Have you recently invested in a new dinner table only to be confronted with the disappointment of liquids or spills that have lingered on the surface too long causing it to become stained?
Without the shielding properties of a placemat, your table is more susceptible to damage caused by stains, scratches, and the heat from plates and dishes.
Using square or rectangular placemats on a round table can often offset the layout of your table. However, you will be pleased to know that there are placemats available that are specifically intended for use on round tables.
Oval/round placemats cater to the shape of round tables to enhance the structure and ensure that the mats are evenly positioned. Many placemats are designed to introduce color to the room.
Below we have identified our top 7 picks of the best placemats available that are suitable for round tables. We have also provided you with a buyer's guide packed with all of our top tips for sourcing the best product.
What placemats are best for a round table?
While rectangular placemats tend to be the traditional option for most tables, you will often find that they don't work as well when used on a round table.
Of course, it is still possible to use them but they are much more likely to overlap the edges of the placemat positioned next to it. Because of this, round or wedge-shaped placemats are the favored choice.
The shape and design mean that each placemat will remain where it is positioned and they aren't as likely to overlap. They also tend to add a neater feel to the table set up.
The SHACOS Round Placemats come in a set of 6 with each placement boasting a generous 15" diameter. The sizing of these placemats accommodates plates and bowls of various sizes.
Made from cotton and polypropylene these are great quality placemats that are bound to deliver long-lasting use.
It is worth noting, however, that this material does not possess waterproof properties and will not fare as well if it is exposed to liquids.
Despite this, they remain effective in protecting the surface of your table from food stains and scratches caused by the plates or cutlery.
When required, these placemats can easily be cleaned using a damp cloth and cold soapy water. Once they have been wiped down, you should allow them time to air dry.
We are particularly impressed with the availability of colors. For those opting for a subtle addition to their tables, there are neutral colors such as ivory, white, beige, and gray and for those who want to make a statement, they are available in blue, red, or green.
Pros
Quality - these placemats have been made from high-quality materials so they are bound to see you through many uses.
Quantity - these placemats are available in a set of 4.6 or 8 so you can select the amount that caters to your needs.
Colors - there is a vast selection of colors available which is great for catering to different preferences.
Cons
Creasing - as these placemats are shipped folded they tend to crease and these can be difficult to eradicate.
For those looking to add a modern but elegant touch to their table, the Kreatur Round Placemats are an excellent choice. With a 15” diameter, they can accommodate the majority of plates and dishes.
They also come in a set of 6 which is great for dressing the table to cater to several individuals.
Made from faux leather they possess waterproof qualities and will maintain their quality even when confronted with a spillage.
Aside from this, they are also resistant to stains caused by water or grease and will prove effective in protecting the surface of your table too.
Attempting to enjoy a meal when your plate is positioned on a placemat that refuses to remain in place can be rather challenging.
This needn’t be a concern with the Kreatur placemats as they have been designed with non-slip bases that will ensure they resist movement.
Pros
Ease to clean - after use, these placemats can simply be wiped over using a cloth and detergent.
Color - there is a selection of colors and patterns available to accommodate different tastes.
Heat insulation - this feature ensures that the surface of your table is protected against hot plates and dishes.
Cons
Thin material - several customers have reported that these placemats were thinner than anticipated.
Wedge-shaped placemats are a great option for round tables and this set of 4 from ImmoKaz certainly will not disappoint. They are eco-friendly and have been made from premium polyurethane material which can be easily cleaned in between uses.
These placemats are heat resistant so they aren’t going to become damaged following contact with hot items. They are also stain resistant so will retain their quality even when confronted with accidental spills.
The thickness of these placemats aims to reduce the noise typically produced when glassware and mugs are placed directly onto the table's surface.
Available in a variety of colors, there is bound to be an option that compliments your room decor.
From neutral colors like golden beige and brown to brighter colors such as pink or red, there is a stylish selection to choose from.
Pros
Quantity - these placemats can be purchased in a pack of 4 or 6 so you can select the best option for your needs.
Durable - as high-quality placemats, they have been made to last.
Ease to clean - the texture of these placemats allows for easy cleaning simply requiring them to be wiped over using a damp cloth.
