Blanket Sizes: A Guide to Choosing the Right One

Choosing the right blanket is a fun shopping experience and the options are plentiful. Whether you're looking for a luxurious and luscious sheepskin blanket for your king sized bed, or baby blankets for little ones, this guide will help you get started.

What are standard blanket sizes?

There's not an industry standard for blanket sizes per se, not in the same way there is with beds, mattresses and bed linen sizes. However, typically a blanket size will be similar to sheets and duvets in size and at least large enough to cover a bed, and drape over the sides. A general rule for 'standard' blanket dimensions and measurements will look like this:

• Crib or Cot: 45 x 60 inches / 114 x 152 centimetres
• Twin or Single: 65 x 90 inches / 127 x 165 centimetres
• Double: 85 x 90 inches / 216 x 229 centimetres
• Queen: 90 x 90-100 inches / 229 x 229-254 centimetres
• King: 108 x 90-100 inches / 274 x 229-254 centimetres
• Throw blanket: 50 x 60 inches / 127 x 152 centimetres

It's important to remember that blanket sizes are really very broad and the ones listed here, generally pertain to bed linen. This is a typical guide for most blanket sizes available. Mattress sizes can also vary and this needs to be considered as well.

How do I find the right sized blanket for my bed?

Blanket sizes vary and choosing the right size is dependent on several factors, such as the size and height of your bed and also what the intended use for your blanket is. Do you want it to act like a bedspread and drape right over the edges to lightly touch the floor? Or, is it a wool underlay style blanket that will go over your mattress for added insulation while you sleep?

For the most part you'll want your blankets to cover the bed, fall over the sides and provide warmth, or be light enough to make a difference, but not really know they're there. (Unless of course it's a weighted blanket).

Note; with the sides of the bed adequately covered by your blanket, there'll be less draught and fewer cold spots.

What are the best fabrics for blankets?

There are some practical considerations to think about when choosing the type of fabric for your blankets, such as:

• Will it be used for additional warmth on a bed?
• Is it going to be used in summer only, or winter only, or all year round?
• Do you have allergies to factor in?
• Is it likely to leave the home for sleepovers or camping - a 'one blanket to do it all' type of investment?

Fabric options are really quite endless. Cotton, wool, faux fur, fleece, mohair, sheepskin and more. We like merino and sheepskin wool for blankets. With its wonderful qualities, wool really can't be beat. This incredible material is hypoallergenic, has the ability to resist moisture, is soft and warm with unsurmountable insulation and is easy to care for.

Can I make a blanket myself?

Absolutely! If you're creative and have the skills to knit or sew a blanket then by all means do. A quilted patchwork handmade blanket is often a work of art and is the kind of heirloom piece, that may be handed down through generations.

If you're clever at knitting and have the time, a knitted or crocheted blanket is something you can customise to achieve the perfect blanket size for you. An afghan blanket is essentially a knitted or crochet style blanket and is a popular throw style.

The same can be said for sewing, if you like to sew and have a specific idea in mind, there is no reason why you can't get creative and make your own blankets.

What is a throw blanket?

A throw blanket is one of the easiest ways to add texture and style to your interior design, not to mention the warmth factor. It's usually smaller than a bed sized blanket and is often used as an occasional item.

It might be a piece that is tossed over the back of a chair, or it could be a luxurious sheepskin throw that is arranged on the edge of beds or couches. A soft, warm throw might complete the look and feel of your room with the added advantage of offering additional warmth if needed. Throws are often the perfect finishing touch you need for a decor theme.

What size blanket is a throw?

A throw is definitely a blanket, but a blanket isn't necessarily always a throw.

Although throw blankets vary in sizes, a typical throw will measure around 50 by 60 inches, or 127 by 152 centimetres. Throw blankets are an exceptionally versatile style of blanket, since they're usually smaller in size than what we describe as a standard blanket.

Is it safe to use a baby blanket?

Yes, most definitely. Blankets for babies have been an essential part of baby life since the beginning of time. We recommend talking with your baby advisory group, or Plunket, if in New Zealand, to be sure you know how to safely use a blanket for baby.

Sheepskin wool baby blankets as a base layer over a mattress for sleeping have been 'a thing' for centuries. Short wool is safest. Sheepskin is 100% wool with the hide intact. It's hypoallergenic, flame retardant and anti-bacterial. Lanolin, which is a thin waxy coating on the wool fibres, repels dirt, dust and water and inhibits the growth of allergens. It's a wonder product that is also breathable and helps regulate temperature.

Wilson and Dorset's blog post titled "Are Sheepskin Products Good for Babies? A Guide for New Parents" has some particularly helpful information.

What is the best size for a baby blanket?

This really depends on what you're looking for - a car seat liner, or a bassinet blanket, or newborn blanket to swaddle your precious bundle?

Popular baby's blanket size options are:

• Swaddle - 40 x 40 inches / 100 x 100 centimetres
• Crib - 40 x 60 inches / 100 x 152 centimetres
• Quilt - 45 x 60 inches / 114 x 152 centimetres

To conclude, there are many different sizes, styles and fabric choices for blankets. It depends on your needs and wants as to what will work best for you. Think about how your blanket will be used and do your research if you're unsure of what to select.