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Choosing the right blanket can make all the difference when it comes to getting a good night of sleep. But with so many types of blankets on the market today, figuring out which one is right for you can be darn near impossible.
Sleeping soundly is vital to our health. If you can’t get your rest, you can’t perform at the best of your ability. And chronic lack of sleep can actually cause some serious health problems.
To get the restful sleep that your body needs to thrive, you need to find the right mattress, pillow, and of course, a blanket.
However, there are tons of options out there these days. Do you want a comforter or duvet? What would suit your needs better, a fleece blanket or woven throw? How do you know what types of blankets will work best for you without trying them all? Where do you even start?
Well, like most things, the best place to start is at the beginning. So we’ll start with looking at the different types of blankets you can buy and the various materials they can be made of.
This will get you on the right path to finding the perfect blanket for your needs so that you can sleep well at night. Then you can look at other considerations such as style and your budget.
Here’s everything you need to know to figure out exactly which types of blankets are the best choice for you and your sleeping habits.
Types Of Blankets: What’s the Difference Between a Blanket and a Throw?
Before you decide which blanket material is the best one for you, you should know the difference between a blanket and a throw as they are often confused with one another even though serve different purposes.
Throws are more decorative than utilitarian. They can be used for decor and are usually smaller in size than blankets.
Related Read: Best Blankets and Throws to Place at the End of the Bed
Blankets, on the other hand, are more specifically designed to keep you warm, especially at night when you are asleep. In fact, they sometimes double as duvets or bed covers too!
So they are not only important for keeping you comfortable but are also useful for decorative purposes.
What Other Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Types Of Blankets?
Here are some of the other factors you should take into consideration when choosing the material of your blanket:
Weave
Blankets often come in different weaves. Weaves are what differentiate the weight and warmth of one blanket from another. The different kinds of weaves include:
Thermal
Thermal weaves are highly breathable and loose.
Knit
Knit weaves are particularly warm and are heavier.
Quilted
Down blankets are usually quilted as they protect the components inside the blanket.
Climate
You should definitely take into consideration what blanket material will best suit the weather conditions of your environment. Are you more likely to have a long, cold winter or a never-ending summer?
You should choose a blanket material that works almost all year round so that you don’t need a blanket for every season.
This will greatly influence what kind of blanket material you want.
Budget
How much or little you want to spend on your blanket is up to you and should be decided according to your own personal budget.
It is worth mentioning that natural fabrics tend to be more expensive than synthetic fabrics, but there is also a marked difference in quality.
However, you should not compromise on the quality of your blanket as you will probably use it every day.
Tutorial
How easy is it to keep your blanket clean? Will it fade if you wash it? Does it need to be dry cleaned? These are the questions you are often faced with when choosing blankets or bedding in general.
Based on your own priorities, you should decide if you want a blanket that is easier to take care of or a blanket that requires more care than usual.
So be sure to pick a blanket that you know you will be able to take care of properly!
Allergies
Do you have allergies? Then be very careful about which material you choose for your blanket.
The last thing you need is a blanket that, instead of keeping you warm and comfortable, causes you to sneeze and cough through the night!
Look for blankets that are pointedly hypoallergenic as you never know how you will react to a specific material.
Style
At the end of the day, you want your blanket to be stylish too.
You should choose a fabric that is not only comfortable and practical but also complements the style of your pre-existing bedding.
Related Read: Duvets, Quilts, Down Comforters, Blankets, Coverlets? And Understanding the Labels on your Comforter
Different fabrics have different aesthetics, especially when it comes to texture; so, be sure to check out the look and feel of a blanket before you pick it.
Types of Blankets: Materials
Here are some of the most common blanket materials that you will come across. Here, you will find all the information you need to figure out which material suits you best and why it will be the most comfortable option for you.
Cotton
Cotton is a fabric that has many great qualities and is popular for a number of reasons, the first of which is that it is an incredibly soft fabric! Moreover, cotton becomes softer each time you wash the material!
It is also suitable for almost all types of weather.
Here’s Why You Should Pick This Material
- If you are prone to allergies then cotton blankets are the way to go. Cotton blankets are hypoallergenic and therefore are ideal for someone who has a tendency to have allergies.
- Cotton blankets provide breathability. They are perfect for summertime when you want to stay cool.
Wool
Wool is not only soft and breathable but is also fire-resistant! These are just some of the many qualities of this material and like cotton, it can be used through multiple seasons.
The only disadvantage is that sometimes wool can have a scratchy surface.
Here’s Why You Should Pick This Material
- Wool is an adaptable material as it is able to adjust as the temperature changes.
- However, wool is particularly suited to keeping you warm in cooler climates.
- It has moisture-wicking properties which will help keep your blanket dry.
Fleece
When the temperatures drop and all you want is a warm bed, a fleece blanket is an answer to your prayers! Fleece is made from synthetic materials and it has some big advantages, especially when you’re looking for a blanket to get you through the winter!
Here’s Why You Should Pick This Material
- Fleece is your best bet if you live in a colder climate as it is guaranteed to keep you suitably warm.
- It is a good alternative to wool if you are prone to allergies but want a material that is warmer than cotton.
- Fleece is also a particularly lightweight fabric.
Down
When you think of down you might think of down comforters and not blankets. But down blankets exist too! Down blankets are simply lighter and slimmer than down comforters and essentially consist of feathers or feathery material between two pieces of fabric.
Here’s Why You Should Pick This Material
- Down blankets are great for keeping you warm.
- They are good conductors of moisture which will provide you with a dry environment.
- They come in different forms in accordance with the different seasons.
Acrylic
Acrylic blankets are synthetic, lightweight, warm, and more resistant to damage than some blankets made of natural fabrics or materials.
If you’re on a budget and need a durable blanket, then maybe acrylic is the right material for you!
Here’s Why You Should Pick This Material
- Acrylic blankets are hypoallergenic and so are suitable for you if you are prone to allergies.
- They are easy to maintain.
- They can be machine washed and are less likely to show signs of wear and tear.
- They mimic natural materials and fabric.
Polyester
Another synthetic material, polyester is a durable and more affordable option for material for a blanket.
In fact, a blend of polyester with another natural fabric is a good way to get the best of both worlds; the quality of the natural fabric and the longevity of polyester.
Here’s Why You Should Pick This Material
- Polyester blankets are usually more affordable than blankets made from natural materials.
- They can be machine washed and are less likely to show signs of use.
- It is a strong material.
Vellux
Vellux blankets are often referred to as hotel blankets and are made of foam and plush nylon. They are also fairly durable.
Here’s Why You Should Pick This Material
- Vellux blankets are warm.
- They can be washed multiple times.
- Vellux blankets are also hypoallergenic.
So, Which Types of Blankets Should You Pick?
Now you have all the information you could possibly need to make a decision about what type of blankets you need, and more specifically, what material you need your blanket to be made of.
Once you have figured out which factors are the most important ones for you, you can go about choosing a blanket material that will meet most of, if not all, your requirements.
Remember, when it comes to blankets, your comfort is your first priority!
So what are you waiting for? Go find yourself that perfect blanket!
Last update on 2021-08-03 at 06:34 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API