How To Choose Placemats?

Placemats are an indispensable decorative accessory for your dining table. They not only help protect the table surface from stains, scratches or high temperatures, but also create a cozy and elegant space for the meal.

However, to choose placemats for the style and size of your dining table, you need to pay attention to some important factors. In this article, we will guide you on how to choose placemats that are reasonable and beautiful.

1. How to choose placemats?

To choose the right placemats and to be eco-friendly, you need to consider some factors such as size, shape, material, color and pattern. Here are some tips to help you choose the best placemats for your dining table.

Choosing placemats is an important task to create a beautiful and impressive meal. Placemats not only protect the dining table from stains, water and heat, but also highlight the style and color of the tableware.

1.1 What material is best for placemats?

Choosing the right material for placemats is crucial as it not only enhances the aesthetics of your dining table but also influences their durability and functionality. Several materials are popular for placemats, each with its unique characteristics.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which material might be the best fit for your needs:

• Fabric: Fabric is a flexible and diverse material, which can create many colors, patterns and designs. Fabric also has good water absorption and heat resistance, which helps protect the table from stains and burns. However, fabric also gets dirty, torn and faded over time. Therefore, fabric needs to be washed regularly and replaced when needed.
• Plastic: Plastic is a cheap and easy-to-clean material, which can resist stains, grease and water. Plastic also has many colors and patterns to choose from. However, plastic does not withstand heat well, it can deform or melt when exposed to high temperatures. Plastic is also not environmentally friendly, as it is difficult to decompose and causes pollution.
• Wood: Wood is a natural and luxurious material, which can create a cozy and elegant feeling for the dining space. Wood has high durability and good heat resistance. However, wood also needs to be preserved carefully, avoiding direct contact with water or strong detergents. Wood also has a higher cost than other materials.
• Bamboo, rattan: Bamboo, rattan a type of light and durable wood, which has high aesthetic value and environmental friendliness. Bamboo, rattan has the ability to resist moisture, termites and warping. Bamboo also has good heat resistance and easy cleaning. However, bamboo also has drawbacks such as being easily scratched and faded over time.

• Leather: Leather is a premium and classy material, which can bring luxury and sophistication to the dining space. Leather has high durability and is difficult to tear or wear out. Leather also has the ability to resist water and grease. However, leather also has a very high cost and needs to be cared for carefully, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or bleach.

1.2 How to choose a placemat based on size?

Choosing a tablecloth that fits the size is an important thing to create a beautiful and convenient meal. To choose a suitable tablecloth, you need to consider the following factors:

• The size of the table: You should measure the size of the table before buying a tablecloth, to ensure that the tablecloth is not too large or too small compared to the table. A suitable tablecloth should have a length and width larger than the table by 15 to 20 cm, so that it can hang down on both ends and edges of the table in a balanced way.
• The size of the plates and glasses: You should also consider the size of the plates and glasses when choosing a tablecloth, to avoid the tablecloth being obscured or not having enough space to place the utensils. A suitable tablecloth should have a distance from the edge of the tablecloth to the edge of the plate or glass from 2 to 5 cm, to create a comfortable and harmonious space.
• Style and color: You should also choose a tablecloth that matches the style and color of the dining space, to create a harmonious and attractive whole. You can choose a tablecloth with neutral colors or coordinate with the colors of the table, chairs, curtains, patterns or other accessories. You can also choose a tablecloth with patterns or printed words to create a highlight for the dining space.

1.3 How to choose a placemat based on shape?

Choosing a tablecloth that matches the shape of the table is a way to create a beautiful and harmonious dining space. However, not everyone knows how to choose a tablecloth that suits the shape and size of the table.

Here are some suggestions for you to choose the most satisfactory tablecloth.

• If your table is square or rectangular, you should choose a tablecloth of the same shape as the table to create a uniform and balanced look. You can choose a tablecloth with a neutral or contrasting color to the table color to create a focal point for the space.

