Manchester Warehouse has one of the largest winter blanket ranges in Australia covering wool, merino wool, fleece, acrylic, wool blend and electric heated options across every bed size from single through to super king. Every blanket in the range is available at outlet prices with flat rate shipping to anywhere in Australia.
The right winter blanket depends on where you live, how cold your bedroom gets and how warm you sleep. A merino wool blanket is the warmest non-electric option and the best choice for cold climate regions in Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT and Alpine New South Wales. An electric heated blanket is the most effective option for maximum warmth regardless of climate. A wool blend or acrylic blanket covers the middle ground β warm, easy to wash and available at price points that work for most Australian households.
Browse the full winter blanket collection above, or scroll down for everything you need to choose the right blanket for your bed, your climate and your budget.
Winter blankets range.
Nick’s Notes - Winter Blankets.
Hi, I’m Nick Poulos, co-founder of Manchester Warehouse and your trusted guide to all things bedding and manchester. With over 40 years of experience in the industry and 23 years as Director of Product Sourcing, I’ve made it my mission to source products I’d proudly use in my own home. That way, you can trust that every item in our range meets the highest standards of quality, comfort, and value.
From understanding market trends to curating bedding collections that combine functionality and timeless style, I’m here to help you create a home that’s as comfortable as it is beautiful. Whether you’re upgrading to super king bedding, learning how to style your bedroom, or exploring different materials, I’ve got the tips and insights to guide you.
Which blanket is best for winter?
Nick's Tip:
Depending on how cool the weather is during winter at your home, you may prefer one particular winter blanket over another. At Manchester Warehouse, we have a variety of fabrics when it comes to winter blankets, including thick wool, velvety smooth polyester, and fleece styles. The best blanket for you will vary according to certain preferences - but you can never go wrong with wool or velvet fleece when the temperatures drop.
How do you decide on the best winter blanket?
Nick's Tip:
There's a lot to consider when choosing the best winter blanket for you. Everything from the climate where you live to the regular temperature of your home/bedroom as well as personal preferences all play a role in which winter blankets are perfect for you. We recommend browsing Manchester Warehouse's full blankets range if you're looking for other seasonal blankets.
What is the warmest blanket for winter?
Nick's Tip:
You can never go wrong with a wool blanket when you need a warm blanket for winter. For example, our Australian Merino Wool Blanket by Alastairs' offers unparalleled comfort and warmth with its authentic design. Wool is remarkable for insulating warmth in a bed in addition to its heavyweight and ability to wick moisture away, keeping you dry rather than sweaty. As your body temperature may change during your sleep, wool adapts according to this, keeping it breathable and cosy all night long.
Source: Much of this information was taken from a recent interview with Nick Polous
The warmest winter blankets in Australia — what to buy and why
Not all winter blankets are equal and the difference between the right one and the wrong one is felt every night from May through to September. Manchester Warehouse has been supplying Australian households with quality bedding for over 25 years across every blanket type, every bed size and every climate zone. Here is what you need to know before you buy.
Which material is warmest
The material is the most important decision you will make. Merino wool is the warmest non-electric option available. The natural crimp of the fibre traps air, holds heat and adapts as your body temperature shifts through the night so you stay warm without overheating. Our merino wool blanket range is sourced from Australian and New Zealand producers with fibre certification listed on every product page.
Wool blend blankets at 50 to 70% wool deliver strong warmth, wash more easily than pure wool and cost less than full merino. They are the most practical all-round winter blanket for most Australian households and consistently our highest selling blanket category every winter.
Acrylic and fleece blankets are lightweight, soft, machine washable and fast drying. They perform well in mild to moderate Australian winters and are the most affordable option in the range. In colder climate regions like Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT they work best as a layer rather than a standalone solution.
Electric heated blankets are in a category of their own. No other blanket delivers the same consistent, controllable warmth regardless of how cold the night gets. Dual zone control on queen and king sizes means two people with different warmth preferences can both sleep comfortably. Our electric blanket range is sourced exclusively from brands with current Australian electrical safety certification and SAA approval. If you also want warmth on the couch through winter evenings, our electric heated throw range is designed exactly for that — smaller, lighter and far more practical on a sofa than a full bed blanket.
Getting the size right
A blanket that is too narrow pulls inward during the night and leaves the mattress edges exposed. It is worth getting this right before you buy. As a general guide: single beds need approximately 150 x 200cm, king single 160 x 210cm, double 180 x 210cm, queen 200 x 200cm standard or 220 x 240cm for a fuller drape, king 220 x 240cm and super king 240 x 260cm or larger. Visit our sizing guide for full Australian bed dimensions in centimetres, or go straight to our dedicated queen size blankets, king size blankets and super king blankets collections.
