The 12 Best Placemats of 2023

Best Overall

West Elm Cotton Canvas Placemats (Set of 2)

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The West Elm Cotton Canvas Placemats are our top pick because of their classic design that you can dress up or down. They're a versatile option that you can use for everything from daily table setting to special holiday dinners.

This set of two placemats is available in four elegant colors, so they're almost guaranteed to work with your kitchen or dining room color scheme. The placemats are machine washable, making them ideal for everyday use for households with kids or particularly messy eaters.

The design is simple yet visually engaging: A vertical seam runs down the placemat, featuring a different texture on either side that lends an unexpected and sophisticated style. Customers note that the cotton weave of these mats is durable and strong enough to withstand daily use, holding up wash after wash. The only downsides are that these placemats come in limited color options, depending on stock, and they're only available in sets of two, so you'll likely need to purchase multiple packs.

Price at time of publish: $24 for 2

_{Number: 2 placemats | Dimensions: 19 x 14 inches | Material: Cotton | Color: 4 color options}

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Home Brilliant Placemats Set of 6

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For another pretty yet practical set, consider this option from Home Brilliant. We love the elegant aesthetic that doesn't sacrifice quality; they can insulate up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than most hot plates. Plus, these thick, machine-washable placemats have the look of linen but do not wrinkle as easily.

We also like the variety of color options, so you can mix and match your favorites, stock up for holidays, or even grab the colors of your favorite team or alma mater. These placemats have a lot to offer, but they’re not spill-proof, so if you knock over a water glass, it will seep through to your table. They can also vary in size by up to 1 inch, according to the manufacturer. But we think that for regular use, protection from scratches, and a pop of color in a neutral texture, they're an excellent choice.

Price at time of publish: $22 for 6

_{Number: 6 or 4 placemats | Dimensions: 13 x 9 inches | Material: Polyester & polyester blend | Color: 16 color options}

Best Budget

Threshold Polyround Charger Placemat

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The Threshold Polyround Charger Placemat is a budget-friendly option that easily can pass for a more expensive option, thanks to the chic round design and woven texture that adds visual appeal. Made from polypropylene, a type of plastic material, they're ideal for protecting your table's surface from hot dishes and liquid spills. However, they are a bit flimsy and aren't machine washable, which is a bit of a downside if you plan to use them daily. If food spills on them, you can wipe them clean or spot clean them as needed between uses.

They come in seven colors, including neutrals, pastels, and a rich dark blue. With a 15-inch diameter, they're also the perfect size to frame a standard-sized dinner plate or to layer atop your favorite rectangular placemats.

Price at time of publish: $2 each

_{Number: 1 placemat | Dimensions: 15 x 15 inches | Material: Polypropylene | Color: 7 color options}

Best Splurge

Ames Jipi Japa Mat, Set of 6

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The Ames Jipi Japa Mat Set features a beautiful pattern and rich colors that'll pop against all kinds of surfaces. Even better, they're sustainably made of Jipijapa palm leaf fibers and handcrafted in the Andes by Colombian artisans, so rest assured that they're ethically sourced and each purchase makes a positive impact.

The gorgeous design features vibrant colors with a simple, detailed, high-quality aesthetic. While we love this authentic print, it might not blend well with all kitchen color palettes, and these placemats aren't machine washable, so they're not likely to be your next everyday set of placemats. We think that's okay, and that they're just the sort of pieces that you'll like to pull out for special occasions or when you're looking to brighten up your table.

Price at time of publish: $100 for 6

_{Number: 6 placemats | Dimensions: 14 x 12 inches | Material: Jipijapa palm fibers | Color: 5 color options}

Best Linen

Williams Sonoma Fringed Placemats

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These Williams Sonoma placemats are made from 100 percent linen and are available in a rainbow of six versatile colors. The durable weave can withstand daily use without showing signs of wear, and since they're made of linen, they'll get softer over time. We appreciate the fringed edges for an elegant yet simple look, too. It's also worth mentioning that they're machine washable, so even though they look and feel high-end, they're easy to care for.

This set is more expensive than some of our selections, but we do feel the value is there given how chic and sophisticated they are. They're the epitome of a table accessory that you can use every day, for formal occasions, and for everything in between.

Cost: $60 for 4

_{Number: 4 placemats | Dimensions: 20 x 14 inches | Material: Linen | Color: 6 color options}

Best Cork

Etsy Portugal Cork Table Mats Placemats - Natural Tan

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These Portugal Cork placemats, available from Etsy shop BluejayBarnShop, are an eco-friendly showstopper. The rich color looks so striking against many surfaces, including glass and both dark and light wood. Cork is ideal for use on surfaces because it's heat- and water-resistant, so this option serves a dual purpose as a table protector and a beautiful placemat.

