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The Best Editor-Tested Bed Blankets You Can Buy Right Now

published Feb 23, 2023
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Image of bedroom done in pale grays and white. Seal for Apartment Therapy's Best List 2023: Bed Blankets in upper left corner
Credit: Julia Steele

No one ever said that you shouldn’t judge a bed by its cover. In fact, that’s exactly what we’re doing! You’ve seen our lists of Best Sheets, Best Mattresses, and Best Pillows; now it’s time to talk about the best blankets that you can buy for your bed. Blankets can make a major impact on the quality of sleep you get, not to mention the overall look and feel of your space. And because they’re available in a seemingly infinite combination of fabrics, styles, and thicknesses, the shopping process can seem a bit daunting and difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

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To help you figure out where to spend your hard-earned dollars, we spent weeks (and in some cases, months) sleeping under blankets of all sorts. Some led to nights of tossing and turning and discomfort, but the options on the list below are all absolute winners. Keep reading to learn how to find the blanket of your dreams and see our editor-favorite picks.

The Best Bed Blankets

What to Consider When Shopping for Bed Blankets

Your sleep patterns and lifestyle are big factors in choosing the right bed blanket for you. Are you a hot sleeper or do you get chilly in the middle of the night? Do you love snuggling up under heavy covers or do you prefer something light and breathable? Do you have a pet who has been known to destroy your nice things? All of these variables will help drive your decision.

Functionality

You can search for an option that addresses your specific needs when it comes to weight, size, material, style, and more. To identify special features of a blanket you’re considering, keep an eye out for terms like “breathable,” “temperature-regulating,” “oversized,” “weighted,” and “reversible.”

Aesthetics

There are too many options out there to settle for a bed blanket that you don’t absolutely love. Think about the material you like, the colors available, the way a rambunctious pet or clumsy roommate might mess it up. You want your pick to look just as fantastic (or close to it) on Day 1,000 as it did on Day 1.

Certifications

Bedding essentials and other home textiles are subject to certifications that let consumers know about the materials and processes used in making them. Here is a list of the usual suspects to look out for.

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certifiedProducts are free of harmful synthetics and dyes.
  • Made in Green by OEKO-TEX certifiedMaterials used in products are traceable and have been tested for and are free from harmful substances.
  • GOTS certifiedProducts align with the Global Organic Textile Standard, which defines the worldwide recognized requirements for organic textiles.
  • Cotton LEADS program: A reliable cotton supply chain providing raw material that is responsibly produced and identified.
  • Made Safe certified: Products are nontoxic and made with safe ingredients/materials.
  • Fair Trade certified: Products are created in alignment with the economic standards in place for manufacturers to equitably distribute the benefits of ingredient, material, or product trade.
  • Global Cotton Initiative partner: The production process uses fewer synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, increases cotton yields, reduces water usage, improves soil health, and applies decent work principles.

What We Look For in a Bed Blanket

We tested a wide range of bed blankets and judged them on the following criteria:

  • Performance: Does the blanket live up to its promises? Are the size, color, and texture what you were expecting? How does it hold up after washing?
  • Quality: What materials is it made from? What certifications does it have? Is it from a brand you know and trust?
  • Value: Does the price reflect the quality you’re getting? How does the price compare to similar options?

The Best Bed Blankets

Imagine getting into bed and covering yourself in a huge version of your favorite, softest, comfiest sweater. Well, that’s how Apartment Therapy Media shopping director Jada describes Boll & Branch’s Aran Knit Bed Blanket. After using this luxe cable-knit blanket in her bedroom during the cold months and in the living room in the summer, her verdict was clear: “It is the best. thing. ever,” she raves. “It adds another layer of warmth and weight (even though it’s not a weighted blanket) to your bed and is cozy as a throw blanket on the couch, too.”

