton Napper is a weighted throw that keeps you cozy while remaining breathable. The 40 by 64 inch blanket is entirely machine washable, made of 100% cotton, and available in weights ranging from 10 to 25 pounds.
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Playful printsDusen Dusen's cotton throw is a masterclass in color, with graphic black and white polka dots contrasted with blue and yellow. It's bright, cozy, and happy.
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A lightweight, breezy layerThis organic cotton-linen blend blanket is the key to laidback living with a gauzy material that is breathable, yet substantial. Measuring 50 by 70 inches, it's machine-washable and great for warmer seasons.
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An inexpensive, lightweight throwThe West Elm Soft Corded Throw is 50 by 60 inches and made from a blend of cotton and acrylic. It's soft and lightweight with a subtle texture. Because it's handwoven, the blanket should be dry cleaned.
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Lots of colors to choose fromAvailable in a range of pastel hues, the 50-by-70-inch Cuddledown throw has a smooth sateen shell and a 550 fill power. That means it's warm but still lightweight. The throw is Oeko-Tex- and Responsible Down Standard-certified.
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The best personalized throwMark and Graham's woven throw, made in Italy of a cotton and polyester blend, is lightweight and fringed. For extra personalization, you can have an embroidered monogram added to the 50-by-60-inch blanket.
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A maximalist layerSet the scene with this cotton woven throw adorned with florals and accented with a fringed border. Anthropologie frequently releases new styles of this machine washable throw.
Decadent faux fur throw blankets
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Realistic-looking faux furIndulgent, luxurious, and irresistible are all words that come to mind when we think of Lola's soft faux-fur blankets. They're available in tons of colors, from natural to candy-colored, and in three sizes. They're heavy, too, almost like a weighted blanket, for immediate soothing coziness. They're also machine washable for easy care.
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Staff Pick
A cheaper faux fur throwThe Quince Ruched Faux Fur Throw comes in four colors and two sizes, all machine washable. Acrylic and polyester combine to make a soft, furry front with a polyester back. It's Oeko-Tex certified to be free of harmful substances.
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Staff Pick
A luxe layer for winterThe West Elm Faux Fur Ombre Throw is extremely cozy and soft, and has lasted us for years on end. It's double-sided, with a high-pile faux fur on one side and a low-pile velvety fleece-like underside. At 47 by 60 inches, it's a bit smaller than other throws.
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A dual-sided optionAnthropologie's faux fur blanket features silky faux fur on one side and smooth fleece on the other. At under $100, it's available in natural and vibrant colors. The 60-by-70-inch design comfortably wraps around your entire body, and some colors are also offered in 60 by 90 inches. The only downside is that it's dry-clean only.
High-quality wool throw blankets
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The best cashmere throwState Cashmere's fringe throw is made of 100% Mongolian cashmere and is 50 60 inches of pure softness. To care for your blanket, wash by hand with very gentle soap and use a cashmere comb to remove pilling.
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The softest woolBrooklinen's alpaca-wool-blend fabric is lightweight and thermoregulated. Alpaca fibers are naturally soft, durable, and resistant to pilling, making this an extra luxe pick.
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Handwoven fair trade in PeruMade of 100% baby alpaca, each handmade throw takes roughly one week to create by master artisans in the Peruvian Andes. It's available in a number of subdued colors and is accented with a decorative fringe and a very subtle diamond print weave.
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Sofy and pillowyShepsWool hand-knits all of its blankets from merino wool, a material with a soft, pillowy feel. This dry-clean-only blanket is a standout piece, available as a 40-by-60-inch throw.
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The art pieceZigZagZurich crafts stunning throw blankets made of Oeko-Tex-certified woven jacquard New Zealand wool that could double as a tapestry. They collaborate with international artists to transpose their artworks onto bedding. Pictured is "Mint" by Mara Tschudi and "Wassily" by Kunsthaus Zurich. They also offer artful cotton versions.
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A classic American stapleMade in America from 100% virgin wool, the Pendleton Motor Robe throw will keep you warm through years of use. At 52 by 66 inches, it's a touch bigger than a typical throw. It comes with a leather carrier and is dry-clean only.
More cozy favorites
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Great for outdoorsMade of 100% post-consumer recycled polyester, the original 52 by 75-inch Rumpl Puffy is stain—and water-resistant, making it great outdoors or inside. It also compactly packs down for traveling. Plus, you can put it in your washing machine.
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A warm down optionEddie Bauer's Oversized Down Throw has a polyester shell with a fleece lining and 550 fill count. It's 50 by 72 inches, machine washable, and Responsible Down Standard-certified. It's available in nine colors, including several plaid options.
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Made of responsibly-sourced downWith a crisp percale shell and 550 fill power, the Garnet Hill Essential Down Throw feels light and airy while still offering warmth. It's a roomy throw at 52 by 80 inches, but it's also available in standard bedding sizes. Choose from a number of colors, too.
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A machine-washable blanket for petsIf you find Fido trying to call dibs on your treasured throw, Pet Parents offers a cuddly dual-sided blanket in three sizes up to 50 by 60 inches with a waterproof layer that stops moisture from leaking from one side to the other in case of an accident.
What to consider when buying a throw blanket
Finding the best throw blanket will likely start with price and material, but there are a few other things to consider too.
Size: Many throw blankets are 50 by 60 inches, so they may not be long enough for taller people or those who want to share. If you're planning on using the blanket to curl up with someone else, you'll want to look for an oversize option.
Material: Wool is warm but can be itchy. Fleece is soft but not as durable. Cotton is breathable while down is insulating yet expensive. What you choose will depend on how you plan to use the blanket and your budget.
Washability: If you have pets or kids or plan on washing the blanket often, you'll want something that isn't dry clean only. Polyester and cotton can typically go in the washing machine, while wool and cashmere are often dry-clean only.
Design: Since many people leave their blankets on display, throws come in a huge variety of styles and colors. Consider a color that coordinates well with your decor and perhaps adds some interesting texture to a couch or chair.
Throw blanket FAQs
What is a throw blanket?
A throw blanket is typically smaller than a comforter. Many people like to leave them on couches or armchairs so they can curl up with extra comfort.
What size is a throw blanket?
A typical size for a throw blanket is 50 by 60 inches, but you can find a wide variety of sizes. Taller people or those wanting to share should look for oversized throws.
How do you style a throw blanket?
Throw blankets are a simple way to add a bit of bright color or interesting texture to your living room. Try picking a color from a favorite painting or patterned rug and choosing a blanket that either coordinates or contrasts with that color.
Can you sleep with a throw blanket?
Since they're typically smaller, a throw blanket may not fully cover you. However, it can add extra warmth in conjunction with your comforter. Before you decide to sleep under it regularly, you may want to consider how easy it is to wash.
What's Oeko-Tex certification?
Many of the throw blankets listed have Standard 100 by Oeko Tex certification. The blankets have been independently tested for over 100 harmful chemical substances and are safe for human use.
