Blanket: Types, Uses, and How to Choose the Right One for Your Home

When you think of a blanket, a layer of fabric used for warmth, especially on a bed or while relaxing. Also known as throw, it's one of the most used items in any home—not just for sleep, but for comfort, style, and even stress relief. A good blanket isn’t just something you pull out in winter. It’s part of your daily routine, whether you’re curled up with coffee in the morning, watching TV at night, or trying to fall asleep after a long day.

Not all blankets are the same. There’s the weighted blanket, a heavier blanket designed to apply gentle pressure, often used to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, which feels like a hug. Then there’s the throw blanket, a smaller, decorative blanket often placed on sofas or chairs for quick warmth and visual appeal, perfect for adding texture to your living room. And let’s not forget the classic bed blanket, the main layer on your bed, usually paired with a duvet or comforter, made from cotton, wool, fleece, or even bamboo. Each type serves a different purpose—and choosing the right one depends on what you need: warmth, pressure, softness, or just a nice look.

Material matters more than you think. A wool blanket keeps you warm even when damp, while cotton breathes well in warmer rooms. Fleece is soft and cheap, but it can trap heat too much. Bamboo blends are cool and eco-friendly, and microfiber is easy to wash. If you’re buying for someone with allergies, look for hypoallergenic options. If you’re buying for a kid, durability and easy cleaning are key. And if you’re using it for sleep therapy, weight is everything—most weighted blankets range from 5 to 20 pounds, with 10% of your body weight being the usual recommendation.

You’ll find blankets in almost every post on this site—not because they’re flashy, but because they’re essential. People replace them when they get thin or stained. They buy them to match their sofa. They search for ones that help with anxiety or hot nights. Some even use them as photo backdrops or DIY projects. The posts here cover everything from how to pick one that lasts, to what to do when your old one starts smelling funny, to why a $30 blanket might be better than a $100 one.

Below, you’ll find real advice from people who’ve tried them all. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t.