While the price tag for this Boll & Branch winner is notably high, we consider it the best of the bunch. The dense, textured knit is made from organic long-staple cotton yarn, with a pattern that’s exclusive to Boll & Branch and a stylish ribbed border that’s finished by hand. The entire manufacturing process is traceable and free from pesticides, GMOs, and other toxins. And while the washing and drying instructions are a bit more complicated than simply throwing it into the machine and pressing start, following them will keep your blanket looking great and feeling soft for the long haul.

Specifications:

  • 100% cotton
  • Available in 2 sizes: Full/Queen and King/California King
  • Heathered Oatmeal, Heathered Stone, and Bright White color options
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, Fair Trade certified
  • Machine washable with like colors; tumble dry low to remove dampness and then air dry

Who It’s Best For: Those who want a blanket that’s organic, great for layering, and sumptuously soft.

Good to Know: It becomes substantially heavier when wet, so be prepared for an arm workout on laundry day.

Best Budget-Friendly: Bedsure Fleece Blanket

For a bed blanket that’s warm, soft, easy to care for, and super affordable, allow us to introduce the Bedsure Fleece Blanket. “Trust me when I say that the phrase ‘You get what you pay for’ doesn’t apply to Bedsure’s Fleece Blanket,” says Best List editor Britt, whose entire family, from Louisiana to California, owns and adores this Amazon find. And they’re not the only ones; this baby has more than 111,000 five-star reviews. Although the cozy microfleece blanket is lightweight, it’s warm enough for tons of users (including Britt) to use all year round. And it’s available in a whopping 28 colors!

Bedsure’s buttery-soft blanket comes in eight sizes, including standard bed sizes and an oversized throw that’s perfect for sharing. Says Britt, “I’ve used it as an additional bedding layer on chilly nights, and even draped it over a section of the couch to prevent my dog’s hair from getting all over the furniture.” Don’t worry, it’s machine washable, so the hair-covered blanket was good as new on laundry day.

Read our full review of the Bedsure Fleece Blanket.

Specifications:

  • Fleece and polyester
  • Available in 8 sizes: Baby, Kids, Twin, Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King, Throw/Travel, and Throw XL
  • 28 color options
  • Made in Green by OEKO-TEX certified
  • Machine washable

Who It’s Best For: Those who want something affordable; those who want lots of color choices.

Good to Know: Though you might see some slight shedding at first, that effect goes away after a few washes.

West Elm’s Double Cloth Blanket is a splurgy buy for anyone looking to outfit their bed in lightweight luxury. This beauty is made from sustainably sourced cotton, with a double-cloth gauze that’s airy, breathable, and even reversible. One side is a light stone gray, the other is a lovely pearl, and the linen border brings everything together with the utmost sophistication. Commerce managing editor Tamara tested this thin-yet-durable blanket and gave it top marks for quality and appearance, which is no surprise, since it comes from one of our favorite retailers.

If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll love this blanket for the warmer months — or even year-round if, like Tamara, you live in a small apartment with a radiator you can’t control. “I always had to put one foot out of my covers while I was sleeping during the winter because my blankets were too heavy,” she says, “but with this one, I can stay under the covers without overheating.” No matter who controls your thermostat, this West Elm pick is perfect on its own or layered with warmer quilts. “If I ever get central air/heat in another apartment, I could see using this on top of a comforter or at the bottom of the bed,” Tamara adds.

Specifications:

  • 88% cotton, 12% linen
  • Available in 2 sizes: Full/Queen and King
  • Pearl Gray color option
  • Better Cotton Initiative partner
  • Machine washable on gentle cycle; tumble dry on low

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot or live in a hot apartment.

Good to Know: The blanket can snag, especially if you have pets who tend to claw or scratch.

Weighted blankets offer loads of benefits, from decreased stress to better sleep, but navigating their many permutations can be daunting. We’ve tested dozens of weighted blankets over the years, and our top choice for the bedroom is the Cotton Cooling Weighted Blanket from Luna. While weighted blankets can easily seem claustrophobic, this one “feels like one big firm-but-gentle hug, minus the smothering sensation I’ve experienced with past weighted blankets,” says style shopping editor Blair. The stitched design keeps the glass beads in place and evenly spread over your body, and the quilted cotton outer layer is equal parts soft and breathable. Because the blanket is relatively thin, it’s a cinch to store when you don’t need it.