Now, they're not machine washable due to the cork material, but you can wipe them clean as needed. Also, since the placemats are handmade, the exact pattern may vary—we think that's part of the appeal, but understand that it might not be for everyone. And note that purchasing from an independent shop means availability may be limited. All in all, we still think these are a great choice for a cork placemat.

Price at time of publish: $31 for 2

_{Number: Varies | Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.75 inches | Material: Natural cork | Color: 1 color option}

Best for Kids

Munchkin Spotless Silicone Placemats

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If you have young kids, or you're prone to spills (no judgment!), the Munchkin Spotless Silicone Placemat set could be a game changer. Each placemat has a slightly raised edge, which can help corral spilled soup and crumbs, making it an excellent option for keeping messes contained. They're also fashioned with a grip bottom to help them stick to your table, countertop, or high chair's surface. The mats are easy to clean by hand, or you can pop them in the dishwasher for a thorough wash in between uses. You can also roll them up for easy storage or transport, too.

At about 11 inches long and 15 inches wide, they're a kid-friendly size, but they might seem small compared to standard placemats. The other potential downside we see is that the color options are pretty limited, so if you're looking to match a certain decor style, you might not find that here—but there are nice, bright choices that kids will love.

Price at time of publish: $10 for 2

_{Number: 2 placemats | Dimensions: 11.13 x 15 inches | Material: Silicone | Color: 2 color combinations}

Best Disposable

Ivy Bronx Gargano Reversible 16.25" Paper Disposable Placemats

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This set of Ivy Bronx disposable placements is designed for single use, which means it's a convenient option for entertaining purposes. Made from paper with a thickness of 0.25 millimeters—or roughly that of cardstock—they come in a pack of 24, so you can grab what you need as you go.

We appreciate that their design is reversible, so you can create color-coordinating yet slightly differentiated place settings, or simply switch it up when the mood strikes. Though, note that the color choices (six in total) are rich and bold. If you're after a neutral set, your only choice with this design is black and white. However, if you're looking for something bright and cheery, this option is worth a look.

Price at time of publish: $19 for 24

_{Number: 24 disposable placemats | Dimensions: 16.25 x 12 inches | Material: Paper | Color: 6 color options}

Best Outdoor

Chilewich Bamboo Indoor/Outdoor Placemats

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Use these Chilewich placemats from Pottery Barn at your next outdoor party. They boast a chic aesthetic that can come inside with you when the evening cools off. Made of Chilewiche's TerraStrand, they look like a neutral bamboo-like material, but they're technically vinyl yarns comprised of 25 percent vegetable content. They're also reversible, so a quick smudge on one side can be dabbed clean and turned over until guests leave and you can properly tend to it. (It's important to note that you'll want to spot clean or wipe them, as opposed to putting them in the wash).

This particular style is available in three colors, though Pottery Barn carries an array of other Chilewich placemat designs, too. While there is much to appreciate—especially the brand's commitment to sustainability—they are a pricier option than others on this list. They can be purchased as singles or in sets of four, although each placemat is the same price either way.

Price at time of publish: $17 each

_{Number: 1 placemat | Dimensions: 19 x 14 inches | Material: TerraStrand yarns | Color: 3 color options}

Best for Wood Tables

Meema Upcycled Denim Cotton Placemats

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"Thanks, it has pockets!" is no longer a response limited to dress compliments. These charming placemats will bring the classic look of denim to your wood dining table, and some are even complete with small built-in pockets. We love the practical shape and size (19 by 14 inches), and the fact that the pocket is perfect for tucking silverware into place. If pockets are place-setting goals for you, be sure to pick up the gray or striped designs, as those are the two that feature them—they also have a more lightweight weave. If you're not into the pocket look, opt for the beige or darker denim versions, which feature a thicker weave.

Since they're cotton, you can count on them being soft, durable, and machine washable, too. The denim material is constructed with 80 percent upcycled cotton from the Guatemalan textile industry, and they're made with sustainability in mind.

Price at time of publish: $28 for 4

_{Number: 4 placemat | Dimensions: 19 x 14 inches | Material: Upcycled denim cotton, cotton | Color: 4 color options}

Best Woven

World Market Round Natural Fiber Placemat Set Of 4

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If you love the versatility and style of woven baskets, then you may want to sit down for this one. These round placemats from World Market bring a classically chic woven design to your tabletop. Even better, the thick water hyacinth weave offers an eye-catching yet neutral texture, and it's a sustainable material, too. We think it looks just as good with a low-key tablescape as it does spruced up for more formal occasions—you can even use it both indoors and out.

The round 15-inch diameter makes it practical for use with plates or serving dishes, or you can position it at the center of your table for an added layer to your centerpiece. Note that they're spot clean only, and since they're handwoven from a natural fiber, you may notice some variations in coloring.

Price at time of publish: $24 for 4

_{Number: 4 placemats | Dimensions: 15 x 15 inches | Material: Water hyacinth | Color: 1 color option}