Your cart
Close Alternative Icon

What Are Placemats For and Are They Worth It?

Arrow Thin Right Icon
What Are Placemats For and Are They Worth It?

I’m always drawn to small touches that upgrade your decor. 


It’s like finding the perfect pair of earrings that just make your outfit. For me, placemats are a lot like that—simple, yet they can do wonders for your dining table. But I know, I know—you might be thinking, “Do I really need placemats?” or “What do they even do?” Read on to find out why they deserve a spot on your table.


Read on to see why they deserve a spot on your table. 

Spoiler alert: they’re more useful (and stylish!) than you might think.

So, what are placemats?

Placemats  are really flat pieces of material that are placed underneath plates, glasses, and utensils during meals.


They can be made from all sorts of things—cotton, bamboo, vinyl, linen, you name it. And they come in so many designs, colors, and patterns, which makes them such a fun addition to any table.


I grew up using placemats. My grandmother set her table with colorful woven mats, and they did make the dinning experience fun.


 And when I got married and started hosting friends at my place, placemats completely change the look and feel of the table. Now, I can’t imagine setting a table without them.

Why I think placemats matter

1. They protect your table

My wooden dining table has seen it all - hot dishes, spilled drinks, and my son’s enthusiastic fork-drumming sessions. Placemats are a shield against all these daily attacks.


I mean if you’ve ever winced at a water ring on your wooden table or a scuff mark left by someone dragging their plate, you’ll understand the value of a placemat.


And if you’ve got kids (like me) or just clumsy friends, placemats can really help keep your table looking pristine.


One of my customers, Vanessa, swears by the woven placemats from my store. She has two young kids who are, let’s say, “adventurous eaters.” She told me they’ve saved her table from countless spaghetti sauce disasters.

2. Easy clean-up (because life's messy)

Whenever I host dinner parties, I love how placemats make cleanup simple. Instead of wiping down the entire table, I just collect the mats, give them a quick wash, and they're ready for the next meal.

3. Allows you to add style to your table without trying too hard

A well-chosen placemat or table runner  can elevate the whole vibe of your table. 


It’s like the cherry on top of a dessert. They come in so many different colors, textures, and patterns that they can completely change the look of your space.


One of my regular customers, James, changes his placemats based on his mood. He uses my vibrant Ankara print placemats for casual brunches and switches to neutral-toned ones for business dinners. 


See how something so simple can transform the feel of a meal.

4. They keep things quiet

What Are Placemats For

Ever notice how loud plates and utensils sound when they hit a bare table? Placemats help absorb that clatter, making meals feel a bit more peaceful.


It’s a small detail, but it makes a difference—especially during cozy dinners or early morning breakfasts when you’re not ready for a racket.

5. Define personal space

Placemats help define each person’s space at the table. This can be super helpful when you’re hosting a dinner party or wrangling a large family. Everyone gets their own little “zone,” which makes meals feel more organized.

6. Temperature Control

Hot dishes can damage your table’s surface, and cold drinks can leave those annoying condensation rings. Placemats act as a buffer, sparing your table from temperature extremes, protecting both your furniture and your guests from getting burned or wet. 

7. Set the mood

Placemats can set the entire mood for the meal. Want to make taco night feel like a fiesta? Pick some bright, fun placemats. Hosting a formal dinner? 


Go for something elegant, maybe with some subtle embroidery or a metallic sheen. Even if it's just a pizza night with the family, placemats can turn the ordinary into something a bit more special.

How to Choose the Right Placemats

What Are Placemats For

I tell my customers to think about:

  • Material: Consider what works best for your needs. For everyday meals, I recommend something easy to clean, like vinyl. But for special occasions, linen or embroidered cotton is always a good choice.

  • Think about size and shape
    The standard placemat is around 33 x 45 cm, but don't be afraid to mix it up. Consider your table size and the look you're going for. But make sure they’re wide enough to hold a plate, glass, and utensils without overcrowding the space. Round, square, or rectangular placemats all work depending on your table shape.

  • Color and pattern: Think about the vibe of your dining area. For a bold tablecloth, go for a neutral placemat. If your table is more minimalistic, choose something with a pop of color or a fun pattern.

  • Durability: If you have little ones or messy eaters, go for something durable and easy to clean. But if it’s a more formal dinner, consider fabric options that are refined and elegant.

  • Match the mood : Casual meals call for fun, colorful designs, while formal dinners might work better with simple, neutral styles. Personally, I switch it up depending on the vibe I’m going for.

Why I love placemats (and why you might too

What Are Placemats For

Not everyone uses placemats, and that’s fine. But I’ve found that the benefits far outweigh any extra effort.


They’re not just for protecting your table (though, trust me, that’s reason enough). Placemats bring a sense of intention to your meals. They make your space feel more thought-out and put-together. For me, they’re a little sign of “adulting”—that you care about your space and appreciate good design.


I started using placemats when I got my first "real" dining table. Now they're part of my daily routine, like setting out plates or folding napkins. They make every meal feel a bit more special, even if I'm just having takeout by myself.


Looking for unique placemats? Visit Rufina Designs for my collection of handcrafted African-inspired pieces. I’ve picked out some gorgeous pieces that’ll bring life to your table—and make it look even better while doing it!


So, are placemats really necessary? Maybe not. But are they worth it? Absolutely. Give them a try—you might just fall in love with them like I did.

Check out our beautiful planter baskets