10 Best Bed Throws and Blankets in the UK 2022 | Tweedmill, Habitat and More

Blankets and throws are relatively simple in their design, but that doesn't mean the process of finding one that's perfect for your home is always an easy one. Read on for our buying guide, where we outline a few key things to look out for.

The list of materials that can be used to make blankets and throws is virtually endless, but you'd be mistaken to think that all fabrics are made equal. Read on to learn how two blankets made from different materials can look and feel entirely different from one another.

'Synthetic' fabrics get their name from the fact that they (either partly or wholly) substitute organic materials for chemical, machine-made ones. They're cheap to produce and cheap to buy, and that's why you'll find blankets and throws made from synthetic fabrics for sale pretty much everywhere.

They also benefit from being more robust, more resilient, and can be washed at higher temperatures. Although they might not feel as soft as a throw made from natural fibres such as cotton or wool, they are the more practical choice if pets or kids can often be found cosying up on your bed too. 

There is the environmental question, though. Simply put, synthetic fabrics are not good for the planet, so those trying to be more conscious might want to opt for blankets made from organic materials instead. 

Unlike synthetic materials, natural fibres are produced without the use of any artificial chemicals and are obtained from living matter. This means that they are biodegradable and not harmful to our planet.

Natural fibres also have a number of other advantages over their synthetic counterparts. They have a soft, high-quality feel, and often bear additional properties such as breathability and the ability to react to your body's temperature. For example, a woollen jumper can keep you cool when it's warm and warm when it's cool!

They're usually a little higher in price than synthetic fabrics, but because natural fibres are widely available without much difficulty (outside of the manual labour that goes into obtaining them), they're not overly expensive. Besides, the benefits you gain often make the additional cost well worth it.

At the top end of the scale sit fabrics such as cashmere. These luxurious materials have often been sought after for thousands of years because they're only available in a certain location or from a specific animal.

Scarcity alone isn't enough to make a material worth the price, however, and these fabrics usually carry other rare properties. Cashmere, for example, which bears an incomparable silky softness, is lightweight, has hypoallergenic properties and is eight times more insulated than regular sheep's wool. 

We understand that most people don't have space for cashmere in their budget, but if you do feel like treating yourself, a blanket made from a luxurious fabric is a treasure that you'll cherish for years to come.

Blankets and throws are surprisingly versatile and can be used in a number of ways around the home. Depending on how you plan on using it, a certain size might be more appropriate, and this is why dimensions are certainly something you should take into account before buying.

If you're looking to give your bed a five-star makeover, for example, a long, thin throw will serve this purpose more effectively than an extra-large blanket, which could also double up as a means of keeping you and the family warm on the sofa during the winter months. 

When buying a throw for extra warmth in bed, checking the dimensions will ensure that it fits properly and keeps you as cosy as possible. In addition, if it's a decorative piece, you'll also be able to get a good idea of how it will look and whether it will work with the setup you have planned. 

Blankets and throws can be made from a wide variety of different materials, and each needs to be cared for in its own distinct way. Care instructions are always there to tell you what you need to do, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take them into account before buying.

Inexpensive blankets made from sturdier, synthetic materials such as polyester can usually withstand higher temperatures, making the process of washing and drying them a simple one. On the other hand, higher-priced blankets made from more luxurious materials tend to require extra care. 

For example, you'll find that some cotton throws can only be cold washed, and a cashmere blanket must be dry cleaned if you wish to avoid damaging it. This may not be problematic for many people, but if you have a busy life, checking the instructions before buying means you avoid ending up with a throw that's more trouble than it's worth!

We've outlined everything you need to know in order to find the perfect blanket or throw, and now it's time for us to introduce our ten favourites. There's some incredible variety on offer here, from cosy heated blankets to throws made from luxurious cashmere.

There's more than one way of keeping yourself warm on a chilly winter's eve. If you're always on the lookout for new places to cuddle, check out the articles below for some top recommendations on the best weighted blankets, electric blankets and bedsheets.

That brings us to the end of our buying guide and, at this point, you now have everything you need to get out there and find a blanket or throw that's perfect for you. We hope you find one that looks great as it keeps you cosy on those chilly evenings!

Author: Ben Willimett