Bed Blankets vs Throw Blankets

We get lots of questions regarding the difference between bed blankets versus throw blankets and thought a guide would be a helpful resource as you're shopping for blankets for your home. There are two major differences between bed blankets and throw blankets - size & use. Below, learn more about each area to help you decide what you're looking for as you're shopping for a blanket.

1. Bed Blankets vs Throw Blankets: Size

Perhaps the most obvious difference you'll notice when you begin shopping for a bed blanket or a throw blanket is the size of the blanket.

For bed blankets, the sizes typically come based on standard bed sizes - twin, full, queen, and king. It's important to note that it's much more common to find the full and queen combined as a "full/queen" option for blankets versus simply a full and queen. You can be confident that the "full/queen" size will fit your full or queen size bed comfortably and appropriately. Standard measurements are listed below. It's important to note that the width tends to be consistent throughout the industry but length can vary slightly based on the style.

• Twin: 66" x 96"
• Full/Queen: 90" x 96"
• King: 108" x 96"
• Note: Width is listed first followed by the length in the dimensions.

Photo: The Kineo Bed Blanket is a great as an extra layer to keep warm or as a simple modern top of bed option as shown in the photo above.

For throw blankets, these are smaller than your standard bed blankets and will not cover a regular size bed as a bed blanket would. The standard range of dimensions for throws are listed below. It's relevant to note that there is often a wider range in throws based on style and the flexibility of their use (more on this in the section below):

• Throw: 48" - 54" x 64" - 74"
• Note: Width is listed first followed by the length.

Photo: The Cable Weave Throw Blanket is a great lightweight option for the warm season.

2. Bed Blankets vs Throw Blankets: End Use

Beyond size, the end use of bed blankets versus throw blankets will probably be the most important part of your decision process.

The larger size of the bed blankets makes them most appropriate for use either as an extra layer on your bed or even a modern simple top of bed option. Picking the blanket that matches your bed size is the most straightforward way to find what you're looking for.

Photo: The Lattice Blanket makes for a great extra layer in between a sheet and bedspread or a nicely textured top of bed layer.

Throws are a lot more versatile from both a decorative standpoint and a practical standpoint. If you're looking for a blanket that you can add as a decorative piece on the end of your bed or couch, the throw is going to be your top pick. From a more practical standpoint, a throw blanket is also a great option if you're looking for an extra layer to have available to snuggle with on the couch or outside by the bonfire on a cool summer night.

Photo: Available in a range of colors, the George Washington's Choice Throw Blanket (left) and the Kineo Throw Blanket (right) make both great decorative and practical throw blanket options for any season.

3. Bates Bed Blankets vs Bates Throw Blankets

While we may be most known for our traditional bedspreads, our cotton blankets are great options for simpler styles or for added layers on your bed. To see all our bed blanket and throw blanket options, please visit our Blanket Collection.