Blanket Sizes 101
A Complete Guide to Styles and Dimensions
- Blankets come in many sizes, offering comfort and warmth for different situations
- Standard blanket sizes correspond to traditional mattress sizes
- Specialty options range from baby blankets to larger living room throws
Curling up in a cozy blanket is comforting and relaxing, but getting the most out of a blanket requires that it be the appropriate size for its intended use. Some blankets are designed to go on top of a bed, while others shine as an element of home decor.
Knowing the dimensions of common blanket sizes can be a key step to finding the best blanket for your home. We’ll discuss both standard and specialty blanket sizes, plus provide a rundown of baby blanket sizes for parents and caregivers.
Standard Blanket Sizes
Standard blankets typically have dimensions that fit traditional mattress sizes, including twin, full, queen, and king. The exact measurements of blankets may vary, but each is designed to fully cover and then drape over the edges of the corresponding mattress size.
| Size | Blanket Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Twin | 65-66″ x 90″ |
| Full/Double | 80-85″ x 90″ |
| Queen | 90″ x 90-100″ |
| King | 108″ x 90-100″ |
| California King | 104″ x 108″ |
Baby Blanket Sizes
As any parent knows, babies grow fast. Accordingly, baby blankets come in several sizes designed for different growth stages.
| Size | Dimensions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lovey | 12″ x 12″ | This tiny blanket is a common item to bring a sense of security to children. Loveys are light, soft, and often come attached to a stuffed animal or doll for easy cuddling. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants under the age of 1 should not sleep with loose blankets or other objects in their crib or bassinet. |
| Baby | 14″ x 16″ | Unlike some loveys, baby blankets come without an attached toy. They can be used for light warmth and a sense of comfort, and they frequently become keepsakes when outgrown. |
| Cradle | 14″ x 30″ | Not to be confused with a crib blanket, a cradle blanket’s small design fits neatly into a cradle that rocks back and forth to help a baby relax while out of their crib. |
| Stroller | 22-30″ x 30-36″ | A stroller blanket is meant to cover a baby when they are in a stroller or car seat. It’s designed to provide adequate coverage without putting the baby at risk of overheating. |
| Receiving | 40″ x 40″ | Receiving blankets are a common type of baby blanket that can be used for swaddling, burping, and changing. They are thin, soft, and often come in multipacks so that it’s easy to have some in use while others are being washed. |
| Crib | 45″ x 60″ | Crib blankets fit most cribs without an excess of fabric. They also work well as a play area on the floor or for covering an impromptu changing station. When used for sleeping, crib blankets are designed for children who are at least 12 months old. Experts recommend that younger infants sleep in a crib or a bassinet with just a flat, firm crib mattress and a fitted sheet. Layered clothing or a sleep sack are safer than a blanket if additional warmth is needed. |
Specialty Blanket Sizes
While there are certain specialty blankets that are most common, the dimensions and even the names of specialty blankets are not universal, so shoppers should be aware of differences among specific brands or products. For example, while 50 by 60 inches is considered the standard size of a throw blanket, this popular style comes in various dimensions depending on the manufacturer.
| Size | Dimensions | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lapghan | 36″ x 48″ | A lapghan, or lap-size Afghan, is made to comfortably fit on the lap of a person sitting in a chair. This blanket size is often used in hospitals and nursing homes and by people who use a wheelchair. Lapghans often feature a knitted or crocheted design. |
| Throw | 50″ x 60″ | Throw blankets can be used to add style to a room’s decor or to provide an extra layer of warmth on a sofa or a bed. They work well as lap blankets, but they generally don’t fully cover an average-sized adult. |
| Afghan | 50″ x 65″ | This distinctive blanket style originated in Afghanistan. They often feature bold colors and can be used as a throw or as a layer in bed. An Afghan blanket’s knitted or crocheted construction contains small holes that allow airflow. |
How to Choose the Right Blanket Size
The simplest way to choose the proper blanket size is to first decide where and how you plan to use it. If you plan to use the blanket in bed, look for standard sizes that match up with the size of your mattress. If you have an oversized mattress and are seeking a custom-made blanket, measure the bed’s length and width and then add several inches to each dimension so that the blanket can hang over the edge of the bed.
Your specific needs and preferences will determine what’s most suitable when shopping for a blanket. For example, people looking for decorative, versatile blankets may like an Afghan or a throw. When buying a blanket for a baby, be sure to consider the child’s age and size, as well as where they will use the blanket.
Jenna is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has almost a decade of healthcare experience writing on topics such as sleep and mental/emotional balance.