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We've found the best blankets to curl up with because you can never have too many

GHI Approved for snuggliness

By
VerifiedTested by Homes Testing Manager
best blankets and throws

The best blankets are soft, cosy and a dream to curl up with. We like to have one on the sofa for boxset binges, another draped across the bed for aesthetics, and maybe even one to stave off the chill when we're working from home – you can never have too many, in our opinion.

But when you’re shopping through a screen, how do you know if you’re about to press ‘Buy’ on the most velvety throw known to humankind, or what’s essentially just a sheet of scratchy wool (you know the sort…)?

Well, having already tested the best best electric blankets and best weighted blankets for your home, we thought it was time to tackle the problem and seek out the butteriest everyday blankets around. Here are our the Good Housekeeping Institute's top scorers but keep scrolling for our full reviews.

What is the best material for blankets?

Most of the blankets on our list fall into one of three categories: ones made with synthetic textiles, those made with wool, and blends of the two.

If you opt for a blanket that’s polyester – and most of the velvet-y or faux fur-style ones are – it will likely be super soft. They're also more affordable and can generally go in the washing machine if you spill your coffee on them.

But (and really this is a pro and a con when it comes to blankets) it’s likely to be less breathable – so it should keep you warm, but could easily tip over into too hot territory when the heating kicks in…

Wool, on the other hand, is a breathable and premium pick. However, its softness varies based on the specific type of wool, you can’t normally machine wash it, and it’s pricier. If you do opt for this luxe material, have a read through our guide on how to wash wool. Below, you'll find a lambswool option though, which is known for its gentle feel.

Finally, if you opt for a blend, you’ll likely land somewhere between the two camps. These blankets are generally a decent quality and a mid-range price. But be sure to check the care guidance because this can vary.

Once you’ve settled on a preferred fabric (and considered any care instructions as a result), we recommend double checking the dimensions of any blankets you’re looking at – there's nothing worse than a throw that’s just too small to lie under!

best blankets

Testing blankets in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab: assessing their weight; checking size and shrinkage; marking with common household stains before washing

How we test blankets

We don’t just pop any blanket on our sofa. To find the ones that are made for curling up under and draping artfully over furniture, our experts put a range of brands to the test in the Good Housekeeping Institute lab.

They followed care label instructions to carry out extensive wash tests, looking for any colour fading or shrinkage. They also tested stain resistance by swatching on common household spills before cleaning.

Finally, they took the blankets home with them, to see what they were like to snuggle up with day-in-day-out, evaluating comfort, weight and warmth.

These are our top-rated throws.

Best blanket

Silentnight Snugsie Giant Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Snugsie Giant Blanket
Now 14% Off

Score: 95/100

One of the largest, cosiest blankets we've tested, there’s room for everyone underneath this sherpa fleece. Panellists said it was “super soft on your skin” and found its drapey weight provided lots of warmth, making it a great option for popping over a duvet too. As it's heavier, it can be harder to carry from room to room, but if it has a permanent home that won't be a bother.

Plus, it goes in the washing machine – and it washed well. It was just as plush after several cycles, and it didn’t stain in testing either, giving you peace of mind for movie nights or TV dinners. Ultimately, it’s as snug as its name suggests.

Key specifications

FabricFleece
Sizes2
Colours5
Care instructionsMachine washable
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Runner-up and best for colour range

Bedsure Fleece Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Fleece Blanket

Score: 93/100

This is one of the most affordable blankets on our list – but that doesn't mean you have to compromise. The medium-weight design was soft, snuggly and washed well.

The best bit though, is that it’s available in 22 colours and in single, double, king or queen sizes, which means you can find an option for every room.

Key specifications

FabricPolyester
Sizes4
Colours22
Care instructionsMachine washable
Best wool blanket and best gift

tbco Small Lambswool Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Small Lambswool Blanket

Score: 91/100

This buttery-soft, small, pure lambswool throw is the perfect size for an armchair or wrapping around you to keep you warm on the go. Our testers found it gentle against the skin and loved the decorative fringe as a design feature. You can even monogram it, making it our top pick for gifting.

While it's hand wash only, it cleaned up well, holding its shape with no obvious dulling. And the only stain testers struggled to lift was foundation (so don't do your makeup near it!). It's available in bigger sizes if you want more blanket to curl up under, but the more premium design does come with a price tag to match. Our testers said it oozed quality though and was “very soft, warm and snuggly.” What a box ticker.

Key specifications

Fabric100% lambswool
Sizes3
Colours6
Care instructionsHandwash; dry flat
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Dunelm Cosy Chenille Throw 130x180cm

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Cosy Chenille Throw 130x180cm

Score: 91/100

This easy-to-clean blanket is available in four classic shades and is perfect for layering on beds and sofas. It washed impeccably and is good quality for its price.

Our tester said it was “cuddly” and instantly warming, praising the way the medium-weight design draped over them. In fact, one panellist said they couldn't wait for it to get colder because they loved using it so much.

Key specifications

FabricRecycled polyester
Sizes1
Colours4
Care instructionsMachine washable; line dry
Best chunky knit

Dusk Montreal Throw

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Montreal Throw

Score: 89/100

You can't go wrong with a neutral chunky knit, and this one will add some lovely texture to your set-up. It has a pleasing weight to it, and it’s a good size. While it was cosy, the looser knit meant that it was a bit breezier than some others tested.

