When nighttime temperatures take a tumble, reach for a blanket to add an extra layer of cozy warmth to your bed. Blankets tend to go unseen and unsung–it’s your comforter or duvet that takes top billing as the star of the bed, and your sheets that provide the caress of softness your skin craves, but it’s the blanket tucked in between the two that creates an extra pocket of air to keep you warm.
When it comes to buying a blanket, you might think there’s nothing to it–just choose the color you like in the right size for your mattress. Although choosing the right blanket is fairly straightforward, there’s a little more to it than that. Our guide will walk you through some things to consider before buying one, from materials to the type of blanket you just might want to nestle up in.
Before Buying a Blanket for Your Bed
Soft, warm, and cuddly are some words that come to mind when thinking about a blanket. Getting a good night’s sleep while snuggling up in your bed with that all-important piece of material comes next. A blanket is personal. It keeps us warm and cozy and comforts us when we’re not feeling well.
Blankets come in all different shapes and sizes, and there are a variety of colors and materials that you can choose from. Some have cute patterns or designs, while others are a solid color. There are varying textures and weaves to blankets, too. Whatever you choose, the right blanket that is a perfect fit for you will keep you warm in the colder months and cool in the warmer months.
Buying Considerations for a Blanket for Your Bed
Size
If you’re buying a blanket for your bed, you need one large enough to cover the mattress with a few extra inches to tuck in around the sides and bottom. Though exact sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, typical blanket sizes (length by width) are:
Twin: 90” x 66”；Full/Queen: 90” x 85”；Queen: 90” x 100”；King: 100” x 110”
Fabric
Here’s where it gets a bit trickier. There are quite a few common blanket fabrics–each has benefits, so choose the one that best suits your needs.
Cotton: Cotton blankets hold up well to repeated washing, making them a good choice for those who suffer from allergies. Depending on the weave, cotton can be lightweight enough for use as a summer blanket, or heavy enough for winter warmth. There are even organic cotton blankets for those who prefer a green lifestyle.
Fleece: Cozy, extra warm, and yet not too heavy, fleece and micro fleece blankets are especially popular with children. Fleece is good at wicking away moisture—another benefit when used on a child’s bed.
Wool: Wool blanket is heavy, warm, and provides excellent insulation while allowing moisture to evaporate. It’s a great choice if you want a very heavy, warm blanket, but some people are allergic or sensitive to wool.
Weave
Along with different fabrics, blankets have different weaves that provide varying levels of warmth and weight.
Knit: Cozy knit blankets are heavy and warm. You’ll usually find these made from wool or synthetic materials.
Quilted: Down blankets are typically quilted to keep the down or down substitute from shifting inside the blanket.
Conventional: The typical blanket weave is very tight and close, creating excellent insulation for body heat.
Post time: Mar-19-2023
