Blankets are bulky, and if you have so many blankets that they end up draped over every chair, you're not alone. When the weather turns cold, extra blankets and throw pillows pile up fast. Good blanket storage keeps them within arm's reach for movie night while freeing up floor space and closets. These blanket storage ideas cover living rooms, bedrooms and long-term storage, with options for small homes and places without a linen closet.
Quick Answer: Clever Ways to Store Blankets
- A wicker basket or lidded basket next to the sofa
- A blanket ladder leaning against the wall
- A storage ottoman or storage bench
- A coffee table with drawers or an open shelf
- A chest of drawers or cabinet in the living room
- A storage trunk at the foot of the bed
- Under-bed storage bins
- Vacuum bags for long-term storage of extra bedding
15 Blanket Storage Ideas
1. Wicker and woven baskets
A large wicker basket beside the couch is the easiest blanket storage idea. It keeps throw blankets in plain sight and adds texture. Choose a lidded basket for a tidier look.
2. A blanket ladder
A blanket ladder uses vertical space and displays your favorite throws like decor. Drape two or three lightweight throws over the rungs. It's best for thin blankets rather than heavy quilts.
3. A storage ottoman
A storage ottoman hides blankets inside and doubles as a footrest or extra seating. It's a subtle option for small living rooms.
4. A storage trunk
A vintage-style trunk or chest at the foot of the bed or as a coffee table holds a whole blanket collection. Line it with a cotton sheet to protect quilts.
5. Storage benches
A storage bench in the entry, bedroom or under a window seat stores blankets and extra pillows under the seat.
6. A coffee table with storage
A coffee table with drawers or an open lower shelf keeps throws right where you use them. Folded blankets on a lower shelf look neat and are easy to grab.
7. A chest of drawers in the living room
A dresser or chest of drawers in the family room holds blankets, board games and extra cushions out of sight. Deep drawers are ideal for folded throws.
8. A cabinet with doors
A sideboard or cabinet with doors near the TV hides blankets, pillows and other clutter.
9. Open shelves
Roll or fold blankets neatly on open shelves or built-in bookcases. Stack them by color for a styled look.
10. Quilt racks
Quilt racks are a traditional way of storing quilts without folding them tightly, which reduces creasing.
11. Wall hooks
Good, old-fashioned wall hooks or a coat rack can hold a few throws in a guest room, mudroom or reading nook.
12. Under-bed storage bins
Rolling bins under the bed are perfect for extra bedding and winter blankets in the guest room.
13. A linen closet
If you have a linen closet, fold blankets and store them on shelves by room or season. Use shelf dividers to keep stacks upright.
14. Plastic bins and totes
Clear plastic bins with lids protect blankets from dust and pests in attics and basements. Label them by season.
15. Vacuum bags
A vacuum bag compresses bulky comforters and duvets to a fraction of their size for long-term storage. Avoid vacuum-sealing down or wool for long periods, which can crush the fibers.
How to Store Blankets in the Living Room
In a living room or family room, you want blankets within arm's reach of the couch but not draped everywhere. Combine one visible option, like a basket or ladder for two or three throws, with one hidden option, like a storage ottoman, coffee table drawer or cabinet, for the rest.
- The Orbis Sculpted Edge Coffee Table has drawers measuring 14.5"H × 27.3"W × 9.8"D, deep enough to hold folded throws out of sight.
- The Leather-Top Square Coffee Table with Open Shelf has a padded PU leather top and an open slatted shelf below, so you can keep a folded blanket or two on display.
- A chest like the Sartelle Faux Leather Upholstered Drawer Chest holds blankets and pillows behind upholstered drawer fronts, with 33 lb drawers and anti-tip hardware.
- The Relievo Carved Drawer Chest is 47.2" wide with carved drawer fronts, a good fit behind a sofa or along a living room wall.
Blanket Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
In a small area, every piece of furniture needs to save space. Choose pieces that do two jobs:
- A side table with a closed cabinet or drawer next to the sofa
- An ottoman that holds blankets and works as extra sitting space
- A bench at the foot of the bed with storage under the seat
- Hooks on the back of a door to hang a few lightweight throws
- A narrow ladder in a corner rather than a basket on the floor
Keeping Blankets Easily Accessible
The blankets you use daily should be easily accessible; everything else can go further away. A simple system:
| How often you use it | Where to store it |
|---|---|
| Every day | Basket, ladder or coffee table shelf in the living room |
| Every week | Ottoman, chest of drawers or cabinet |
| Seasonally | Linen closet, wardrobe top shelf, under-bed bins |
| For guests | Guest room chest or closet |
| Rarely | Labelled bins in the attic or basement |
Blanket Storage With Pets
If you have pets, choose lidded storage so fur and claws stay out, and keep a washable throw on the sofa as a dedicated pet blanket. Wash fabric throws often, and store clean ones away from the pet's favorite spots.
Make Storage Part of the Decor
Functional storage can be warm and good-looking. Coordinate baskets with your color palette, choose a ladder in the same wood as your coffee table, and fold blankets so the patterns show. The storage space then adds to the room rather than hiding in it.
Where to Store Blankets Without a Closet
- A storage ottoman or bench
- A trunk at the foot of the bed
- A dresser or chest of drawers
- Under-bed bins
- A blanket ladder or wall hooks
- The top shelf of a wardrobe
What Is Best to Store Blankets In?
| Container | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton or canvas bags | Wool, down, quilts | Breathable; prevents mustiness |
| Wicker basket | Everyday throws | Easy access, decorative |
| Plastic bins with lids | Long-term, attics | Protects from dust and pests |
| Vacuum bags | Synthetic comforters | Saves space; not for long-term down |
| Cedar chest or trunk | Wool blankets | Cedar helps deter moths |
Ideas for Storing Blankets Long Term
- Wash and dry blankets completely before storing.
- Fold loosely to avoid permanent creases, and refold every few months.
- Use breathable cotton bags for natural fibers.
- Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Label containers so you can find things next winter.
How to Fold Blankets So They Look Neat
For shelves, fold blankets in half lengthwise, then in thirds, then in half again so the folded edge faces out. For baskets, roll throws loosely. For ladders, fold lengthwise into long strips and drape them over the rungs.
Related: see our guide to preparing for holiday guests, linen closet organization guide, and guide to organizing a living room.
FAQ
What are clever ways to store blankets?
Blanket ladders, storage ottomans, coffee tables with drawers, lidded baskets, trunks at the foot of the bed and under-bed bins.
How can I store blankets in my living room?
Keep two or three throws in a basket or on a ladder, and store the rest in a storage ottoman, coffee table drawers or a cabinet.
Where do you store blankets without a closet?
In a storage bench, trunk, dresser, under-bed bins or on a blanket ladder.
Is it OK to store blankets in plastic bins?
Yes, for synthetic blankets and short-term storage. For wool and down, breathable cotton bags are better long term.
For more, see our living room storage ideas, bedroom storage ideas and how to style a coffee table.