At a time when dine-outs are still discouraged, many of us are being more inclined to spend time in the kitchen and prepare meals at home. And although you can't visit your favorite fancy restaurants, there are various table-setting essentials that can make home mealtimes feel more special, like placemats.
Aside from protecting your dining tables from heat marks, food stains, and scratches, placemats can also serve as an extension of your home interior and décor with the stylish designs they come in. To help you score the best placemat, we will walk you through our buying guide, reviewed by interior designer Alyssa Jean Rosalem, and recommendations below.
Quick List - Top Placemats
IDr. Alyssa Jean Rosalem is a Registered and Licensed Interior Designer in the Philippines. With 7 years of experience in the field, she is committed to bringing a unique, vibrant perspective and aesthetically pleasing design while enhancing the quality of life and culture of the occupants. Alyssa stays up to date with the latest trends and knowledge in the field of Interior & Architecture. She is passionate about learning new creative thinking skills and making a difference by sharing her understanding of designing a space.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Standard placemats typically have a surface that can accommodate an entire tableware setting for one person, including the plate, utensils, bowl, and glass. However, there are also placemats leaning on the smaller side that are only capable of holding a single plate.
You should keep in mind that placemats are supposed to be set on the table with allotted elbow room. Hence, it is best to check the dimensions of your dining table first. Doing this will help you pick out the right size of a placemat that won't make your tabletop look cluttered and crowded.
The elbow room of one person on a dining table should have a minimum of 12 inches on each side. And your placemat should be inside the allotted minimum clearance of a sitting person, which is 24 inches.
Placemats come in plenty of types, often categorized based on the material they're made of, ranging from plastic, fabric, bamboo to natural fibers like rattan. The materials they're made of also determine the type of maintenance they require. Check out the common types of placemat below and their characteristics.
The market is highly saturated with placemats made of plastic, like vinyl and polyester. Among all types, these plastic placemats are the easiest to clean. You can simply use a damp cloth to wipe dirt off them because they have a smooth surface that does not allow dirt and residue to latch off them for long.
Because of this, they are also a good pick for everyday use. Aside from that, these plastic mats also typically come in a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, giving you more options compared to their counterparts.
Plastic placemats are recommended for high-traffic dining or during huge crowd celebrations, where you can't control how many people are eating at the table.
Like plastic mats, fabric placemats are also widely available in the market. Aside from having a delicate and soft texture, they also come in various designs that can brighten up your tabletop in no time. However, compared to plastic counterparts, cleaning them requires more effort.
Depending on the type of fabric they are made of, they can either be hand-washed or machine-washed. It would also help to remove the stain off of them as soon as they occur, as it could be harder for you to remove them if left uncleaned for a long time.
Fabric placemats are also best for heat absorption.
Perhaps, you can never go wrong with woven mats if you're looking for ones that can double as rustic decors. However, these mats made of natural fibers, such as rattan, abaca, and jute, tend to be trickier to clean than their counterparts, as their intricate woven details tend to nest dirt and residue over time.
Apart from that, the natural fibers they are made of cannot be subjected to excessive moisture, or they might shrink, get brittle, and develop mildew in the long run. To clean them, you may use an absorbent cloth to wipe them. It is also best not to rub them as this might cause their intricate craftsmanship to get damaged.
These types of mats are aesthetically pleasing and can be used when you have occasions at your home or in your garden dining situation.
If you like mats that bring a whole new vibe to your dining table, another option you can use are bamboo placemats. Their natural and raw look can surely add an organic touch to your tabletop. On top of that, they are also a good pick for wood and glass tables, as they can withstand heat, allowing them to protect your table surface from heat-caused damages.
However, it is crucial to keep in mind that they are prone to losing their shape when immersed in water. They also have strand gaps that might harbor residue over time. Hence, the best way to clean them is by hand-wiping and brushing their nooks and corners.
Avoid drying these types of mats in direct sunlight so that they will last longer and won't cause brittleness.
Placemats also come in different shapes that you can choose from, from rectangular, round, oval, to other geometric shapes. There are placemat shapes that can be more suitable for a particular table type. It is a great move to go for placemats that share the same edges as the table you are setting.
For instance, if you have a round table, going for oval, round, curved, and wedge mats are your best bet, as they have soft edges that won't overlap with your round table's silhouette.
