The 15 Best Placemats for Dining in 2024

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Our list of favorites includes round, woven, and linen picks for every style and budget.

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West Elm

The best placemats have two jobs: They should protect your dining table from spills, stains, and scratches; and they’ve got to look great doing it. While we appreciate the countless times a placemat has saved our tabletops from red wine mishaps, they’re also an affordable, near-effortless way to change up the decor in your kitchen or dining room. You can even find placemats that are made to match or complement your favorite tablecloth, so you don’t have to think too hard about creating a coherent style.

"Placemats do for your table what rugs do for a room: They create a defined space and make your composition look more cohesive,” says Orlando Soria, a professional interior designer and HGTV regular, who we interviewed to help us find the best placemats to fit every budget, material, and design style.

Luckily, choosing a set of placemats is easy once you know the answers to a few questions: The durability and ease of care are important if you’ll be using the placemats daily or with kids. There’s also shape to consider; after all, a rectangular placemat will look a lot different under your dinnerware setting than a round one. Finally, there’s price and budget to think about — placemat sets can contain as many as six mats, or just one. Read on to learn more about our top placemat picks, perfect for dinner parties, holiday hosting, and more.

Okay, these are so fun and would look elegant at any table. This round placemat is made from thick woven fique, a plant fiber native to the Americas, setting these apart from other similar mats made of rattan. It features an equally unique fique fringe along the circumference. Each one is handcrafted in Colombia, so you know that not only will they look special, but they’re made with care under rigorous quality control standards.

They come in the color of natural, undyed fique fiber. These placemats aren’t for everyone, but if you live for the toned-down rustic or bohemian aesthetic, they’ve got your name all over it. Buy a bunch to create the set of your dreams.

Dimensions: 14.5-inch diameter| Material: Fique fiber | Quantity: 1 placemat

How do these woven placemats keep their shape after dozens of uses, and boast durability strong enough to be used both indoors and outdoors? The secret is in the material: Chilewich uses a 70/30 vinyl and polyester blend for a tough thickness that still appears bespoke and artistic. They’re so easy to clean that you don’t even need to machine wash them: Just wipe them down after each meal with a damp cloth.

Chilewich is known for its intricate, innovative weaving techniques, and the New York-based brand’s expertise is evident here. We love the Dogwood colorway, which blends dusty rose tones, and Parade is equally stunning, with blue and mauve interspersed with pops of yellow. At over $100 for the set, they’re a splurge, but they’ll last you for years — and you’ll love the quality behind the style.

Dimensions: 14 x 19 inches | Material: Vinyl and polyester blend | Quantity: 4 placemats

For the cook who prefers to stand out from the crowd, cork placemats are an alluring choice. This unexpected material is ideal for multitasking; it’s heat-resistant and can be used as a trivet or coaster, too. Cork, is also a natural material that’s a sustainable alternative to plastic — to harvest cork, the bark is stripped from a living tree that continues to live and produce more cork.

You can wipe these clean using a damp cloth, if necessary. And don’t worry about spills: These are stain- and water-resistant, and the textured design hides stains well. West Elm’s Casafina cork placemats come in sets of four and are available in two different shapes (rectangle or oval).

Dimensions: 14 x 19 inches | Material: Cork | Quantity: 4 placemats

Come for the stunning striped colorways (Turmeric, Thyme, Paprika, and Sage!), and stay for the ultra-high-quality fabric. These are made in India from 100% cotton with a ribbed texture, so you can use them again and again and simply throw them in the wash when they need a clean.

While many placemats tout “easy care” washability, these truly deliver, and you only need to lay them flat to dry. They’re also a pretty good deal: You’ll get four placemats for $58, which brings them to just under $15 apiece. Depending on availability, you can purchase the set in a single color or a mixed set with all four options. No matter which you choose, these placemats are sure to liven up any table.

Dimensions: 13.5 x 18 inches | Material: Cotton | Quantity: 4 placemats

Want to instantly upgrade your tablescape to feel naturally luxurious? “Linen” is all you need to know. This gorgeously textured material is prized for its natural and lightly rough feel. Iron it for a crisp look, or embrace linen’s natural wrinkles for an effortlessly rumpled look. There’s more reason to love linen: The fibers are naturally long and sturdy, making these placemats less prone to pilling and unraveling than cotton, or synthetic fibers.

These Aruhaus placemats scream quiet luxury and are made from a 50/50 linen and cotton blend. They’re elegant and a step above basic placemats in every way, beginning with their unique ridged design. And you really can’t go wrong with any of the neutral colorways available — we’ve got our eyes on the deep Slate and earthy Sage. And although these are decidedly minimalist, they’re far from basic or boring: The tiniest bit of frayed edge along the border gives it an effortlessly casual look that’s still fancy enough for your most special dinner party.

