Ditch a Tablecloth for These 13 Stylish Placemats Instead (2024)

Serving dual functions of protecting and beautifying your table, placemats are an often overlooked household staple. Their ability to shield a table from spills and stains comes in handy in the long run.

Metal utensils and ceramics can create scratches, and glasses can leave marks or condensation. Hence, placemats offer a barrier between your furniture and tableware—making things a breeze to clean up after dinnertime.

Of course, placemats are also a simple way to elevate mealtime, whether for casual everyday use or dinner parties. There are many styles to choose from, like neutral and classic or patterned and punchy. We researched dozens of designs, shortlisting the best placemats based on material, durability, and maintenance.

For a classic option that works well with any aesthetic, we love the Pottery Barn Mason Handwoven Cotton Fringe Placemats. The placemats are made with handwoven cotton, giving them a durable construction thanks to the tweed-like weave and thick fibers.

We also like that the placemats are stonewashed, giving them a plush, luxurious feel. The white fringe adds a welcome dose of character, softening the edges and offering beautiful contrast to the main body of the placemats.

There are ample colorways available, including dark tones, neutrals, and pastels—so you can select a color that matches your tablescape. The roomy surface area also stood out to us, as you can easily prop larger dinner plates and utensils on top of the placemats without anything slipping off.

The cherry on top? The placemats can be tossed in the washing machine after use for easy cleaning.

These breezy placemats are stylish and convenient to store. We like that they are made from bamboo and a PVC non-slip coating, creating a secure hold for any tableware lying on top. The PVC (a thermoplastic material that can withstand heat) also protects your table from hot plates and pots, which is a practical bonus that not all placemats provide.

The oaky hue and subtle leaf motif are the perfect complement to coastal or more earthy spaces. We also like that the placemat can be rolled up for easy storing and that they can simply be wiped or shaken off when it comes time to clean.

One note is that there are small gaps between the bamboo slats, which means condensation or spills can seep through them onto the table.

Showcasing the iconic strawberry thief pattern by William Morris, these placemats instantly add a hit of character to tablescapes. We love the dainty florals, birds, and (of course) strawberries that embellish the surface.

It makes for a beautiful combination with colorful cloth napkins or classic white ceramics. Plus, the design is set on a five-millimeter board with a hard-wearing cork back, meaning that there’s ample cushion between your furniture and tableware.

The art print is sealed with a stain- and heat-resistant coating, another feature that caught our eye. This makes for easy cleaning and a practical spot to place hot pans that you want on the table.

The Dachui Placemats are available in sets of four, six, and eight so you can coordinate or mix and match to your liking. We like that the placemats are made from PVC and polyester, making them resistant to temperatures up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit.

This temperature threshold is lower than some other heat-resistant placemats on this list; however, they are still suitable for hot plates and beverages. The slick surface also ensures that the placemats are easy to clean with a simple wipe or rinse.

This placemat, however, is not spill-proof, as the weave is not watertight—meaning that you may have to clean the table underneath at times. Still, we like that there are lots of color and pattern options to choose from—set in neutral tones and classic designs to meld with most aesthetics.

Set in a unique oblong shape, the Williams Sonoma Nito Placemat makes a statement while still embracing subtlety. The placemats are handmade by Filipino artisans using a traditional tight weave of fern vines.

The roomy 20- x 14-inch surface area also offers plenty of space to display stacked plates and napkin designs, so you can get creative with your tablescape. The woodsy tones and curved edges make these placemats a hit for any occasion.

Plus, they just require a quick wipe when it comes to cleaning. We love that you can pair these placemats with matching napkin rings for a cohesive setup sure to impress guests.

This placemat, featuring a classically elegant Morris & Co. design, offers style and substance in equal measure. We love that it is made from sustainably sourced cotton for a soft, supple feel—and that it is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning that it is free from harmful substances.

The placemat is set in a twill-weave, a diagonal pattern that gives the placemat a durable texture. We also like that it has a gentle coating, making it stain and water-resistant—unlike many other cotton placemats.

It’s still machine-washable, though, for easy cleaning. To top it off, the placemats are reversible, with one side featuring swirling branches of citrus and the other featuring a solid yellow tone.

These placemats offer all the frills—literally—with ruffled edges and a classic striped pattern. We love the unique silhouette, which brings a sense of whimsy to any tablescape.

The 100 percent cotton construction is another great feature as it makes the placemats lightweight and soft-to-the-touch, complementing the delicate design.

We like that the placemats are machine-washable so they can be used again and again. They are more expensive compared to other placemats; however, you’re getting quality materials and a hard-to-replicate style.

The IYYI Silicone Placemats are a fool-proof option for families with younger kids or elders. We like that the silicone material and ribbed texture prevent slipping, so you don’t have to worry about dropped plates or unkept cutlery. The placemats are heat-proof up to 482 degrees Fahrenheit (much higher than some cotton and PVC options like the Dachui Placemats), so they can withstand heat from pots and pans.

