Elevating Table Décor with Designer-Inspired Placemats 

Table placemats are a simple yet impactful element of dining décor, merging function with style. They protect your table surfaces from scratches, spills, and heat while simultaneously enhancing the visual appeal of your dining setup. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or enjoying a casual meal, the right placemats can set the mood, complement your room’s theme, and reflect your personal style.

Tips for Selecting the Right Placemat

Choosing the perfect placemat involves more than just picking a color or pattern. Here are some key considerations:

1. Table Material

• Wood: For wooden tables, placemats that prevent scratches and heat damage are essential. Options like cork, leather, or other wood-material products work well as they offer durability and protection. 
• Glass: Glass tables benefit from placemats that provide a non-slip surface. Fabric or felt placemats can prevent sliding and add a soft touch. 
• Marble or Granite: These hard surfaces require placemats that can handle high temperatures and protect against cold or hot items. Woven vinyl or heat-resistant silicone placemats are ideal. 

2. Room Theme

• Rustic: Choose natural materials such as jute or burlap to complement wooden or farmhouse-style tables.

• Modern: Use sleek materials such as acrylic and metallic finishes to elevate the contemporary aesthetic of any space. Our selection of shell placemats exemplifies modern design beautifully. Crafted from high-quality materials like Capiz shells and mother-of-pearl, these placemats add a sophisticated touch to any table setting. 

• Classic: Elegant fabrics such as linen or intricate embroidered designs are perfect for traditional settings. To introduce a different pattern and texture, our Croco Placemats offer a classic alternative. Available in a variety of colors, these placemats can complement any occasion with their timeless appeal.

3. Personal Style

Reflect your personal style by selecting placemats that resonate with your taste. Minimalist designs, bold patterns, or intricate textures can all set different tones for your dining experience.

4. Durability and Ease of Cleaning

Consider how frequently you will use the placemats. For everyday use, durable materials that are easy to clean, such as woven vinyl or silicone, are practical. For special occasions, linen or high-end fabric placemats add a touch of luxury but may require more care.

Top 5 Placemat Materials for Dining Tables

1. Linen

Linen is a popular choice for both casual and formal dining settings due to its luxurious appearance and high-quality finish. Its natural texture makes it versatile enough to dress a table up or down. Particularly noteworthy are placemats with unique shapes and intricate embroidery that mimic luxurious patterns, adding an extra touch of sophistication.

Our stunning Artisanal Placemat is a great example of a high-quality linen placemat. With its twisting and spiraling concentric design, it is perfect for achieving a bohemian casual look or enhancing a traditional formal dining experience.

2. Woven

A woven placemat is an excellent choice for various dining occasions. Known for their durability, water-resistance, and heat-resistance, woven placemats are ideal for large family gatherings or big events. Their easy-to-clean nature adds to their practicality, making them suitable for any casual or outdoor dining setting. 

The Boho placemat embodies an organic appeal and natural aesthetic. It is perfect for summertime gatherings that are casual and lively, and it pairs beautifully with vibrant, playful napkins to enhance the overall look. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or a relaxed brunch, these placemats add a touch of effortless charm to your table setting.

3. Leather 

Leather placemats are known for their durability, style, and heat-resistance, making them an excellent choice for creating a luxurious dinner setting. Their elegant appearance pairs beautifully with gold and silver tones, as well as various metallic accents. Basic leather colors complement our metallic napkins and metal napkin rings exceptionally well, particularly with vibrant options like the Flutter and Butterflies Napkin Ring. These beautifully colored napkin ring adds a stunning metallic finish to your table setting.

4. Cork

Cork placemats are an excellent choice for eco-conscious diners. They are lightweight, have a natural appearance, and boast an organic look with their neutral color, making them ideal for outdoor summertime occasions, such as beach or waterfront gatherings. Their rustic charm and casual style make them perfect for laid-back dining environments.

5. Acrylic

Acrylic placemats are modern, sleek, and remarkably easy to clean. Their contemporary design is well-suited for both glamorous minimalist settings and luxurious dining occasions, yet they are also versatile enough for everyday use. 