What really sold Blair on Luna’s blanket was the wide assortment of available colors and patterns. “My other qualm with weighted blankets is that they don’t always look the most, ahem, stylish,” she explains. “But the brand’s striped gray and white print immediately caught my eye as a classic, display-worthy staple.” The blanket is available in four weights, so you can choose the heaviness that best suits you and the size of your bed.

Read our full review of the Luna Cotton Cooling Weighted Blanket.

Specifications:

  • 100% cotton, filled with glass beads
  • Available in 4 sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, and King
  • Available in 4 weights: 10, 15, 20, and 25 lbs.
  • 14 color options
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
  • Machine washable; Hang dry or tumble dry on low heat

Who It’s Best For: Those who love weighted blankets or have been curious about trying them out.

Good to Know: A good rule of thumb: Choose a blanket that’s roughly 8-10 percent of your body weight.

You could layer nearly any blanket on this list, but the pick that’s most ideal for this purpose is The Company Store’s LaCrosse Down Alternative Blanket. It offers ample warmth without being too bulky (aka perfect qualities for a layering blanket), and it’s made with the brand’s exclusive LoftAIRE Down Alternative fill and a box construction that keeps the stuffing evenly distributed. While the 295-thread-count cotton twill shell is smooth to the touch, Blair actually uses her blanket as a duvet insert. “I kind of DIY’ed my own corner ties and made it work inside of a linen duvet cover.”

Blair reports that this choice is soft and lightweight yet thick enough to be a primary year-round layer. If you don’t usually sleep with more than one layer when it’s warm out, this blanket is thin enough to fold and keep at the foot of the bed for daytime naps or for nights when the temperature dips.

Specifications:

  • 100% cotton shell, down alternative fill
  • Available in 3 sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, and King
  • 17 color options
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
  • Machine washable on gentle cycle; tumble dry low or air fluff

Who It’s Best For: Sleepers who like to layer their bedding in the colder months.

Good to Know: This down alternative version is hypoallergenic, but the blanket is available with down fill, too.

If you have sensitive skin or if you prefer to outfit your home with sustainably produced, good-for-you-and-the-planet products, then Quince’s Organic Lofty Waffle Blanket is for you. It’s made from 100 percent organic cotton, and not only is it plush, soft, and oh-so-cozy, but it’s also free from harmful dyes, chemicals, and toxins often used in the textile manufacturing process. It’s even made in facilities that run on windmill-generated power and use water created through reverse osmosis.

Commerce SEO writer Nic raves about this blanket’s ability to strike the perfect balance between breathability and warmth. “I like the waffle-weave texture and have found it to be warmer than I expected,” he says. Even better: At under $100, it’s top-quality, ethically produced bedding. Quince sells directly to consumers, forgoing the high costs associated with traditional retail supply chains. “I used this blanket to replace a similar model I had from a more expensive brand,” says Nic. “This blanket seems a little sturdier, which is surprising because of how light it feels overall. I’ve been using it as my primary blanket during the winter — it’s that warm!”

Specifications:

  • 100% organic cotton
  • Available in 3 sizes: Twin, Full/Queen, and King/California King
  • Natural, Light Gray, Light Blue, Charcoal, and White color options
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, GOTS certified
  • Machine washable; tumble dry low

Who It’s Best For: Those who have sensitive skin; those who want bedding that is sustainably and ethically produced.

Good to Know: The blanket might seem a little smaller when you first take it out of the dryer, but it will relax back to full size after a few hours on your bed.

Muslin cotton is made to regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool when you get hot and vice versa — which is why this soft, gauzy fabric warrants its own category on our list. Our favorite? The 365 Blanket from Muslin Comfort. As its name suggests, this versatile, durable blanket can be enjoyed year-round as a bed blanket, throw blanket, or even for outdoor picnics and beach days. “I love a good blanket that I can take anywhere without thinking twice about whether or not it should leave the bed,” says Britt, who tested (and loved) this one. It’s pre-washed and pre-shrunk, and because it’s meant to be oversized, you can say goodbye to fighting with your partner for the covers.