Cons
Size - these placemats are a little small so they may not suit every customer's needs and table set up.
The Famibay Decorative Wedge Placemats are available in a set of 4, 6, or 7 so you can choose the quantity required according to the size of your table and the number of individuals that are going to be seated around it.
They have a 13.8” diameter so you needn’t worry about them consuming a great deal of room on the table.
Impressively, these placemats have been made from a combination of eco-friendly materials; 70% PVC and 30% polyester.
The combination of materials ensures that they are safe for your table and also offer excellent durability allowing for plenty of future reuses.
They have also been made with non-slip backings which will prevent them from sliding on the table surface.
The circular edges of these placemats protect you from scratches and the material also offers the flexibility to fold these placemats up in between uses if needed.
They are also heat resistant so they can hold warm plates and dishes without beginning to warp or deteriorate in quality.
Pros
Easy to clean - these placemats can be cleaned using a damp cloth after use.
Color - there are several colors available so you can select the option that matches the style of your room decor.
Quality - these placemats are thick, sturdy, and durable for long-lasting use.
Cons
Non-slip - despite being advertised as non-slip placemats, many customers have reported that they are prone to moving around on the table surface.
Are you looking for placemats that are going to add a classic touch to your table? If so, the DII Classic Round Placemats are an excellent choice.
They have a diameter measuring 15” so they are generously sized and will accommodate most plates and dishes. They also come in a set of 6 which is great if you have multiple mouths to feed.
Simple but effective, these placemats are available in an assortment of colors from black to aqua to tango red and natural.
Whether you are looking to make a statement or you require placemats with a more neutral appeal, there is bound to be a color to suit your preference.
In regards to durability, these placemats have been made from 100% polypropylene which is thick and robust. As woven placemats, they will protect your table from heat and they are stain-resistant too.
They can be easily cleaned using a damp cloth or sponge although they will likely begin to deteriorate if submerged in water or exposed to severe spills.
Pros
Simple design - the simple design of these placemats makes them easy to coordinate to different decor and styles.
Durability - these placemats are effective in retaining their shape even when subject to frequent use.
Color quality - many customers have reported on the vibrancy and quality of the colors.
Cons
Prone to slipping - unfortunately, these placemats lack non-slip backings so they tend to move around.
Entering the market at an affordable price, the Topotfor Round Placemats are a great value option for those on a budget.
Their diameter measures 15” and they are available in a set of 4 or 6 so you can select the quantity required for the number of people that are likely to be seated around the table.
As braided placemats, they will be a unique but stylish addition to your table set up. They will also protect your table from heat, stains, and scratches.
Made from a combination of high-quality polypropylene and cotton, these are durable placemats that will deliver long-lasting use.
They also offer the flexibility that will allow you to fold them away for storage in between uses if necessary.
Maintaining the quality of these placemats is easy as they can simply be cleaned with a damp cloth in between uses.
They are also available in several other colors which allow customers to select the option they feel compliments the decor and aesthetic of their dining room or table area.
Pros
Price - when compared to offerings from competitor brands, these placemats provide excellent value for money.
Aesthetically pleasing - though they may be simplistically designed, they will make a pleasing addition to your table.
Ease to clean - removing stains and marks can be done within a matter of seconds using a damp cloth.
Cons
Creased - As these placemats are shipped folded in half they are prone to creasing and these creases can take some time to disappear.
The IYII Silicone Placemats are wedge-shaped making them an ideal addition to a round table. They have been made from premium food-grade silicone which is BPA-free and non-toxic.
Possessing excellent heat-resistant qualities they will protect your table from contact with hot plates or dishes. They are stain-resistant too.
Slightly larger than our previous picks, these placemats have a diameter that measures 19.7”, because of this, they are a great option for larger tables where there isn’t a risk of them overlapping.
As these placemats have a waterproof coating, they will protect your table against any liquid spills.
Designed with an anti-slip textured backing, these placements will remain securely positioned so you can eat your food without worrying about possible accidents.
Impressively, these placemats are suitable for the dishwasher but they can also be hand washed too so you have the option to choose how they are cleaned.
