How often should you wash your blanket?

How often you should wash your blanket will depend entirely on how often it’s used. If your blanket sits at the foot of your bed, largely untouched, you can probably get away with washing it every few months. But if you snuggle up with your blanket nightly—like you do with your sheets and comforter—you’ll want to wash it every one or two weeks.

Where should a blanket be placed on a bed?

When making your bed, it can be tough to figure out where to put your blanket. And while there is a “right place” to put your blanket, that “right place” depends on the kind of blanket you’re using. If you’ve swapped your heavy comforter with a summer-friendly blanket, your blanket should go above your top sheets—exactly where you’d put your comforter. But if your blanket is merely a layering piece, it should go between your sheets and your comforter. Finally, if your blanket is more of a decorative top layer—or if you only use it some of the time—it should go on top of your comforter. You can fold it at the foot of your bed, toss it over the side of your bed like a throw, or cover your comforter with it entirely.

How often should you replace your blanket?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for buying and replacing blankets. A blanket that’s kept in tip-top shape can last for years, whereas an improperly cared for blanket may need to be replaced within months. If your blanket is stained, matted, or otherwise disheveled, consider replacing it ASAP. But if your blanket is still soft and usable, there’s no real need to replace it.

The 11 Best Blankets of 2023

Whether it's a quilt or coverlet, a blanket provides the ultimate balance of functionality and style. Whether you're looking primarily for a decorative end-of-bed blanket or are in need of a functional and durable blanket that can keep you warm on the coldest nights, we've rounded up the best bed-size blanket options.

We researched and tested high-quality blankets of various sizes, materials, weights, and weaves to offer the best selection in this roundup. Read on for our top picks.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Bedsurehome.com

Bedsure Sherpa Fleece Blanket Keeps Its Shape and Softness

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Incredibly soft
Machine-washable

What We Don't Like

Not a high-end design

Bedsure's Sherpa Fleece Blanket is an affordable option that earned high marks during our home testing thanks to its soft feel and ease of washing. With a weight of 260 grams per square meter (GSM), it's lightweight with a warm outer shell that will keep you warm and cozy throughout the year.

This blanket has velvety microfiber fleece on one side and sherpa (faux sheepskin) on the other. We love that it comes in over 20 colors and four sizes: throw, twin, queen, and king. While it doesn't have a particularly high-end look or feel, it maintains its shape and texture after washing and drying—a quality that's especially impressive, given the low price.

Price at time of publish: $25

_{Sizes: Throw, twin, queen, king | Material: Microfiber, sherpa | Care: Machine-wash, tumble-dry}

Bedsure Blanket — The Spruce / Danielle L. Goldstein

Cozy Earth

View On Cozy Earth View On Houzz View On Nordstromrack.com

What We Like

Soft and cozy
Temperature-regulating
Moisture-wicking

What We Don't Like

Only one color

Looking for an extra bedding layer? Cozy Earth has you covered—literally. Made of bamboo-derived viscose, this blanket provides natural temperature regulation, which means it'll cool you off if you overheat and warm you up when you're feeling cold. Bamboo is also breathable with inherent moisture-wicking abilities, making it an excellent choice for folks who get night sweats.

The fabric is soft and smooth with an ever-so-slightly fuzzy quality. This blanket comes in four sizes, including twin, queen/full, king, and baby. There's only one color available (white), but this may not matter if you place it between your duvet and top sheet.

Price at time of publish: $289

_{Sizes: Twin, queen/full, king, baby | Material: Bamboo-derived viscose | Care: Machine-wash, tumble-dry}

The 8 Best Cooling Blankets of 2023

LaCrosse LoftAIRE Down Alternative Blanket

The Company Store

View On The Company Store

What We Like

Light enough for year-round use
Hypoallergenic
Available in 18 colors

What We Don't Like

Commercial wash suggested

While a down blanket may seem like an overwhelming amount of warmth to layer on your bed, this option from The Company Store is made with the brand's trademarked LoftAIRE down alternative, which isn't as heavy as traditional down fill but can be machine washed. The blend is also hypoallergenic, making it a great option for anyone who cannot use a traditional down blanket due to allergies.

This blanket is available in a rainbow of 18 color options, so you're sure to find one that matches your personal style. While this blanket is machine-washable, The Company Store recommends washing it in a front-loading commercial machine. However, if you have a high-capacity front-loading washing machine, you may be able to wash this blanket at home. While this blanket is more expensive than other options in our roundup, we think its loftiness, lightweight shell, and hypoallergenic finish, make it a great option for anyone looking to truly upgrade their bedding experience.

Price at time of publish: $129

_{Size: Twin, full/queen, king | Material: Combed cotton and LoftAIRE down alternative fill | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry in commercial front-loading machine}

ChappyWrap

View On Chappywrap.com

What We Like

Reversible
Resistant to shrinkage and pilling
Finished edges

What We Don't Like

Expensive

ChappyWrap is known for irresistibly soft and spacious blankets, making the Harborview Herringbone Light Blue Blanket an obvious pick for our roundup. Aside from the attractive color scheme and pattern, this blanket's cotton, acrylic, and polyester blend makes it warm yet lightweight enough to layer on top of a comforter or quilt.

