Cozy warmth and comfort often depends on a warm, soft blanket. From a quilted blanket on your bed to a throw blanket on your couch to a fleece blanket in your car, having a blanket at hand is your key to contentment. Having several blankets on hand is even better, but if you're trying to pick out the perfect one, it shouldn't have to be a chore. With the help of this blanket buying guide, you'll have no trouble deciding how to buy a blanket that you'll love.
Blankets are usually distinguished from other types of bedding like comforters, quilts and duvets. The rule of thumb is this: The thinnest blanket is more substantial than the thickest sheet while the thickest blanket is, well, a really thick blanket. In addition to the range in blanket density, there is a range of materials from which blankets are made. This buying guide looks at the most common blankets in more depth to help you make an informed decision on the right blanket to buy.
Down blankets
Like down comforters, down blankets are filled with goose down, duck down or down alternative for the allergy-prone. Unlike down comforters, down blankets are lighter and more breathable, making them perfect for summer sleeping. If your duvet, quilt or comforter tends to be a little too warm during the summer months, consider replacing it with a down blanket or at least having one in a blanket box as a nice, cool backup. If you don't want to bother with dry cleaning, try to find a down blanket that's machine washable. Also, make sure the fill power (a measurement of down density and warmth) meets your temperature preferences. If you want a down blanket for year-round use, find something with a fill power of at least 550.
Quilted blankets
The layers of quilted blankets are sewn together in a patterned design, giving a classic country feeling to a bedroom. Densely layered fabric, as opposed to pockets of fluffy down, makes quilted blankets both a bit heavier and less baggy than down blankets. If you sleep better with the weight of substantial bedding, then a quilted blanket may be just what you're looking for.
Electric blankets
Electric blankets or warming blankets are just what the doctor ordered for the chronically cold person in your life. Especially in areas where humidity and temperature guarantee sudden aches and chills, an electric blanket can be a lifesaver. You can also keep your heating bills low when you turn down the thermostat and sleep with an electric blanket.
Modern electric blankets contain small, insulated wires sewn throughout the fabric. A component called a rheostat (also referred to as a variable resistor) regulates the heating elements, responding to room and body temperature to maintain a consistent comfort level. Large electric blankets designed for two sleepers have a digital controller for each side and can improve sleep amongst couples who want to share a bed without forfeiting comfort. Also, most modern electric blankets are machine-washable. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's care and safety instructions.
Cotton blankets
One of the best things about cotton blankets is their remarkable versatility. At one time, cotton's popularity was threatened by synthetic materials like polyester and acrylic. Now, cotton and synthetics get along. A dose of strengthening fiber (from fibers like polyester or bamboo) can improve a cotton blanket, especially if you're after something that's less wrinkly or something that can stand up to frequent washings. Of course, 100 percent organic cotton blankets also have advantages, especially for people who have sensitive skin, allergies or a fondness for the environment. Choose a woven cotton blanket in a herringbone, basketweave or mesh pattern if you're after something heavier, more breathable and softly textured.
Fleece blankets
Remarkably soft and surprisingly warm, you might not expect synthetically-made fleece blankets to be environmentally friendly, but most polyester fleece is made from PET (a resin used to make synthetic fibers) that's recycled from soda bottles. As a material for blankets, fleece is excellent at "wicking" away moisture, similarly to finely knit wool. Static electricity can be a problem with fleece blankets, but there are two easy solutions: First, try using a humidifier. Second, wash and dry fleece throw blankets at low temperatures with a little fabric softener to ensure a long, soft, low-static lifespan.
Wool blankets
Perfect for snuggling up in cold weather, wool blankets are also smart items to buy out of season. High-quality wool blankets typically go on sale during spring and summer months. Much like fleece, wool blankets combine breathability with insulation; wool's natural crimp makes room for a lot of air in the weave. Even thin, lightweight wool blankets hold in more heat than most other blankets of comparable weights while blended wool blankets make some of the best combinations of strength and softness.
