Should You Use Placemats With A Tablecloth?

Are you getting ready to entertain guests and want to decorate your table to impress? Well, you've come to the right place. We've done the work to bring you this guide on how to decorate your table.

Using placemats with a tablecloth is optional, but they can add extra appeal to your dining table. They also help protect your table cloth and table from scratches, heat marks, and messes.

You're probably wondering if placemats are still in style, and when would they be most beneficial to use? Keep reading to learn all about placemats and tablecloths and when to use them!

Do You Need To Use Placemats And Tablecloths?

The most common reason to use a placemat is to protect your dinner table or tablecloth from damage caused by extreme heat and stains from drinks/food.

They can also serve as a way to add some extra decoration to your table, especially the fancier placemats made from lace or silk instead of plastic or vinyl, which are more commonly used.

Although placemats are not a requirement for tablecloths, they're beneficial if you have a tablecloth that is susceptible to damage or staining. If you don't like placemats look, you might want to invest in a stain-resistant tablecloth.

If you prefer the way your table looks without a table cloth or placemats, consider finding a clear tablecloth or placemats to provide some protection for your table's surface.

Are Placemats Out Of Style?

Placemats are never out of style when serving a purpose, although the design of your placemat may need an update from time to time. The colors, materials, shapes, designs, and patterns of placemats change over time, and so does their popularity.

As long as you decorate the table to match your placemats and create a cohesive aesthetic, placemats are timeless.

Shacos Round Braided Placemats

These placemats are a fun style that has become popular recently. They come in twenty-four different colors, so you'll be sure to find something that will match your style.

Click here to see these on Amazon.

Do You Leave Placemats On The Table At All Times?

This is really up to you and depends on your household's needs. Many people choose to let their tables serve multiple purposes, some of these purposes may benefit from placemats, and other activities may be hindered by them.

For example, if your children use the table for homework, it may be a good idea to leave your placemats down to protect them from stray marks, but if you are planning to play a game of cards with your pals, placemats may get in the way.

Some people leave their placemats down at all times to help them avoid allowing the table to become too cluttered. Alternatively, many people choose to store their placemats and use them only during mealtimes to protect their tablecloth or table.

Either option is acceptable, as it all comes down to you and what is most convenient for you.

How Do You Set A Table With Placemats?

The placemats are always positioned directly in front of the seats, with the plates are centered on each placemat. Next, the dinner fork goes immediately to the left of the plate with a salad fork on the left if you choose to use one.

The knife is placed to the right of the plate with its blade facing the plate, and then the spoon is set to its right.

It's important to know that placemats come in many different shapes and sizes. This is good to consider when choosing which option best suits your dinner table.

It's also common to use square placemats for square tables, rectangular with rectangular, and circular for circular tables. Still, there's no clear rule on how you set your table, and mixing it up can result in fun styling choices.

Homaxy Rectangular Cotton Placemats

These placemats come in six different colors and are available in sets of four or six. They're machine washable and stain-resistant for easy maintenance and a long lifespan.

Click here to check these placemats out on Amazon.

What Is The Best Kind Of Placemat?

Placemats that are easy to clean are a priority when investing in new table decor. Placemats come in many different materials, some common varieties include plastic, bamboo, silk, cotton, and lace, but there are many others.

You will want to choose a set that best suits your home's style and the placemat's primary purpose.

If you have children, something durable and easy to clean, like plastic or vinyl, might be a good choice. You can choose something more appealing for special occasions, like cloth or linen placemats, but remember that they stain easier.

Be conscious of your dinner habits and the frequency of guests when deciding which placemats are best for your home.

YoleShy Plastic Placemats

These semi-transparent plastic placemats are ideal for those looking for protection without making a bold statement. They don't interfere with the aesthetic of your table or tablecloth since they're nearly transparent, but they offer stain resistance and easy cleanup.

Click here to see these on Amazon.

What Is The Best Type Of Table Cloth?

Table cloths with stain resistance are convenient, but they don't always offer the same visual appeal as silk or linen.

For materials that aren't stain-resistant, placemats are a major benefit. Overall, the most important thing is that you like your table cloth and can decorate it as you please.

Sancua Rectangular Tablecloth

This table cloth comes in sixteen different colors and a variety of different sizes to fit any table. It's also machine washable, stain-resistant, and fade-resistant for easy cleaning and a lasting look.

Click here to see this tablecloth on Amazon.

Should You Use Placemats With A Runner?

This is another personal choice, but it would be a good idea to provide some extra protection for your dining table. Plates can get hot when they have hot food on them, and condensation from plates and glasses can easily damage a table's surface.

Since runners only cover the center and are primarily for decoration, they offer very little protection for your table.

ANDSTAR Bamboo Placemats

These placemats come in various colors and arrive in a pack of eight. They're anti-slip, heat-resistant, and they're easy to clean.

Click here to take a look at these on Amazon.

How Can You Make Placemats Stand Out?

Choose bold colors to make your placemats stand out on the table and turn them into a statement piece. If you have a solid color table cloth, choose a patterned placemat.

A solid color placemat for table cloths with patterns will stand out nicely. For added interest, try layering placemats of different shapes and colors, like a neutral circular placemat on top of a bold rectangular one.

How To Decorate Placemats

You can add decoration to your placemats; try placing small flowers, herb branches, or scattering petals on your tablecloth.

Adding interesting and decorative name cards is another fun way to spruce up the look of your place settings. Scattering shaped confetti over the placemats can also add a touch of fun to the seating.

TooGet Dried Edible Flowers

These dried flowers are a beautiful way to add a pop of color to placemats. Scatter them about, or carefully place a few buds in a corner for a gorgeous addition to place settings.

Click here to see these flowers on Amazon.

To Wrap Up

Now that you know all about placemats and how to use them with or without tablecloths, you're ready to start planning your next dining table set-up.

Remember to coordinate with your table cloth and runner, as well as your centerpieces, for a cohesive color scheme and design. Have fun decorating!

If you're redecorating the entire dining room, read our article Should The Dining Table Match The Kitchen Cabinets? for help choosing the perfect dining table.

If you are looking to add a dining area to your home, read our article Does A Dining Room Have To Be Next To The Kitchen? for help deciding where to incorporate it.