The Best Placemats (Review) in 2020

Add a touch of sophisticated glamor to any table setting with this six-mat set from U’Artline, that’s also surprisingly practical too.  Made from easy-clean vinyl, these 18-inch x 12-inch placemats are large enough for a decent place setting and the muted gold makes them look more expensive than they are. What sets these vinyl placemats apart is the subtle texture, thanks to the way they are actually woven out of the PVC fiber. However, this design detail does mean they are not totally waterproof. That aside, they are both beautiful and practical, offering a heat resistant to 150°F and the weave pattern creates a non-slip contact with your tabletop. If gold is not your thing, then there’s a choice of 20 other colors to pick from. Stylish enough for events and restaurants as well as for the home, they are easy to clean too, as they can be handwashed, but the washing machine is a no-go. 

If you want stylish placemats you can use every day, then check out these easy to clean, woven vinyl beauties from Pauwer. In a warm red with autumnal tones that give them a rich, expensive vibe, these placemats are made from durable PVC and polyester that you can quickly wipe down, or hand wash for heavier food stains. Available in the standard size, they are large enough for a full place setting and the warm color will look stunning against a wooden table. The back is pretty non-slip and the mat won’t crease when rolled up to store. They are heat-resistant too, taking up to 176°F in their wood table protecting stride. Fade-resistant, they would also work outside on your garden table and while they are not machine washable, they are super-easy to wipe down and clean.

Make a table statement with these stunning lace-effect placemats that will add elegance to any mealtime. While they feel super-expensive, look closer and they are actually made from pressed vinyl so a designer bargain! OK, the open lace pattern means they’re not the most practical when it comes to protecting against spills. But sometimes, style has to come first, and they are easy to clean while the lace design gives a nice no-slip contact with the table. Available in a choice of lace-effect patterns and stylish colors, the Benson Mills Pressed Vinyl placemat set would make a lovely gift. Or keep them aside for special occasions, family dinners or an old-school afternoon tea with friends.  

Perfect for everyday family use , these large round placemats are both lovely and practical. Made from braided polypropylene and cotton, you get a hardwearing set of four kitchen table mats that are soft to touch and retain their shape, even after being rolled up for storage. The large diameter – they are 15 inches across – means they can take bigger dinner plates and are available in a choice of 12 colors. Go for a practical neutral shade or be bold and add a vivid pop of table mat color to your dining room. They can only be handwashed in cold water and need to be air-dried, but they are stain, fade and wrinkle-resistant.

Non-slip with a good level of heat resistance, these elegant placemats are simple enough for casual use, but can be styled up for a more lavish dining affair. Made from super-practical PVC material with a lovely woven effect to create almost a two-tone effect, you also get seven designs, including festive themes to choose from. The mats offer your table protection from heat up to 100c and the rougher backing gives them a good non-slip grip. Keeping them clean is pretty easy too, they can’t go in the washer but can be rinsed or wiped with a wet cloth to remove any dirt and debris. And when your dinner date is done, simply roll them up for easy, crease free storage. This six dining table mats set means they are affordable and great value for money too.

Add dash of tartan to your table with this smart-looking set of plaid placemats. Made from 100% cotton and with a coordinating table runner also available, the mats will add a lovely farmhouse kitchen table feel to your home. And, as well as the plaid, there are eight other patterns and colors to choose from.  These mats are large – 14 inches by 19 inches – and are easy to care for and clean. Machine-washable, simply dry flat and iron if need be for a crease free result every time. They may not be as durable as vinyl mats, but they are pretty hardwearing and as one of our best placemats, will make your dining table look cozy and homely for those delicious family lunches or dinners. 

 Super-practical and perfect for even the busiest home, our Best Price pick are these clear plastic placemats that won’t ruin the look of your wood table.  Made from flexible and wipe-clean PVC, these mats are a decent size too, measuring 18 inches by 12, meaning they can easily accommodate all the tableware you need to feed your hungry brood. Available in a great value four mat pack, the clear PVC means you can also show off the beauty of a wood table, or a bright, seasonal table cover that’s underneath. They’re not totally transparent, as there’s a slight frosting but the they look invisible enough and are practical when in use. The PVC material is pretty tough too, so will help to protect your table or work surface from accidental damage or food spills. 

There’s a lovely rustic quality to our Premium Pick, thanks to the 100% natural jute and hand-braided design. Each 14-inch square mat is made from sustainably harvested jute fibers that create a unique effect as each mat is woven and braided. The natural color of these placemats from Glamburg adds an understated style to your dining table setting and are perfect for creating a lovely warm, welcoming feel at your table. And we like the fact that each mat is reversible, extending their use and keeping everything looking fresh. Maintenance is a little more targeted than other placemats made from easier to clean materials, and you need to spot clean rather than full wash or soak, but the effort is worth it. Gorgeous and definitely one of our review’s best placemats.

If you’re planning a special occasion, then these stunning white mats from Hebe will add elegance to any table. The perfect size for more formal table setting, each mat is hand cut from PVC, which is delicately patterned to give the look of more expensive linen. And the beauty of these mats is that they are both smart and practical. Heat resistant to 150°F, they will protect your table from hot pots and plates and are pretty stain resistant too, although darker spills may mark. The cross weave in the PVC does mean they are not totally water-tight, but they’re easy to clean, just hand wash or wipe with a wet cloth and soapy water. Very lovely and a good price too for a pack of six. 

These woven cotton mats from Sticky Toffee are super cute, with a choice of four different colors offset by a delightful hand-knotted fringe. Available in a four-pack, these mats are a large size, measuring 14×19 inches so perfect for family use. Made from 100% cotton, they feature a diamond pattern and the whole mat can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. They are a decent thickness to help protect your wood table and while not water-resistant like solid vinyl, they will hold back some moisture as well as capture food debris. For a country kitchen feel, these attractive cloth placemats are ideal and there’s also a matching table runner to complete the look.