The best throw blankets

If you're like me and in pursuit of all things cozy, the hunt for the best throw blanket is not one you take lightly. There are nearly infinite opinions on what makes a throw blanket the very best, especially when you consider the various material, sizes, and designs out there. Some may prefer a lightweight, cotton knit blanket, whereas another person may gravitate toward a fluffy and warm fleece style. And that's barely scratching the surface when you start thinking about style.

To find the best throw blankets, I conducted extensive research and testing, including consulting BI staffers about their favorite blankets and snuggling up with several options myself. I also researched and considered options from trusted bedding brands and other retailers we've tested for the best sheets, quilts, weighted blankets, electric blankets and comforters.

Our top picks of the best throw blankets:

Best overall: L.L.Bean Wicked Plush Throw - See at L.L.Bean

Best budget: The Big One Oversized Supersoft Plush Throw Blanket - See at Kohl's

Best fleece: Barefoot Dreams CozyChicThrow Blankets - See at Nordstrom

Best cotton: Garnet Hill Gingham Check Cotton Throw - See at Garnet Hill

Best faux fur: The Lola Blanket - See at Lola

Best cashmere: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Throw - See at Quince

Best weighted: Bearaby Cotton Napper - See at Bearaby

Best overall

A classic fleece throw. The L.L.Bean Wicked Plush Throw is the best throw overall because it's deliciously soft and warm, without being too stifling— making it suitable year round. It's amply sized, available in two sizes (50 × 60 inches and 60 × 80 inches), and easy to care for. The Wicked Plush is also a great value, coming in well under $50. There are 10 colors, and for just $10, you can add a monogram. The design is pretty nondescript beyond that, just cozy plush fleece with a neat trim. It's also available with a sherpa side.

Made to last. People who have L.L.Bean throws hold on to them for years, and keep coming back for more. Polyester fleece can shed, which is something a few reviewers mention in the reviews and some colors can get linty in the dryer.

Best budget

Fun prints and a low price. The Big One's Oversized Supersoft Plush Throw Blanket is available at Kohl's and cost under $15. True to the name the lightweight fleece blanket is oversized, measuring a spacious 60 × 72 inches, which provides good full body coverage. It is soft, but it is on the thinner side. If you like fun prints and colors, though, you'll really like this fleece blanket. It's available in over 15 options at any given point and time, from florals to whimsical food prints. The options rotate seasonally, so if you like something now, it may not be instock a few months from now. The Big One also has licensing partnerships with Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Snoopy.

Leveling expectations. At this price point, they're great to stock up on (one for every family member and guests, perhaps), but we also don't expect them to last forever. It is prone to shedding and pilling, so you'll want to make sure you follow the laundry care instructions.

Best fleece

A splurge-worthy cozy delight. Barefoot Dreams CozyChicThrow Blankets are my ideal blanket. They are warm, yet breathable and slightly stretchy, for a drapey feel. The microfiber fleece design takes on the qualities of chenille, with a slight texture to it. It's available in several muted colors; if you prefer prints, there are several designs available spanning animal prints, stripes, and florals. More affordable variations do exist, but Barefoot Dreams popularized this soft, slightly textured fleece.

I'm obsessed with the CozyChic fabric. Beyond wrapping myself in a throw, Barefoot Dreams also offers its luxe fabrics in pajama sets (my favorite), robes, socks, and sweaters, perfect for when you just want to immerse yourself in luxurious comfort. I've had no issues with laundering or pilling, but the fabric does start to look matted after heavy use, signaling it's time for a good washing.

More fleece throw blankets we recommend:

Best faux fur

This blanket really is worth the hype. As much as I wanted to resist, the social media sensation Lola Blanket is very much worth it, and I feel like I'm part of some if-you-know-you-know club. No matter the season, I'm curling up under its fluffy softness — unless my dog is trying to stake claim, which is often. Honestly, he needs his own. With a subtle stretch, it drapes nicely over the body and has a slight weight to it, as an alternative to a weighted blanket.

Durable and made to last. I've had my Lola for over a year, and it still looks good as new. It hasn't matted or shed. Many dupes have started to emerge, with the subtled bubbled look, but few have been able to truly replicate the blanket, which has faux fur on both sides. For instance, the Bedsure GentleSoft option gives the look but the faux fur is only on one side.

Tons of colors and sizing. In addition to your realistic faux-fur colorways, Lola also has several variations ranging from pastels to prints, and also frequently release special collaboration editions. The blanket is available in four sizes, with the 60 × 72 inch large being the most popular size. These blankets are definitely pricey, but it's possible to catch them discounted by as much as 45% off if you go hunting for codes.

More faux fur throw blankets we recommend:

Best cotton throw

Based on an archival design. The Garnet Hill Gingham Check Cotton Throw was re-released from a 1992 archival design to celebrate 50 years of the brand in partnership with Bedford Collections. Master weavers made these blankets on antique looms. When you look closer at the classic gingham print, available in blue or green, you'll notice the level of detail that went into the print, with a beautiful checkerboard print within the gingham.

