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The best blankets to curl up with because you can never have too many

GHI Approved for snuggliness

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VerifiedTested by Homes Testing Manager
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best blankets and throws

We like to have one on the sofa for boxset binges, another draped across the bed for aesthetics, and maybe even one to stave off the chill when we're working from home – you can never have too many, in our opinion. The best blankets are soft, cosy and a dream to curl up with.

But when you’re shopping through a screen, how do you know if you’re about to press ‘Buy’ on the most velvety throw known to humankind, or what’s essentially just a sheet of scratchy wool (you know the sort…)?

Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute we thought it was time to tackle the problem and seek out the butteriest everyday blankets around.

To find the best cosy blankets, our experts carried out wash tests in the lab and checked for shrinkage or changes to the material. They also assessed stain resistance (because you're always going to drop chocolate on them) and they even took their work home, snuggling up with the blankets night after night before coming to their verdict – you'll find a full breakdown of how we test below our reviews.

These are the blankets that didn't disappoint.

Best overall

Silentnight Snugsie Giant Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Snugsie Giant Blanket
Best overall

Silentnight Snugsie Giant Blanket

Now 14% Off

Score: 95/100

One of the largest, cosiest blankets we've tested, there’s room for everyone underneath this sherpa fleece. Panellists said it was “super soft on your skin” and found its drapey weight provided lots of warmth, making it a great option for popping over a duvet too. As it's heavier, it can be harder to carry from room to room, but if it has a permanent home that won't be a bother.

Plus, it goes in the washing machine – and it washed well. It was just as plush after several cycles, and it didn’t stain in testing either, giving you peace of mind for movie nights or TV dinners. Ultimately, it’s as snug as its name suggests.

Key specifications

FabricFleece
Sizes2
Colours5
Care instructionsMachine washable
Best fleece blanket

Bedsure Fleece Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Fleece Blanket
Best fleece blanket

Bedsure Fleece Blanket

Score: 93/100

This is one of the most affordable blankets on our list – but that doesn't mean you have to compromise. The medium-weight design was soft, snuggly and washed well.

The best bit though, is that it’s available in 22 colours and in single, double, king or queen sizes, which means you can find an option for every room.

Key specifications

FabricPolyester
Sizes4
Colours22
Care instructionsMachine washable
Best wool blanket

tbco Small Lambswool Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Small Lambswool Blanket
Best wool blanket

tbco Small Lambswool Blanket

Score: 91/100

This buttery-soft, small, pure lambswool throw is the perfect size for an armchair or wrapping around you to keep you warm on the go. Our testers found it gentle against the skin and loved the decorative fringe as a design feature. You can even monogram it, making it our top pick for gifting.

While it's hand wash only, it cleaned up well, holding its shape with no obvious dulling. And the only stain testers struggled to lift was foundation (so don't do your makeup near it!). It's available in bigger sizes if you want more blanket to curl up under, but the more premium design does come with a price tag to match. Our testers said it oozed quality though and was “very soft, warm and snuggly.” What a box ticker.

Key specifications

Fabric100% lambswool
Sizes3
Colours6
Care instructionsHandwash; dry flat
Best sofa blanket

Dunelm Cosy Chenille Throw 130x180cm

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Cosy Chenille Throw 130x180cm
Best sofa blanket

Dunelm Cosy Chenille Throw 130x180cm

Score: 91/100

This easy-to-clean blanket is available in four classic shades and is perfect for layering on beds and sofas. It washed impeccably and is good quality for its price.

Our tester said it was “cuddly” and instantly warming, praising the way the medium-weight design draped over them. In fact, one panellist said they couldn't wait for it to get colder because they loved using it so much.

Key specifications

FabricRecycled polyester
Sizes1
Colours4
Care instructionsMachine washable, line dry
Best snuggle blanket

Next Aspen Faux Fur Throw (150x200)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Aspen Faux Fur Throw (150x200)
Best snuggle blanket

Next Aspen Faux Fur Throw (150x200)

Score: 90/100

Super-soft with an almost ‘velvety’ feel, this blanket was a hit with our expert and our panellists. It comes in three colours, including dusty pink and a neutral beige, and moulds to the body nicely. Weighing in at 2.5kg, it’s heavy and our panellists did find it made them quite hot at times, making it a better option for cold winter nights. If you like to be cosy though, it could be for you!

In the lab, it scored full marks on our colour fading and shrinkage tests, and only oily foundation stains remained after washing; everything else, from ketchup to tea, washed out flawlessly.