Dimensions: 13 x 19 inches | Material: 50% Linen and 50% cotton | Quantity: 4 placemats

For a placemat material that's slightly unconventional, why not opt for paper? It might sound like a recipe for disaster, what with spills and everything, but the Uashmama Essential Placemats are crafted in Italy from a durable water-resistant paper textile that behaves similarly to normal fabric. It's even washable. These are also made with a waxed finish to give them extra protection against any mishaps at the table, and they can be wiped down with a damp cloth for quick clean-up

They come in a variety of shapes (oval, rectangular, or round) and several fun colors too. Plus, their almost leather-like texture means they'll instantly elevate your place settings and add dimension to any tablescape. We love mixing and matching them to create a perfectly imperfect table that doesn’t feel too fussy.

Dimensions: Oval, 18 x 14 inches; rectangle, 17.5 x 12.5 inches; round, 14 x 14 inches | Material: Waxed AGGO paper | Quantity: 4 placemats

Want to instantly upgrade your tablescape? Try throwing in a pop of gold. These pressed vinyl placemats by Chilewich are the perfect option to add a little visual interest, with their intricate open-lace cutwork and metallic finish. Pair them with minimalistic tableware for an elegant but understated look, or jazz things up a bit with more eclectic pieces. These can easily go either way.

Get them in Brass for a deeper gold tone, or choose Champagne for a brighter gold variation. When it's time to clean, simply wipe them down with mild soap, warm water, and a soft sponge, and they'll be as good as new when your next dinner party comes around.

Dimensions: 14.25 x 15.25 inches | Material: Vinyl | Quantity: 1 or 4 placemats

When it comes to sturdy, incredibly durable materials that don’t feel too rough or unpleasant, jute is tops. After all, it’s used in some of our favorite indoor/outdoor rugs. The material is woven into a spiral, giving these thick placemat designs intrigue as well as textural points. At half a pound each, they’re heavier than most options on our list, blurring the line between placemat and charger.

The natural rattan material is undyed, giving these beige-adjacent placemats a rustic, farmhouse-friendly look that would go well with a variety of design styles. And they pop when paired with brightly colored dining sets!

Dimensions: 15-inch diameter | Material: Jute | Quantity: 4 placemats

We can't help but swoon over these dainty scalloped placemats. With their two-toned design and wavy edges, they make setting the table not just practical but light-heartedly fun. They'd go great with colorful vintage glassware and gold utensils for a cozy and inviting tablescape. Plus, you can choose from a variety of color combinations, including Terracotta & Rust, Pink Clay & Turmeric, Limoncello & Turmeric, Sage & Olive, and more.

While we’d spring for a set of these based on looks alone, what seals the deal is Bed Thread’s commitment to sustainability. Their 100% French flax linen products are crafted from an all-natural fiber that requires less water to cultivate and is a renewable and biodegradable resource. (Even better, the company itself is 100% carbon neutral.)

Dimensions: 21.2 x 15.7 inches | Material: Flax linen | Quantity: 4 placemats

Here’s another winner from Chilewich, the masters behind woven kitchen textiles. It’s woven from TerraStrand, a proprietary fabric blend that’s made to replicate the look and feel of real bamboo. These placemats are water-resistant and super easy to clean — just wipe them with a damp cloth. They also stay put much better than cotton or linen placemats; no slipping and sliding around the tabletop.

As a heads-up, these placemats are sold both individually and as a set of four. That means you can choose how many you want and make a custom set, as well as mix, match, and play with colorways (there are a dozen to choose from).

Dimensions: 14 x 19 inches | Material: TerraStrand vinyl | Quantity: 1 or 4 placemats

For the upscale look of leather, you can't go wrong with these reversible faux leather placemats from Crate & Barrel. Made from 100% recycled polyurethane, they get you the look you want while being far easier to clean and maintain than actual leather. Choose from a variety of deep neutral colors, including black, navy, grey, brown, and green. And if you ever want to switch things up, simply flip the mats over for lighter natural hues.

These are available both as round and rectangular placemats. And since they're sold individually, you can mix and match them as you like. No matter which option you go with, these will serve as a solid base for your table decor.

Dimensions: 19 x 14 inches | Material: Recycled polyurethane | Quantity: 1 placemat

French linen and sustainably sourced jute are great, but if you’re dining with kids, luxurious linens are probably not the first thing on your mind (and if they are, please share your mealtime secrets!). Silicone placemats might not be the first thing you think of when planning your table design, but these minimal oval placemats have the benefit of being both stylish and durable.

Made of grippy silicone material, these placemats won’t slip if your small dining guest is an enthusiastic eater. Plus, they're water-proof, oil-proof, and stain-resistant. And since silicone is naturally heat resistant, these can even protect your table from hot dishes. They have a leather-like texture for added elegance, and they come in a range of muted colors. Other design features we love include their BPA-free, dishwasher-safe construction, and the ability to roll them up (like a yoga mat) for slim storage or easy transport.

