How to choose placemats – Choosing the right placemats can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and end up with a set of placemats that clash with your dishes or make your guests feel like they’re eating on a picnic table. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through the treacherous waters of placemat selection with my expert advice and witty commentary. So sit back, relax, and prepare to learn how to choose the perfect placemats for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or just eating pizza on the couch.
What is a placemat?
A placemat is a simple pad or covering that is often used to signify the position of an individual on a table. This placemat differs from a tablecloth as it doesn’t cover the entire table but only a small portion. Traditional uses of placemats are somewhat limited to being placed at the top of a tablecloth. This is done to protect it from food stains and marks that might occur if the plate, which you’ve served, is boiling! Now one may ask, how to choose placemats?’. Well, here is a complete guide for you –
How to choose placemats?
Selecting the right placemats for your dining table is an art! Choosing the right placemat for your table can be a daunting task, considering the types of tables, materials, sizes, and even the types of events, each of which calls for a special type of placemat. Well sure, you could just stroll around your local mart and get a placemat for whatever reasons you need. But the art of choosing the right table mats is not everyone’s cup of tea. Several different materials are put to use, to design exquisite placemats for a wide range of purposes. These vary from protection to decoration, from entertainment to advertisement, and several other reasons. In this day and age, a million options are available worldwide, from lavish to minimalist ones. It all depends on your taste and type. Don’t you worry, We are here to ease the journey for you as you choose your placemats. Rest assured, we’ll be covering every single criterion discussed above and have you pick something that speaks volumes of your own taste.
| Placemat Type | Material | Durability | Cleaning | Heat Resistance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Cotton, Linen | Moderate | Machine/hand wash | Varies | $$ |
| Vinyl | PVC, Vinyl | High | Wipe clean | Yes | $ |
| Plastic | Polypropylene, Polyethylene | High | Wipe clean | Yes | $ |
| Bamboo | Natural Bamboo | Moderate-High | Wipe clean | Limited | $$ |
| Jute | Natural Jute | Moderate | Spot clean | No | $$ |
| Leather | Genuine/Faux Leather | High | Wipe clean | Yes | $$$ |
| Hardboard | Pressed Wood Fiber | High | Wipe clean | No | $ |
| Paper | Disposable Paper | Low | Disposable | No | $ |
How to choose a placemat on the basis of Size?
Placemats of dimensions 14 inches wide by 20 inches long, garnered the most attention and are the most famous ones to date. This size of a placemat is spacious enough to hold the entire set including napkins, stemware, and flatware. However, placemats are available in several different shapes and sizes. It all depends on your place setting and what tableware and other items you want to place on a single mat. Smaller placemats are generally 12 inches in diameter and available in several shapes like square, round, and others. These shaped placemats might differ in size by a few inches but generally, fall under smaller placemats. Do keep in mind, smaller placemats are not capable of holding the entire plate setting, and thus, some of the stuff needs to be placed on the table. However, consider these placed on overcrowded tables. They can significantly extend the space between each sitter, and highlight the beauty of the table. Below we are sharing the size chart of placemats: 
Other than these standard sizes, placemats can also be custom ordered. Many brands, both online and retail, have now introduced this feature. Sky’s the limit size and design limitations on these placemats.
How to choose placemats on the basis of materials?
While many are focused on the intricacies of the design and size, the material of the placemat is equally important in a good decision. Placemats are manufactured with several different materials; each has its own list of good and bad. They might be categorized into two types-
- Natural Placemats
- Synthetic Placemats.
Natural placemats are generally made with naturally available resources like plants, minerals, and animals. Cotton, hemp, and linen are some of the materials that are used to manufacture natural placemats. On the other hand, synthetic placemats are made from chemical products and oil byproducts. Rayon, Nylon, and Polyester are a few to name. Health risks are often associated with these materials and might not be preferred by many.
Natural Placemats v/s Synthetic Placemats
| Category | Natural Placemats | Synthetic Placemats |
| Description | As the name suggests these placemats are made of natural materials like plants, animals, or different minerals. | These placemats are made from chemicals and oil byproducts. |
| Material | Cotton, Linen, Jute, Hemp | Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic |
| Advantages | Fewer chemicals are used in the manufacturing of natural placemats. These are easy to wash. Placemats made of cotton, linen, jute, and hemp don’t contain chemicals. | These are more durable compared to natural placemats. Synthetic placemats are less expensive. Easy to wash. |
| Disadvantages | These are less durable than other placemats. Natural fabrics may have harmful chemicals used in the process of dying and finishing. | Contains chemicals that can affect health. |
Natural placemats are generally less durable than their synthetic counterpart, generally because of their preference for natural elements. Both possess excelling washing qualities and won’t wither away with a few washes. A slight advantage that synthetic placemats might have is their cost. They’re less expensive than placemats made from natural fiber with no finishes. So, if you’re looking to buy a placemat for everyday use that is cheaper but equally good, you might want to choose a synthetic placemat. As an example, let us consider an example where we compare Plastic (synthetic) and Wood (natural) placemats. As discussed, plastic placemats might be a little more durable when compared to wood ones which might break away. Both can be wiped clean or washed if you will. General health hazards are associated with plastic or vinyl elements, which also apply here. So, when finally choosing a placemat, you should normally look at both the style and the materials used. If you’re willing to buy something that is healthier and has lesser risks, you should choose Natural fiber placemats. And if you’re aiming for something cheaper and with more durability, you should go for Synthetic placemats.
