Stay Cozy This Winter with This Handy Guide to Blanket Sizes
I am a huge fan of blankets — you can never have too many! They’re the ultimate home accessory, and I love how practical and beautiful they are.
While all blankets are comfortable and cozy, there are actually different categories of blankets that have separate uses. Plus, blankets come in a bunch of different sizes and materials. Some are primarily decorative, while others are meant to be used as an extra layer on your bed.
The best part about blankets is that they come in so many different colors and patterns — it’s a great way to add texture and style to a room. You can get pretty creative with ways to store blankets too, so you always have a place to stash away your growing collection. If you’re like me and you want to stay in your cozy era, wrapped up in a blanket 24/7, then read on to find out everything you need to know about how to choose the right blanket for you.
Blanket Types and Sizes
There are three main categories of blankets: baby blankets, throw blankets, and bed blankets.
Baby Blankets
As the name suggests, baby blankets are blankets that are intended for young children. New parents will agree: There’s a baby blanket for everything. It’s worth noting that it is not considered safe for a baby less than a year old to sleep with a blanket, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Lovey Blanket: A lovey is a small, decorative blanket that’s attached to a stuffed animal or toy.
Baby Blanket: These crocheted blankets, often referred to as security blankets, are typically hand-made and come in a range of colorful designs and patterns.
Stroller Blanket: When you’re on the go, a stroller blanket is perfect for keeping your baby warm in their stroller or car seat. Once they’re safely buckled in, you can tuck the blanket around their legs and feet to keep them super snug.
Receiving Blanket: Receiving blankets are incredibly versatile: They can be used as a swaddle, burp cloth, changing mat, and even a tummy time blanket.
Crib Blanket: Rounding out the baby blanket options is a crib blanket. They can be used in the crib itself once your baby is old enough, or in a toddler bed if you’ve already made the switch.
Baby Blanket Sizes
Lovey: 12” x 12”
Baby: 14” x 16”
Stroller: 22’ x 30” or 30’ x 36”
Receiving: 30” x 30”
Crib: 45” x 60”
Throw Blankets
Throw blankets are both decorative and functional; they can be “thrown” on any piece of furniture or even your bed, for a quick pop of color and extra warmth.
Throw Blanket: Throw blankets are lightweight blankets that are intended for casual use around the house. They aren’t usually big enough to cover your entire body when you’re asleep — instead, they are great for lounging.
Afghan Blanket: Afghans are blankets that are typically knitted or crocheted with assorted colorful wool yarn. Individual square patterns are stitched together to make a larger pattern. There’s no standard size for an afghan because it depends on your bed size or needs.
Lapghan Blanket: A lapghan is a mini version of an afghan blanket. Their small size makes them perfect for draping over your lap.
While throw blankets are typically 50” x 60”, there are some throw blankets that are slightly longer for extra comfort, like Brooklinen’s Lightweight Textured Throw Blanket, which is 50” x 70”. You can even get extra-large throws that are as big as king-size bed blankets.
Throw Blanket Sizes
Throw: 50” x 60”
Afghan: 50” x 65”
Lapghan: 36” x 48”
Bed Blankets
Bed blankets are used as an extra layer on top of your bedding. While throw blankets are typically one set size, bed blankets come in multiple sizes that align with each standard mattress size. They are wide enough to match the width of the rest of your bedding.
Typically, a bed is made up with sheets, followed by a duvet or comforter, and then an optional bed blanket if you need more warmth. The main difference between a bed blanket and a duvet or comforter is that a blanket is typically a single layer, whereas bedding like a duvet or comforter is made of multiple layers. Bed blankets often have decorative patterns that add texture to your bed, like these Waffle Bed Blankets from Boll & Branch.
Also in the bedding category are coverlets, bedspreads, and quilts. Bedspreads are thin blankets designed to go on top of a duvet or comforter. Coverlets are similar to bedspreads, but they can be layered underneath your duvet or comforter. Quilts are thicker and have multiple layers, so they will provide a lot of extra warmth. The bottom line is that you can mix and match many types of blankets on your bed to stay warm all night long.
Bed Blanket Sizes
Twin: 65” x 90”
Full/Double: 85” x 90”
Queen: 90” x 90-100”
King: 108” x 90-100”
Cal King: 108” x 90-100”
How to Choose the Right Blanket for Your Home
There are several additional factors to keep in mind when choosing a blanket size and type.
Height
How tall are you? If a standard throw blanket won’t comfortably cover your legs and feet, then you may need to consider an extra-large throw or even a bed blanket, which would work for all heights.
Size of Your Furniture
Will the blanket be draped on a sofa or chair? Will you be layering it on your bed? The larger the piece of furniture, the larger the blanket you’ll need to cover it up. Similarly, the size of your bed frame will dictate which size bed blanket you need to purchase.
Material
What is the blanket made out of? Blankets are made out of materials with differing degrees of warmth. Heavier materials like wool and down will provide more warmth than lighter materials like cotton and bamboo.
Function
How will you be using the blanket in your home? To stay warm while you sleep? Purely for decoration? The answer to that question will largely affect the type of blanket you end up with, because not all blankets are made for the same purpose. Some blankets are purely decorative and can add style to a room, while others are designed to provide tons of warmth, especially during the colder months.
