Seven blankets to keep you warm when the winter chill arrives

Christmas Day is just around the corner but winter still seems far away, as we bask in early springtime temperatures this week.

However, research predicts that the weather will soon be catching up with us, as 2020 could be ‘the coldest winter since January-February 2013’.

In other words, it’s soon time to get your hygge on – and snuggle up indoors with a steaming cuppa and a woolly knit.

Of course, one must not forget the trusted throw for bedtime. We’ve put together a list of cosy blankets that will keep you warm while the Beast from the East rages on outside.

And they’re pretty stylish, too.

Softly Softly alpaca blanket, £95

This Softly Softly blanket would definitely make a great luxury present for a friend who’s always cold.

However, it’s made from 100% organic and sustainable alpaca fur, which could make some shoppers uncomfortable. But it is worth noting that alpaca is generally considered the most ethical wool to purchase (apart from second hand or recycled items).

As for the feel, it’s pretty warm and also looks nice.

It’s quite pricey, but the quality will be long-lasting – so it’s a good investment buy. Because of the light-weight feel, it will also pack nicely for upcoming travels during Christmas.

The Tartan Blanket Co blanket

There’s only one danger to buying this blanket: that a friend or family member might ‘accidentally’ sneak it with them after a visit.

We’re not suggesting that your loved ones are thieves, but this blanket is so beautiful we couldn’t blame them.

The Silver Bannockbane Tartan blanket is also made from 70% recycled wool from India and 30% mixed fibres from landfill, so you can feel good about your purchase.

This also means that each blanket might look slightly different in colour and design, making each one unique.

It will keep you toasty warm and because it’s on the smaller size, you can also use it as a scarf.

The only downside is that the blanket is a tad itchy on naked skin.

Zara knit and fleece blanket, £79.99

If you’re after a fashionable throw with a Scandi-inspired design, here you go.

This knit and fleece blanket from Zara Home has two sides; the front is made from 100% acrylic, while the back is 100% polyester – meaning it will feel snug, but also look great draped over your sofa.

The cream colour is lush, but we wouldn’t recommend this blanket for households with small children. While it’s machine-washable, stubborn stains will be hard to get out, as any form of bleach will ruin the material.

We like the size, too.

Tielle Love Luxury faux fur blanket, £245

This Tielle Love Luxury blanket is literally winter heaven.

It’s weighty and heavy, and OK it’s very expensive for a blanket, but it also provides amazing warmth – so you don’t have to waste money by keeping the heating on super high.

The faux fur is strokably soft and snuggly, but underneath it has a velvet-like texture, which is ideal if you’re not into getting loads of fluff on your face.

The deep charcoal colour looks stylish against most bedroom colour-schemes, and draping it over your bed or on the sofa, makes the whole room looks inviting – perfect for hibernation.

John Lewis & Partners fleece throw, £12

Warm blankets don’t necessarily have to be expensive, if you choose the right material.

This fleece throw from John Lewis & Partners might appear a bit thin, but will provide ample warmth, as it’s made from polyester.

It doesn’t have the luxe feel of some of the other blankets on this list, but it’s very affordable, so you could always buy two and use them at the same time.

You don’t even need to get the same colour, as it’s available in four shades, including this fetching mustard.

H&M ribbed wool-blend blanket, £79.99

The best part about this wool-blend blanket isn’t the cute, ribbed design or the soft feel – though it has that, too – but rather the extensive product description on the website.

It’s actually made from four materials: acrylic, alpaca, polyamide and wool, and H&M provides details on where these have been sourced, as well as information on the company’s commitment to only work with brands that adhere to their Animal Welfare Policy.

This way, you can decide for yourself if it fits with your stance on sustainability.

Fat Face, £65

We love a chunky blanket and this one from Fat Face, sold at Terrys Fabrics, is just as cosy as the photo suggests.

The ‘trapped yarn’ is made with cotton (58%), wool (21%) and acrylic (21%), guaranteed to keep you warm when it starts to snow outside.

It’s also quite big – ideal for movie nights with friends or a special someone.