As we pack away our winter staples in anticipation of the warmer months ahead, we look to the decorative changes that can usher our homes into the new season. First up on that list? Summer blankets.
A prime accessory for evenings spent outdoors, chilly mornings lingering in bed, and beyond, summer blankets are a versatile must-have for your home. From patterned picnic blankets to linen designs, there are tons of styles out there you'll be glad to have all season long.
Here, the best summer blankets.
Best Overall
Hawkins New York Simple Linen Throw
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Courtesy of Food52
You can never go wrong with a simple linen blanket and this version from Hawkins New York is proof of just that. Available in a dreamy palette of 15 inspired hues, the throw is one that can be seamlessly integrated into just about any decorative scheme, be it modern, minimalist, or boho chic.
The throw is made from European linen and features a loose weave that makes for a lived-in look. Plus, at 50 x 70 inches, there's plenty of room to get comfortable.
Best Budget
Dangtop Bamboo Cooling Blanket
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Amazon
Whether you're a hot sleeper or just want a more lightweight pick for the summer, a cooling blanket is a great addition to any bedding setup. Take this DANGTOP Cooling Blanket, for example, that's designed to make sure you always have a comfortable rest.
The blanket is made of 100 percent bamboo fiber, a material that has particularly good ventilation. Plus, it's offered in three sizes and eight colors, so you can either use it as a decorative throw or your comforter for the season.
Best Splurge
Heather Taylor Home Goldenrod Super Soft Throw in Marigold
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Courtesy of Heather Taylor Home
With shades of gold and pale gray wrapped up in a cheerful striped motif, this cozy throw from Heather Taylor Home totally embodies the essence of summer. Handwoven in Chiapas, Mexico from 100 percent cotton, the soft throw will make a statement in any space.
Though the blanket will look gorgeous displayed on a couch or bed, it can even double as quite the statement-worthy tablecloth. Use it for your next dinner party and line the table with posies of marigolds as an ode to the piece’s accent hues. Pair it with table linens of a matching or contrasting shade and voila, you'll have a summer-ready setup.
Best Oversized
HAY Crinkle Stripe Throw
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HAY
There's nothing quite like cuddling up in a cozy throw but if you want to upgrade your lounge experience, an oversized design is the way to go. HAY's Crinkle Stripe Throw is 82.75 x 59.25 inches, leaving plenty of room to get comfortable.
The blanket features a textured weave and is offered in four combinations—burgundy, cappuccino, grey, and yellow—that'll transform your space with a welcome burst of color. Made from cotton, it’s lightweight and easy to care for—simply toss it in the wash and later finish it off in the dryer.
Best Linen
Lulu and Georgia Pom Pom At Home Montauk Blanket
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Linen is the unofficial/official material of summer, so you can't go wrong with Lulu and Georgia's Pom Pom At Home Montauk Blanket. Made of 100 percent linen, the throw champions minimalism and is an effortlessly cool addition to your home.
Available in five subdued colors—including cream, white, ocean gray, indigo, and a natural flax linen hue—the throw also comes in two extended sizes. With tasseled ends and a unique weave, the blanket will make you feel like you're in a dreamy beach house no matter where you are.
Best Outdoor
The Old Art Studio Geometric 1708 Picnic Blanket
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Courtesy of Society6
Picnics are a summer staple so it's important to have all the right accessories. Perhaps the most important one is an outdoor-friendly blanket, like this geometric design by The Old Art Studio. The 50 x 60-inch pick is large and cozy enough to lounge parkside all summer long.
The blanket is made of durable polyester and features a multicolor geometric design printed throughout the front. It's also water-resistant and has a UV coating that protects the design from fading in the sun. The best part? There's even a carrying harness included, so it's easy to fold up and store the blanket between park trips.
Best Pattern
Cold Picnic Sky Leopard Knit Blanket
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Cold Picnic
This Cold Picnic Leopard Knit Blanket is the perfect way to take a walk on the wild side—comfortably, that is. Made from 80 percent recycled cotton, the cozy knit throw features a graphic print inspired by animal hides that's sure to refresh any space.
At 50 x 60 inches, the throw is an ideal size to snuggle up in on the couch or in bed. And while the leopard print may seem intimidating to design with, the throw can easily be the centerpiece of the space—just pair it with pillows and accessories of similar shades to complete the look.
Best Versatile
MoMA Design Store Lala Throw Blanket
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For a throw that'll double as an art piece on your home, consider the Lala Throw Blanket. Designed by Molly Fitzpatrick, this vibrant throw features an abstract design that'll be the focal point of any space you put it in.
Made from a blend of 80 percent recycled cotton and 20 percent polyester, the piece is also pretty versatile. At 50 x 60 inches, it'll look gorgeous on your bed or couch, but you can even wear the blanket as a cozy wrap around the house.
Final Verdict
Overall, we recommend the Hawkins New York Simple Linen Throw (view at Hawkins New York) because it's lightweight, has a minimal style, and is offered in a variety of colors that'll match your home with ease. For a budget-friendly option, consider the DANGTOP Cooling Blanket (view at Amazon) because it's made of bamboo fibers that'll prevent you from overheating while you rest.
What to Look For in a Summer Blanket
Material
When it comes to summer blankets, the material is the key to comfort. Linen, cotton, and bamboo are perhaps the most popular options on the market—and the most breathable. Though linen can be the priciest of the three, it's sure to be lightweight and comfortable for a warmer night. Bamboo is another great option, especially to use as a comforter, as it tends to have cooling properties that'll prevent you from being too warm. When it comes to cotton, it may be a bit heavier than both linen and bamboo but it can be ideal if you're relaxing indoors with the air conditioning turned up high.
Size
Most throw blankets tend to be 50 x 60 inches, more or less, but the ideal size for you depends on how you're using the blanket. If you're looking to replace your comforter for the summer, or just prefer a roomier style, you may have to size up a bit to get the perfect fit. If you're using it as a decorative piece or just to cuddle up on the couch, a standard size will work well.
Style
The perfect style for your space all depends on your design aesthetic and preferences. For a more relaxed or minimal feel, a linen style will work well in your home. If you want a more decorative piece, it's worth considering bold patterns or designs with fringes and pom poms.
Why Trust MyDomaine
Anna Kocharian is a freelance design and lifestyle editor with a longstanding love for beautifully crafted throws. Her summer refresh ritual involves incorporating a heavily textured yet subtly colored linen blanket into her décor scheme and pairing it with throw pillows for an effortless update. To make this list, she considered the material, size, and style of each blanket.