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

Image of bedroom done in pale grays and white. Seal for Apartment Therapy's Best List 2024: Bed Blankets in upper left corner
Credit: Julia Steele Credit: Julia Steele

Table of Contents

  1. What to Consider When Shopping for Bed Blankets

  2. What We Look For in a Bed Blanket

  3. The Best Bed Blankets

  4. Everything You Need to Create Your Dream Bedroom, Courtesy of The Best List

No one ever said not to judge a bed by its cover. In fact, that’s exactly what we’re doing! You’ve seen our lists of the 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.

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.

Our Best Overall Pick: Quince Lofty Waffle Blanket

Quince Organic Lofty Waffle Blanket, Full/Queen
Quince Organic Lofty Waffle Blanket, Full/Queen

Quince Organic Lofty Waffle Blanket, Full/Queen

Quince

$99.90 (was $189)

Buy Now

The Best Bed Blankets

  • Best Overall: Quince Lofty Waffle Blanket

  • Best Budget-Friendly: Bedsure Fleece Blanket

  • Best Luxury: West Elm Double Cloth Blanket

  • Best for Layering: The Company Store La Crosse Down Alternative Blanket

  • Best Organic: Boll & Branch Lightweight Bed Blanket

  • Best Muslin: Muslin Comfort 365 Blanket

  • Best All-Season: Parachute Cloud Linen Gauze Blanket

  • Best for Cold Weather: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Bed Blanket

  • Best Oversized: Big Blanket Original Stretch Blanket


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 that 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, and 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 one.

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

Best Overall: Quince Organic Lofty Waffle Blanket

Quince Organic Lofty Waffle Blanket, Full/Queen
Quince Organic Lofty Waffle Blanket, Full/Queen

Quince Organic Lofty Waffle Blanket, Full/Queen

Quince

$99.90 (was $189)

Buy Now

Our top pick this year, Quince’s Organic Lofty Waffle Blanket, is made from 100% long-staple organic cotton and free from harmful dyes, chemicals, and toxins often used in the textile manufacturing process. This plush, soft, and oh-so-cozy find is even made in facilities that run on windmill-generated power and use water created through reverse osmosis. It also has a trendy and breathable waffle texture that helps to keep you warm without overheating. You can use it on its own or as an additional bedding layer for an added dose of comfort.

“I like the waffle-weave texture and have found it to be warmer than I expected,” says AT contributor Nic. 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,” he adds. “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 5 colors and 3 sizes

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and 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 small when you first take it out of the dryer, but it will return back to full size after a few hours on your bed.

Best Budget-Friendly: Bedsure Fleece Blanket

Bedsure Fleece Blanket, Queen
Bedsure Fleece Blanket, Queen

Bedsure Fleece Blanket, Queen

Amazon

$19.97 (was $30.99)

Buy Now

For a bed blanket that’s warm, soft, easy to care for, and super affordable, meet 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,” I wrote in my review of this blanket. My entire family, from Louisiana to California, owns and adores this Amazon find. And they’re not the only ones; this baby has more than 126,000 five-star reviews. Although the cozy microfleece blanket is lightweight, it’s warm enough to use all year round. And it’s available in a whopping 28 colors!

Bedsure’s buttery-soft blanket comes in seven sizes, including standard bed sizes and an oversized throw that’s perfect for sharing. 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 as good as new on laundry day.

Read our full review of the Bedsure Fleece Blanket.

Specifications:

  • Fleece and polyester

  • Available in 28 colors and 7 sizes

  • 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.

Best Luxury: West Elm Double Cloth Blanket

West Elm Double Cloth Blanket, Full/Queen
West Elm Double Cloth Blanket, Full/Queen

West Elm Double Cloth Blanket, Full/Queen

West Elm

$179

Buy Now

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.

Read our full review of the West Elm Double Cloth Blanket.

Specifications:

  • 88% cotton, 12% linen

  • Available in 3 colors and 2 sizes

  • Fair Trade-certified

  • 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.

Best for Layering: The Company Store LaCrosse Down Alternative Blanket

The Company Store LaCrosse Down Alternative Blanket, Full/Queen
The Company Store LaCrosse Down Alternative Blanket, Full/Queen

The Company Store LaCrosse Down Alternative Blanket, Full/Queen

The Company Store

$179

Buy Now

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, style shopping editor 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.

