Choosing an electric blanket: how to find your heated throw

It is a cold evening, you curl up on the sofa with a series or a book and after a quarter of an hour your feet are cold again. An ordinary throw helps a little, but an electric blanket gives off heat itself. You choose how warm you want it and snuggle underneath. But what do you look for when choosing one? Size, heat settings, the timer, the material and washing make the difference. In this guide you will read how to find the heated throw that suits you.

What is an electric blanket?

An electric blanket, also called a heated throw, is a soft blanket with heating that you plug into the socket. You set the heat with the remote control. The OMNIEXA heated throws are made for snuggling under on the sofa, as extra warmth during an evening at home.

You turn the thermostat down a little and still stay warm in the spot where you sit. That is exactly why many people choose a heated throw.

Which blanket suits you?

Step 1: choose the right size

First think about how you will use the blanket. Do you usually sit alone on the sofa, or do you like to snuggle under it together?

• 180 × 130 cm: a nice size for one person. You can easily wrap the grey/white heated throw around you or lay it over your legs.
• 180 × 160 cm: big enough for two, or for wrapping yourself up completely. Then choose the pink heated throw.

Tip: measure your sofa or the spot where you usually sit. A blanket that is just a little bigger can be folded over your feet. That is often more comfortable than a blanket that is just too short.

Step 2: how many heat settings do you want?

With several heat settings you choose how warm you want it. That is handy, because on a chilly autumn evening you usually want less warmth than after a cold winter walk.

The grey/white blanket has 9 heat settings: from a gentle glow while working from home to full warmth. The pink blanket has several settings, from gently warm to nice and hot. With both blankets you control the heat with the remote control, so you do not have to get up. The remote control of the grey/white blanket is illuminated.

Step 3: check the timer and automatic switch-off

Both OMNIEXA blankets have an automatic switch-off. On the grey/white blanket you can also set a timer yourself from 1 to 9 hours, after which the blanket switches itself off. That way you decide exactly how long it stays on, for example the length of a film or an evening on the sofa. So when choosing, do not only look at the warmth, but also at how easily you can set and switch off the blanket.

Step 4: choose the material you like

You mainly use a heated throw to snuggle under, so the feel of the fabric is important.

• Flannel and sherpa: the grey/white blanket is double-sided, with soft micro flannel in grey on the outside and fluffy sherpa fleece in white/cream on the inside.
• Fleece: the pink blanket is made of soft fleece and is for anyone who loves a warm colour on the sofa.

Step 5: check how to wash the blanket

A blanket you use often is one you want to wash now and then. So always check the washing instructions.

• Grey/white: disconnect the controller first, then the blanket can go in the washing machine at 30°C.
• Pink: machine washable.

When washing, drying and storing, always follow the instructions supplied with the blanket. That way your blanket stays fresh, even if it lies on the sofa every evening.

What else to look for

• Safety: according to the product description, the grey/white blanket has overheating protection, double insulation and a CE marking.
• Cord and socket: make your favourite spot on the sofa one near a socket, so the cord does not lie across the walking route. The grey/white blanket works on 220-240V.
• Colour and atmosphere: grey and white suit almost any interior, pink adds a warm accent to the sofa.
• Instructions for use: read the manual carefully before using the blanket for the first time.

Tips for a warm evening on the sofa

• Preheat it: set the grey/white blanket to setting 9 ten minutes before you sit down. Once you snuggle underneath, switch back to a lower setting to keep the warmth in.
• Provide soft light: you can place a cordless table lamp next to the sofa without an extra cord. The Valentina has a glass shade for a soft glow, the Yago an aluminium housing in mocha brown. Both have 3 light settings and charge via USB-C. Read more in Choosing a cordless table lamp.
• A spot for your tea: with a side table next to the sofa, your cup is within reach. You can also use the Jona bedside table as a side table. You will find more models among the coffee and side tables.
• Complete the picture: a few LED candles make the evening extra cosy.

Read also

• Autumn: how to make your home cosy and atmospheric
• LED candles: how to create atmosphere at home without a flame
• Holiday gift guide: gifts for every budget

View all heated throws. Ordered on a working day before 15:00, shipped today, shipping is free and you get free 30-day returns.