A cold afternoon, hot tea and a good book. What is still missing to make this dream complete? A warm blanket, of course. Cuddly blankets in the form of bedspreads on the sofa or armchair bring cosiness into your own four walls and ensure cozy hours. When they are not used for cuddling, they are often used as decorative items. This way you can add targeted color accents to your furnishings. The perfect cuddly blanket should not only be pleasantly soft and keep you warm, but also be durable and easy to care for. In today's article you will find out what else you should consider when buying.
The most beautiful place in your home on a rainy autumn day is your personal favorite spot on the sofa. Especially if there is a cozy bedspread waiting there. In order for you to feel comfortable with your blanket, it should meet your personal and individual requirements. In addition to softness and appearance, other important decision criteria also come into play. The materials are as diverse as the colors and patterns offered. But even the most beautiful design is useless if it feels unpleasant.
The size of the perfect cozy blanket
Blankets come in different sizes. A blanket that is too short can quickly become a nagging problem. If you pull on one end, either your feet or your upper body will get cold. We also recommend a larger blanket that you can wrap yourself in properly. Basically, the formula applies: length or width of the blanket = body height or body circumference + around 30 cm. Blankets in oversizes of 160 x 220 cm and 220 x 240 cm are extremely popular. There are now also blankets with sleeves or so-called living coats. They keep you warm and offer unrestricted arm and movement freedom. Thanks to the practical sleeves, you can also read, drink tea or make a phone call while relaxing.
Of course, the popular blanket is also available in smaller sizes. Of course, if the ceiling only serves a decorative purpose, it could also be smaller. A width of 120 cm is enough to warm your feet or legs while you lie comfortably on the sofa.
The right material
–Cotton– A blanket made from 100 percent cotton fabric has numerous advantages. It is soft, warming and also suitable for allergy sufferers, babies and people with sensitive skin. Because of their breathability, cotton blankets are ideal for cool summer evenings.
–To want– As soon as winter is around the corner, a thick wool blanket will provide cozy warmth. Blankets made from corded wool are extremely durable and retain body heat very well. Since sheep's wool is made from natural fibers, it is sometimes perceived as scratchy on the skin. Cashmere and alpaca are considered particularly fine and high-quality types of wool. They are very light and smooth on the skin.
–Fleeceis produced as a knitted fabric made of plastic and insulates very well against the cold. Unlike wool fabrics, fleece is very light and durable. It also has a water-repellent surface and dries very quickly. Fleece feels extremely comfortable and soft on the skin. Pilling is typical of fleece and can be delayed but not avoided. However, this pilling is a purely optical problem and does not reduce the functionality of the material.
–Polyester– The perfect choice for those who want a durable fabric at affordable prices. Polyester will withstand washing and drying for many years without losing its beautiful color or texture. And it usually costs less than natural fabrics. A blanket made as a blend of polyester and cotton also offers a nice way to reap the benefits of both fabrics. The robustness of synthetic fibers and the softness and breathability of natural fibers.
–Fellimitat/ Kunstfell / Webpelz– This fabric has the same cozy and warming properties as real fur, but is made from synthetic fibers. Blankets are made of imitation furin a variety of colors and patternsavailable. So you can not only have a practical helper for everyday life, but also a stylish home accessory on the couch.
Cozy blanket for every season
How much warmth the blanket provides depends on the material, of course. Cotton blankets or microfiber blankets with cotton content are ideal for the summer, while wool, fleece and polyester blankets are ideal for the colder months.
Is the blanket machine washable?
If the blanket is marked “Dry Clean Only,” it does not need to be machine washed. Other fabrics, however, are machine washable, but can only be washed at 40 degrees. Pay attention to the care instructions and the recommended washing temperature. Otherwise the fabric may be damaged.
pilling or lint formation
Particularly with short-fiber fabrics such as fleece, unwanted lint and knots develop over time. This means that fabrics quickly look used and older than they are. In heavily stressed areas, the material can also thin out, which later leads to the formation of holes. In order to enjoy your cozy blanket for longer, it is best to avoid fabric softener and use a mild detergent. High-quality blankets made from natural fibers, on the other hand, rarely or never fluff.
Breathability and moisture wicking
Another important property of the blankets is their breathability, which, among other things, improves moisture removal. Blankets made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, linen, etc. are considered particularly breathable and ensure good moisture removal. Natural fibers absorb sweat and wick it away so that the evaporation cold does not cool down the body. These fabrics are warming and at the same time make it easier to sweat. Microfiber fabrics, on the other hand, do not absorb moisture at all, but rather release it directly into the surrounding air. Sitting by the fireplace or campfire with a polyester blanket would not be a good idea.
Which blanket is suitable for allergy sufferers?
Some people are sensitive or allergic to sheep's wool. In this case, fleece is a suitable alternative with comparable softness and warmth. Fleece blankets can be washed at 40 degrees and air dry very quickly. They only become truly germ-free at 60 degrees, but many models cannot withstand this high temperature. It is best to read the instructions on the label.
