Out with the winter blues, in with the pinks - my cosiest cold weather upgrade

I don’t know about you, but over the last few weeks I’ve been craving a bit more brightness and warmth wherever I can find it. From cosy hot chocolates to brisk, mood-lifting walks, I’ve been throwing everything I can at the winter blues and I think I’ve found the answer: winter pinks. Specifically, winter pinks in the form of the Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw.

Before I explain why this particular shade of blush has quietly rescued my evenings, there are a couple of things you should know about me. First: I’m borderline obsessive when it comes to finding the best electric blanket. I’ve been using heated throws and blankets for decades, and I’ve tested more designs, colours and textures than I can count. Second: I take my sofa time very seriously. Maybe I was a cat in a past life. Maybe it’s the siren call of a good book. Maybe I’m just a proud sofa slug. Either way, nothing beats an afternoon curled up reading, with one crucial caveat: I need to be warm.

I’m also a perpetually cold person. Poor circulation means I feel the chill far more than most, which makes finding a genuinely effective electric blanket for sofa use not just a nice-to-have, but essential. The good news is that my pink Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw has become the antidote to cold, bitter evenings and an open invitation to curl up, get cosy, and stay there. So, the real question is: could you do with a little winter pink too?

Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw review

Unboxing the Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw

Dreamland is refreshingly thoughtful in how it packages its heated throws. The Snuggle Up arrives in a zipped storage bag (well worth keeping if you plan to pack it away during warmer months), complete with a fabric swatch on the outside so you can see the colour and texture before committing. It’s a small detail, but one I appreciate, especially if you’re torn between winter pink and something a little fluffier.

Inside the bag, you’ll find the heated throw itself, a clear instruction manual, and the detachable controller. Setup couldn’t be simpler: the controller clips neatly into place with a reassuring click, meaning you’ll spend less time fiddling and more time getting cosy.

Who would the Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw suit?

Now, let’s address the (pink) elephant in the room. Unlike most electric blankets, which stick to predictable greys, creams or burgundies, this one comes in a soft, pale pink. For me, it’s a dream. The light colour paired with the plush fleece fabric feels comforting without being saccharine. I call it cosy, but grown-up. Yes, it might show up the odd hot chocolate mishap more than a darker throw, but that’s exactly why it’s machine washable.

It's also worth noting that Dreamland’s Intelliheat controller is one of the best I’ve tested, both for usability and performance. You get six heat settings and three timer options (1, 3 and 9 hours), which sounds standard on paper, but consistency really matters here, and Dreamland delivers reliable, evenly distributed warmth across the throw. Which brings me neatly onto what the Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw is actually like to love with (and why it's the best heated throw for sofas).

What is the Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw like to use?

I've already made a start on explaining what the Intelliheat controller is like to use. After clipping it into the blanket, you can press the on button to light up the controller. It's easy to read (and illuminated for easy readings in darker evenings). You toggle between six heat settings and three pre-sets, all of which have very distinctive promises and deliveries.

As someone who runs cold, I’ll admit I often crank it straight up to setting six the moment I walk through the door. The Snuggle Up reaches maximum temperature in around five minutes, and you really feel it. In fact, no one is allowed to share the blanket during this initial blast. Unless I’m cold to my core, I can only manage around 10–15 minutes on full power before it’s time to dial things back.

At the other end of the scale, setting one offers what I’d call a suggestion of heat, a little bit like slipping into a coat someone has just taken off to lend you. I think of it as the “pre-warm” setting: gentle, comforting, and ideal for easing yourself into cosiness.

As my Goldilocks-style testing suggests, my sweet spot sits firmly at settings three or four. It’s the perfect balance: warm enough to stay snug on a cold day, without that frantic need to peel off layers five minutes later. The timer function adds an extra layer of reassurance too, keeping things safe, controlled and consistent. All in all, it’s a proper winter warmer, in every sense.

There's one standard size for the Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw, which is 160 x 120cm. This sounds pretty big on paper. There are certainly larger options, which is why I'd say that this is perfect for wrapping up solo on the sofa. Two people could tuck under it, but you wouldn't have the joy of wrapping it around your head and shoulders (which I like to do).

The good news is that you can't feel the wires in this blanket. It has great flexibility and softness. In fact, I actually surprised one of my friends when we were having a movie night and I turned the Snuggle Up on. She thought it was just a pretty throw and was blown away when I turned the heat on. If that's not a testimonial, I don't know what is.

Cleaning the Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw

Dreamland makes all of their electric blankets and heated throws washable. All you need to do is unclip the cord and the blanket can be put in the wash. They recommend opting for a low temperature and spin speed to preserve the blanket as best as you can and also caution against tumble drying. This is all standard practice when it comes to knowing how to clean your electric blanket, so there's no nasty surprises here.

Should you buy the Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw?

Adding a touch of winter pink to my home has genuinely helped banish the blues. The Dreamland Snuggle Up Heated Throw has quickly gone from “new test product” to permanent sofa fixture and I have found that I instinctively reach for as soon as the temperature drops. Between the fast heat-up, reliable Intelliheat controls and that satisfyingly soft fleece finish, it delivers both comfort and performance, which is exactly what I look for in a heated throw.

As for the colour, I have no intention of packing the pink away any time soon. It’s cheerful without being loud, cosy without being cloying. And frankly, it’s earned its place as my go-to winter warmer. Proof, if ever it were needed, that a little heat (and a little pink) can go a long way.

How we test electric blankets

At woman&home we have a rigorous process for how we test electric blankets. Every heated throw and blanket goes through the same rounds of testing: our experts use them daily (and nightly) across the different settings, making notes on the texture, temperature, and time accuracy of pre-sets. We try to cover everything from cosiness to cleaning, so that you have a really holistic idea of what the blanket is like to use before you buy it. However, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to email me. I'm always happy to chat about all things electric blankets.