A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World
The best throw blankets are super soft but also able to withstand wear and tear. Plus, they look pretty draped across your couch or bed.
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It’s sweater weather, which means it’s also the season to stock up on warm blankets. As the days get shorter and the air gets crisper, there’s nothing like spending an afternoon curled up on the couch in pajamas and warm socks with your best throw blanket and a good book.
Electric blankets and weighted blankets may help you sleep through the night, but the right throw will brighten your day—and your decor. Our picks for the best throw blanket look as good draped over a chair as they feel draped over you. These blankets also make a great self-care gift for anyone needing some extra TLC.
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This gloriously soft Barefoot Dreams throw blanket is the best throw blanket for good reason. It’s both ridiculously soft and calming, plus it also washes well and holds up for years without special maintenance or delicate use.  The throw is made of plush microfiber and measures 54-by-72 inches and is a favorite for families of all sizes and stages. You’ll go wild for the soft texture—imagine your plushest bathrobe, but softer—and each of the 11 color options.
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If you’ve ever wished your whole body could experience the coziness your feet feel in UGG boots, you’re in luck. The cuddly-soft UGG sherpa throw is made to feel the same as the plush boot interiors that have become the trademark of the company’s highly coveted footwear. Immerse yourself in 50-by-70 inches of pure comfort. “This is my favorite blanket ever,” writes verified buyer Leslie. “I have bought it for my friends and family as well as for myself.”
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This Brooklinen two-tone lambswool throw is a sure winner for those looking for all-natural wool coziness. Made in Germany at a 100-year-old family-run mill, the 50-by-70-inch softie is large enough to warm the length of you. Its sharp, neutral hues work with both modern and traditional rooms, and we guarantee it’ll make your bed even cozier. In fact, it feels like one of the best sweaters in your wardrobe—but for your whole body.
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Made in Peru, this is the kind of piece you treasure forever and pass down for generations. The supple, delicate baby alpaca wool in this Diamanta blanket from The Citizenry makes even the busiest go-getters feel like curling up.
Each of these weekend winners is Fair Trade-certified and takes as much as a full week to complete by a local Peruvian artisan. Choose from three soft, timeless neutral shades to suit every home’s style. Pair it with the top sleep products, and you’ll be snoozing before you can count your first sheep.
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You know a Cozy Earth throw blanket is going to be, well, cozy. This oversized beauty certainly lives up to that description. It’s made of premium eco-friendly, 100% bamboo viscose fabric and has been tested to be free of harmful chemicals. The blanket is naturally temperature regulating, which makes it a good option for sleep. Pair it with a cooling pillow and you’ll be out like a light.
Thousands of five-star reviews agree. Verified buyer Lindsay L. calls it “Heavenly soft,” raving: “This throw is amazing. The silky softness is worth every penny. I sleep with it and also use it as a wrap. Very versatile and super cozy. Perfect for any day and every emotion.”
Score our favorite editor-tested Cozy Earth pajamas and products for 30% off with code READERSDIGEST through May 30. Silk, cashmere and some new products are excluded.
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As comfortable as your favorite sweater, this Boll & Branch cable knit throw is made from 100% organic cotton and feels great wrapped around you. If you subscribe to the design rule of mixing textures, you’ll appreciate the cable-knit style. Measuring 50-by-70 inches, it’s available in four neutrals that fit most color palettes.
It also has hundreds of five-star reviews, such as this one from Donna R.: “A perfect blanket to snuggle in when watching late-night TV with my husband. I loved it so much, I sent one to my daughter-in-law. Beautiful colors. The cable knit is to die for!”
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The buttery-soft texture of cashmere is always a delight, which is exactly why this Quince ribbed cashmere throw is one of the best throw blanket options ever. It’s made of 100% real cashmere and is offered at a shockingly budget-friendly price.
Quince is also known for its top-selling, affordable cashmere sweater that sells out every year—and now the softest blankets are added to the list of irresistible designs this brand offers. It comes in two soft tones and boasts a very trendy rib knit.
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This brilliantly designed PediPocket throw blanket comes with a built-in foot pocket. That helps the blanket stay put—and keeps your feet warm—making it one of the best options for cuddling up for prolonged periods of time. It’s also perfect for sitting in recliner chairs and time spent recovering from illnesses in bed.
And don’t fret over height restrictions, either. As verified purchaser Kristie writes: “I purchased this as a Christmas gift for my 6-foot, 4-inch husband to use because he sleeps in a recliner. He thinks it’s GREAT! He used to use two different throws to keep warm and had to fight to keep them both on while covering his feet. Now he uses only this blanket and said it’s really soft, he’s warm all night and he loves that his feet stay covered! I got the XXL and it completely covers him with room to spare.”
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Available in seven colors and two sizes, this impressive chunky knit chenille throw is a total dream. The oversized woven knit looks like it was lovingly made just for you. Buyers are big fans, too. “I think this blanket has quickly become my favorite blanket ever!” writes verified Amazon purchaser, Kathy W. “I actually love it so much I plan on buying more in the future as gifts for my friends.”