The herringbone pattern is also reversible, so you can choose between a predominantly blue or white scheme, depending on your home's decor. ChappyWrap also promises that its blankets are resistant to shrinkage and pilling, which we consider a huge plus in terms of maintenance. An edge binding also helps the blanket maintain its shape and prevents annoying pulls.

Price at time of publish: $135

_{Size: 80 x 60 inches (queen size) | Material: Cotton blend | Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry}

Boll & Branch

View On Bloomingdales View On Bollandbranch.com View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Pre-shrunk fabric
GOTS and Oeko-Tex certified
Oversized cut

What We Don't Like

Susceptible to pulling

A waffle knit blanket can be a great alternative to a traditional fuzzy blanket, especially if you prefer a lightweight, yet cozy feel. The Boll & Branch Waffle Bed Blanket is made from 100 percent long-staple organic cotton, and the fabric is pre-shrunk to prevent unwanted shrinkage with additional washing. We appreciate that Boll & Branch uses an oversized cut on each of the three sizes to ensure the blanket comfortably covers any bed.

Every step in this blanket's production is also ethical and better for the environment thanks to a Fair Trade factory, plus the cotton is Oeko-Tex and GOTS-certified. You'll enjoy crawling under this blanket's cozy yet lightweight waffle knit, but we recommend keeping it away from pets and other items around your home that may snag it.

Price at time of publish: $238

_{Size: Twin, full/queen, king/Cal. king | Material: Organic cotton | Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry}

Bearaby

View On Bearaby.com

What We Like

Temperature-regulating
Different weights available
Oeko-Tex and Fair Trade certified

What We Don't Like

Expensive

The Bearaby Hugger is a weighted blanket that's perfect for restless couples who want a blanket that will completely cover their queen or king bed. This chunky-knit blanket is available in two weights: 30 or 35 pounds. It's made of Tencel lyocell, organic cotton, and a tiny bit of spandex for flexibility.

The thermal-regulating materials also help cool you off when you overheat and insulate your body if you get the chills. We reviewed the brand's Cotton Napper, the throw-size version of the Hugger, and we found it to have an instantly calming feel. It was also surprisingly breathable for a weighted blanket. The Hugger is pricey, but we appreciate that it's Fair Trade and Oeko-Tex certified, ensuring that it's made by ethically treated workers and free of harmful chemicals.

Price at time of publish: $369

_{Weights: 30 and 35 pounds | Material: Tencel, cotton, spandex | Care: Machine-wash}

The 10 Best Weighted Blankets, Tested and Reviewed

Riley Home

View On Rileyhome.com

What We Like

Durable construction
Soft finish
Oeko-Tex certified

What We Don't Like

Some colors frequently sold out

The Riley Home Textured Cotton Coverlet is the perfect option if you're looking for a blanket that's still warm, yet light enough to be used on its own during summer months and can also serve as added warmth in the winter. Made from 100 percent combed cotton that's also Oeko-Tex certified, this blanket is soft to the touch and already has the lived-in cotton finish.

We also appreciate the textured finish that's more resistant to snags and pulling, compared to waffle and knit blankets. We only wish this blanket was less popular, so more of its colors were readily available to purchase!

Price at time of publish: $160

_{Size: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Material: Combed cotton | Care: Machine wash cold and tumble dry}

Brooklinen

View On Brooklinen

What We Like

Naturally insulating
Thermal-regulating
Ethically sourced

What We Don't Like

Limited sizes
Dry cleaning recommended

If you're partial to wool, this textured number from Brooklinen is another great choice. The Honeycomb Throw Blanket is ethically sourced from animal fleece and made in a family-run mill in Germany.

The one-of-a-kind piece is naturally insulating with inherent thermal-regulating properties. Boasting a weight of 1,600 GSM, you can bet it'll keep you warm in the winter. It is expensive, but that is to be expected with genuine wool. While you might be able to clean it at home, the brand recommends dry cleaning to preserve the natural lanolin in the wool. This blanket is only available in one size, but it does easily cover a queen-size bed, making it much larger than standard throw blankets.

Price at time of publish: $249

_{Size: 83 x 60 inches (queen size) | Material: Wool | Care: Dry-clean}

View On L.L.Bean

What We Like

Durable
Insulating weave and material
Attractive

What We Don't Like

Commercial machine wash

The L.L. Bean Washable Wool Blanket is a great investment for busy households that need a durable blanket to withstand wear from pets and kids that's also warm for chilly winter nights. Made from 100 percent wool, we appreciate that this blanket is already naturally durable and has insulating qualities.

While L.L. Bean does recommend washing and drying this blanket in a commercial machine, you may be able to wash it if you have a high-capacity washer and dryer. However, this blanket won't need frequent washing anyway, but if you do wash it, be sure to use a wool-safe detergent.

