Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Goosebumps Adult Swaddle for its lightweight and super soft fabric, as well as its many size and color options. If you’re looking to spend a little less on a throw blanket but still want to stay cozy, we recommend the Better Homes & Gardens Embossed Velvet Plush Reverse Sherpa Throw.
Our Testing Process
To come up with these recommendations, we surveyed 47 members of our team on their favorite throw blankets. We’ve used all the blankets on our list for at least three months, but 60 percent of the blankets have been in our household for a year or longer. (We’ve been using the Goosebumps Adult Swaddle, our best overall pick, for six years so far.)
Each throw blanket was evaluated based on its quality, texture, temperature regulation, ease of cleaning, durability, and value. We also considered factors such as material, size, and other benefits (like heat and weight) when deciding which throw blankets would make our final list.
How to Shop for Throw Blankets Like a Pro
Use
Not every throw blanket is cozy enough to snuggle up with—some may feature detailed accents that make them more decorative than functional (think tassels, pom poms, and tufted designs). Others may feel more practical than stylish, simply providing warmth and comfort without unique designs or patterns.
Mina Lisanin, award-winning product designer and founder of ML Interiors, recommends first determining the desired primary purpose of the throw blanket. “Will it be primarily used for warmth, decoration, or a combination of both?” says Lisanin. “This will help you choose the appropriate material and thickness.”
Material
Lisanin says that the material affects both the appearance and functionality of the throw blanket and notes that different materials have different care requirements. Common throw blanket materials include cotton, wool, fleece, acrylic, and blends. Additionally, each material has its unique texture, warmth, and levels of durability.
Cotton is a natural material, so a throw blanket made of cotton will feel breathable. We recommend the Brooklinen Lightweight Textured Throw Blanket, which is made of 100 percent cotton and feels incredibly lightweight. Fleece blankets are often made of synthetic materials like polyester, and they have a raised surface that feels cozy and warm. Wool blankets (like the Pendleton Agate Beach Throw Blanket) are naturally moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating, making them great for all climates.
Size
Most throw blankets are not large enough to fit the surface area of a queen bed, let alone a king bed. Once you’ve noted the size and dimensions of the throw blanket you love, you can determine how you want to use it, Lisanin says. For example, a small throw blanket might work best decoratively draped over the arm of a couch, while a larger throw blanket is perfect for snuggling up or laying at the end of a bed.
Care
If you want a wool or cashmere throw blanket but don’t love the level of upkeep and maintenance required, then Lisanin recommends searching for options that fit your preferences when it comes to care. Certain materials are going to be high maintenance, so you probably need a throw that’s easy to care for if you have messy pets or kids. Some throw blankets are machine washable, while others may require dry cleaning or spot cleaning.
More Throw Blankets to Consider
RH Luxe Faux Fur Throw: If you’re looking for an oversized faux fur throw blanket that can fit even a California king bed, this is an excellent option. While there are more affordable faux fur throw blankets on the market that don’t require dry cleaning, we liked how soft and luxurious this one felt.
Mellanni Faux Fur Plush Blanket: For those who want the faux fur feel without the faux fur look, this plush throw blanket is a soft and affordable choice. It’s machine washable, affordable, and available in a couple of color and size options. While the material matted a bit over time during our testing, we think a fabric shaver could bring it back to life.
Questions You Might Ask
What’s the difference between a throw blanket and a regular blanket?
Lisanin says there are a few differences between throw blankets and regular blankets, including size, functionality, and design.
“Throw blankets are typically smaller than regular blankets and function as decorative accents or for added visual interest, texture, and warmth while lounging, sitting, or napping, whereas regular blankets are typically larger and intended to cover and provide warmth for a bed,” she says. “Throw blankets also typically come in a wide range of patterns, colors, and textures, allowing them to be decorative elements that enhance the aesthetics of a room, and regular blankets tend to have a simpler design and focus more on functionality.”
What is the lifespan of a throw blanket?
The lifespan of a throw blanket can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the material, frequency of use, and care. Lisanin says that a well-made and properly cared for throw blanket can last for many years, but it’s important to note that decorative throw blankets, especially those with details like pom poms or fringe, may not withstand heavy daily use as they are primarily intended for decorative purposes.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with three years of experience writing about lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, we surveyed our team about their favorite throw blankets and narrowed down the options based on texture, temperature regulation, quality, ease of care, and more. Daniela also consulted Mina Lisanin, award-winning product designer and founder of ML Interiors.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.