Other blanket materials
Cashmere blankets get their name from cashmere wool, which comes from domesticated Cashmere goats (bred in the high-altitude Kashmir region around northern India). The wool is extremely fine and yields an exceptionally soft, lightweight, downy fabric. Cashmere blankets generally require a little more care than other blankets, but these luxurious blankets can be worth it.
Silk blankets and silk blanket blends are especially sought-after pieces of baby bedding, especially when they feature a classic, silk satin border binding. Silk is also used in small doses to both soften and strengthen other blanket fabrics without weighing them down.
Chenille blankets are made from chenille, a term that refers to the way in which a fabric is woven more than what it is woven out of. Small spans of filament or yarn are bound up in at least two twisted pieces of strong yarn. The short pieces are what give the chenille its soft, lustrous pile. Chenille blankets can be made out of rayon, cotton, acrylic and many other materials, but they're all distinctly chenille because of a special, downy weave.
The best thing about throw blankets is how easily they add relaxation and visual appeal to an area. They're smaller than bed blankets, the perfect size for nestling on the couch without being cumbersome. On top of comfort, throw blankets are quick ways to turn a dull room into something vibrant. A throw blanket at the foot of the bed can add a splash of color to a bedroom as well as a little extra warmth that can be grabbed in the middle of the night. A throw blanket draped over the back of an easy chair makes it visually more interesting, not to mention inviting.
In addition, many blanket throws come in multiple colors that can be coordinated. In many cases, layering coordinated throws can be almost as effective as repainting a room and half as expensive, so consider picking up a few throws the next time you're bitten by the redecorating bug.
No home can have too may throw blankets, so once you have added them to all the bedrooms and the family room, make sure you have a few more in your linen closet for movie nights, sleepovers, chilly evenings and any other time you need a little extra warmth.
How can I keep my fleece blankets from pilling?
"Pilling" is a common problem in synthetic blankets. Polyester and acrylic yarns -- especially when the weave is slack -- can be worked loose, and rebellious threads accumulate on the fabric's surface. Natural fibers like cotton and knit blankets also pill, but loose, synthetic fibers are more susceptible. Here are some suggestions to minimize pills:
Select a short wash cycle and wash blankets in cold water.
Wash blankets separately or in small batches to reduce friction on the fabric.
Don't launder permanent press blankets and lint-prone blankets together.
Use a mild fabric softener to reduce static.
What can you tell me about snuggler blankets?
The world of blankets hasn't experienced a shake-up like this in, well, centuries. Aside from the innovative concept, sleeved blankets owe their popularity in no small part to how endearingly adorable they are. But don't write them off as simply cute. Blankets with sleeves are also bold and popular, making red-carpet appearances in front of a variety of pop culture channels. There are even sleeved-blanket and snuggler pub crawls, if you're into that sort of thing. Overstock.com supports sleeved-blankets because we feel it's every person's right to cozy up no matter the time, place or activity. Check out a few fantastic snuggler designs when you're ready to get your snuggle on.
Bedding update
While you are online shopping for bedding, pick up a few pillows, fresh sheets or some gorgeous down bedding for a complete bedroom makeover. Then pick up blankets for the rest of the home. You'll be glad that you bought nice guest bedding the next time you have visitors. Thanks to the discounts on Overstock.com, you can easily afford to make your whole house comfortable.
Blanket storage
When you have more than one favorite blanket, it's important to have a place to store them between uses. A spacious storage cabinet or armoire from our furniture store accentuates your decor and gives you extra storage for blankets and more. Choose a handsome storage chest from Overstock.com's many styles and store your blankets at a handsome discount.
Memorable slumber
Overstock.com carries a huge selection of memory foam pillows, memory foam mattress pads and mattresses, all at generous discounts. Be sure to visit our other bedding store buying guides for additional information on bedding, mattresses, memory foam, pillows, sheets and more.