You’ll have to hand wash it too, and testers found it tricky to banish all the stains tried, so we suggest keeping it away from your dinner. But given its style creds, we think it deserves a permanent spot draped across the bed.

Key specifications

FabricUnspecified
Sizes1
Colours4
Care instructionsHand wash only
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Next Plush Fleece Throw

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Plush Fleece Throw

Score: 88/100

While this fleecy throw may feel lightweight (making it easy to move from room to room or even take away with you), it kept our testers nice and warm. There are three sizes to choose from and we found the medium one (150 x 200 cm) provided ample coverage for one person.

It stayed velvety soft after washing, but while the lighter silver shade held its colour, there was some fading in the navy version. Be careful with your coffee too, as testers struggled to remove this stain. Otherwise, it’s a good value buy and with 16 colours, it’s easy to find one that suits.

Key specifications

FabricRecycled polyester
Sizes3
Colours16
Care instructionsMachine washable

The White Company Elgin Throw

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Elgin Throw

Score: 88/100

Made with a lambswool blend, this soft and timeless design is a real nap-time treat. It's well sized with room for one or two underneath, and it just screams quiet luxury.

It’s hand wash only, but it kept its softness and shape. It was tricky to remove stains though, and it shed some fluff too (not unusual for wool). That didn’t put our testers off though; they described it as “a lovely blanket,” and liked the ribbed trim detail and cosy texture.

Plus, if you like to pack your blankets away come summer, there's a handy storage bag you can pop it in to keep it pristine for the next winter.

Key specifications

Fabric80% lambswool; 20% polyamide
Sizes1
Colours2
Care instructionsHand wash
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Piglet In Bed Ochre Gingham Wool Blanket

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Ochre Gingham Wool Blanket

Score: 86/100

You can always rely on Piglet In Bed to bring a touch of cottagecore to your home, and this plush wool blanket is no exception. Testers found it soft against the skin and loved its drape – one said it “wrapped around me effortlessly”.

It’s dry clean only, but it came back pristine after we left it in. Although it felt a little stiff at first, it softened back up after a few uses. Our testers also tried hand washing it (although this isn’t recommended on the care label), and found it washed quite well, maintaining its shape and colour – which is reassuring if you can’t make it to a dry cleaners. Again though, it took a little use to lose its post-wash scratchiness.

Ultimately, however you choose to care for it, we think it will look fabulous layered with the brand’s sumptuous linen bedding.

Key specifications

FabricMerino wool
Sizes2
Colours5
Care instructionsDry clean only
Best budget blanket

Habitat Textured Faux Mohair Throw

UK Approved(Esquire,Red,HB,GH,Country Living,Prima)
Textured Faux Mohair Throw
Now 17% Off

Score: 86/100

This is another lovely textured design. It was less smooth than some, but still generally soft. Testers liked the fact that it comes with a carry-strap, so you could roll it up and take it away with you.

It machine washed reliably, holding its shape. But a couple of stains proved stubborn, including coffee and ketchup. It’s a decent length for snuggling under though and given its inviting appearance (one tester described it as “beautiful”!), this would make a great buy if you’re looking to add a decorative touch to your home on a budget.

Key specifications

FabricAcrylic
Sizes1
Colours3
Care instructionsMachine washable
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best blankets and throws

Our verdict on blankets

The best blanket for your home all comes down to the type of throw you're looking for. Our scores don't take aesthetics into account (as that's subjective) so you'll need to decide where you sit on the spectrum between practicality and style, and how much you're willing to spend.

If you want a velvety-soft fleece, we recommend our winner – the Silentnight Snugsie Giant Blanket – or our budget friendly runner-up, Bedsure's Fleece Blanket, which is available in countless colours.

For something more premium, we’d go for wool – tbco's Lambswool Blanket is our top buy for its soft, luxury feel.


Why you should trust us

Our homes editor, Hannah Mendelsohn, is never far from a blanket. In fact, she was under one as she wrote this and even keeps one on the sofa during the summer months, such is her commitment to comfort.

So, this test couldn’t have been in better hands. She helped select the products for review and craft the protocols to answer all of your (and her) questions before writing up the final results.

Our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd, then put in the hard graft, washing the blankets and enlisting her team of testers to take the blankets home and find out which ones were the warmest and softest. We know, it’s a tough job. All that information was then compiled to bring you our pick of the best blankets for your home.


27 May 2025: We updated this article to reflect the latest prices and stock levels.

Headshot of Hannah Mendelsohn

Hannah is our homes editor, specialising in reviewing the latest kitchen appliances, cleaning products, mattresses and bedding, and crafting equipment. Hannah has written about hundreds of products, from air fryers to smoothie makers to pillows, and is committed to finding the most reliable and best value for money buys.

Hannah is also interested in sustainability in the home and has completed a course with the University of the Arts London in sustainable textiles, so she can help cut through the noise on what’s green and what’s not. Hannah has an MA in Magazine Journalism and has previously worked as a freelance lifestyle and women’s sports journalist, working for Stylist, Sky Sports and more.

Hannah has also previously worked in a florist and can normally be found caring for her house plants or sewing something new for her home or wardrobe.

Headshot of Blossom Boothroyd
Tested byBlossom Boothroyd
Homes Testing Manager

Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.  

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