Blanket Storage Ideas: 10 Great Ways From Decor Pros

Whether you’re looking to relax on the couch or get extra cozy on cold nights, a throw blanket is a must. And if you’re like us, you can’t resist grabbing yet another soft, snuggly one when you see it at Target. But as much as you love your growing collection, finding a place to actually store them can be easier said than done, especially if you want something that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing! So we asked organizing pros for their favorite blanket storage ideas whether you want to keep them in quick reach or put them away for the season.

What to avoid when storing blankets

Though there are quite a few options when it comes to blanket storage ideas, there are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind for both short- and long-term shortage.

The first mistake people often make? Holding on to too many! “We don’t need as many blankets as we probably think we do, and blankets last a really long time,” says organizer Kathi Lipp, author of The Clutter-Free Home. “So if you can pare down to the basic blankets that you know are going to work for all your purposes, it will make storage that much easier.” Not sure what to do with the extra blankets you no longer need? Consider donating them to your local animal shelter!

Before putting blankets into any kind of storage, it’s also important to ensure they’re clean. “Otherwise this leads to musty smells, mildew and sometimes even insects,” shares organizer Bridget Flynn, home organizer and owner of Divine Organizing. “Make sure your blankets are thoroughly washed and dried.”

The best blanket storage ideas so they are within reach

Though it’s nice to have one handy when you need or want it, you may not want to keep all your throws just piled on the couch or tossed on an armchair. Thankfully, there are clever (and stylish) blanket storage ideas:

1. Colorful hat boxes

Hat boxes make great blanket storage ideas

“Simple hat boxes are a stylish way to store throw blankets,” says organizer Annabel Joy of Trim Design Co. “You can find ones to match the décor of any room in home stores. Plus, the boxes easily slide under your coffee table or can be piled up beside you couch, making them accessible yet out of the way.” Cozy bonus: Hat boxes are great places to store extra pairs of wool socks or fuzzy slippers for cold winter nights.

2. Store vertically in a closet

You prefer to keep your blankets tucked away in your linen closet, but every time you grab one from the stack, you find yourself cleaning up an avalanche of blankets at your feet. What can help: Storing them like books instead. “Fold blankets and ‘file’ them by putting them on a shelf vertically, side by side, rather than piling them up in a stack,” recommends Michele Vig, author of The Holistic Guide to Decluttering. “This way, pulling out the one you want won’t cause a collapse. Easily keep them separate by slipping a piece of cardboard between each.

3. Hang them in an aesthetic way

A blanket rack is one of many blanket storage ideas

“For decorative throws, I love a blanket rack,” says Flynn. “There are many inexpensive options of different sizes and styles. I always look at a blanket ladder as a signal of ‘cozy season’, so it also does double duty as decor.”

4. Tuck them away in baskets

Seagrass baskets are one of many blanket storage ideas

“Social media influencers rave about placing their blankets in the Serena and Lily basket that retails for $148. But you can find plenty of dupes HomeGoods, T.J.Maxx and Marshalls,” says Noelle Bruccoleri, pro organizer at Little Bit O Help. “I check under the clearance tab to find the best deals. Like the Viet seagrass storage that’s perfect for storing blankets or can double as a hamper. It’s a twin of the Serena and Lily basket, was $39.99 in stores and marked down to $29 online!”

5. Stack them here

Stacking blankets on a chair is one of many blanket storage ideas

“I love the idea of like a cozy corner — just a corner of your living room or your bedroom — where you can have a stack of blankets,” says Lipp. “An unused chair is a great place to showcase them — and make them easy to grab when you need.”

The best seasonal blanket storage ideas

When the weather warms up and you don’t need your blankets handy, you’ll want to keep them stored in a way that keeps them clean and organized. Below, Lipp shares some of her favorite options for long-term storage.

1. Enlist compression bags

Blankets in compression bags are one of many blanket storage ideas

When space is limited, you may want to consider compression or vacuum storage bags to store your blankets (Buy from Amazon, $24.99). All you need is a vacuum with a hose attachment or a kit with a hand pump, and you’ll be able to tuck your blankets away without taking up valuable space in a closet or drawer.

2. Place them on hangers

“If you have smaller blankets, you can actually fold those and hang them on clothes hangers in a closet that’s rarely used,” Lipp says. It will keep the linens tidy, but still out of the way when you don’t need them.

3. Store them in luggage

For anyone who doesn’t travel frequently, or has more suitcases available than they usually take on their trips, that extra luggage can come in handy! All that empty unused space is a perfect place to tuck your blankets away in those spare suitcases.

4. Slide them under the mattress

“We had a small cabin, and we needed to keep a lot of stuff in there, but we didn’t have any storage room, so instead, we would actually store our blankets between our mattress and our box spring,” Lipp shares.

5. Spread them out on a guest bed

Have a guest bed? Or a an unused room? “You don’t have to just have one blanket on there; make the bed with four instead,” Lipp shares. “It’s a great way of storing extra blankets when you don’t need them.”

How to prolong the life of blankets in storage

A lavender sachet keeps blankets fresh in storage

Regardless of how you choose to store your favorite blankets, there are a few items you may want to include or use to help the linens stay in great condition until next season.

Moisture absorbers. “They’re especially important in humid climates to prevent mildew,” says Flynn. One we like: Arm & Hammer Storage Moisture Absorber and Odor Eliminator (Buy from Walmart, $9.43)
Scented sachets. Adding a sachet of lavender to the container or spot where you keep your blankets not only deters critters and insects, but it will leave your blankets smelling fresh too. (Click through to learn how to deter moths with moth balls alternatives.)
Breathable cotton bags. For certain blankets, the pros say it’s worth considering purchasing these bags before you tuck them away. “They’re ideal for storing wool or down blankets to allow airflow — you can also wrap the blankets in a cotton sheet for a budget-friendly option,” adds Flynn. One we like: MISSLO Set of 3 Cotton Breathable Dust-Proof Drawstring Storage Pouch Bag (Buy from Amazon, $15.97)
Acid-free tissue paper. Lastly, heirloom or delicate blankets can benefit from being wrapped in acid-free tissue paper, says Flynn, as it provides extra protection. “And acid-free storage boxes, if they’re extra-special blankets!” One we like: Acid-free White Tissue Paper (Buy from Amazon, $4.99)