Meanwhile, if you use a rectangular table at home, opting for square and rectangular placemats is a perfect choice. It can create a balanced look, as their firm edges will create a pleasing symmetry and nicely complement the rectangular table's contours.
The most common dimension for rectangular placemats is 13 inches by 17 inches, this can also be your reference for the diameter of your circular-shaped placemats.
The color and style of your placemat will affect the overall look of your table setup. If you want to make your placemats an extension of your home decor, try to mix and contrast them with your table and interior. You can also choose to match the colors of the placemats with your wall and curtains.
There are limitless styles of placemats. To choose one, it would help to determine what you need them for. If you just need something for everyday use, you can go for placemats with solid color and simple yet appealing designs.
Meanwhile, if you intend to use them for events, like parties and ceremonies, you can go for more stylish mats. There are various textured mats that are embellished with beads and other details that will surely make your guests appreciate the food you serve even more.
If you have a neutral-colored table top, this is your chance to add a pop of color and make your placemats the accent depending on the theme of your occasion. Avoid neon and highly saturated colors, and choose warmer shades to energize and stimulate the appetite.
When shopping for placemats, it is also important to consider the quantity that you need. Whether you have a 4-seater or 6-seater dining table, you'll most likely need the number of placemats that will correspond to your dining table's seating capacity.
Instead of opting for placemats that you can buy per piece, your best bet in terms of cost-efficiency is to go for those that come in a set of 4s or 6s. However, say you only need one placemat for food photography purposes, there are several shops where you can buy placemats per piece.
Also, add the placemat needed for your food at the center of your table and get matching coasters for your drinks.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Rattan Round Placemat | ![]() | Level Up Your Family Dinner With This Rustic Tablemat | |
2 | Crochet Raffia Placemats With Fringes | ![]() | Bring In Festive Vibes to Your Dining Area With This Mat | |
3 | Monstera Shape Table Mat | ![]() | Lets You Arrange a Tropical-Themed Tablescape | |
4 | LUK Shop Embroidered Placemat | ![]() | Adorn Your Dining Table With This Timeless Embroidered Mat | |
5 | Moroccan Woven Tassel Tablemat | ![]() | Best for Hosting Boho-Themed Dining | |
6 | Tahanan Bamboo Placemat |Set of 4 | ![]() | Sleek Bamboo Mat for a Modern Feel in Your Dining Table | |
7 | Amber and Anne Handmade Beaded Placemat | ![]() | Beaded Placemats Perfect for Elegant Soirées | |
8 | PVC Placemat|Octa-Hollow | ![]() | An Easy-to-Clean and Artsy Addition to Your Tabletop | |
9 | Abaca Eyelet Placemat | ![]() | A Delicate Abaca Mat Oozing With Organic Charm | |
10 | Beautiful Home Heatseal Placemat | ![]() | Simple and Functional Placemat for Everyday Meals |
This placemat will surely provide a rustic touch to your dining space with its natural palette paired with intricately woven details. It is skillfully crafted using 100% rattan that is woven in a pattern called hapao, a traditional weaving pattern commonly used for bags and baskets.
According to several viewers, although very affordable, this rattan placemat is very high quality. It is coated with a food-safe coating, so you can safely use it to hold standard-sized plates during mealtime. It can also add a natural accent to your tabletop with its raw and unvarnished appearance.
If you're looking for something to glam up your table setup with and bring in some festive vibes, this placemat is a great pick. It is made of Raffia crocheted by local artisans in Albay. Apart from its vibrant colors, its design also features fringes that make it perfect for festive occasions.
Its decorative appearance also allows you to repurpose it as a centerpiece mat and accent mat for your side tables. Since it is made of natural fiber, the best way to tidy it is through spot cleaning using a little amount of water, as immersing it in water may cause it to lose its shape.
If you're planning on hosting a poolside or Hawaiian-themed party, this placemat may be the excellent pick for its one-of-a-kind look that will surely uplift your table. It mimics the appearance of a Monstera leaf from shape to color, making it suitable if you want to bring in some tropical or summer vibes to your table.
Apart from possessing a fun and creative design, it is also guaranteed to serve its purpose of protecting your tabletop from stains. It is made of PVC that features a glossy finish and non-skid surface that you can also easily wipe clean after meals - no need for tedious cleaning procedures!