We love that these placemats are quick to clean, as they can simply be tossed in the dishwasher or hand-washed. The placemats also roll up for easy storage when not in use.

These placemats are handwoven in Guatemala and feature a classic gingham pattern. They are made from 100 percent cotton for a soft, breezy drape. Still, the pedal-loomed construction ensures they can last through back-to-back meals.

We like that the placemats can be machine-washed and tumble-dried. You can buy them as singles or sets of two, four, and eight to coordinate or mix and match with other colorways. They can also be paired with matching cloth napkins for a stunning tablescape.

These placemats look simple on the surface but come with several clever features. The rounded edges create a softer look than a typical rectangle. The faux leather material and painted edge make it feel refined and clean at the same time.

We love that the placemat is reversible, so you can make your tablescape feel fresh with a quick flip. You can choose from several punchy and neutral colorways, or even opt for a circular shape.

Another bonus? The placemat is made with 100 percent recycled polyurethane (a plastic material) for an eco-conscious touch.

For special occasions, the Puebco Unique Multi Pattern Mat instantly dresses up a table. We love that the wool and cotton fabric gives the placemats a cozy, thick texture with bristled fibers. The geometric motifs and vibrant hues instantly catch the eye, injecting a dose of joy into mealtime.

We also like that the designer focuses on using recycled materials. One note is that the placemats require gentler care for cleaning, as the manufacturer does not state that they can be machine-washed.

Scalloped edges always add a playful look to interiors—and these placemats do not miss the mark. We like that they are made from 100 percent flax linen, giving them an airy, buttery feel that only gets softer with washing. However, they’re made with 170 GSM (a weight measurement of the fabric’s grams per square meter) fabric, meaning that it has a durable construction.

The contrasting border hue is another feature we love, as it adds further depth to the piece. The placemats are OEKO-TEX certified, so you can rest assured that they are crafted in socially and environmentally conscious ways.

To top it off, these placemats are some of the biggest in this roundup, sitting at 21.2 x 15.7 inches—offering ample space for all your silverware and more.

The Quince Organic Airy Gauze Placemats feel like a cloud, made with 100 percent cotton in a loose, open weave. We love how breezy they look giving them a relaxed quality.

Plus, the placemats are OEKO-TEX certified, crafted using sustainable practices and without harmful chemicals.

Available in five earthy and neutral colorways, we like that these solid-hued placemats can be used seamlessly for any occasion and space while adding depth with their subtle textured surface.

They can be purchased as a set of four or eight, and even be paired with matching napkins, giving you a decked-out tablescape at a great price point.

How We Picked Placemats

We shortlisted these placemats based on their material, durability, design, and ease of care. Many placemats were selected for their ability to work in versatile settings and protect tables from damage.

Others were selected for their ability to elevate a tablescape or be quickly cleaned. We carefully evaluated each placemat based on these characteristics before landing on the final picks.

What to Look for in a Placemat

Eye-Catching Style and Patterns

There are countless placemat designs to choose from, whether you want something classically neutral or vibrantly festive. The Quince Organic Airy Gauze Placemats feature a simple rectangular shape and standard neutral colorways that can work for any occasion.

Meanwhile, something like the Williams Sonoma x Morris & Co. Coated Fruit Placemat can bring in more flair for special occasions with its bright tones. Reversible styles like that one can also come in handy, so you can switch up the look without stocking up on extra sets.

Of course, shape is also a key aspect of placemats. Some have rounded edges, oval silhouettes, or even fun borders, like the Bed Threads French Flax Linen Scalloped Placemats.

Protective and Functional Design

Perhaps most importantly, placemats should prevent damage to your table from spills and stains. Some go the extra mile and provide heat resistance, like the IYYI Silicone Placemats, which are also slip-resistant and ideal for families.

Note, however, that many placemats may be labeled as heat-resistant but have lower temperature thresholds (such as the Dachui Placemats Set of 6). Be sure to double-check that number so you know if you can place pans on the placemat right off the stove, or just hot plates and beverages.

Also look out for placemats that are stain-resistant and watertight, if you want less hassle when it comes to cleaning.

A Durable, Easy-to-Clean Material

Depending on the material, some placemats have to be machine-washed while others just need a quick wipe. Linen and cotton typically require washing after a couple of uses, and many can be tumble dried like the West Elm Rhode Wide Stripe Cotton Placemats. Some may have a coating to make them stain-resistant as well, like the Williams Sonoma x Morris & Co. Coated Fruit Placemat.

Placemats made from plastic materials, woven vines, or coated wood are quicker to clean, as they can usually be wiped with a damp cloth or rinsed. Silicone options can even be tossed in the dishwasher.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This roundup was written by Shagun Khare, a freelance interior design and home decor writer specializing in areas such as tableware, bedding, and lifestyle. She has been in the design space for over three years and has been writing for The Spruce since 2021, where she covers home trends, decor shopping, and expert-backed design advice.