People, who face problems in cleaning placemats, should check out our detailed guide on how to wash placemats.
How to choose placemats on the basis of style?
Placemats can be categorized into several different types, each of them based on the material that is used to manufacture them, locally or traditionally. Vinyl Placemats: 
The most common type of placemat, which you’re bound to see at homes and other places is Vinyl. These are fashionable placemats, which reflect the cultural looks as well as the host’s hospitality. Their classic looks can uphold the overall impression of the table and protect it from stains, and other marks, all at the same time. Vinyl is also considered to be the perfect placemats for everyday use. Cotton Placemats
: Handmade cotton placemats are also a loved option nowadays. With their high-quality fabric and simple designs, they can brighten up a table in no time. These plain placemats are usable in almost every setting and come in standard sizes. Quilted Placemats
: If you’re in search of lavish ones, well, quilted cotton placemats are a perfect choice. With their intricate designs, and extremely well stitching, these stylish placemats are extremely favorable for high-end dinners and events as they are surely going to leave a sound mark on the observer. You could also opt for elegant ones of the same type if you’re a person of that particular taste. Woven Placemats:
Another option to upgrade the looks of your table is to use woven placemats. They are locally available in several different options, colors, and styles, be they traditional or contemporary. If you’re a fan of the 90s and prefer something rustic for your tableware, these are the perfect fit. If you’re unable to find any, Pier 1 has some amazing options available. These were some placemats based on their styles. Let’s discuss the perfect ones for several scenarios.
How to choose placemats for toddlers?
If you have a toddler at your home, it is preferred to avoid expensive placemats. In this case, the most suitable placemats for toddlers are fabric placemats. But another issue with them is spillage, which might cause the fabric placemat to get dirty really quickly. Thus, you should go for either hardboard placemats or hard fabric placemats which have a higher tendency to absorb the spill. Paper ones are also a good option if you want cheaper placemats.
How to choose placemats for everyday use
If you are looking for the most suitable placemats for everyday use then do not skip this section. We’ve already discussed many amazing styles of placemats and how they can be used almost everywhere. However, the perfect placemat for everyday use has to be the Vinyl or Fabric placemat.
How to choose a placemat for wooden tables?
Wooden tables are trending throughout the world because of their sleek cuts and modern designs. Precious as they are, they need to be protected from stains and marks a lot, to keep them clean. Pauwer heat-resistant non-slip placemats win the polls for the perfect placemats for a wooden table by a majority. Their elegance combined with their ease of use, bendability, and ease of cleaning makes them a very good option. They’re also heat resistant which can be a great advantage when something hot is placed on it. It will insulate the effects and won’t damage the wooden table at all.
How to choose placemats for events?
If you’re about to host a dinner and want to impress your guests. Well, you might want to go after something lavish and minimal at the same time. Chilewich placemats are highly recommended in this case. Their bold nature, when combined with beautiful art on top, gives it a really attractive look. Quilted placemats are not a bad option as well. Now, if you’re simply looking forward to buying placemats for your table, keep them in use for daily purposes. You might want to choose plain cloth, fabric, or hardboard placemats. These are extremely easy to use, and washable, and the Ëœwear and tear’ factor is longer with these. Customizable placemats are also a thing now. You could order one right now, and pick your own size, color, and even theme. Trending placemats are covered with designs that represent a particular event like New Year’s, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Vinyl placemats are normally used for these purposes.
Are placemats out of style?
Placemats are a great addition to a table, and can never go out of style. With their rise in popularity and availability, placemats have taken over almost every other place because of their versatility. Be it your workplace, school desks, restaurant tables, vendor booths, or your home tables, they are found everywhere! In case you don’t like the beautifying part of a placemat, they’re highly useful for protection purposes as well. Stains, burn marks, or spills caused by anything can ruin a good tablecloth or your table if you are not using one. Once covered by a placemat, all these problems stay away from the cloth and only affect the placemat which can be washed easily if its material supports washing qualities.
Concluding How to Choose Placemats
In conclusion, choosing the right placemats can be a daunting task. But fear not, with these tips, you’ll be able to pick the perfect placemats for any occasion. Just remember to consider the size, shape, and material of the placemats. And if all else fails, just go with the ones that match your favorite shirt. After all, who doesn’t want to coordinate with their table setting? And if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not try making your own placemats out of old t-shirts or cardboard? The possibilities are endless, and who knows, you might just start a new trend in the world of table decor. Happy placemat hunting!
