Between comfort, aesthetics, durability and price, who knew blanket shopping could be so complex? Sure, you can pop into your local big box store and pick out the first thing you see, but read on if you’d like insight into finding a blanket that will look great and last for years.

Blanket Types 

Blankets can serve numerous purposes, from keeping you warm in bed to helping you remain cozy while watching television. They come in all sizes, materials, and colors to accent your room perfectly. Sometimes pinpointing your likes and dislikes can help you focus on what blanket types will suit your needs. 

Standard Comforters 

The standard comforter is a blanket that many people are familiar with. They are plush and use a lightweight filling for padding, making them ideal for your bed or a guest room. 

You can find them in dozens of colors, patterns, and designs to suit any decor style. In addition, comforters are readily available in Twin, Double, Queen, and King sizes, so you can include them anywhere you see fit. 

Comforters are often best suited for cooler seasons because their filling helps trap heat. 

upholstered bed with comforter

Park Avenue Upholstered Bed

Duvets 

Duvets are similar to a standard comforter, with one unique exception. Duvets require a removable cover, which can be switched out to easily change the look of a room. The removable cover also makes duvets easier to handle on laundry day. 

Duvets will come in similar blanket sizes as comforters, and you can find them in various thicknesses, making them perfect for cold winter nights or hot summer evenings. 

Quilts 

If you do not already own a quilt, you likely know someone with one! Quilts are often handmade and passed through families or gifted between friends as cherished tokens. 

These blankets consist of three layers, with a stuffing of cotton, polyester, or other material stitched in place between the top and bottom fabric layers. The top layer of a quilt is often made up of uniquely patterned squares with intricate stitching to create a beautiful piece of usable art.

Throws 

Throw blankets are becoming more common in many rooms around the house. This type of blanket can be used as a decorative element for your space, adding color or texture. They are smaller than a standard blanket but still large enough to keep you warm while sitting in your favorite chair. 

A typical throw blanket size is 50” by 60”, making it a versatile option for keeping on your sofa, at the foot of your bed, or draped on a decorative ladder in your living room. They come in various materials, weaves, and colors to suit any space. 

rustic throw blanket on chair

Rust Woven Wool and Acrylic Throw Blanket with Fringe

Weighted 

Weighted blankets are a popular choice for individuals who suffer from anxiety or stress. They are heavier than standard blanket styles with an interior filling of tiny weighted beads. 

These blankets provide a calming effect that can improve sleep. Weighted blankets come in a variety of styles to fit different preferences, but typically weigh between 5 and 30 pounds. 

Electric 

Electric blankets have been on the market for ages and are a crowd favorite in the coldest months of the year. They include interior heating elements with thermostat control to adjust the amount of heat generated. This type of blanket can be terrific when you need to take the chill off quickly. 

You can find electric blankets in numerous sizes to suit any need, whether you plan on keeping it handy by your sofa or using it to cover your entire bed. 

Blanket Buying Guide: How To Choose a Blanket

So, how should you choose the perfect blanket? Exploring these elements will help you select the ideal blanket for your space. 

Intended Use 

Are you looking for the thinnest and warmest material or something soft to the touch? Will you be using it in the bedroom or the living room? Will your new blanket be one that should keep you warm or add a pop of stylish color to your space? 

Required Size 

The blanket size you need can help you narrow down your choices. For example, if you require a warm blanket for your bedroom, it should cover the entire bed and hang down the sides. Alternatively, a throw blanket on a bed or chair will do the trick if you want to spruce up your room.

Desired Material 

The best blanket material for your space will be one that you find appealing and useful and will not require frequent laundering. Sometimes materials are a personal preference, while other times, a blanket’s material will complement the existing furniture in the room. 

what blanket is best for your space

Rosedale Bed

There are many types of blanket materials to suit any home decor. The blanket material is often the first element that entices you to purchase the item, whether it is the weave or the feel. 

Some of the more popular choices for blankets are: 

  • Cashmere
  • Cotton
  • Down
  • Fleece
  • Microfiber 
  • Microplush 
  • Wool

Cashmere and cashmere blends are softer and warmer than other materials, making them a luxury option that can help regulate body heat and keep the user comfortable. On the other hand, cotton blankets are a traditional option and are excellent at keeping you warm and cozy when you need a functional blanket. 

Down blankets use goose or duck feathers for thick but airy insulation. The superior air circulation of down also keeps you warm on cold nights but cool during warmer evenings.

While fleece can be one of the best ways to keep warm, microplush blankets are buttery soft to the touch, making them a favorite in many homes. 

Finally, wool blankets are a trendy and eco-conscious blanket material. This material comes directly from sheep and alpacas and pure wool uses no synthetic materials. Wool is also hearty and provides an excellent visible texture to your space while ensuring you stay warm when you need to. 

Conclusion

Are you looking for a new way to accentuate your space with stylish blankets? Shop the City Home textile collection for blankets, pillows, and more!