Preface

Placemats are indispensable for most families, they can protect the table from scratches, stains, and heat. However, there are so many material types of table mats on the market, what material is best for placemats? This article will detail different placemat materials to help you choose the best placemat material.

7 Best fabric for placemats

Fabric placemats are woven from natural fibers, such as cotton and linen. they are a classic choice for most people. Fabric table placemats are soft and have excellent water absorption, protecting the table from the soup. The fabric printed placemats have various exquisite patterns, adding a unique personality to the dining table.

Polyester placemats

Polyester placemats are used in daily dining occasions such as homes and restaurants, especially in occasions that need to be replaced frequently.

Advantages: Polyester placemat are common tableware in daily life. They are wear resistant and easy to clean. Polyester placemats are more sun resistant and are not easily damage when exposed to the sun. Most polyester table mats support machine washing, making cleaning more efficient.

Disadvantages: Polyester fabric placemats have poor waterproof effects, and it is difficult to prevent soup from seeping into the placemat interior. At the same time, polyester placemats have poor dyeability and limit color choices. Moreover, polyester placemats have poor melting resistance and keep away high temperature fire sources.

Cotton placemats

Cotton tablemats are used for daily family dining, especially on occasions that pursue a warm atmosphere.

Advantages: Cotton is a natural and healthy fabric, harmless to humans, and nice to people with allergies. Cotton placemats have good moisture absorption and breathability. In addition, washable cotton placemats are convenient and quick.

Disadvantages: Cotton table mats wrinkle easily and need to be ironed regularly. Cotton absorbs stains easily and is difficult to clean thoroughly, and thick cotton placemats do not dry quickly. Long-term use or frequent washing will affect its durability and may cause fading.

Linen placemats

Linen placemats are suitable for summer and some one pursue a natural and rustic style.

Advantages: Linen is a natural material, and it has good antibacterial. Linen placemats have a long time life and have good durability. At the same time, linen table mats can also be machine washed, it is convenient and quick.

Disadvantages: The price of linen table placemats is relatively high. Due to the special nature of its material, long-term use and frequent washing may also cause linen place mats deformation, affecting its service life and aesthetics.

Quilted placemats

Quilted fabric placemats may have a unique woven beauty and are suitable for occasions with strong decorative features.

Advantages: Quilted placemats are a household item that combines quilting technology with fabric placemats. One or more lines are added to the edges of the placemats, these lines  have a decorative effect and also prevent edge wear. In addition, quilted table mats also use non-slip materials at the bottom to improve slip performance. This is especially important for placemats that need to be washed frequently.

Disadvantages: Quilted cotton placemats prices are higher due to the additional quilting process. And quilted place mats can not use in certain situations, for example, high temperature environments may cause placemats to deform, and humid environments may affect their anti slip performance.

Velvet placemat

Advantages: Velvet placemats are soft and smooth, and they can bring a pleasant touch experience. velvet has good warmth performance, using velvet table mats in winter can provide insulation for food, making the dining experience comfortable.

Disadvantages: Velvet place mats are easy to absorb stains of their special structure, and these stains are difficult to remove. If washed many times, it will deform, affecting the appearance and service life. Moreover, velvet placemats are more expensive.

Lace placemats

Advantages: Lace placemats have kinds of colors and styles, adding an elegant atmosphere to the dining table. The pattern of lace fabric can form a good match with other tableware, enhancing the overall beauty. Lace table mats have diverse styles to meet different aesthetics.

Disadvantages: Lace placemats are more expensive. they are easy to absorb stains,  fragile, and not easy to clean.

Denim placemats

Advantages: Denim fabric has a unique texture and color, and it enhances the overall beauty of the dining table. Denim placemats are durable and can withstand machine washing in daily use. Some denim placemats are also designed with additional features, such as pockets for convenient tableware storage.

Disadvantages: Newly purchased denim placemats may have some odor. Compared with some other materials, denim placemats may have weaker water absorption, so when encountering large amounts of liquid, it will penetrate the tabletop.

Plastic placemats

Plastic table mats are common since they are durable and easy to clean, they can prevent oil stains from penetrating the table. However, the plastic Placemat material has a poor texture, and easily appears scratched after long time of use. PP, PVC, and other materials placemats are waterproof, oilproof, and suitable for family or restaurant use.

PP placemat

Advantages: PP is a green and wear resistance material. PP placemats are light, not easy to deform, and easy to clean. In addition, PP placemats have good waterproof and heat insulation properties, and can print various patterns and colors with rich and diverse styles. 

Disadvantages: Although PP table mats can be bent, they may leave creases that cannot be smoothed after folding, affecting the appearance and use effect, so they also require storage space. Compared with some traditional material placemats, PP placemats are relatively expensive, and their anti-slip effect is not very good.