• If your table is round or oval, you should choose a round or oval tablecloth to create a seamless and harmonious look. You can choose a tablecloth with simple or complex patterns depending on your style. You should also pay attention to the size of the tablecloth so that it is not too large or too small compared to the table.
• If your table is pentagonal, hexagonal or any other polygonal shape, you should choose a polygonal tablecloth to create a unique and creative look. You can choose a tablecloth with bright or warm colors depending on your preference. You should also choose a tablecloth with the same or close number of edges as the table to create an aesthetic look.

1.4 How to choose placemat color?

Choosing the right color for your placemats can significantly impact the overall aesthetic of your table setting. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate the process and select the perfect placemat color:

• Consider the Table Setting: Take into account the existing color scheme of your dining area, including the color of your table, chairs, and dinnerware. The placemats should complement these elements rather than clash with them. Neutral colors like white, beige, or gray are versatile and tend to work well with various settings.
• Match or Contrast: Decide whether you want your placemats to match or contrast with the colors of your table and dining accessories. Matching placemats can create a cohesive and harmonious look, while contrasting colors can add visual interest and make each element stand out.
• Seasonal Themes: If you enjoy changing your décor with the seasons, consider selecting placemat colors that reflect the time of year. Light and pastel colors may evoke a spring or summer feel, while deeper tones can add warmth to your fall or winter table setting.
• Event or Occasion: Tailor your placemat color to the specific event or occasion. For formal events, consider classic colors like navy, burgundy, or forest green. For a casual or festive atmosphere, brighter colors or patterns might be more appropriate.

• Personal Preferences: Your own taste and preferences play a crucial role in choosing placemat colors. Consider colors that you find visually appealing and that resonate with your style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades to find what brings you joy.
• Table Linens and Centerpieces: Take into account any table linens, table runners, or centerpieces you plan to use. These elements can influence the overall color scheme, and your placemats should complement or enhance their visual impact.
• Versatility: If you prefer versatility and the ability to change your table setting frequently, opt for neutral colors. Neutral placemats can easily adapt to different occasions and themes with the addition of colorful napkins, dishes, or seasonal decorations.
• Balance: Achieve a balanced look by considering the intensity of the colors. If your tableware or other accessories are vibrant and bold, you may want to opt for more neutral or subdued placemat colors to avoid overwhelming the visual appeal.

2. FAQs

2.1 What should I look for in a placemat?

You need to consider some factors such as the material, size, color and pattern of the placemat. Select a placemat with durable, easy-to-clean material that withstands high temperatures without fading. Additionally, opt for a size that suits your dining table and plates – neither too large nor too small.

The color and pattern of the placemat are also important, you should choose the colors that harmonize with the kitchen space and your decoration style, as well as the simple but elegant patterns, not too flashy or gaudy.

2.2 What is the best color for placemats?

The best color for placemats depends on various factors, including personal preference, the existing color scheme of your dining area, and the occasion. Neutral colors like white, beige, or gray are versatile and can complement most settings.

They provide a classic and timeless look that easily pairs with different tableware and décor. However, the “best” color ultimately depends on your individual style, the atmosphere you want to create, and how well the placemats harmonize with the overall design of your dining space.

2.3 Should you use table runners and placemats together?

Yes, using table runners and round placemats together can create a polished and coordinated look for your dining table. Combining these elements adds layers to the table setting, enhancing its visual appeal.

Table cloth often serves as a central decorative piece, running down the middle of the table, while placemats provide individualized settings at each dining spot. The key is to ensure that the colors, patterns, or textures of the table runner and placemats complement each other and contribute to the overall aesthetic you want to achieve.

This combination is particularly effective for formal occasions or when you want to add a decorative touch to your dining space.

We hope that, with the information provided on “How To Choose Placemats” above, you have made decisions to enhance the beauty of your dining table space. This, in turn, contributes to improving your family’s dining experience.

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