What to look for in an electric blanket
All electric blankets at Manchester Warehouse carry current Australian electrical safety certification and SAA approval. That is the baseline requirement and it is non-negotiable for safe overnight use. Beyond that, the features that make a real difference in daily use are multiple heat settings so you can adjust warmth through the night rather than committing to one temperature, automatic overheat protection that cuts power if the element runs too hot, a machine washable outer fabric and dual zone control on queen and king sizes so two people can each sleep at their own temperature. A blanket you cannot wash easily is a blanket you will stop using.
Can you use a winter blanket instead of a doona
Yes, and plenty of Australian households prefer it that way. A heavyweight merino or wool blend blanket at 500 GSM or above delivers warmth comparable to a mid-weight doona insert when used directly over sheets. The practical advantage is that blankets are far easier to wash. Most wool blend and acrylic options go straight into a domestic machine while a full doona insert typically needs a commercial laundromat. For anyone who wants a simpler bed setup that is easier to maintain through the colder months, a quality winter blanket is a completely legitimate alternative. Pair it with a flannelette sheet set underneath for a warm sleep surface and a throw rug across the foot of the bed for extra coverage on the coldest nights.
Completing your winter bedroom
Once the blanket is sorted the rest of a warm winter bedroom comes together quickly. Winter quilts and doona inserts for maximum warmth layering, flannelette sheet sets for a warm sleep surface from the moment you get in, pillows suited to how you sleep and throw rugs for the couch and living areas through the evening. Manchester Warehouse stocks the full winter bedding range so you can sort out the whole bedroom in one order.
Flat rate shipping on all winter blanket orders Australia wide. Express delivery available at checkout.
FAQs
What is the warmest winter blanket in Australia?
Merino wool is the warmest non-electric option. The natural crimp of the fibre traps air and retains heat as your body temperature changes through the night, keeping you warm without overheating. For maximum warmth with full control, an electric heated blanket with Australian safety certification and multiple heat settings is the most effective choice regardless of how cold it gets.
What is the difference between a wool blanket and a fleece blanket?
Wool uses natural animal fibre with insulating properties that synthetic fleece cannot replicate. Wool manages moisture, regulates temperature and resists odour naturally. Fleece is polyester microfibre that is brushed to create a soft lofted surface. It is lighter, washes easily and dries fast, but it does not match wool for warmth to weight ratio or long term durability.
Can wool blankets be machine washed?
Pure wool blankets generally cannot be safely machine washed in a standard domestic cycle. Agitation in a normal wash causes the fibres to felt and shrink permanently. Wool blend blankets with 30 to 50% synthetic content and blankets specifically labelled machine washable wool can be washed on a wool cold cycle with wool safe detergent. Always check the care label. Lay flat to dry rather than tumble drying to prevent distortion.
Are electric blankets safe to use all night?
Yes, provided they carry current Australian electrical safety certification and SAA approval, which is a requirement for all electric blankets sold by Manchester Warehouse. Lay the blanket flat without folding or bunching during use and stop using it if any damage is visible on the power cord or heating element. Modern electric blankets with automatic overheat protection are designed for safe overnight use on low to medium heat settings.
What size winter blanket do I need for a queen bed?
For an Australian queen mattress of 153 x 203cm, a blanket of 200 x 200cm provides a standard overhang. For a fuller drape or tucking allowance on all sides, go to 220 x 240cm. Visit our sizing guide for full dimensions across all Australian bed sizes.
What is the most useful feature in an electric blanket?
Dual zone control on queen and king sizes is the feature that makes the biggest difference in real use. It lets two people sleep at their own temperature without one of them being uncomfortable. After that, automatic overheat cut off for safety, multiple heat settings for flexibility and a machine washable outer fabric for easy care are the features worth paying attention to.
Can I use a winter blanket instead of a doona?
Yes. A heavyweight wool or merino wool blanket at 500 GSM or above provides warmth that is comparable to a mid-weight doona when used over sheets. Blankets are easier to wash and simpler to care for than doona inserts, making them a practical everyday alternative for Australian winters.
What is the difference between a blanket and a throw rug?
A winter blanket is sized for full bed coverage and designed for sleeping warmth. A throw rug is smaller, lighter and designed for draping over furniture or across the foot of a bed as a decorative and occasional warmth layer. For couch warmth through winter evenings, a throw rug or an electric heated throw is the more practical format.
Does Manchester Warehouse ship winter blankets Australia wide?
Yes. Flat rate shipping on all winter blanket orders to every Australian state and territory including regional and remote areas. Express delivery is available at checkout and orders are dispatched same or next business day on in-stock items.
How do I stop a wool blanket from shrinking?
Wash on a dedicated wool or hand wash cycle in cold water with a wool safe detergent. Never use a standard or hot cycle and never tumble dry a pure wool blanket as heat and agitation cause permanent felting and shrinkage. Lay flat to dry in shade away from direct sunlight. For pure merino wool, professional laundering is the safest option if you want to maintain the size and softness over many years of use.
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