We offer a diverse selection of acrylic placemats, including the Reed in Natural and White, our latest Spring 2024 launch. These placemats are versatile and stylish, making them ideal for outdoor dining and easily complemented by a variety of colorful tabletop accessories. For a more airy, pastel look, the Cloud Placemat, featuring marbled periwinkle motifs, is perfect for achieving a serene blue-and-white theme. Alternatively, the Mirage Placemat in Iridescent provides a sophisticated base for a vibrant setup, with its design inspired by the enchanting effects of refracted light.

Dining Room Placemat Trends for 2024: What’s In and What’s Out

Latest Trends

1. Unconventional Shapes: Placemat shapes are becoming more diverse, with irregular or asymmetrical designs offering a fresh take on traditional round and rectangular options.
2. Nature-Inspired Motifs: Floral and botanical patterns continue to be in vogue, but with a modern reinterpretation that features more stylized and abstracted forms. We offer a variety of nature-inspired placemats featuring shapes and patterns inspired by ocean and leaf motifs.
3. Textured Finishes: Raised textures, embossed patterns, and 3D effects are popular for creating tactile experiences and enhancing the visual appeal of placemats. Many of our beaded placemats, particularly the Dahlia Placemats, feature hand-layered and folded beaded flowers to create a striking three-dimensional effect.
4. Sustainable Fabrics: There is a strong push towards using eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo fibers, and recycled polyester, aligning with the increasing demand for sustainability.
5. Luxury Materials: Luxurious materials like velvet, silk, and high-quality leather are making a comeback for formal dining settings, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance.
6. Earthy Tones: Warm, earthy colors such as terracotta, olive green, and deep brown are trending, reflecting a desire for comfort and natural beauty. 
7. Bold Accents: Vibrant colors and bold patterns are being used to create striking contrasts and make a statement. Bright jewel tones and rich, saturated hues are popular choices.
8. Soft Pastels: For a more understated look, soft pastels and muted shades are trending, providing a calm and elegant backdrop for table settings.
9. Layered Shapes: Using multiple layers or combinations of different shapes creates a dynamic and visually interesting table setting. For example, you can layer a charger over one of our placemats. The Round Capiz in Natural is often paired with our Papillon Charger or the classic Radiate Charger. 
10. Personalized Placements: Customizable placemats that allow for personal touches, such as monograms or bespoke designs, are gaining popularity for adding a unique and personal element to dining experiences. We offer custom table decor which will turn your entertaining moments into lasting impressions. 

How to Mix and Match Dining Room Table Placemats with Your Tableware

Coordinating Placements with Tableware

• Matching Hues: Opt for placemats in colors that are found within your tableware to create a unified appearance. For example, if your dishes feature blue tones, a light blue or teal placemat can enhance the look.
• Analogous Colors: Use placemats in colors adjacent to your tableware colors on the color wheel for a harmonious effect. Shades like soft greens with earthy brown tableware create a pleasing blend.
• Complementary Colors: Select placemats in colors opposite your tableware colors on the color wheel for a vibrant contrast. For instance, orange placemats with blue tableware can create a lively and dynamic table setting.
• Bold Patterns: Match bold or patterned placemats with simple, solid-colored tableware to let the placemats stand out.

Consider the Season: Adapt your placemat and tableware combinations to the season.

• Spring/Summer: Choose bright, lively colors and patterns for a fresh, seasonal feel. Floral or nautical placemats can be paired with light, airy tableware.
• Fall/Winter: Opt for richer, deeper hues and textures. Earthy tones or metallic placemats can complement heavier, more formal tableware suitable for the colder months.

Pattern Coordination: Mix and match patterns carefully to avoid clashing.

• Similar Patterns: Pair placemats with tableware featuring similar patterns but in different scales, such as small floral placemats with large floral plates.
• Contrasting Patterns: Use contrasting patterns sparingly, such as striped placemats with polka-dotted tableware, to maintain a visually engaging but balanced table.

• Event Appropriateness: Tailor your placemat choices to the type of event. Opt for playful, colorful, or themed placemats that match the informal atmosphere of a casual gathering. On the contrary, choose sophisticated, elegant placemats that align with the formality of the event, such as classic designs in refined materials.