Read our full review of The Company Store LaCrosse Blanket.

Specifications:

  • 100% cotton shell, down alternative fill

  • Available in 18 colors and 3 sizes

  • 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.

Best Organic: Boll & Branch Lightweight Bed Blanket

Lightweight Bed Blanket, Queen
Lightweight Bed Blanket, Queen

Lightweight Bed Blanket, Queen

Boll & Branch

$219

Buy Now

As described by AT’s executive commerce director, Mark, Boll & Branch’s Lightweight Bed Blanket “proved to be a champion.” Sporting a subtle basketweave, this airy bed blanket is breathable, ultra-soft, and ideal for pairing with the rest of your bedding. It’s made with 100% long-staple organic cotton that contributes to its smooth feel and durability. Surprisingly, the blanket also has a light sheen that takes it from purely functional to practically stylish. Thanks to its oversized fit, the blanket can also accommodate multiple mattress sizes. While the price tag for this Boll & Branch winner is notably high, we consider it worth the splurge as it’s long-lasting, versatile, and timeless.

“Because it’s so lightweight and breathable, I never broke a sweat as I slept,” says Mark, who’s used the blanket in 80-degree weather as well as the chillier months. “On the cooler nights, I added a comforter to the mix, and I swear I’ve never felt cozier. I didn’t overheat, and I actually found that I was sleeping better and stopped waking up several times in the middle of the night — which is unheard of for me.”

Read our full review of the Boll & Branch Lightweight Bed Blanket.

Specifications:

  • 100% cotton

  • Available in 3 colors and 3 sizes

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and GOTS-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 lightweight blanket that’s organic, great for layering, and sumptuously soft.

Good to Know: If you have pets with claws, this blanket could get a few snags if it’s not covered.

Best Muslin: Muslin Comfort 365 Blanket

The 365 Blanket, Oversized Queen
The 365 Blanket, Oversized Queen

The 365 Blanket, Oversized Queen

Muslin Comfort

$249.99

Buy Now

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 this AT editor review. 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, and as an everyday blanket, it’s fun to bundle up like a burrito and relax 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 17 colors and 4 sizes

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified and 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.

Best All-Season: Parachute Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket

Parachute Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket, Full/Queen
Parachute Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket, Full/Queen

Parachute Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket, Full/Queen

Parachute

$229

Buy Now

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,” says shopping writing Nikol. “You can use it as your main bed covering or as a throw blanket.” That’s right: No matter which of the three 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,” adds Nikol. “Although it’s thin, it still has a weighty quality that makes you feel cozy and swaddled after you sleep under it.”

Specifications:

  • 67% cotton, 33% linen

  • Available in 3 colors and 2 sizes

  • 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.

Best for Cold Weather: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Bed Blanket

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Bed Blanket Full/Queen Stone
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Bed Blanket Full/Queen Stone

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Ribbed Bed Blanket Full/Queen Stone

Amazon

$179.39 (was $198)

Buy Now

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 assistant editor 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 3 colors and 2 sizes

  • 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.

Best Oversized: Big Blanket Original Stretch Blanket

Original Stretch Blanket, 10' x 10'
Original Stretch Blanket, 10' x 10'

Original Stretch Blanket, 10' x 10'

Big Blanket Co.

$179

Buy Now

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. If you’ve had the same concern, you can stop worrying. Although this 10-inch x 10-inch blanket is bigger than a traditional King, it’s perfectly oversized and actually makes an excellent extra bed layer since it hides my bed frame better than other covers. It’s quite easy on the eyes, too. Pictures don’t do it justice — this blanket is gorgeous.

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. While the Big Blanket has been a great addition to my bedroom, I actually keep it out year-round!

Read our full review of The Big Blanket.

Specifications:

  • 93% polyester, 7% spandex

  • Available in 17 colors/patterns and 2 sizes

  • OEKO-TEX-certified

  • 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.


Everything You Need to Create Your Dream Bedroom, Courtesy of The Best List

Here at Apartment Therapy, we’re constantly testing products designed to help you get the best sleep around. This in-depth testing led us to create The Best List, where we break down the best of the best in each category to help you make the smartest shopping decisions. Whether you’re looking for the right pillow, a stellar mattress, or sheets you’ll rave about for years to come, check out more of our favorite finds to help make your coziest bedroom dreams a reality.

Click here for more on our team and How We Shop For You.