A Simple Decor Staple That Screams “Summer House”: The Lightweight Throw Blanket

I live in a studio apartment, which means my bed is the focal point of the space. To give the main character a layered look, I’ll usually lay a folded blanket over the end; it makes everything feel more complete. But when steamy New York summer rolls around and the thought of my mohair throw makes me overheat, I’m inclined to strip down. I don’t love the idea of settling for an incomplete look for three months of the year, so rather than compromise with a naked-looking bed, I’m in the market for an extremely not-warm blanket that’s strictly for aesthetics.

Pretty much every bedding brand offers something in that vein, but I’m considering one of the 10 lightweight options, below. Some are fluffy linen gauze and some are textured waffle cotton, but the main similarity among these laid-back picks is that they each pair stunningly with a blasting air conditioner. Oh, and they give off an “I summer in the Hamptons” vibe. 

Cloud Linen Gauze Bed Blanket by Parachute

It’s called cloud linen for a reason—just look at that pillowy loose weave. Made of a garment-washed linen-and-cotton blend, a little texture adds dimension to a neutral colorway.

Organic Airy Gauze Blanket by Quince

As far as I’m concerned, Quince is offering the best deal in town. Its gauze blanket is $79 and made of four layers of 100% cotton.

Waffle Cotton Lightweight Blanket by Hawkins New York

Made of fine-combed cotton, Hawkins New York’s waffle throw brings major texture and color. My favorite is the robin’s-egg blue—just the fresh hue I crave in summer.

Cotton Gauze Bed Blanket by the Citizenry

The Citizenry’s cotton gauze blanket is made of eight layers of Turkish cotton, which explains why its extra-fluffy. If you’re a hot sleeper, you could get away with using just this on your bed.

Topanga Organic Matelassé Blanket by Coyuchi

Coyuchi is known for its stylish staples but also its organic cotton, which is grown and woven in Portugal. The solids are easy basics, while the chambray stripes offer a more boho look. (Bonus: They’re reversible.)

Estela Linen Waffle Throw by Cultiver

Cultiver makes the best linen sheets, but its blankets are nothing to snooze on. A textured linen waffle weave is made even more relaxed-looking with a soft fringe trim.

Vintage Linen Bed Cover by Parachute

Parachute’s 100% European flax bed cover is giving artist’s drop cloth in the best way. Offering a smoother texture than the rest of this bunch, it’s ideal for achieving a sleeker look.

Beachcomber Cotton Throw by Serena & Lily

Talk about beachy. Serena & Lily is serving up a throw that reminds me of my favorite towel. It’s made of premium Portuguese cotton, with a gorgeous eyelash trim finish.

Brentwood Cotton-Wool Throw by Kassatex

Don’t be fooled by the wool; this throw is as lightweight as they come. I love how the blend of different colored threads adds a subtle variation.

Linen Cocoon Throw by GreenRow

I’m ready to wrap myself like a butterfly in its cocoon in this rumply cotton-linen throw from new sustainability focused brand GreenRow. The subtle striped pattern adds a lived-in, vintage feel.