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This eye-popping textured sherpa throw is bound to become your room’s centerpiece. It’s affordable while offering the convenience of synthetic sherpa and added warmth, texture and style thanks to clever patterning. Available in 15 colors and five sizes, it’s one of Amazon’s bestselling throw blankets of all time.
“I love this throw blanket,” says Maggie, a verified Amazon purchaser. “It is the nicest one I’ve ever felt. It’s so soft and silky on your skin. I love it so much I’m going to buy another one to put on my bed for winter.”
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Available in a deliciously rich camel color, this handcrafted 53-by-81-inch throw is so beautiful that you’ll want to buy all the matching bedding. Made of a blend of cotton and linen, it’s soft and luxurious.
It looks great tossed over a chair or the foot of your bed, although chances are you’ll want to keep it wrapped around you. The waffle knit adds texture and dimension to monochromatic rooms and furniture with soft color palettes. By buying one, you’re also supporting a woman-owned business.
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A herringbone throw adds a beautiful decorative touch to a room, and this elevates the popular pattern by presenting it in a premium faux cashmere blend for far less than cashmere prices. The Bourina herringbone fringe throw is the ideal combination of traditional style with trend-forward coloring. It’s also an affordable, top-rated Amazon option that has shopping swooning over its ultra-soft feel.
“This blanket is soft and lovely with an elegant drape!” details one happy reviewer, Susan B. Frost. “It looks like a far more expensive piece than it is. The weave is really handsome—much nicer and more distinct than the photo. I am delighted I bought it.”
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Weighted blankets have so many benefits—reduced stress and better sleep among them—and this one from California Design Den is just the right weight at 10 pounds. The size is also a comfortable 40-by-64 inches—perfect for a rejuvenating power nap. Hand knit by women artisans in India, it’s made of 100% cotton and comes in two colors. It’s also super soft and breathable.
Verified buyer Stephanie S. writes: “I was skeptical, but I’m so glad I purchased this one—the quality is superb. Great for naps and just when you need a hug.”
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When this company decided to name itself Big Blanket, it wasn’t kidding around. This super-cozy 10-by-10-feet throw fully wraps around even the tallest member of the family without leaving any toes sticking out. In fact, you can fit the whole family under it for movie night.
Although it’s ultra-plush, it’s surprisingly breathable and comfortable all year round, thanks to all-season microfiber. Never fight over the last blanket corner again.
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Make a throw blanket even more comforting by featuring photos of the important people (and pets) in your life. Just upload three pictures and add one line of text to this Personalization Mall throw blanket and watch the magic happen.  Add a name, a favorite saying or a special date—and then wrap yourself in love.
A happy customer called Shopper adds, “This was my third time purchasing a customized blanket from this website, and I can confidently say that the quality and price are always five stars from me.”
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The Snuggle Sac throw blanket offers cozy comfort with its reversible design, perfect for lounging in style. Made from soft microfiber, it’s antistatic, durable, and breathable, ensuring it lasts long while maintaining comfort. Available in multiple sizes and colors, the Snuggle Sac easily complements any space, providing warmth and a luxurious feel for any season.
Throw blankets come in a variety of materials, each offering different qualities.
Eco-conscious shoppers may prefer sustainable options like organic cotton or recycled materials.
Standard throw blankets typically range from 50 by 60 inches to 60 by 80 inches—large enough for covering the body while relaxing. Smaller blankets add texture and style to a room. Weight plays a role in comfort and warmth: lightweight throws suit warmer climates, while heavier blankets provide extra coziness in colder months.
Choose a blanket based on your warmth needs. Heavier materials like wool or fleece are more insulating, while cotton and lighter fabrics are breathable and ideal for layering. Wool is great for warmth, whereas fleece offers a more versatile, year-round option.
Throw blankets also serve as decor. Patterns, textures and colors can elevate your home’s style. Neutral tones add warmth, while bold designs bring vibrancy. Pick something that matches your personal taste and existing decor.
Durability is key, so check for well-constructed seams and high-quality stitching. Some fabrics resist pilling, helping the blanket maintain its look over time. Follow care instructions—some blankets require hand washing or dry cleaning, while others can be machine-washed. Use a gentle cycle and avoid harsh detergents to protect fibers.
Eco-conscious buyers can opt for blankets made from sustainable materials and produced through ethical practices like renewable energy and reduced water consumption. Look for organic cotton, bamboo and recycled fabrics to minimize your environmental footprint.
Bryce Gruber is a seasoned shopping expert who has contributed to numerous lifestyle and parenting outlets and TV shows. She reviews various home and travel products and has written for renowned brands like MSN, Today, Martha Stewart Living and Harper’s Bazaar.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Reader’s Digest, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul has been writing and editing product reviews since 2021 for brands like Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Family Handyman.
Throw blankets are incredibly versatile! They’re perfect for decor, adding warmth and comfort or protecting furniture from pets’ claws and children’s sticky fingers.
The main difference is size. Throw blankets are typically smaller than regular blankets. Blankets are often found on beds for sleeping, while throw blankets are draped over sofas or chairs for warmth or decoration.
Absolutely! Though often used as decor, throw blankets are also great for cozying up and staying warm while relaxing on the couch.