Pros
Storage - the flexibility of the silicone material allows you to fold the placemats in between uses for convenient storage.
Safety - made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials you can be confident in the safety of these placemats.
Colors - there is a selection of colors available so you can choose your favorite option.
Cons
Cost - retailing within a higher price range these placemats are a slightly more expensive option which may not appeal to those on a budget.
Best Placemats For A Round Table Buying Guide
There are many different placemats available on the market, some of which are made to a higher standard than others.
Before selecting your placemats, there are several factors that we would advise you to consider.
Of course, your personal preference is likely to decide your purchase but you must also account for the size, shape, and quality of the material used to make the placements to ensure that they accommodate your needs.
The Shape
As we have mentioned, round placemats tend to be the preferred option for round tables because they aren't likely to overlap like rectangular placemats.
Consider the outer edge of your table as this will prove helpful in determining which placemats are the most viable option.
Wedge-shaped placemats are another effective as they have also been designed with the structure of a round table in mind.
As such, they feature rounded edges that align with the outer edge of the table along with short sides at the top. Because of this, there isn't a risk of them overlapping with the neighboring placemat.
If you want the placemats to blend in with the shape of the table, we would of course advise you to select those of a round shape.
If you want the placemats to contrast from the shape of the table, providing more of a stand-out element, you may wish to opt for rectangular placemats.
The Size
You will want to consider the size of the placemats. Though you tend to get standard sizes that are the most commonly opted for, you can also find smaller varieties and those that are slightly larger.
You may wish to measure your table before choosing your placemats for a greater guarantee that they are going to fit correctly.
If you have a small table, larger mats will likely overwhelm the available space. Likewise, small placemats on a large table may appear rather underwhelming.
The Quality
When considering the purchase of any product, it is super important to consider the quality. It is often the case with placemats that you don't get what you pay for.
Instead, you may end up with mats that begin to deteriorate shortly after purchase and are therefore ineffective in fulfilling their purpose.
Although placemats are often seen as a decorative addition to the table, they are also used for protective purposes, and those that lack quality aren't going to struggle to protect the surface as well.
Closely linked to the quality of the placemats is of course the durability. They should be made to last using high-quality, robust materials.
The Texture
Ideally, your placemat should be designed with an anti-slip textured backing, which as implied, will prevent the placemat from moving on the surface when you are attempting to enjoy your meal.
This will prove particularly useful if there are likely to be kids sat at the table as it will prevent accidents occurring.
The Color
Most brands offer their placemats in a variety of colors. From bright and vibrant colors to those that are more neutral and subtle you are bound to find an option that you like.
The availability of an assortment of colors allows you to select the option that suits your decor and style, and if you can’t find the exact color of your theme you're bound to find one that shares a fairly similar resemblance.
How do you set a round table using placemats?
Setting a round table with placemats isn't a challenging process; the part that requires the most thought is finding the placemats that complement the shape of your table.
Once you have managed to find the right placemats you can then proceed to dress the table placing a mat, evenly distanced at a designated spot on the table.
Of course, ensuring that you have catered to all of the individuals that you are expecting to be seated at your table.
Depending on the size of the table, you may find that the placemats sit at a closer proximity than you would like, however, if you have more space available try and leave at least 1 to 2 inches between each to achieve the desired look.
If you are going to be using rectangular placemats you can follow the same method, ensuring that there is a mat placed where you expect there to be an individual sat.
As mentioned, due to differences in shape between the table and the placemats, you should expect them to overlap.
Once your placemats are set up you can then add your cutlery and drinking glasses ensuring that the placement of each caters to the look that you had envisioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Are Round Placemats?
Round placemats typically tend to have a 15" diameter, although there are of course other sizes available.
They are often used to accompany a round, square, or rectangle table set up.
Should you leave placemats on the table?
Although it can be tempting to leave placemats on the table for decorative purposes, you should remove them after each use rather than allow them to become a permanent fixture.
This is because plastic placemats in particular tend to trap water beneath their surface. Some are also made with off-gassing chemicals and contact with the table surface can result in a chemical reaction that may alter the finish of the table's surface.
Our 7 BEST Placemats for a Round Table
These options are sure to be a hit. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