Dimensions: 11.8 x 16.9 inches | Material: Silicone | Quantity: 4 placemats

Often, we associate luxurious, thick-woven kitchen linens with special occasions. But these made-in-India placemats from West Elm are proof that high-end cotton canvas can be used for everyday dining, whether indoors or out. They’re machine washable (use the cold cycle, and line or hang dry to avoid shrinking), so you don’t have to baby them.

These mats come in sets of four and eight, and you can choose between eight cold and warm earth tones. Buy a set or two in complementary colors like golden oak and midnight if you wish to switch up your decor from meal to meal. They’re also surprisingly affordable for a reputable, sought-after brand.

Dimensions: 14 x 19 inches | Material: Cotton | Quantity: 4 or 8 placemats

These handwoven pumpkin placemats are every fall lover's dream. Made from natural seagrass in the Philippines, they can add a touch of whimsy and rustic charm to your fall or Thanksgiving table decor, while still keeping things understated and classy. Use them as chargers and pair them with autumn-hued cotton placemats, like this set from Quince, or use them all on their own with a simple linen tablecloth. The possibilities are truly endless.

However, you'll need to be careful of spills with these. It's recommended that they only be dusted with a soft dry cloth to clean them. But if they do end up getting messy, you should be able to clean them with a slightly damp cloth. Just make sure that they don't get saturated with too much liquid.

Dimensions: 18 x 16 inches | Material: Seagrass and metal frame | Quantity: 1 placemat

When crafting a tablescape for the holidays, it can be easy to cross the line between carefully curated and over the top. But this scalloped placemat with embroidered edges from Anthropologie adds a little detail and visual interest without being too much. This deep red hue is perfect for Christmas, but if you're celebrating a different holiday this season, it also comes in eight other equally stunning colors.

These are machine-washable, so you don't have to worry about them getting dirty. Plus, since their design is pretty simple, you can also use them year-round. There are even matching cloth napkins and a table runner to boot.

Dimensions: 14 x 19 inches | Material: Cotton | Quantity: 1 placemat

The most common material for placemats, as with most kitchen linens including cloth napkins, is cotton. Linen’s another popular option; both of these are machine washable but may require ironing. For wipe-clean options, vinyl and poly-blended fabrics are best. Jute and rattan are harder to clean, so keep those options for special occasions, or when guests are over.

When choosing a placemat, don’t stick with the same color, texture, and material you’ve used for everything else in your dining room. “Creating a tablescape is like composing a room,” says Soria. “You want to combine a variety of materials to create an eclectic, considered space.” And just like the design, it's all about layering. Says Soria: “Start with your foundation, a table cloth or a runner, and build up from there with placemats, chargers (if desired), dishes, and glassware. The combination of textiles, ceramics, glass, metal, and other finishes makes the tabletop feel balanced.”

Some placemats are a little luxe. Think thick weaves and specific or custom shapes that only match certain plates. It’s nice to have some of those options on-hand for celebrations and holidays, but for everyday dining, we prefer placemats that work hard. Choose easy-to-wash fabric — like linen or cotton — or vinyl options that can simply be wiped down. Reversible placemats are also a huge help for busy cooks; just flip them upside-down to hide evidence of last night’s dinner.

How often do you plan on washing your placemats? Do you prefer a crisp, clean look, or are you okay with some wrinkles and rumples? If you want an aesthetic that’s tidy but you also don’t want to spend your afternoons ironing placemats, consider polyester blends, which launder well and come out of the dryer looking fresh. Vinyl options are also great for wiping clean with a rag. Natural jute, fique, or rattan can’t be traditionally laundered, but it does tend to “hide” stains a little better than softer fibers.

There is a dizzying number of material options for placemats: How can you be sure you’re choosing the right one for casual meals and weeknight dinners? Soria recommends choosing something that’s machine washable for unfussy maintenance. He also notes that weight and heft matter, too: “Make sure to go with something a bit more heavyweight so that it doesn't move around too much when you're creating your table setting.” And here’s one more tip from Soria about everyday placemats: Textured options are key — they camouflage stains!

“You're going to get pretty decent protection with a heavyweight, thick placemat,” says Soria. Think natural fibers like jute or rattan. He notes that although plastic placemats (and tablecloths) will go the distance to provide tabletop protection, they tend to be a drag on the overall aesthetic and style of your tablescape.

First, says Soria, consider the season. “For spring, I love pink and pastels; for summer, I go with blues and aquas.” Fall gets beige and earth tones, and winter rounds it out with silvers and ivories. But beyond that, says Soria, “It's all about figuring out what mood you want to create, and what emotional response you want to elicit."

“My go-to placemat is a rectangular placemat,” says Soria. “But if you need a different shape for some reason, such as a round table that won't fit rectangles, I'd go with round placemats.” In general, Soria recommends avoiding square placemats, which can have awkward intersections between corners and round table edges. Plus, they have less surface area than rectangular placemats.