Freezing? Warm up with these cozy blankets and throws

When the temperature dips to the single digits, or—brrrr!—below freezing, all thoughts turn to curling up on a couch or in bed with the warmest blankets on hand. If your thin comforter or your pretty but lightweight throw isn’t cutting through the chill, we’ve done a bit of homework.

What is, indeed, the warmest blanket? It comes as no surprise that the electric blanket wins, according to many pros. And, these days, you can even find throws you can plug in to help you beat that chill. But if you’re averse to that type of blanket, or find that you become too warm in the middle of the night under all that heat, invest in a down blanket or throw.

Eric Smith, spokesman for L.L.Bean, explains the science behind down’s comfort, and points out that not every down blanket or quilt is the same.

“Down is the best insulator because the lofting fibers hold in heat without the weight of heavier fabrics, keeping you warm and comfortable,” he says, adding that it’s also breathable, meaning you vent moisture as you sleep.

“Warmth varies most by the fill-power of the down, but the key to overall warmth is how the down fibers are distributed,” he says. “Baffle stitching keeps fibers from shifting, while allowing a consistent loft throughout the comforter, eliminating cold spots that can be created by sewn-through quilting.”

L.L. Bean’s down blankets also are washed repeatedly, so they’re hypoallergenic, he says.

Finally, if plugging a blanket in doesn’t sound like your style, and you’re not a fan of down, a cozy fleece blanket will do the trick.

We shopped around for a few of the warmest blankets out there. We suggest, for extra heat, you cuddle up with someone you love under one of these:

Be a softie

How soft is this? One side has a satin feel, the other feels like fleece, which is instantly warming to the touch. Ultra plush down throw, $79, llbean.com

Talk to me, Goose!

The box-stitching keeps the down in place, and this is made of white goose down, a great insulator. Sateen white goose down comforter, $209-$359, llbean.com

Get fleeced

For those worried about safety, this blanket has a patented low-voltage technology, ensuring it’s both soft and safe. Serta Luxe plush micro fleece electric blanket, $169.99, wayfair.com

Stripe it rich

A Peruvian trading company creates these beautiful, warm throws. First Light alpaca throw, $195, tenthousandvillages.com