Blankets

 Blankets

A blanket is a single-layer textile used to add warmth, weight, or texture on top of or instead of a quilt. Unlike quilts, blankets are flexible enough to use alone in mild weather or layer in winter without making up a full new bed. Adairs' range covers five main constructions — brushed fleece, Turkish cotton waffle, washed cotton, sherpa, and muslin — so the right choice comes down to your sleep temperature, climate, and whether you want a blanket for sleeping or styling. Most styles run Single through King and work across year-round Australian bedrooms.

 How to Choose a Blanket

Match material to your sleep temperature

 Fleece (Supersoft range) and sherpa (Sammy range) are synthetic microfibre constructions that trap air and hold heat — suited to cold sleepers and cooler climates. Turkish cotton waffle (European Collection) and washed cotton (Lantana, Koko) are breathable natural fibres that regulate temperature, better for warm sleepers or mild Australian nights. Muslin (European Collection Warm Stripe and Cool Stripe) is the lightest option — a loosely woven cotton that allows maximum airflow, making it the gentlest choice for warm rooms or young children. Quilted blankets use two fabric layers stitched together in a geometric pattern — they're more structured than other blanket types, hold their shape well, and work as a styling layer as much as a warmth layer.

Understand weight versus warmth

Warmth and weight aren't the same. Sherpa blankets are both heavy and warm. Waffle blankets are lightweight but still insulating. Weighted blankets add pressure through glass bead filling without generating heat — a practical option if you want the sensation of weight year-round without the warmth of a heavy winter blanket

Size to your mattress

For sleeping under, choose the same size as your mattress: Single, King Single, Double, Queen, or King. If you're folding a blanket at the foot of the bed for styling, one size down works. For kids, a Single is typically fine until they move to a larger bed.

 Best For

Best for cold sleepers and winter nights

Sherpa blankets (Sammy range) are the warmest option in this range — a thick textured polyester pile on one side traps a significant amount of air. Supersoft fleece is slightly lighter but still very warm, and softer against skin. Both work best layered with a quilt on the coldest nights. If you're building a full winter bed, pair with flannelette sheets — brushed cotton that adds warmth at the sheet layer rather than relying entirely on the top layers. If you need more heat than a blanket provides, the electric blanket range handles pre-warming your bed before you get in.

Best for hot sleepers and summer nights

Turkish cotton waffle blankets (European Collection) use 100% Turkish cotton in a waffle weave — the open structure increases surface area and keeps air moving. The Koko Washed Waffle range is similarly breathable with a relaxed, pre-washed texture. For the lightest possible layer, the European Collection Muslin blankets are the most breathable option in the range, woven loosely enough that they work even in humid conditions.

Best for year-round versatility

The Lantana Stonewash range is pre-washed cotton that softens with every wash and works across seasons — warming enough for mild winter nights, breathable enough for summer use. If you want one blanket that handles most of the year in temperate Australian conditions, stonewash or washed cotton is the most adaptable choice.

Best for babies and young kids

Muslin blankets are the standard recommendation for infants — the loose plain weave breathes well, reducing overheating risk, and softens with washing. The European Collection Muslin range suits newborns through toddlers. For older children, the Ezra Quilted Waffle and quilted baby blankets offer a bit more structure and warmth without being heavy.

Blanket Comparison

Fleece and sherpa are the right call for rooms that get genuinely cold. Turkish cotton waffle and stonewash cotton are more versatile and suit most Australian climates. Muslin is the lightest and most breathable, best for summer or for households with young children.

About Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets distribute glass bead filling evenly through internal pockets to apply consistent, gentle pressure across the body. This deep pressure stimulation is associated with reduced cortisol levels and improved sleep quality in people who struggle to settle — it's commonly used for anxiety, restless sleep, and sensory sensitivities. The key difference from a heavy winter blanket is that the weight comes from glass beads, not insulating fibre — so they don't generate additional heat and can be used year-round without overheating. Adairs' weighted blankets feature glass bead filling in standard bed sizes. For more on how they work and who they suit, read the guide to calming weighted blankets.

FAQS about Blankets

What's the difference between a blanket and a quilt?

A quilt has two fabric layers filled with down, wool, or synthetic fibre and is designed to be your primary sleep layer. A blanket is a single layer used on top of or instead of a quilt to add warmth or weight. Most people use blankets as a supplementary layer, though lighter options like Turkish cotton waffle can work well alone in summer.

Can I use a blanket instead of a quilt in summer?

Yes, for most Australian summers a lightweight blanket is enough. Turkish cotton waffle and stonewash cotton blankets are thin, breathable, and provide just enough cover for air-conditioned rooms. Muslin works well for this too, particularly in warmer climates. Avoid fleece and sherpa in summer — the synthetic pile traps heat and doesn't breathe. 

Are weighted blankets good for anxiety and sleep?

Weighted blankets apply deep pressure stimulation — similar to the sensation of being held — which can lower heart rate and support relaxation in people who find it hard to wind down. They're used for anxiety, insomnia, and sensory processing differences. Because the weight comes from glass beads rather than insulating fibre, they don't make you overheat and can be used across seasons. 

What size blanket should I buy?

For sleeping under, match your mattress: Single, King Single, Double, Queen, or King. If you're folding the blanket at the foot of the bed for styling purposes, one size down works. For kids, a Single is usually sufficient until they upgrade to a larger bed.

What's the difference between sherpa and fleece?

Both are synthetic microfibre constructions, but sherpa has a thicker, textured pile on one side that mimics the look and feel of shearling — it's heavier and warmer. Fleece (like the Supersoft range) is lighter, finer, and softer against skin. If warmth is the priority, sherpa. If softness and lighter weight is the priority, fleece.

Complete Your Bedroom

A blanket works hardest when it's paired with the right base layers. Browse quilt covers for a colour-matched foundation, or explore our quilts and doonas if you need a primary sleep layer. For daytime styling on sofas or armchairs, throws are a lighter, decorative alternative. If you need more warmth than a blanket provides, the electric blanket range pre-warms your bed before you get in. Linen Lovers members receive free standard shipping on all orders — join for free.