Key specifications

Fabric100% recycled polyester
Sizes125 x 160, 150 x 200, 200 x 224
ColoursLight pink, oyster, charcoal grey
Care instructionsMachine washable at low temperature. Can be tumble dried
Best chunky knit

Dusk Montreal Throw

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Montreal Throw
Best chunky knit

Dusk Montreal Throw

Score: 89/100

You can't go wrong with a neutral chunky knit, and this one will add some lovely texture to your set-up. It has a pleasing weight to it, and it’s a good size. While it was cosy, the looser knit meant that it was a bit breezier than some others tested.

You’ll have to hand wash it too, and testers found it tricky to banish all the stains tried, so we suggest keeping it away from your dinner. But given its style creds, we think it deserves a permanent spot draped across the bed.

Key specifications

FabricUnspecified
Sizes1
Colours4
Care instructionsHand wash only
Best blanket for sleep

The White Company Elgin Throw

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Elgin Throw
Best blanket for sleep

The White Company Elgin Throw

Score: 88/100

Made with a lambswool blend, this soft and timeless design is a real nap-time treat. It's well sized with room for one or two underneath, and it just screams quiet luxury.

It’s hand wash only, but it kept its softness and shape. It was tricky to remove stains though, and it shed some fluff too (not unusual for wool). That didn’t put our testers off though; they described it as “a lovely blanket,” and liked the ribbed trim detail and cosy texture.

Plus, if you like to pack your blankets away come summer, there's a handy storage bag you can pop it in to keep it pristine for the next winter.

Key specifications

Fabric80% lambswool; 20% polyamide
Sizes2
Colours2
Care instructionsHand wash

Next Plush Fleece Throw (150x200)

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Plush Fleece Throw (150x200)

Next Plush Fleece Throw (150x200)

Now 29% Off

Score: 88/100

While this fleecy throw may feel lightweight (making it easy to move from room to room or even take away with you), it kept our testers nice and warm. There are three sizes to choose from and we found the medium one (150 x 200 cm) provided ample coverage for one person.

It stayed velvety soft after washing, but while the lighter silver shade held its colour, there was some fading in the navy version. Be careful with your coffee too, as testers struggled to remove this stain. Otherwise, it’s a good value buy and with 16 colours, it’s easy to find one that suits.

Key specifications

FabricRecycled polyester
Sizes3
Colours16
Care instructionsMachine washable
Best linen blanket

Bed Threads Sage & Olive Two-Tone Quilt

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Sage & Olive Two-Tone Quilt
Best linen blanket

Bed Threads Sage & Olive Two-Tone Quilt

Score: 83/100

This premium, two-tone throw from Bed Threads looks too good to just drape over the sofa. Closer to a quilt than a standard blanket, it’s an extremely practical buy. When it’s chilly outside, you can layer it over your duvet for extra warmth, and if you tend to run hot at night, it works beautifully as a lightweight cover on its own. Generously sized, it fits most double beds, delivering that plush hotel-style finish at home.

It’s made from a linen material, which divided our panellists. Some found it a little scratchy at first, though most agreed it softened noticeably after a couple of washes – a characteristic of linen rather than a flaw in its design. It’s worth noting that it can’t be tumble dried, so wash day might need a little forward planning.

The higher price point reflects its quality and finish, and we love the look of this one.

Key specifications

Fabric100% French flax linen
SizesMedium or large
ColoursRust, Pink Clay & Turmeric, Terracotta and rust, Terracotta and Hazelnut, Oatmeal, Sage & Pistachio, Sage & Olive, Forest & Crème, Charcoal, Cocoa & Lagoon.
Care instructionsWash before first use on a cold, gentle cycle using liquid detergent. Do not bleach, iron or dry-clean, and if your linen happens to stain, launder immediately.
Best lightweight blanket

Bedsure Cotton Muslin Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Cotton Muslin Blanket
Best lightweight blanket

Bedsure Cotton Muslin Blanket

Score: 82/100

This lightweight blanket is made from 100% natural cotton, making it the perfect cooling option for those who run hot at night. The soft material is naturally sweat-wicking and draws moisture away from the skin, meaning this blanket perfectly treads the line between cool and cosy. “It keeps me warm but not hot, just right,” said one tester.

The waffle design and sage colourway are so chic, too. Drape it over the sofa or on the bottom of your bed, ready for when you need some cooling comfort.

