Why Your Living Room Needs a Winter Blanket Basket (and What to Put in It)

There's a moment every November when someone on the sofa says, "Is it cold in here?" and then goes looking for a blanket. It's in the closet. Or the dryer. Or the dog has it.

A winter blanket basket fixes that. One basket by the sofa, filled with a few soft throws, means a blanket is always within reach. It also happens to be one of the cheapest, quickest ways to make a living room look warm and lived-in for the holidays.

Why a blanket basket works

• Everyone stops hunting for blankets. Guests, kids and partners know exactly where to look.
• It keeps the sofa tidy. No more pile of throws on one cushion.
• It's instant decor. Folded or rolled blankets in a basket add color and texture without buying new furniture.
• It changes with the seasons. Swap in festive throws for December, then calmer winter designs in January.
• It's guest-ready. Holiday visitors can grab a blanket for movie night without asking.

Step 1: Choose the right basket

A few things to look for:

Size. A basket about 16–20 inches wide and deep holds three or four rolled throws. If you want a basket to also hold a big bed-size blanket, go larger.

Material.

• Seagrass or woven rope: soft, light and easy to move. A good all-round choice.
• Wicker or rattan: classic, sturdy and a little more formal.
• Wire with a fabric liner: a farmhouse look; the liner protects blankets from snags.
• Felt or canvas bins: lightweight, washable and kid-friendly.

Handles. Handles make it easy to carry the basket to the bedroom, the porch or the car on road-trip day.

Snag check. Run your hand around the inside. Rough wicker can pull threads, especially on fluffy blankets. Add a liner if needed.

Step 2: Decide how many blankets you need

A good rule: one throw per person who regularly uses the sofa, plus one for guests. For most households that's three or four.

Mix a few types:

• A light everyday throw for quick naps and warmer evenings.
• A thick, cozy blanket for the coldest nights.
• A seasonal throw that sets the mood: reindeer, snowy villages, winter woodland scenes.
• A sentimental one, such as a blanket printed with family photos. It tends to become the one everyone fights over.

Not sure whether to choose a lighter or a fluffier finish? Our guide to fleece vs sherpa photo blankets explains the difference.

A seasonal throw sets the mood for December. Shown: the Moonlit Snowy Village reindeer throw, printed exactly as shown.

Step 3: Fold or roll?

• Rolling looks neat and lets you see every pattern at once. Fold the blanket in half lengthwise, then in half again, then roll tightly from one short end. Stand the rolls upright.
• Folding works better for thick, fluffy blankets that won't roll tightly. Fold into a long rectangle and drape one over the edge of the basket for a relaxed look.

Put the most colorful or seasonal throw on top, or in front, so it shows.

Step 4: What else to put in the basket

A blanket basket can do more than hold blankets. A few cozy extras:

• Warm socks or slippers in a small pouch, for guests and cold feet.
• A book or two you're reading this winter.
• The TV remotes, finally in one place.
• A small cushion for propping up on the floor during movie night.
• A hot water bottle for the coldest nights.
• Kids' items: a stuffed animal, a holiday picture book, or a small blanket for the dog.

Keep it to two or three extras so the basket doesn't turn into a junk drawer.

Winter designs without Santa can stay out until spring. Shown: the Frost Flower snow fox throw.

Step 5: Style it for the holidays

A few small touches turn a blanket basket into Christmas decor:

• Tie a ribbon around the basket, or around each rolled blanket, in red, plaid or gold.
• Tuck in a sprig of greenery or a few pine cones on top.
• Wrap a strand of battery-powered fairy lights around the outside of the basket. Keep lights away from the blankets themselves, and use cool LED lights only.
• Hang a small ornament or a gift tag on the handle.
• Choose a color story. Red and green for a classic look, navy and silver for a calm winter feel, or cream and gold for something elegant.

Where to put your blanket basket

• Beside the sofa or armchair, where people sit most.
• At the foot of the bed in a guest room, so visitors don't have to ask for an extra blanket.
• By the fireplace or reading nook.
• In the entryway during the holidays, for guests heading out to the porch or the bonfire.

Keep it away from radiators and open flames, and make sure it isn't blocking a walkway.

The sentimental throw is the one everyone reaches for. Shown: the Rustic Frame family Christmas photo blanket with five family photos.

A blanket basket makes a great gift, too

A filled blanket basket is a thoughtful housewarming or Christmas gift, especially for grandparents, new homeowners and college students. Fill a basket with:

1. One cozy throw (a family photo blanket makes it personal)
2. A mug and a few hot cocoa packets
3. Warm socks
4. A paperback or a puzzle
5. A handwritten card

Wrap the whole thing in cellophane with a big bow. For more gift ideas for grandparents, see our gifts for grandma with grandkids' names.

A family photo blanket turns a gift basket into a keepsake. Shown: the Gold Leaf family photo blanket.

FAQ

How many blankets should be in a blanket basket? Three or four for most living rooms: one per regular sofa user, plus one for guests.

What size basket do I need for throw blankets? About 16–20 inches wide and deep holds three or four rolled throws. Go bigger if you also want to store a bed-size blanket.

Should I roll or fold blankets in a basket? Roll thinner throws so you can see every pattern. Fold thick, fluffy blankets, which don't roll as neatly.

How do I decorate a blanket basket for Christmas? Add a ribbon, a sprig of greenery, a few pine cones or a gift tag on the handle, and put your most festive throw on top.

What else can I put in a blanket basket? Warm socks, a book, the TV remotes, a small cushion or a hot water bottle. Keep it to a few items so it stays tidy.

Looking for throws to fill your basket? Browse our Christmas and winter throw blankets and personalized photo blankets.