Placemats for a table setting with character
A beautifully laid table often starts with the little things, and placemats are a key part of that. They protect the tabletop from scratches, moisture and heat, divide the table into distinct place settings and lend the room a cosy feel. Whether for an everyday breakfast or a festive dinner with guests, a matching placemat makes a noticeable difference to the overall look. In our range, you’ll find placemats in various materials, shapes and colours, ensuring there’s a harmonious solution for almost any interior. Be inspired by the variety and discover which style suits your home and your lifestyle.
Which placemats suit your home?
Choosing the right placemats depends primarily on how and where you intend to use them. For everyday use, a robust, easy-to-clean model is often ideal, whilst for special occasions, a more elegant placemat enhances the table setting. The shape of the table also plays a role, as not every placemat goes well with every tabletop. If you’re looking to create a cohesive look, you can combine placemats with napkins, table runners or matching tableware. This creates a well-thought-out overall look that emphasises the character of your dining room. Our interior design consultants will be happy to help you find the right combination for you.
An overview of materials for placemats
The material plays a key role in determining the look, care requirements and feel of a placemat. Each type has its own strengths, and the right choice for you depends on your everyday life and your personal taste. The range extends from natural fibres to low-maintenance synthetics, meaning they can complement both classic and modern interiors. Below, we provide an overview of the most common material groups and their properties.
Fabric, linen and felt
Fabric, linen or cotton placemats create a warm and cosy ambience and can usually be washed when needed. Washable placemats made from textile fibres are ideal for everyday use, as crumbs and light stains can be easily removed. Felt offers a soft, muted look whilst reliably protecting delicate surfaces. If you prefer a calm, natural look, textile placemats could be the right choice for you. There’s also plenty of scope when it comes to colour, ranging from subtle shades of beige and grey to bolder accents.
Leather, cork and natural materials
Leather or faux-leather placemats lend the table a sophisticated, elegante look and are usually easy to wipe clean. Cork impresses with its light weight and a pleasantly warm feel, whilst woven natural materials such as bamboo, seagrass or jute create a natural, relaxed look. Such natural materials add texture to the table and go particularly well with Scandinavian, country house or boho-style interiors. If you like natural finishes, placemats made from natural fibres can be a good choice. Bear in mind, however, that woven designs require a little more care when damp.
Plastic and washable options
Washable plastic placemats or those with a coated surface are particularly easy to look after and are therefore a practical option for families with children. In many cases, a damp cloth is all it takes to remove stains, without the need for a washing machine. These models are available in a wide range of designs, from simple and modern to decorative patterns, allowing you to combine practicality with style. Wipe-clean versions are also ideal for use at the garden table or on the patio, as they are well-suited to hassle-free outdoor use. This ensures that the laid table remains neat and inviting, even outdoors.
Shapes and designs to suit every style
As well as the material, the shape determines how well a placemat suits your table. Square and rectangular designs are the classic choice for rectangular or square tables. Round placemats, on the other hand, emphasise the soft lines of a round table and create a harmonious look for the place settings. For oval tables, specially adapted shapes are also ideal, as they clearly define the seating arrangement. Stylistically, the range extends from simple and modern through to minimalist Scandinavian designs and on to playful, unusual designs. This means you’ll find a design to suit your décor, whether you prefer a clean, understated look or something more expressive.
Combining colours harmoniously
The choice of colour helps determine whether placemats act as a subtle backdrop or a deliberate accent. Timeless shades such as beige, grey, anthracite, black or white blend into almost any interior and can be combined in many different ways. Those looking for more colour will also find warmer and fresher shades such as terracotta, sage green or soft mint green. For special occasions, such as the Christmas season, thematically coordinated placemats can create a festive atmosphere. As a rule of thumb, neutral base colours go well with existing tableware, whilst bold colours add deliberate accents.
Care and durability of your placemats
To ensure you can enjoy your placemats for a long time, it’s worth taking a look at the correct care instructions. Textile placemats should be washed according to the care instructions and left to dry completely before being used again. Washable placemats made of plastic or leather are best wiped down regularly with a soft, damp cloth, and you should avoid using harsh cleaning products. Natural materials such as bamboo or seagrass should be protected from prolonged exposure to moisture and, if necessary, wiped down gently. With this simple care routine, high-quality placemats will usually last for many years. For further home accessories and matching interior design ideas, it’s also worth taking a look at the rest of our range.
Personal advice at Möbel Ehrmann
As a family-run business with branches in the Palatinate, Baden and Trier, we place great importance on personalised advice and our connection to the local region. Whether you’re looking for placemats, home accessories or a complete new interior, our team will take the time to answer your questions and work with you to find the right solutions. If you’d like to design your dining room more comprehensively, discover our range of sofas and armchairs for your living room or find inspiration in our kitchen world with bespoke planning. You’ll find an overview of our brand portfolio under ‘Our Brands’, ranging from premium to on-trend. Please feel free to pop into one of our showrooms, you’ll find all the addresses in the Möbel Ehrmann location guide. We’d be delighted to advise you.
Frequently asked questions about placemats
Which placemats are particularly easy to look after?
Washable plastic placemats or those with a coated surface are considered particularly easy to care for, as stains can usually be removed with a damp cloth. Washable fabric or linen placemats are also practical, as they can be machine-washed when necessary. Wipe-clean versions are therefore particularly suitable for households with children.
What shape is best for a round table?
For a round table, round placemats usually work best, as they complement the lines of the tabletop and distribute the place settings evenly. Square or rectangular designs can also be used, but they look less cohesive on round tables. If you’re looking for a harmonious overall look, you should therefore opt for a round shape.
Are placemats also suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, washable plastic placemats are particularly suitable for the garden table or patio, as they are ideal for hassle-free outdoor use. Natural materials such as bamboo or seagrass can also be used, but should be protected from prolonged exposure to moisture. This will keep your table looking its best, even outdoors.