Are blankets the answer to winter’s chilly weather? I saw an ad for a department store encouraging people to buy blankets, comforters and throws instead of turning up the thermostat. It sounds like a good idea but if sitting in your own home relaxing wearing a lap robe or nestled in a blanket makes you think of the 1800s you are not alone. A lot of people would rather turn up the heat than to just put on heavier clothing or put on a wrap. For those people who do not have the option (apartment or condo dwellers who have little control over their heat) wearing extra clothing and weathering are good options.

Before anyone knocking a lap robe or throw – consider the popularity of the Snuggly and other zip up blankets. Extra layers do the job and make it easier to keep warm and save on the heat. The minimum level of heat may not be enough for some people even at night so another option might be an electric blanket.

No one doubts that using a blanket will keep you warm but do you need to look stylish? If you are at home and cold looking good may be the last thing on your mind. The bulkiness of some of the clothing and blankets that keep are warm may be what keeps people from wanting to use blankets in the first place.

Wearing a sweater or sweatshirt with a t-shirt underneath is comfortable while you are sitting around watching television or working on the computer but when you are ready to go to sleep all that extra bulk may make you uncomfortable. Some turn to electric blankets or a lower tech solution the hot water bottle. Both ways will heat up the sheets and keep you warm. Though the hot water bottle will loose its warmth over time and some are afraid of sleeping beneath something attached to an electrical outlet.

Take a cue from dressing for the cold weather when you are dressing your bed… layers. A heavy down comforter (or down alternative) will be warm but might be too warm once the temperatures are in the upper 30s or 40s. A couple of blankets might give you the same amount of warmth or an added layer that will keep you warm above the sheet.

Though blankets can be very costly, many are reasonably priced, but they are less expensive than a comforter.

Modern electric blanks have timers that shut-off automatically after a half an hour to an hour later. If you are just cool when you are sitting and watching television, then you might want to check out an electric throw. The newer blanks are energy efficient and can help keep the chill off. Electric blanket lovers are very loyal and really like them. Layers work just as well and there is nothing frightening about them especially for those who feel that they are being cooked or that they might forget to turn off the blanket.