Placemats

The Best Placemats: Practicality Meets Style

Give your tabletop a layered look and protect it from spills and crumbs with modern placemats. Whether you prefer the simplicity of all-white table linens, the playful vibe of colorful table mats or something in between, there are high-quality placemats to suit your aesthetic. When purchasing the best placemats for your home, there are a few different factors to consider, including material, shape and color. While the differences between these dining table mats are primarily aesthetic, they also play a role in your post-meal cleanup and linen care, too. For help choosing your dining mats, check out our table linen buying guide or keep reading for a quick summary of the pros and cons that come with each type of placemat.

Round and Rectangular: Placemat Shapes

When it comes to choosing a shape for your dining table placemats, there are two primary options: rectangular and round. With their bold lines and large surface areas, rectangular placemats are the more common of the two. This shape works best with square or rectangular dining tables, where the shape of the placemat fits smoothly along the straight edge of the table. If you've got a round dining table, on the other hand, consider purchasing a set of round placemats to accentuate its curves. Circular table place mats also help soften the modern look on square and rectangular tables to create a warm atmosphere for guests. Prefer something a little more unique? Look for dinner mats in playful shapes, such as ovals and squares or even starbursts and flowers, to add a decorative touch to your tablescape.

Table Mat Materials

Once you've selected the best placemat shape for your table, you'll need to choose a material. Not only does the material impact the appearance and texture of the table mats, it also dictates the cleanup process. Classic cloth placemats are traditional for a reason; if they get dirty, simply throw them in the washing machine to remove crumbs and stains before the next meal. Despite their common fabrication, there are endless choices among modern fabric placemats, with different textures and weave options creating intricate designs on the mat. For families with little ones at home, consider vinyl placemats instead. Spilled sauce or juice? No problem—simply wipe down your kitchen placemats with a damp paper towel to remove all traces of the accident. Chilewich placemats, made of stain-resistant antimicrobial vinyl, are especially popular choices for dining with the kids. Creating a tablescape with a rustic look? Opt for rattan or wicker placemats and pair with neutral-colored vases and dried botanicals for a setup that evokes the calm organicism of a meadow. To clean, gently shake the table mats over the sink or trash can to dislodge any crumbs stuck between the woven fibers.

Dining Table Placemat Colors

Perhaps the most fun part of selecting a dining table placemat set is choosing a color and design. Grey placemats complement a variety of dining room styles, from contemporary to classic, while blue placemats present equally versatile alternatives that give the room an inviting feel. If you've already got a brightly-colored tablecloth or table runner, use white placemats to tone them down for a more balanced look. Celebrating the holidays? Swapping out your usual table placemats for their seasonal counterparts is an easy way to give your tablescape a festive makeover. Look for red and green Christmas placemats embroidered with reindeer and snowflakes, or welcome the Easter bunny with floral kitchen placemats to get your eating area ready for spring.

Creating a wedding registry? Don't forget to tick the dining table mats off your registry checklist. To ensure you have enough dinner mats, you'll want a set that includes at least as many as there are seats at your dinner table, plus one or two extra in case of spills or for use in the breakfast nook. Be sure to explore the rest of our best wedding registry items for more inspiration.

FAQs about Placemats

What is a placemat?

A placemat is a piece of fabric, vinyl or woven material that is placed under a place setting and is designed to protect the dining table underneath. They can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to tablecloths, which cover the entire surface of the table. Typically placemats are used in less formal settings, such as a kitchen table or island, but table mats, especially those in dark and metallic hues, can easily transition to formal occasions as well.

What size are placemats?

Most placemats are between 14 and 19 inches long. That means an average 65-inch 6-person dining table can comfortably accommodate two dinner mats on each side plus two more at either head.

How do I clean my placemats?

The best way to clean your placemats depends on the material they are made of. Start by shaking off any excess crumbs over the sink or trash can. Then, if you've got cloth placemats, throw them in the washing machine. If your table placemats are made of wicker or vinyl, wipe them down with a damp cloth instead.

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