Blanket

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For other uses, see Blanket (disambiguation).

A bed covered by a blanket

A painting by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec of two people under a blanket

A blanket is a type of bedding, generally a large, rectangular piece of cloth, intended to keep the user warm, especially while sleeping. Blankets are distinguished from sheets by their thickness and purpose; the thickest sheet is still thinner than the lightest blanket, because blankets are for warmth, while sheets are for hygiene, comfort and aesthetics. Blankets are subdivided into many types, including quilts, duvets, and comforters, depending on their thickness, construction and/or fill material. Electric blankets are heated by electricity. Blankets were traditionally made of wool, while sheets were made of cotton or linen, which are less irritating to the skin. These days, synthetic fibers are frequently used for both. Throw blankets are smaller blankets, often in decorative colors and patterns, that can be used for extra warmth outside of bed.

1 Etymology
2 Use as a ground cloth
3 Use in firefighting
4 Use in moving of household goods
5 Use in horse care
6 References
7 See also

[edit] Etymology

There is speculation that the name blanket is derived from Edmund Blanket, a 14th century clothier and wool merchant and Member of Parliament from Bristol, who is buried in St Stephen's Church, Bristol.^[1]

[edit] Use as a ground cloth

Blankets may also be used on the ground for a picnic or other places where people want to sit in a grassy or muddy area without soiling their clothing. Discardable blankets have been designed for this purpose, although their inherent wastefulness is a chief concern of several environmental groups.

[edit] Use in firefighting

Specialized blankets may be used by firefighters to protect furnishings from water damage during firefighting. Firefighters often wear specialized variants of the fire blanket to protect themselves as well. The term can also be used to refer to air/liquid foam coverings sprayed on liquid fuel fires — a foam blanket.

[edit] Use in moving of household goods

Thick quilted and durable blankets are used as protective covers and cushioning when furnishings are moved.

[edit] Use in horse care

A warming coat for a horse is called a horse blanket, intended to prevent the development of a shaggy winter coat of hair. A small saddle blanket, protects the horse's skin from chafing by the pressure points of a saddle.