Finding the perfect placemat size for your table can be a puzzling endeavor. While standard rectangular and round placemat dimensions exist, alternative shapes and factors like table size, place settings, and personal preference impact ideal proportions. Read on as we decode placemat sizing once and for all!
What is The Standard Placemat Size?
Dimensions of Common Rectangle and Round Placemats
If you’ve shopped for placemats before, you’ve likely encountered the most popular sizes multiple times:
- 12 by 18 inches for rectangular placemats
- 15 inches in diameter for round placemats
These provide ample coverage for a standard table setting consisting of a dinner plate, side dishes, bread plate, water glass, wine glass, napkin, and utensils. The 12 by 18 inch rectangle or 15 inch round mat leaves some overhang around these elements without excessive material draping over table edges.
Reasons These Sizes Are So Popular
It’s no coincidence that the 12 x 18 rectangle and 15 inch diameter circle have emerged as placemat frontrunners. These dimensions strike the right balance between coverage area and material volume.
Too small, and placemats won’t fully protect and showcase tablescapes. Too large, and they drape unnecessarily adding visual clutter. The typical sizes provide adequate real estate for most place settings without veering into oversized territory.
These middle-of-the-road measurements also align with common table sizes like 36 inches round or 60 by 36 inch rectangular. This allows placemats to fill table surfaces appropriately without gaping negative space or cascading excessively beyond table edges.
Factors Influencing Ideal Placemat Size
While popular placemat sizes suit many situations, the optimum dimensions for your table depend on several elements:
Table Size
Larger tables demand bigger placemats to maintain pleasing proportions. A 60-inch round table looks best with an 18-20 inch diameter placemat. Conversely, a small bistro table needs a smaller mat to avoid dwarfing the compact surface.
Consider your table’s shape and dimensions relative to standard placemat sizes. Scale up or down accordingly to complement your proportions.
Number of Place Settings
Are you dressing your table for two, six, or twelve? Placemat size should increase with guest count to allow adequate room for each place setting. For example, while a 12 x 18 inch placemat suits one to two guests, a large holiday gathering may require 16 x 20 inches.
When hosting bigger groups, also consider if large platters or bowls will sit on the placemat for passed appetizers, rolls, or served sides. Size up to fit these serving pieces.
Dishware and Serving Piece Dimensions
Speaking of dishes, the actual dinnerware dimensions also impact ideal placemat size. Larger plates, wide bowl shapes, and oversized glasses demand bigger mats to contain these substantial table elements.
Conduct an inventory of the dinnerware dimensions along with typical serving pieces used for meals. This informs minimum surface area requirements.
Personal Preference
Some enjoy placemats sized precisely to dinnerware while others favor lots of “breathing room” around plates or a dramatic overhang. It’s perfectly acceptable to size up or down a few inches to suit your aesthetic vision!
Just keep practical considerations like dishes sliding around or guest elbow space in mind if opting for non-standard proportions.
Taking Proper Placemat Size Measurements
To determine the “just right” goldilocks placemat size for your table, accurately measuring is key. Here’s how to assess:
Use a Current Placemat as Guide
Lay an existing placemat (or template like a magazine page if you don’t have one) on the set table. Top with dishes, glassware, decor etc to mimic a full place setting.
Visually analyze if elements feel cramped or if excess material waterfalls onto laps or table edges. This allows you to gauge what size works best.
Consider All Table Elements
When styling your test place setting, don’t forget to incorporate every item guests would use including chargers, bread plates, butter knives, and condiments. You want to account for the full spatial footprint.
For multipurpose tables, model a setting for the most elaborate meal served. It’s easier size up with overhang than cram in all components on an undersized mat.
Leave Room for Serving Dishes and Elbows
Ensure your placemat size also leaves breathing room around plates for dishes brought to the table and comfortable arm positioning while eating.
If using the placemats for served platters or passed appetizers, measure these footprints too. Remember the mats need to accommodate more than just place setting items.
Mark Measurements
Once you’ve assessed fit visually and physically, bust out a measuring tape! Carefully measure the dimensions of the placemat or template that best accommodates all your tabletop elements with ideal overhang. Make note of these numbers to reference when shopping.
Tips for Finding The Right Size
Armed with your custom table measurements, you’re ready to seek out placemats scaled to suit your needs. Use these tips to zero in on well-proportioned options:
Shop With Your Dimensions
Search for placemats with dimensions aligning closely to those you measured. This immediately narrows the playing field to more probability fits. Input your numbers into product filters if available.
Consider Shape
If you prefer rectangular mats but rounded tables, consider oval or ellipse placemat shapes to seamlessly fit the contours.
Likewise, tailor placemat style to table form for best proportions. A rectangular table may look awkward with round mats gaping at the corners.
Material Allowances
Pay attention to placemat materials, as some have more “give” than others. Vinyl, linen, and stretchy woven fabrics likely need a bit more overhang room than flatweaves.
On the other hand, rigid materials like rattan, metal, or wood placemats won’t flex to account for overhang. Size these right up to your measured template.
Buy One, Try Before Investing
When in doubt, purchase just one placemat matching your size needs to test drive before fully setting your table. Ensure it’s a winner before committing to half a dozen!
With mindful measurement, strategic shopping, and trial runs with current placemats, identifying that “just right” size for your tabletop setup is totally achievable. No more puzzles or struggles getting all your dishes to fit!
Properly proportioned placemats pull tables together visually while providing practical protection for surfaces. Follow our handy tips to form both beautiful and functional foundations for picture-perfect place settings.
The thickness of the placemat also plays a role in determining its size. Thicker mats may require a larger table to accommodate them, as they add height to the table setting. For example, a thick quilted placemat may measure 14 inches by 18 inches, but due to its thickness, it may need a table with a height of at least 30 inches to avoid overcrowding.
The material used to make the placemat can also affect its size. Thicker materials like wool or faux fur may require more space to spread out comfortably, whereas thinner materials like linen or cotton can be more compact. In this case, thinner placemats may measure 12 inches by 18 inches, while thicker ones may be closer to 14 inches by 18 inches.
The weight of the items placed on the placemat can also impact its size. For example, if the placemat is being used to serve heavy dishes like steaks or roasts, it may require a larger size to accommodate the food and prevent it from sliding off the mat. In this case, a placemat measuring 14 inches by 20 inches may be necessary to ensure the food stays put and doesn’t spill onto the table.
The style and design of the placemat can also affect its size. For example, a placemat with a border or embellishments may require additional space to showcase the design, whereas a simpler design may be more compact. In this case, a placemat measuring 12 inches by 18 inches with a border may require an additional 1-2 inches on each side, bringing the total width to 15-16 inches.
The location of the table also plays a role in determining the size of the placemat. For example, a table located in a high-traffic area may require a larger placemat to prevent wear and tear from foot traffic. In this case, a placemat measuring 15 inches by 20 inches may be necessary to provide ample protection for the table.
The type of table being used can also impact the size of the placemat. For example, a table with a unique shape, such as a round or oval table, may require a placemat with a corresponding shape to fit properly. In this case, a round placemat measuring 18-20 inches diameter would suit a 60 inch diameter oval table better than a standard 12 x 18 inch rectangular mat.
