In the winter, throw blankets are a necessity. These simple, affordable pieces can go just about anywhere in the home and help you and your loved ones stay warm when the temperatures dip. The only problem? It’s not always clear where to store these blankets, especially if you have a lot of them.
Luckily, throw blankets don’t take up too much real estate, and there are a handful of effective—and beautiful—storage solutions that will keep these cozy accessories all in one place. Here, we spoke to organization experts and got their tips and tricks for throw blanket management.
Store in Baskets
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The number one solution that every organizer we spoke to recommended was a storage basket. “It’s simple, functional, and aesthetically pleasing,” says Rachel Rosenthal, professional organizer and founder of Rachel and Company. “I love how easy it is to toss a blanket into a basket and leave it right next to a couch or armchair, where I usually relax.” She also notes that, with baskets, you won’t have to go to the trouble of folding your blankets.
Not only is it a breezy method, but it’s a beautiful one too. Samantha Pregenzer, professional organizer and founder of Simply Organized, recommends scouring antique markets for beautiful baskets that can double as décor. Alternatively, she says you can snag a “tall, slim basket that can sit behind a couch or sectional.”
One pitfall to avoid? “Find a nice-looking basket and one that actually accommodates the volume instead of having a huge, overflowing basket of blankets,” says Pregenzer. “That can look messy and cluttered, which isn’t the goal.”
Drape Over Sofas and Other Furniture
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Not all throw blankets need to be secreted away. Some may feature a beautiful color or pattern, or you may have even bought it specifically because it matches your living room. If that’s the case, then use it as décor. “Drape them over the arm of a sofa or chair,” says Rosenthal. “This method not only makes your blankets easily accessible, but it also adds texture to the space.”
Stash in Ottomans and Coffee Tables
Your furniture has built-in storage—so take advantage of it. Ottomans, for example, often have a top lid that opens up to a chest, which is perfect for discreetly storing throw blankets. “It’s a great choice for those who prefer a minimalist look,” says Corey Pence, senior manager of in-home organizing at The Container Store. “It hides visual clutter while still being practical.”
Coffee tables are another form of “hidden storage,” according to Pence. A lower shelf or top lid can be the perfect place to stash throw blankets when they’re not in use. Plus, both pieces of furniture will inevitably be close to your sofa or lounge chair, so your blanket will always be within arm’s reach.
Arrange on Ladders and Racks
Getty / KatarzynaBialasiewicz
A blanket ladder looks beautiful and makes the most of your available square footage. “Since it leans against a wall, it uses vertical space while keeping the floor mostly open and not cramped,” says Pregenzer. Pence adds that their slim profile also makes them great for renters and smaller apartments.
Another vertical option is a towel rack, which has similar benefits to a ladder in terms of managing floor space. Pence notes they have a “functional yet sleek” design that won’t crowd a room.
Hide Under the Bed
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Let’s be clear—there are some things you should never store under the bed. Throw blankets, though, can be stashed here without any difficulty. Pence recommends using storage bags, particularly when the seasons change and you no longer need as many blankets sitting around.
Another option that relates to bed storage is a chest that sits at the foot of the bed. Rosenthal says this can serve as “both storage and a statement piece.”
Hang on Coat Racks and Hooks
You can use the coat racks for throw blankets, too. Pence notes that wall hooks can be especially good for kid’s rooms, where blankets often have to be quickly reached for and subsequently put away.
Try Using Blanket Hangers
You can hang throw blankets in your closet too—if you have the right accessories. Some hangers are specifically designed for holding blankets and quilts, according to Pence. “These are a great solution if you’re short on space but have a closet where you can tuck them neatly away,” he says.