PVC placemats

Advantages: PVC placemats are wear and scratch resistant. It is not easy to deform and relatively cheap. PVC table mats also have good elasticity and anti-slip properties, and are easy to clean. Placemats high temperature resistant material of pvc to 300°f

Disadvantages: Compared with luxury leather materials, PVC placemats texture may be ordinary, and may contain harmful substances. After long-term use, PVC placemats may age and turn yellow, and are also prone to static electricity and dust absorption.

PU leather

Advantages: PU leather has good waterproof and oil proof properties, its appearance are texture, and the price is more affordable. PU leather placemats are durable and not easy to break.

Disadvantages: PU placemats have relatively poor air permeability, long term use may cause moisture on the desktop, and may also deform in high temperature environments. PU leather has a strong sense of plastic, affects the user experience.

Vinyl placemats

Advantages: Vinyl placemats are waterproof, high temperature resistant, and easy to clean, they can be bent freely according to needs. Vinyl placemat material can imitate various textures, making the dining table more beautiful. In addition, vinyl table mats are affordable, they are suitable for use in homes, restaurants, and other places.

Disadvantages: Vinyl placemats will have some stubborn stains difficult to remove. Vinyl placemats are not eco friendly and do not easy to degrade, adding pressure on the environment. The vinyl placemat material temperature range should not exceed 55°C, otherwise it will affect its life.

Wooden placemats

Wooden table mats can provide a natural decorative effect. they are eco friendly. Wooden placemats are durable, also more susceptible to scratches, and need to be waxed or oiled regularly. Placemats made of rubber wood, cork, rattan, and other materials are more natural, and suitable for occasions that pursue a natural atmosphere.

Rubberwood placemats

Advantages: Rubber wood is a common material for table mats, it is high durability and anti slip. Rubberwood placemats are lighter, easy to clean, and have good anti fouling properties. In addition, the price of rubber wood table mats is relatively low, suitable for mass consumption.

Disadvantages: Rubberwood table mats are easy to deform at high temperatures and have a relatively short service life. And they cannot be folded, which requires storage space.

Cork Placemat

Advantages: Cork material is a sustainable material that can be directly in contact with food. Cork place mats do not contain harmful substances and are easy to clean. At the same time, Cork placemats also have good anti-slip and heat insulation properties. Also, its waterproof performance can protect the table from water stains and keep the table dry. 

Disadvantages: The material of cork table mats is relatively soft, so may cause deformities, high temperature, and sharp objects may also damage them. Cork placemats are difficult to maintain, and some stubborn stains may be difficult to remove. This will affect the appearance and service life of the placemat. And it is easy to mold in a humid environment.

Rattan placemat

Advantages: Rattan is made from nature, is non-toxic, and meets environmental protection requirements. Rattan placemats can add decorative effects to the dining table with their natural texture. Moreover, rattan table mats surface has certain friction and good heat insulation performance, is not easy to stain with food residues, very convenient to clean. 

Disadvantages: Rattan material has certain hygroscopicity and is easy to get damp and moldy. Compared with some soft placemat materials, rattan placemat has a higher hardness. When placing some fragile or deformable tableware, it is easy to damage. Since rattan table mat is woven from natural rattan, the process is relatively complicated, so their price is relatively high.

Paper placemats

Paper placemats are common for disposable occasions, such as fast food restaurants, take out, etc.

Advantages: Paper placemats bring convenience to fas paced modern life with their lightness and disposable characteristics. Paper table mats tend to improve in design and colorful, and can quickly create a fresh or lively dining atmosphere on different occasions.

Disadvantages: Paper table mat have limited durability, can not be used twice, and are not environmentally friendly.

Bamboo placemats

Bamboo placemats are suitable for family, outdoor picnics, and restaurants, these occasions  pursue a natural style.

Advantages: Bamboo is a natural material with good anti slip properties and is easy to clean, bamboo table mats are high temperature resistance, and suitable for different materials tables. 

Disadvantages: Bamboo table mats are expensive than others, and it has weak water absorption. Moreover, bamboo table mats are easily damaged and need to be replaced regularly. 

Other popular placemats

Silicone placemats

Silicone placemats are suitable for homes, restaurants, offices, etc, these occasions require anti slip and heat resistance, like families with children.

Advantages: Silicone is an eco friendly material with high temperature and corrosion resistance. Silicone placemats also have good anti slip performance, bright colors, and various patterns. In addition, it also has good waterproof performance, can easily resist oil stains, and can be direct water washing.

Disadvantages: Silicone table mats may still with food residues after long term use. Frequent exposure to high temperature and humid environment may cause deform, and the price is high.

Rubber placemats

Rubber placemats are fit for daily family meals, restaurants, and other occasions that require anti slip.

Advantages: Natural rubber is a healthy material with good elasticity and soft, natural rubber table mats can prevent table scratches. More, rubber placemats have a high shock absorption effect, and reduce the fatigue of hands and wrists.

Disadvantages: Rubber table mats are difficult to clean. At the same time, when exposed to sunlight, it will color fading.

Diatom mud Placemat

Diatom mud placemats are suitable for kitchens, restaurants, tea rooms and other places where quick water absorption and heat insulation are required.