Creative Ways to Style Dinner Table Placemats for Special Occasions

Styling for Occasions

• Holiday Dinners: Use festive placemats and coordinate with seasonal table accessories.

  • Thematic Designs: Choose placemats with holiday-specific designs, such as snowflakes for winter holidays or pumpkins for fall celebrations. This creates a festive atmosphere right from the start.
  • Coordinate with Napkin Rings: Pair holiday-themed placemats with matching or complementary napkin rings to enhance the festive look. Consider using napkin rings shaped like snowflakes, stars, or autumn leaves.
  • Seasonal Centerpieces: Complement your placemats with seasonal centerpieces that reflect the holiday. For example, use a centerpiece of pinecones and evergreens for Christmas or a vibrant floral arrangement for spring events.
  • Formal Celebrations: Layer placemats with tablecloths or runners for a luxurious look.

• Formal Celebrations: Layer placemats with tablecloths or runners for a luxurious look.

• Layering Techniques: Use placemats on top of a complementary tablecloth or runner to add depth and texture. For a formal setting, opt for a classic white or gold tablecloth with elegant placemats on top.
• Elegant Accents: Add decorative elements like tall candles in silver or gold holders, and fresh flowers in sophisticated arrangements to create a refined atmosphere.
• Fine Dining Ware: Complement your placemats with fine china, crystal glassware, and polished silverware to complete the formal look.
• Place Card Holders: Use stylish place card holders to personalize each setting and add a touch of sophistication. Choose designs that match the placemats and overall table theme.

• Themed Parties: Style placemats to match specific themes for a cohesive look.

  • Color Coordination: Select placemats that match or contrast with the theme’s color scheme. For example, use tropical-themed placemats in vibrant colors for a luau party.
  • Matching Decor: Integrate themed decorations such as confetti, themed table runners, or custom napkins that align with the overall party theme.
  • Creative Centerpieces: Design centerpieces that reflect the theme, such as mini sand buckets for a beach party or masquerade masks for a masquerade ball. 

• Brunch or Afternoon Tea: Tailor your placemat style for lighter, daytime events.

  • Light Fabrics: Use placemats made from lighter fabrics like linen or cotton for a fresh, airy feel.
  • Delicate Accents: Incorporate delicate accents such as pastel-colored napkins, dainty floral arrangements, and elegant tea sets.
  • Bright Colors: Opt for bright, cheerful placemats that reflect the sunny, relaxed atmosphere of brunch or tea.

By employing these creative styling tips, you can make any special occasion memorable with thoughtfully chosen placemats that enhance the overall dining experience.

Top 10 Dining Table Placemats for Modern Homes

Highly Recommended Placemats

Discover our Highly Recommended Placemats—the perfect blend of style and functionality. Crafted with quality materials and available in a variety of designs, these placemats are not only practical for protecting your table but also add a touch of elegance to any meal. Explore our top picks and find out why these placemats come highly recommended by our team and customers alike!

1. Dahlia Placemat in Sorbet
2. Round Capiz Placemat in Natural
3. Fireworks Placemat in White, Gold & Silver
4. Shagreen Placemat in Pearl
5. Marquis Placemat in Champagne
6. Portofino Placemat in Seafoam
7. Croco Placemat in Gray
8. Chevron Placemat in Moss
9. Herringbone Placemat in Indigo
10. Oasis Placemat in Ivory, Green & Gold 

Beyond the Basics: Artistic Placemats for Unforgettable Dining Moments

When it comes to styling your dining room table, placemats play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall look and feel of your setting. Whether you're aiming for a casual, everyday dining experience or hosting a grand formal celebration, the right placemats can significantly elevate your table decor. From coordinating placemats with your tableware through color schemes and contrast to adding festive touches for holiday dinners or luxurious accents for formal events, there are countless ways to make your table setting stand out. By thoughtfully choosing placemats that complement or contrast with your dishes, and incorporating seasonal or thematic elements, you can create a visually appealing and cohesive dining experience.