The 365 Blanket is hypoallergenic, lightweight yet substantial, and refreshingly breathable.”On top of my bedding, it adds a comforting pressure that has given me deeper, more restful sleep without any unpleasant night sweats,” Britt explains. “As an everyday blanket, it’s fun to bundle up like a burrito and veg out for an afternoon on the couch.” Cue the binge-watching marathon.

Read our full review of the Muslin Comfort The 365 Blanket.

Specifications:

  • Premium muslin cotton
  • Available in 4 sizes: Oversized Twin, Oversized Full, Oversized Queen, and Oversized King/California King
  • 13 color options
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, Fair Trade certified
  • Machine washable

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot or have night sweats — or who sleep next to someone who does.

Good to Know: It’s also available in an organic option.

Crafted from a blend of washed (aka super-soft) linen and cotton, Parachute’s Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket is stylish and versatile. “It’s great for any time of the year,” reports commerce editorial assistant Nikol. “You can use it as your main bed covering or as a throw blanket.” That’s right: No matter which of the two classic, neutral hues you go with, this gauzy favorite will work with nearly any color scheme, in the bedroom or otherwise.

This Parachute blanket boasts four-ply construction and features a classic waffle-weave design. “It’s an anomaly because, although it’s thin, it still has a weighty quality that makes you feel cozy and swaddled after you sleep under it,” says Nikol.

Specifications:

  • 67% cotton, 33% linen
  • Available in 2 sizes: Full/Queen and King/California King
  • Natural and Dusk color options
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
  • Machine washable

Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t want to swap out their bedding depending on the weather.

Good to Know: Nikol recommends air drying it unless you have an extra-large dryer.

When the weather outside is frightful, the Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Bed Blanket is warm and delightful. “It’s so thick and soft and just a little bit spongy, kind of like a fuzzy sock for your whole body,” says staff writer Sarah. She uses hers as an extra (and extra-cozy) bedding layer when temperatures drop.

Even before she tested this bed blanket, Sarah had used the Barefoot Dreams throw blanket at a relative’s house, which is why she jumped at the chance to try out the larger version. “There’s nothing better than being wrapped up in one of these,” she adds. This blanket is definitely not cheap, so we recommend following the laundry instructions closely to keep it beautiful. And don’t be alarmed if you notice some shedding at first; it shouldn’t be a problem after the first wash.

Specifications:

  • 100% polyester microfiber
  • Available in 2 sizes: Full/Queen and King
  • White and Stone color options
  • Machine washable

Who It’s Best For: Those who want extra warmth when the temperatures dip.

Good to Know: If you love the feel of this blanket, the brand also makes cardigans, hats, bathrobes, and other apparel and accessories.

If you and your partner are always arguing about who stole the covers first, then this is the blanket for you. “I’d always wanted to try a Big Blanket, but I was apprehensive that it would overwhelm my not-exactly-large space,” says Britt. If you’ve had the same concern, you can stop worrying. Although this 10′ x 10′ blanket is bigger than a traditional King, Britt describes it as “perfectly oversized,” noting that it actually makes an excellent extra bed layer since it hides her bed frame better than other covers. It’s quite easy on the eyes, too. “Pictures don’t do it justice — this blanket is gorgeous,” she raves.

The Big Blanket is manufactured with a four-way stretch that gives it a sophisticated look, a smooth feel, and a slight sheen. And while it is jumbo, it’s not too cumbersome for your linen closet — although you might not even need to store it. “The Big Blanket has been a great addition to my bedroom,” Britt adds. “I’m planning to keep it out year-round!”

Specifications:

  • Polyester-spandex blend
  • Available in 1 size: 10′ x 10′
  • 12 color and pattern options
  • Machine washable

Who It’s Best For: Partners who steal the covers from each other.

Good to Know: You can return your Big Blanket within 100 days for a full refund.