Choosing the right placemat size is crucial to successfully adding a decorative and protective touch to your dining experience.
This leads us to the question, “What is the standard placemat size?”
Well, the answer to this question is below. As you continue reading this blog post, you’ll become familiar with the size of the placemat that suits you best.
Standard Placemat Size
Do you want to upscale your table-setting game? Then, consider placemats.
They add a little extra dash of color to an everyday dinner and elevate the formal table scale to new heights of elegance.
In addition to decoration, a placemat protects the dining table against food spills, heat damage, and watermarks.
Placemats are also used as advertising tools in some places, such as restaurants and cafes. They showcase menu specials or entertain guests with games.
Why Choose Standard Placemat Size?
Choosing the right placemat size matters if you want a well-presented dining table. Getting a standard-size placemat will enhance the visual appeal of your table setting.
Compared to other irregular sizes and styles, it often creates a harmonious and inviting dining atmosphere.
Furthermore, the correct placemat size provides ample space for comfortable eating.
You don’t have to worry about your dinnerware and glassware encroaching on your neighbor’s space. It also serves as a protective barrier between your table and dinnerware.
As noted above, the typical size provides full coverage and protects the table from stains, spills, and scratches.
Finally, the standard placemat size is versatile. It allows you to easily switch between various dining occasions and table settings, creating a cohesive, stylish presentation.
Standard Placemat Size
There is no official size for placemats; they can be made in different shapes and styles. The main aim is to decorate and protect the table.
However, the most commonly sold or accepted placemat size is 12 to 14 inches wide by 16 to 20 inches long.
There are also suggestions that placemats in 12-by-18-inch rectangles and 15-inch circles are popular worldwide.
While true, you must know that the exact placemat size you need depends on a few variables—your table size and how many people will be seated at once.
Placemats with the sizes above should be able to cover your table appropriately. Likewise, they should keep hot plates and bowls from ruining your beautiful dining table.
One goal is achieved once the plates, bowls, and silverware aren’t in contact with the table.
Standard placemat sizes, especially rectangular ones, work well.
They can cover the entire surface beneath your place setting, protecting the table from spills and scuffs and providing a lovely backdrop for your dishes.
Lastly, it offers ample space for an entire place setting to fit on top of the mat.
Common Placemat Styles and Sizes
Having seen the standard placemat size, it’s essential to be familiar with its styles.
There are rectangular, circular, square, quilted, and oval shapes. Each style has its unique benefits and drawbacks. Let’s examine them to understand better.
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Rectangular Placements
Rectangular placemats are popular worldwide.
Their shape covers the entire surface beneath and protects the table from spills. As noted above, they can also provide a lovely backdrop for your dishes.
The typical size of a rectangular placemat is 18 inches in length and 12 inches in width, but you can get larger ones, 24 inches long and 12 inches wide.
There are also hand-sewn rectangular placemats in smaller sizes, such as 17 inches long by 11 inches wide. So, consider this shape if you have a rectangular table you want to protect or decorate.
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Square
This is another excellent placemat shape that’s popular around the world.
Square placemats are suitable for smaller eating settings because they have a modern aesthetic, minimalist appeal, and sharp edges.
The standard size of a square placemat is around 13 by 13 inches. Due to their portability, square placemats are perfect for home use.
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Round
Round placemats are among the most popular articles in the market.
This style of mat lets you arrange an entire setting on it—cup, flatware, plate, and more. The typical size of a round placemat is around 12 inches or 15 inches in diameter.
This placemat style is perfect for both rectangular and oval tables. Many homes and businesses appreciate it because it accommodates complete dinnerware sets.
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Quilted placemat
You may have never heard the word “quilted” before. The style combines different shapes, such as rectangles, squares, rounds, and sometimes non-linear shapes.
The most popular quilted placemat is rectangular and measures 12 by 18 inches, while the rounded quilted placemats have a diameter of 17 inches.
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Oval Placemats
Oval placemats are not as popular as the ones listed above. But they are perfect for oval tables. The placemat can cover or fit the curved edges without overlapping.
Additionally, it helps create a cozy and harmonious atmosphere in the dining area. The typical size of an oval placemat is 13 by 19 inches.
Tips for Choosing the Best Placemat Size
Do you know how to pick the perfect placemat size? If not, you must do it.
Getting the right size will help you create a harmonious, visually appealing table setting. But before you do that, you must consider some factors.
First, you need to consider the table size and shape. Measure your dining room table to select the placemat that will provide full coverage without hanging over the edges.
Rectangular and square placemats are usually better suited for rectangular dining tables. Round placemats are best if you have round tables.
Secondly, ensure that your placemats are large enough to accommodate your dinnerware. But remember that larger dinnerware may call for oversized or custom placemats.
Also, consider the sizes based on the formality of the occasion. Standard placemats are often suitable for everyday dining.
But oversized or custom placemats will be best if you want a more elegant and sophisticated atmosphere for special events.
Finally, consider the aesthetic and style of your dining room or table setting.
Always go for sizes that align with your design preference, whether classic, traditional, modern, or minimalist.
Generally speaking, placemats are 12 by 18 inches, but oversized or custom placemats will work best for special occasions.
It’s crucial to pick a placemat that harmonizes with the room’s overall design, as the right size can enhance the dining area’s visual appeal and complete the desired look.