Part of what you need to look for in an ideal blanket is how easily it can be washed. How often is it going to need washing? Are you going to need to throw it in the machine for a fast cycle and have it dry quickly? Or can you get away with only washing it occasionally and using a more delicate or wool wash?

If you’re only expecting it to need to stand up to simple everyday use dirt, then you don’t necessarily need the same sturdiness as you would if your blanket is going to be used outside where it could get muddy, covered in grass or other harder to clean substances.

Then you need to consider the other effects of multiple washes. Will your chosen blanket stay soft after being washed a few times, or will it get itchy? Is it going to hold its colour or fade? And you need to make sure it isn’t going to shrink over many washes, though part of that can be affected by how you are washing your blanket and if you’re using the right setting, detergent and so on.

Part of this is to do with the material the blanket is made from. Cottons can lose their colour at lower temperature washes, though they also hold up very well from repeated washes and can be found in different thicknesses to match how warm you need them to be. While wool can shrink if the wash is too hot, it is also naturally warmer with greater insulation and breathability. Synthetic fabrics can often develop ‘pilling’ if washed a lot but are also more likely to be easier to wash.

Something that makes a big difference in a good thermal blanket is its weight. Do you prefer a heavy blanket that isn’t going to shift around as you move? Or would you rather have a light blanket that keeps you warm without the weight? You can get specifically weighted blankets, designed so that they feel heavier if that’s what you’re looking for.

A heavy weighted blanket might be better as a bedspread or sofa throw blanket, but a lighter weight blanket might be good if it’s a wrap-around snuggle blanket.

Wool blankets will most likely be heavier than cotton or hemp blankets unless you choose a particular thick weave. If you want something lighter, then fleece and synthetic fabrics generally tend in that direction. Cashmere is also very light, but it can be on the more expensive side, so perhaps that's best saved for a smaller blanket.

Size plays a big factor in choosing your ideal blanket.. Are you looking for something to cuddle up with the family while watching your favourite show or a smaller softer blanket for a baby's crib?? Luckily, our blankets are the perfect size to snuggle up with the family, or to use as a throw over the end of a bed.

Fabrics and materials are important for more than just weight and washability. If you or someone else in your household has allergies perhaps to wool or fleece, then you might need synthetic, cotton or hemp blankets. Maybe you have pets that might damage certain fabrics such as cats, so you need something that won’t catch in their claws. Then there’s the texture; do you want fluffy or soft and smooth?

How warm does it need to be? There are a lot of variations between outdoors and indoors and whether it’s simply an extra layer or the only blanket you’re using. Baby blankets might need to be made of a specific material, such as merino wool, to help regulate body temperature throughout the night.

Budget and pricing are always a big factor when investing in quality blankets. Are you looking for something cheap and cheerful or are you able to stretch to a luxurious cashmere?

My all favourite part of choosing a new product for my home or as a gift is… Which colour should I get!?

Luckily, there are several hacks you can use to assist with this choice. Are you matching the colour of a room? adding a pop of colour or just going wild and getting something totally unique? Choose your direction and you will be on the right path to get the ideal blanket.

Once you’ve considered all the factors you might want to look at before deciding on a blanket, starting with washability, weight, material and then moving on to some of the others we’ve discussed, it’s time to go out and look for your ideal thermal blanket.

Remember to consider carefully. There’s nothing worse than a blanket that doesn’t quite cover your toes properly or gets itchy after a few washes.

So have fun searching for the perfect blanket, then enjoy that perfect snug evening with a film or book and a nice hot drink, all tucked under that thermal blanket.