Key specifications

FabricCotton muslin
Sizes90 x 90 inches
ColoursSage green, Beige, Grey
Care instructionsMachine washable, do not bleach
Best cooling blanket

The Oodie Cooling Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Cooling Blanket
Best cooling blanket

The Oodie Cooling Blanket

Now 25% Off

Score: 82/100

Whether it’s a fleeting heatwave, a stifling house, or those ever-so-pleasant night sweats, trying to sleep when it’s hot is a near impossible task. Sacrificing covers in pursuit of coolness unfortunately often means giving up cosiness, too. But luckily, this cooling blanket from Oodie offers a solution for both.

It’s made from lightweight, sweat-wicking materials, designed to regulate your temperature overnight. It was described as a “game-changer” by one of our menopausal testers who experiences extreme night sweats, so we can certainly say it lived up to its claims.

Key specifications

Fabric90% nylon, 10% elastane
SizesSingle, Queen
ColoursMultiple patterns to choose from
Care instructionsHand wash or gentle cycle with cold water and your regular detergent.
Best self-heating blanket

Silentnight Heat Genie Self-heating Giant Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Heat Genie Self-heating Giant Blanket
Best self-heating blanket

Silentnight Heat Genie Self-heating Giant Blanket

Score: 81/100

You may be asking what a self-heating blanket is, as were we. Well, there’s a heat-reflecting foil layer in the cosy soft fleece sherpa layers, which reflects your body heat back to you. This one definitely brought in the heat too, with many of our testers saying it kept them warm and cosy.

“It worked so well that I’m not having to use my electric blanket as much,” one told us (they tested it during a chilly spring spell). It didn’t cause any overheating either, scoring highly for breathability.

Its generous dimensions make it great for sharing on the sofa, and it comfortably fits over a king-sized bed. But this does mean that it’sfairly large and weighty – something to consider if you have a small space or want to move your blanket from bed to sofa and back.

Key specifications

FabricSherpa fleece
SizesOne XL size
ColoursGrey
Care instructionsMachine washable

Night Lark Soft Weave Sherpa Throw

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Soft Weave Sherpa Throw

Night Lark Soft Weave Sherpa Throw

Score: 81/100

If it’s some sofa snugness you’re after, this extremely soft and comfortable sherpa throw is ideal. Our panel said it provided just the right level of warmth, with one tester telling us it was “ideal as a throw or extra layer”. It’s very lightweight, which some loved. You might need something a little more substantial if you’re after extra warmth overnight though.

Despite its large size, testers found it easy to clean and dry. It performed well in our lab wash tests too and maintained its texture and shape well over time. Some thought the design could have been more appealing, with more of a colour range to suit a range of rooms. But other than that, it’s warm, well-constructed, and extremely soft.

Key specifications

FabricOuter: Microfibre with a Sherpa reverse. Filling: 100% Smartfil Polyester from Recycled PET bottles
Sizes1
ColoursNatural Oat
Care instructionsHome wash at 40ºc cycle
Best budget blanket

Bedsure Cosy Bubble Fleece Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Cosy Bubble Fleece Blanket
Best budget blanket

Bedsure Cosy Bubble Fleece Blanket

Now 15% Off

Score: 80/100

This lightweight, fluffy throw is designed to deliver cosy comfort, without the heft of a heavy winter blanket. Despite its lightweight, airy feel, testers were pleasantly surprised by how well it trapped warmth while they cosied up the couch. They also highlighted its practicality, saying it’s a great option for children, or for draping over elderly relatives’ legs when an extra layer of warmth is needed.

When it came to care, most testers found it easy to wash and quick to dry. The only drawback noted was the oversized care label, which a few felt distracted from the look. That said, once you’ve familiarised yourself with the washing instructions, this can easily be trimmed away.

Key specifications

FabricPolyester
SizesTwin, throw
ColoursWhite, Grey, Crystal Pink
Care instructionsMachine wash, do not bleach

Bedsure Cooling Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Cooling Blanket

Bedsure Cooling Blanket

Score: 71/100

Hot sleepers listen up. This Bedsure blanket has been designed with special materials and tech to help regulate your temperature as you sleep and keep you cool through the night. It features Arc-chill fibres, which as the name suggests, keep you cool by absorbing body heat and wicking moisture away from the skin. “It’s immediately cool to the touch and is easy to wrap around me,” said one tester.

Despite its cooling relief, some panellists found the fabric slightly slippery and wished it was cosier. It was also heavier than expected. But its generous size makes it suitable for covering double beds and it’s easy to fold away when not in use.

Key specifications

FabricRayon
Sizes1
ColoursBeige, blue, grey, white
Care instructionsMachine washable
best blankets

Testing blankets in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab: assessing their weight; checking size and shrinkage; marking with common household stains before washing

How we test blankets

We don’t just pop any blanket on our sofa. To find the ones that are made for curling up under and draping artfully over furniture, our experts put a range of brands to the test in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab.

