by A throw blanket occupies a unique space in bedroom and living room use — part decor, part functional warmth. The ones that work well are genuinely warm, survive machine washing without pilling or shrinking, and hold their texture over years of use. We tested 7 options across softness, durability, and thermal performance.
Types of Throw Blankets
Sherpa / Faux Shearling
A two-sided construction with a smooth outer and a fluffy pile inner. Warm, soft, and popular. Quality varies enormously — cheap sherpa mats and pills after a few washes. Better sherpa uses a tighter loop construction that holds its texture. Weight: 1.5–3 lbs for a standard 50x60 inch throw.
Chunky Knit
Open weave with large loops. More decorative than functional — the openness that looks good traps less heat. Works well layered over a lighter blanket. Acrylic versions pill less than wool versions. Genuine merino wool chunky knits are warm but expensive and require hand washing.
Fleece
Polyester fleece is lightweight, machine washable, and inexpensive. Traps heat well relative to weight. Generates static and can feel synthetic. Better for utility use (travel, kids, couch) than for aesthetic bedroom applications.
Cotton Waffle / Cable Knit
Breathable and washable. Not as warm as sherpa per ounce but better for warmer climates and hot sleepers. Ages well if cotton quality is high.
Cashmere / Cashmere Blend
Genuinely soft and lightweight. Expensive. Dry clean only for most. Cashmere blends (wool/cashmere) are more practical but lose some softness. Worth it for a gift or long-term investment piece.
Our 7 Picks
1. Best Overall: Berkshire Blanket Extra-Soft Sherpa
Double-sided sherpa holds its pile texture through repeated washing better than most options we tested. Warm and soft. Available in multiple colors. Standard 50x60 size. Our top overall pick for most people.
2. Best Budget: AmazonBasics Fleece Throw
Inexpensive and functional. Soft fleece construction, machine washable. Minimal design. Works for utility use where warmth per dollar matters more than aesthetics.
3. Best Chunky Knit: Chanasya Chunky Knit Throw
Acrylic chunky knit that pills less than others in category. Looks premium on a couch or chair. Machine washable on gentle. More decorative than warm but handles moderate temperatures.
4. Best Cotton: Coyuchi Pacific Hemmed Throw
100% organic cotton, lightweight, soft. Ages well and gets softer with washing. Ideal for summer and warmer climates. More breathable than any synthetic option.
5. Best Luxury: Parachute Waffle Throw
Long-staple cotton waffle weave. Excellent texture retention. Machine washable. More expensive but noticeably higher quality than mass-market options. Good gift choice.
6. Best Warm Climate: Sunday Citizen Bamboo Throw
Bamboo viscose blend. Lightweight, naturally moisture-wicking. Silky texture. Less warm than sherpa or fleece but excellent for warm climates or hot sleepers who want some bedding coverage.
7. Best for Kids: Bedsure Sherpa Throw
Durable construction, machine washable, inexpensive enough to replace if damaged. Holds up well to frequent washing. Available in multiple sizes and colors.
What to Look For
- Pill resistance: Check reviews specifically mentioning pilling after washing. This is the primary durability failure mode.
- Size: Standard throw is 50x60 inches. Some run 60x70 for better coverage. Check dimensions before buying — “large” is not standardized.
- Washability: Anything with regular use should be machine washable. Dry clean only is impractical for a couch throw.
- Weight: Heavier is generally warmer but harder to carry. 1.5–2 lbs is comfortable for most uses.
For full bed coverage, also see our picks for best duvet insert and our guide on quilts vs comforters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warmest type of throw blanket?
Sherpa and double-sided fleece are the warmest throw options per dollar. Wool and cashmere are warmer per ounce but cost significantly more.
Do throw blankets shrink in the wash?
Cotton throws can shrink 3–5% in the first wash. Wash before use and dry on low. Acrylic and polyester are dimensionally stable but can mat if dried on high heat.
What size throw blanket should I buy?
50x60 inches is standard for couch use — covers one adult sitting or one person lying curled up. For a bed or two people, look for 60x70 or 60x80.
Are chunky knit blankets warm?
Less warm than they look. The open weave that gives them visual texture also lets air through. Layer over a lighter blanket for actual warmth. Primarily decorative.
How do I prevent a sherpa blanket from matting?
Wash inside out on gentle cycle, cold water. Tumble dry low. Avoid fabric softener — it coats the fibers and accelerates matting. Brush with a pet slicker brush to restore pile if it flattens.