Heirloom quality with a bespoke feel. The cotton fabric is thick and durable (reinforced with a turn back hem) with a slight heft. It's textured, while soft to the touch. My only drawback to the throw is that it's dimensions are a bit narrow, measuring 43 by 62 inches, instead of the typical 50 by 60 inches. I wish it was just a bit wider. The blanket is also available in bed sizes. It's machine washable, and I imagine this being a design that will last for years. One early reviewer, who was pleased they are available again, commented how he had purchased these blankets for his sons in 1998, and they're still in use today, a testament to the quality and durability we expect from this blanket.

If you like natural fibers, most of Garnet Hill's designs prioritize this, including the Laguna Linen Throw, German Cotton Fleece Blanket, Essential Down Lightweight Throw or the Brushed Cotton Throw.

More cotton throws we recommend:

Best cashmere

Luxe and natural fibers at an unbeatable price point. Other cashmere throws cost twice of what Quince offer, and look and feel the same. The Quince Mongolian Cashmere Throw is the best cashmere I've tested. It's the same construction of Quince's famous $50 cashmere sweaters. The throw available in two sizes (50" by 70 inches and 60 by 80 inches) and 10 colors, finished with a fringe edges.

Historically, wool can be scratchy, but not this cashmere throw. It's smooth and felt-like. It looks luxurious and elegant when draped over a sofa. It feels more formal in design, something I use in my living room as opposed to layering on my bed. I haven't noticed much pilling, but it does get linty on my clothes. While most cashmere is dry clean only, this one should be hand washed.

Best weighted blanket

Form and function. I love the Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket because it doesn't look like an ordinary weighted blanket; this is one I'm proud to leave out on display. That's a major pro, because the weight can make the a little more difficult to take from room to room. The chunky knit design is made purely of organic cotton; layers and layers of cotton are layered to create natural, even weight as opposed to glass beads or pellets.

Calming comfort. Weighted blankets are known to improve sleep quality, lowers stress, and eases anxiety. You should select a weighted blanket that is 10% of your body weight. Bearaby's is available in weight increments ranging from 10 to 25 pounds in seven colors. The dimensions vary based on the size you get, ranging from 40 by 64 inches to 48 by 72 inches. Bearaby also offers a queen and king blanket that weigh 20 and 25 pounds, respectively, and kids sizes.

One catch, literally. The handwoven design actually helps with breathability, making it a great option if you're concerned about overheating. However, fingers and toes can get caught in fabric and cause it to stretch, which is something to keep in mind with any open weave design, though the weight truly highlights the issue.

More weighted blankets we recommend:

A note on wool

The wool blanket category has been tricky; alot of the ones I've tested previously and enjoyed are no longer available. The insights from my team have also been limited thanks to several staffers with wool allergies or just an aversion to wool in favor of softer or lighter fabrics.

Here are some options from trusted brands

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: Most throw blankets typically measure around 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. Pay attention to dimensions. If you want something that covers the full-size of your bed, look for bed blankets in standard bed sizing.

Material: What you choose will depend on how you plan to use the blanket and your budget. Wool is warm but can be itchy. Fleece is soft but not as durable. Cotton is breathable while down is insulating.

Care: If you have pets or kids or plan on washing the blanket often, you'll want something that can be machine-washed. Polyester and cotton (including fleece and faux fur) 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.

How we tested the best throw blankets

For this guide, in addition to my hands-on experience with over a dozen throw blankets, I consulted with fellow editors about the blankets they keep on rotation, and what they like about them. For each blanket, I not only consider the aesthetic and color options, but sizing, comfort and warmth, long term durability, and ease of care.

Meet the expert behind the guide:

Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor: I've had the pleasure of having hands on experience with almost every major bedding brand, after reviewing countless of the best bedding products. When it comes to throw blankets, I definitely gravitate toward the softest, fluffiest blankets and have a bin overflowing with a bevy of options. My oldest throw blankets still in use is tied with a fleece Room Essentials throw from Target that I got when I went off to college and a twin-size fleece blanket I picked up at Zara Home while studying abroad. However, my current obsession is undoubtedly The Lola Blanket.

Throw blanket FAQs

What is a throw blanket?

A throw blanket are smaller than comforters, and typically meant to be used by one person. The standard size for a throw blanket is typically 50 by 60 inches. They're great to layer across sofas, chairs, or beds for both decor and easy access when you're in need of a little warmth. Due to the smaller size, they're also more convenient to take along if you're traveling.

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. You can arrange it by folding it or draping across a sofa or chair arm, or alongside the edge of a bed. People will also display their favorite blankets on blanket ladders or have them peaking out of baskets.

Can you sleep with a throw blanket?

Since they're typically smaller, a throw blanket may not fully cover you, but you can absolutely use one while you sleep. They 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 is Oeko-Tex certification?

Many of the throw blankets listed have Standard 100 by Oeko Tex certification. This means the fabrics have been independently tested for over 100 harmful chemical substances and are safe for human use.

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