Advantages: Diatom mud has excellent water absorption performance, and also has antibacterial and mildew-proof effects, keeping the placemats hygienic. The surface of diatom mud placemats is smooth and not easy to be contaminated with oil and food residues. After use, just rinse with clean water or wipe gently to restore it to clean. 

Disadvantages: Diatom mud placemats are easy to absorb dust. Compared with traditional placemat materials, diatom mud placemats are more expensive. This is mainly due to the scarcity of diatom mud materials and the complex production process. In extreme environments (such as too dry or humid), diatom mud placemats may deform.

Seagrass placemats

Seagrass placemats are suitable for restaurants, cafes, family tables, etc. with strong decorative features, adding a natural atmosphere.

Advantages: Seagrass is a tough aquatic plant that is harmless. Its non-porous fibers give seagrass placemats good structural integrity and are suitable for long-term use. The unique texture and natural style can add to the decorative effect of the dining table. Seagrass table mats surface is smooth and not easily stained.

Disadvantages: Seagrass placemats are moisture and mold if placed in a humid environment for a long time. Since the seagrass placemats woven process is complex and the material cost is high, their price is high. The color variety is relatively small, may not meet the needs of some consumers for color diversity.

Natural leather placemats

Natural leather placemats are suitable for restaurants, hotels, and formal family dining, It can make the environment more high grade.

Advantages: Cowhide is a luxurious material that is waterproof and wear resistant. Leather table mats also have good elasticity, adding a sense of luxury to the table. 

Disadvantages: Natural leather table mats are more expensive, it also require regular maintenance to avoid cracking.

How to choose placemat? 

What is the best material for placemats?

What Material is Best for Placemats? When choosing the material for a placemat, we first consider: what material placemat will protect a table from scratches and other damages? The following are some common placemat materials suggestions for your reference.

If you focus on durability and easy cleaning, you can choose a plastic or silicone placemat.

If you pay more attention to aesthetics and comfort, fabric and natural leather placemat is a better choice.

If you pursue environmental protection and naturalness, fabrics and bamboo placemats are a good choice.

If you need a healthy and comfortable placemat, you can choose a natural rubber or silicone placemat.

If you need a waterproof and wear resistant effect, a PVC or cowhide placemat is good for you.

If you need a high level and luxurious placemat, a cowhide placemat is a good choice.

What are the best placemats to protect wood table?

Wooden dining tables are more susceptible to scratches, when choosing placemats, the first recommendation is fabric table placemats, such as cotton, linen, and other materials. 

These material for placemats are soft and absorbent, they can protect the table well. Custom fabric placemats also have good water absorption and prevent stains from remaining on the table.

Plastic table mats are not recommended, although plastic mats can prevent water from leaking onto the tabletop, they are not breathable and will cause moisture under the tabletop, leading to problems such as wood expansion, deformation, and cracking. Therefore, for wood tables, it is not recommended to use plastic placemats.

In addition to fabrics placemat, other materials can also be used on wooden tables, such as silicone, rubber, and so on. They are the best placemats to protect wood table from heat.

What is the best placemat material for a glass table?

Glass dining tables are fragile and brittle, once impacted, they are easy to break and cause damage. Therefore, need to choose appropriate placemats. The following are several best materials to choose from.

1. Rubber table mats: Rubber placemats are soft and have a good cushioning effect. They can effectively prevent direct contact between the tabletop and plates, reduce damage.
2. Cork table mats: Cork placemats are light and soft. After use, they will increase the stability of the tabletop, and also have the effect of reducing impact and noise.
3. PVC table mats: PVC placemats have high transparency, good softness, and are more affordable. It is easy to clean and prevent scalding and oil. Moreover, it can maintain the transparency of the tabletop.

For glass tabletops, the most not recommended are hard mats, such as some low-quality plastic or hardwood mats. These materials are easy to scratch the glass tabletop during use, affecting the beauty and service life.

What are the best placemats for marble table?

The marble table has a strong smooth surface, easy to scratch or wear. When choosing a placemat, the soft material is first considered.

1. Fabric table mats: Fabric table placemats are soft and do not scratch the marble table, fabric materials such as cotton, polyester, etc. At the same time, they can also avoid scratches caused by dust and other debris. Fabric place mat can also relieve noise and vibration on the table.
2. Rubber table mats: Rubber placemats are common marble placemats, it is anti slip, shockproof, and noise reduction, very fit for home use. 
3. Silicone table mats: Silicone placemats are more and more popular in recent years. It has soft texture, anti slip and shockproof. Silicone table mats can withstand high temperature pads for bowls and plates. 

For marble tabletops, the least recommended table mat material is plastic table mats. It has obvious deficiencies in anti slip performance, durability, and protection of marble tabletops.

Summary

In summary, What material is best for placemats? when choosing a placemat, in addition to considering the material, also need to pay attention to whether it is coordinated with the table material and the overall home style. If you don’t know what material is best for placemats, contact Pace-Setter and we will give you the most suitable recommendation.