Is winter your favorite season? Imagine it’s snowy outside, you are lying on the sofa, enjoying a movie, except it’s still a bit chilly. How nice it would be if there was a fuzzy blanket to roll yourself up in…! Winter and blanket always come together. A cozy blanket is the ideal winter accessory (and a beautiful accent to your home!). However, picking the right one can be a difficult – what color, size, thickness, material, pattern? Seems a neverending choice. Do not panic, if you are looking for a blanket, stick to these lines, we have the perfect and easiest 2-step how-to guide.
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PREVIOUS THINKING To make the choice and purchase easier and faster, you have to be clear on the use of the blanket and be able to answer 3 questions: Who will use the blanket? Where will the blanket be used? What features are you looking for? If you know the answer to these questions already, you are half-way! And now, without further ado, let’s see how these 2 steps will get you the perfect blanket.
STEP 1. THE SIZE: WHAT SIZE DO YOU NEED? Size is the first thing to consider about. It will not be the same a blanket to wrap your baby in, the one that a 7-year-old kiddo uses or the one you need. There are 3 common sizes: baby size, adult size, and bedding size. Let’s have a look at these 3 categories individually, but keep in mind that there is no universal size rule, so the dimensions you will see below are approximate:
1. Baby / Toddler Size They come in different sizes, from a neat 10 x 10″ for newborn babies to a large 40 x 60″ toddler size. On Amazon and other marketplaces, the blankets recommended for “baby” or “toddler” usually measure around 30 x 40″.
2. Adult Size – Throw Blankets: The majority of throw blankets measure 50 x 60 inches, which is large enough to cover an average adults’ body to keep you warm when reading, watching TV or napping. If you are planning to get a decor blanket for living room sofas and armchairs or wanna have a carry-on blanket for your trip adventures, a throw blanket will be a smart choice. – Twin Size Blankets: Twin size blankets commonly measure 60 x 80 inches, although there are some extra long twin size blankets with up to 90 inches length. A twin size blanket is also great as a decorative blanket and as a bed blanket for twin size beds and small double mattresses.
3. Bedding Size – Queen Size Blanket: 90 x 96″ – King Size Blanket: 90 x 108″ The sizes of Queen and King are the more variable, as they can deviate from 1 to 10 inches depending on the different manufacturers. If you’re aiming for extra warmth in bed, you can choose either a Queen or a King size for your bed. They are big enough to cover the top and sides of the mattress with a few extra inches to tuck it underneath. Tip! Remember to measure your mattress before you shop. STEP 2. THE FABRICS: WHICH ONE DO YOU PREFER? Briefly speaking, blankets are commonly made from natural or synthetic fabrics. Natural fabrics, like wool, cotton, cashmere, and silk, are made of fibers obtained from animals and plants. Synthetic fabrics, like polyester and acrylic, use “man-made” fibers. However, when making a blanket, it is normal to combine both, natural and synthetic fabrics together. Now let’s talk about the most popular fabrics, why are they good and in which situations are they the right choice.
1. Wool Blankets Wool blankets are known for being classic, very warm, heavy, long-lasting and non-flammable. Moreover, this type of fabric wicks sweat and moisture away from the body, promoting a dry and warm experience. Consider this type of blankets if you need extra warmth or if your home feels chilly. When not in use, remember to store them in a cool, dark place to ensure a longer lifespan. Tip: before you jump to get one, make sure that you are not allergic to wool.
2. Cotton Blankets Blankets made from cotton are versatile, breathable and have a soft fluffy texture. What’s more, pure cotton is lightweight and skin-friendly, perfect for sensitive skin as it does not irritate it. A good cotton blanket will have a higher thread count (400 to 800). In terms of seasonality, cotton blankets are great during spring and autumn, and they can also be used as air conditioning blankets in summer. If you are looking for a blanket for babies, a 100% organic cotton blanket should be on your list.
3. Polyester & Acrylic Blankets You might not be very familiar with what polyester or acrylic is, but I am sure you have noticed the terms “sherpa” “fleece” or “faux fur” when searching for blankets. Those popular types of blankets are mostly made of polyester, acrylic or nylon. Some of them may mix with wool or cotton to provide better comfort. Blankets made of polyester or acrylic are cozy, lightweight and durable. They are easy to maintain and can be machine washed. They are a cheaper alternative to real fur ones, yet they perfectly provide warmth and softness. In addition, if you would like a blanket to be modern and stylish, polyester or acrylic blankets may satisfy you as they normally reversible and come in more colors & patterns than natural fabrics. CONCLUSION To sum up, wool is warm, cotton is skin-friendly & breathable, and synthetic is cozy and durable. Many of the blankets may mix with several fabrics in certain proportion for different purposes. For example, to mix about 10% polyester with cotton may make the blanket more warm and durable. You can choose from these popular materials, and narrow them down to find your perfect blanket according to your preferences. Now that we completed these 2 steps, you are ready to choose the blanket that will fit your needs best. Last but not least, when choosing the blanket, if allowed, it’s better for you to touch and feel it, and read the material & care label carefully. If you are an online shopping fan, you may like to check our LANGRIA Blanket Collection, where a wide range of high-quality yet affordable cozy blankets is waiting to surprise you with up to 63% off! Do you have other tips to share when picking your ideal blanket? Let us know by leaving a comment below!