They follow care label instructions while carrying out extensive wash tests, looking for any colour fading or shrinkage across three washes. This involves using a special piece of equipment called a Digieye, which looks at changes in the colour. Our experts also test stain resistance by swatching on common household spills, including red wine, foundation, ketchup and coffee, before cleaning.

Finally, they take the blankets home with them to see what they’re like to snuggle up with day-in-day-out, evaluating all those essential elements, including comfort, weight and warmth.

testing with digieye

Our expert using the Digieye equipment to analyse colour fading of blankets in the lab.

best blankets

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?

Our senior homes writer, Megan Geall, is never far from a blanket. In fact, she was under one as she wrote this and even keeps one on the sofa during the summer months, such is her commitment to comfort.

So, this test couldn’t have been in better hands. She helped select the products for review and craft the protocols to answer all of your (and her) questions before writing up the final results.

Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, then put in the hard graft, washing the blankets and enlisting her team of testers to take the blankets home and find out which ones were the warmest and softest. We know, it’s a tough job. All that information was then compiled to bring you our pick of the best blankets for your home.

best blankets

What is the best material for blankets?

Most of the blankets on our list fall into one of three categories: ones made with synthetic textiles, those made with wool, and blends of the two.

If you opt for a blanket that’s polyester – and most of the velvet-y or faux fur-style ones are – it will likely be super soft. They're also more affordable and can generally go in the washing machine if you spill your coffee on them.

But (and really this is a pro and a con when it comes to blankets) it’s likely to be less breathable – so it should keep you warm, but could easily tip over into too hot territory when the heating kicks in…

Wool, on the other hand, is a breathable and premium pick. However, its softness varies based on the specific type of wool, you can’t normally machine wash it, and it’s pricier. If you do opt for this luxe material, have a read through our guide on how to wash wool. You'll also find a lambswool option on our list from tbco., which is known for its gentle feel.

Finally, if you opt for a blend, you’ll likely land somewhere between the two camps. These blankets are generally a decent quality and a mid-range price. But be sure to check the care guidance because this can vary.

Once you’ve settled on a preferred fabric (and considered any care instructions as a result), we recommend double checking the dimensions of any blankets you’re looking at – there's nothing worse than a throw that’s just too small to lie under!


How do you choose the best blanket?

Choosing the right blanket will depend on your personal preference. Our list features a range of designs and fabrics for different needs. Fleece and fluffy designs are great for draping over you to keep the warmth in on the sofa, while thicker linen and wool fabrics add warmth, colour and texture to your bed in colder weather.

We've also included a cooling blanket for those who want to ditch the duvet during hot nights.


How often should you change a blanket?

“How often you should change a blanket depends on how much contact it makes with your skin and whether you're sleeping beneath it, or just using it for comfort during the day,” says Good Housekeeping's household advice editor, Katie Mortram.

“If you're sleeping directly under it, wash it at least once a week, or every 3-4 days if your pet sleeps on top. If you're using it for comfort, with daily use, aim to wash it once every couple of weeks,” she adds.

best blankets and throws

The verdict: What is the best blanket to buy?

The best option for your home comes down to the type of throw you're looking for. Our scores don't take aesthetics into account (as that's subjective) so you'll need to decide where you sit on the spectrum between practicality and style, and how much you're willing to spend.

If you want a velvety-soft fleece, we recommend our winner – the Silentnight Snugsie Giant Blanket – or our budget friendly runner-up, Bedsure's Fleece Blanket, which is available in countless colours.

For something more premium, we’d go for wool – tbco's Lambswool Blanket is our top buy for its soft, luxury feel.

Headshot of Megan Geall
Megan Geall
Senior Homes and Lifestyle Writer

Megan is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s senior homes and lifestyle writer. She loves diving into the latest product releases to find the very best buys on the market and has written hundreds of product reviews on everything from the best vacuum cleaners and coffee machines to the best ice cream makers and robot window cleaners.

When she’s not writing about the newest gadgets and gizmos for your home and garden, you’ll find her running every distance from 5km to 100km or relaxing at home with her cat – there really is no in between. 

Megan has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously written for Stylist, Glamour, Women's Health, TimeOut, SquareMeal, and YOU magazine. You can find Megan on Instagram @meganlouisegeall.

Headshot of Madeleine Evans
Madeleine Evans
Lifestyle Writer

Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.

When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.

Headshot of Blossom Boothroyd
Tested byBlossom Boothroyd
Homes Testing Manager

Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.  

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