We conducted hours of research to round up the best placemats, evaluating each model on design, material, durability, and wash type. Our best overall pick is the West Elm Cotton Canvas Placemats (Set of 2), which features a quality weave construction, simple yet eye-catching design, and is machine washable for easy cleanup. Here are the best placemats to suit every tablescape. 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 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. Though, 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 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 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 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 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 At about 15 inches long and 11 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 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 This particular style is available in two 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 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 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 While you might be tempted to treat them delicately, they’re actually quite durable and even machine washable. They’re sold in pairs, so it’s easy to build a set in matching or complimentary colors (there are four shades to choose from: black, off-white, red, and green). As versatile as they are, their aesthetic might not feel quite right in all kitchen styles, so whether they’ll resonate with you is a matter of decor preference. Price at time of publish: $28 for 2 “Washable, heavier placemats like vinyl are best for outdoor use,” says Pam Clyde, professional organizer and owner of BritLin Cleaning in Round Rock, Texas. “Placemats that are woven, braided, pleated, or have a stitched design look great but will not fare well for daily use because crumbs and liquids will get stuck in all the nooks and crannies, making it difficult to care for them,” she says. If durability and easy cleaning is a high priority for you, consider our “Best Overall, Runner-Up” pick, the Home Brilliant Placemats.
Design
You can choose from plain colors or patterns and between square, circular, and oval options. Go with your taste preferences and what looks best with your dining table’s size and shape. Clyde’s recommendation is to take a look at your room from a distance and see which accent colors are displayed or needed. Choose your placemats from there. “Generally speaking, a room needs about four different colors or shades to make it look its best,” Clyde says. When in doubt, a neutral material (like our “Best Cork” pick, the Portugal Cork Table Mats Placemats or our “Best Woven” pick, the Round Natural Fiber Placemat Set from World Market) can be a great choice.
Wash Type
If you have a washing machine, you may prefer an option that you can throw in the machine over one that requires cleaning with a damp cloth. Think about what’s easiest for you when it comes to cleaning, along with how often you’ll need to wipe down the placemats and who is using them. If you have kids or regularly have young visitors, you might even consider the Munchkin Silicone Placemat, which can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Madeleine Burry. She has been writing product reviews for The Spruce since 2019. For this roundup, she researched dozens of placemats at many online shopping destinations and carefully evaluated each model’s materials, design, and wash type. She included options that meet a variety of budgets and design needs, including affordable picks as well as splurges and placemats made from cork, fabric, and plastic. Additional input was given by Pam Clyde, professional organizer and owner of BritLin Cleaning in Round Rock, Texas. Dena Ogden, a commerce writer at The Spruce, updated this piece and contributed additional research. She’s been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022, specializing in appliances, cleaning and organizational topics.