If you're looking for a slightly more traditional placemat, look no further than this one. It is made of lace fabric, and it features an intricate floral embroidery design that you may find similar-looking to your lola's favorite table mantel back in the day.
It is the perfect piece if you want to bring in some vintage and old-school vibe in your dining area. Although made of fabric, it requires gentle hand washing to clean it since it has delicate details that may get damaged if machine-washed.
If you wish to add some boho vibes into your dining area, or you're hosting a bohemian-themed party, this is a must in your table setting. It is crafted using cotton and linen with mandala prints that have always been associated with the bohemian lifestyle. Apart from that, it is also adorned with tassels that also add a boho appeal to it.
Although very decorative, it can also be used for daily dining at home, as it has a diameter of 36cm that can offer enough space for your everyday tableware. To clean it, it is advisable to spot clean it using a cloth as its material may get soft and damaged when exposed to water.
If you're on the hunt for the perfect pieces for your 4-seater dining table, this set of placemat may be a great option to go for. This set comes with 4 rectangular placemats that are intricately woven by a local group in Bulacan using sustainable bamboo.
Unlike usual bamboo products with a neutral color, they come in a pitch-black hue, giving off sleek and modern appeal. To effectively clean them post-mealtime, you can wash them with a dish soap and dry them thoroughly using a clean and dry rug.
If you're looking for the perfect placemat to use on elegant occasions like anniversary celebrations or formal soirees, look no further than this one by Amber and Anne. Apart from its intricately woven straw details, it features pearl-beaded details that add a touch of elegance to the rustic mats.
It comes in other variants that feature other hues and weaving patterns that all exude a sophisticated appeal. It will surely pair well with elegant chinaware, earthenware, and glassware. You can also use it along with a capiz charger plate and gold-toned cutleries for a more luxe dining experience.
If you're looking for a placemat that can add some flair to your dining table while providing convenience on your end, this one is for you. Its appearance will surely add an artsy appeal to your tabletop, as it comes in a unique octagon shape with a hollow design and a metallic hue that makes it more eye-catching.
Apart from its striking appearance, it is also guaranteed to bring convenience on your end, as it is made of vinyl that is easy to clean. If you happen to spill some stain on it during mealtime, you can simply wipe it off using a damp cloth. On top of that, it is also non-slip and heat-insulated.
Crafted using 100% natural abaca fibers, this placemat is sure to add an organic yet elegant appeal to your tabletop, especially when coupled with the right tableware. You can use it to set your table along with wooden charger plates or neutral-colored tablewares.
It features a delicate eyelet style that is skillfully designed by artisans from Albay. If you're not a fan of the natural palette that natural fibers come in, it also comes in a dark gray variant. However, keep in mind that since it is made of natural fiber, it is not washable. You can clean by using a damp cloth to wipe it and dry it immediately.
This placemat is truly an eye-catcher for its vibrantly colored surface that makes it perfect for those who are #TeamColorful regarding their home interior. Several reviewers loved this for its vibrant hue that comes in a wide range, from violet, lime, red, to blue.
Aside from being colorful, it can also protect your tabletop from heat marks brought by heated pans and pots, as it is made of heat-resistant PVC. There is no need to worry about spilled water and food stains during mealtimes, too, as it is also water-resistant and easy to clean.
Buy placemats that can fit your dining area's design and also protect our environment. While plastic placemats are cheap, they should be reserved for casual dining only. Washable and eco-friendly placemats are the way to go.
Here are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Interior Designer Alyssa Jean Rosalem.
For square-shaped plates, use rectangular placemats to give a seamless and classic look. This could match your square plate just fine, rather than choosing circular-shaped placemats which might not complement well.
It should depend on the seating capacity of your table. You can buy 2 to 3 sets, one for regular use and the others for special occasions.
I recommend getting round placemats for a harmonious look.
To feel as if you're dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant, start with your table setup that will make mealtimes extra fancy and more enjoyable! Go over these links featuring various table-setting essentials that can surely upgrade not only your tabletop, but the quality of your mealtime too!
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Author: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: |Rattan Round Placemat
No. 2: |Crochet Raffia Placemats With Fringes
No. 3: |Monstera Shape Table Mat
No. 4: LUK Shop|Embroidered Placemat
No. 5: |Moroccan Woven Tassel Tablemat
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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