Price at time of publish: $219

_{Size: Twin, full, queen, king | Material: Wool | Care: Wash and dry in commercial machine}

Pottery Barn

View On Pottery Barn

What We Like

Naturally cooling properties
Easy to clean
Durable weave

What We Don't Like

Only sold in one color

For hot sleepers, we recommend the Pottery Barn SleepSmart Temperature Regulating Basketweave Blanket. Made from a blend of cotton and 37.5 performance yarns, which release excess heat and humidity, as you move in your sleep, this blanket will keep you comfortable all night. It also has active volcanic minerals, which activate when your body needs more or less heat.

The basketweave makes this blanket easy to clean and it doesn't snag as easily as other blanket weaves. Designed to be part of a system, this blanket works even better when paired with the additional SleepSmart layers. We do wish this blanket was sold in more color options, but we appreciate that the white easily pairs with any home's style.

Price at time of publish: $199

_{Size: Full/queen or king/Cali. king | Material: Cotton and 37.5 performance polyester | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry}

Land's End

View On Landsend.com

What We Like

Soft, long-staple cotton fibers
Subtle texture
Lightweight

What We Don't Like

Not available in twin or full size

If you're looking for a simple lightweight blanket to keep on your bed year-round, we recommend the Charisma Deluxe Woven Cotton Blanket from Land's End. Designed to add a subtle texture to any bedding set, it's available in four colors and can be purchased to fit a queen or king bed.

This blanket is completely machine-washable, so you won't have to fret if coffee or tea spills on it. We do wish it was available in a twin and full size but don't think this is an inherent flaw of the design. This blanket's long-staple cotton fibers result in a super soft finish that's irresistible.

Price at time of publish: $120

_{Size: Queen or king | Material: Cotton | Care: Machine wash}

Material

You can tell a lot about a blanket by paying attention to the material it’s made out of. For one thing, you can determine what it’s likely to feel like—in terms of texture and weight. "I always prioritize a soft touch," says Brooklyn-based designer Jennifer Morris. "[S]omething you want to pull up to your chin.”

In terms of specific materials, cotton is more likely to feel breathable and lightweight, for example, while faux fur is likely to feel fluffy and heavy. Wool may feel cozy to some and scratchy to others. And while synthetic materials like polyester and microfiber may be less expensive, they tend to trap heat, which might make hot sleepers uncomfortable.

Weight

Another key indicator of a blanket’s performance is its weight, which is typically measured in grams per square meter (or GSM). Blankets with a higher GSM will be heavier and warmer—the average is around 200 GSM, which is comfortable enough on its own during the summer but better as an extra layer in winter.

Size

Throw blankets tend to come in pretty standard sizes, but when you’re talking about bed blankets, size can vary a lot more. Many blankets come in standard bedding sizes like queen and king, but take note that cotton blankets are prone to shrinking, so you may want to look for one that's oversized. Here's a buying guide for choosing the right blanket for your bed.

Care

Cozy blankets are great, but cozy blankets that are easy to care for are even better. Keep an eye out for options that are machine-washable and dryer-friendly—they’re more abundant than you might expect. Of course, always pay attention to your blanket's care instructions, especially where drying is concerned. Knit blankets made from wool or brushed cotton also require special washing—check out this guide on how to wash knit clothes and blankets for more information. Most blankets need to be tumble dried on low or even no heat, and some need to be line-dried. Larger blankets might fare better in commercial washers.

FAQ

How often should you wash your blanket?

How often you should wash your blanket will depend entirely on how often it’s used. If your blanket sits at the foot of your bed, largely untouched, you can probably get away with washing it every few months. But if you snuggle up with your blanket nightly—like you do with your sheets and comforter—you’ll want to wash it every one or two weeks.
Where should a blanket be placed on a bed?

When making your bed, it can be tough to figure out where to put your blanket. And while there is a “right place” to put your blanket, that “right place” depends on the kind of blanket you’re using.
If you’ve swapped your heavy comforter with a summer-friendly blanket, your blanket should go above your top sheets—exactly where you’d put your comforter. But if your blanket is merely a layering piece, it should go between your sheets and your comforter.
Finally, if your blanket is more of a decorative top layer—or if you only use it some of the time—it should go on top of your comforter. You can fold it at the foot of your bed, toss it over the side of your bed like a throw, or cover your comforter with it entirely.
How often should you replace your blanket?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for buying and replacing blankets. A blanket that’s kept in tip-top shape can last for years, whereas an improperly cared for blanket may need to be replaced within months. If your blanket is stained, matted, or otherwise disheveled, consider replacing it ASAP. But if your blanket is still soft and usable, there’s no real need to replace it.

Theresa Holland is a seasoned commerce writer specializing in textiles and home goods. For this piece, she interviewed Decorist designer Katy Byrne, who offered product recommendations and insight into styling blankets around the home. After considering several options reviewed by our testers and dozens more from top-rated brands, Holland narrowed it down to comfortable, soft, thoughtfully designed blankets with cozy, textural appeal. Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019, where she writes about bedding, furniture, and decor. You can find more of her writing on Byrdie, MyDomaine, and more.

Emma Phelps, an Updates Writer for The Spruce, reviewed this roundup to include additional products that meet the quality and comfort that the other products in this list were evaluated on. Brooklyn-based designer Jennifer Morris also provided additional expert buying guidance.

The 12 Best Throw Blankets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed