Details on Standard Placemat Sizes
When setting a table for a meal, most people grab placemats without much thought about their size. But understanding standard placemat dimensions can ensure you select ones that properly fit your dishes, table shape, and decor theme.
Placemats serve the utilitarian purpose of protecting tables from spills and scratches. They also allow creativity in showcasing styles matching dishes, seasons, or special moments. Knowing typical placemat measurements helps pick suitable sizes for these functions.
Typical Placemat Length and Width
The most common rectangular placemat size ranges between 14 to 16 inches long and 12 to 14 inches wide. This allows standard dinner plates, bowls, and other dishware to fit comfortably without sliding around.
Lengths can extend up to 18 inches for very large or elongated plates. Widths over 14 inches wide also work well depending on table size and shape preferences. In general, a standard placemat should be at least 2 inches wider and longer than the plate or bowl that will be resting on top.
Measuring Placemats for Proper Fit
When browsing placemat options, use a ruler or measuring tape to find ones best suited for your dishes:
- Measure dinner plates across the widest point to determine minimum placemat length.
- Check bowl diameters at the rim to gauge needed width.
- Add 1-2 extra inches to allow comfortable overhang space for ease of use.
Careful placemat measurements ensure your dishes have adequate coverage and your table has protective padding all around plate and glass bottoms.
Typical Placemat Thickness and Shape
Most standard placemat materials like vinyl, felt, or plastic range between 0.1 to 0.5 inches thick. Thickness depends on the rigidity and density of the material being used. Heavier, more cushioned placemats are thicker to provide ample protection and durability.
The dominant placemat shape by far is rectangular. But rounds, squares, and runners suit certain table shapes better. Standard placemat sizes in these less common forms include:
- Round: 15 to 18 inches diameter
- Square: 12 x 12 inches
- Runners: 12+ inches wide
Placemat Size Considerations
Beyond getting accurate measurements of placemats , the ideal size depends on several factors:
Table Size and Layout
Larger banquet tables suit bigger 18 x 14 inch placemats, while bistro sets do better with more compact 12 x 12 inch mats. The shape of your table also impacts size selection. Round tables look best with similar rounded placemat shapes. Square tables lend themselves to tailored square sized mats.
Plate and Dishware Dimensions
One of the main size factors for placemats is adequately covering the dinnerware that will be on top. If you regularly host dinner parties with oversized platters or bowls, get larger rectangular placemats in the 16 to 18 inch size range.
Decor Style and Colors
Placemats pull together a cohesive table decor look and theme. If pursuing bold colors or lots of pattern variety, get a few different placemat sizes to mix and match. Using sized placemats to designate seating arrangements also works for more formal place settings.
Budget and Durability
Thicker, cushioned placemat materials like Chilewich tend to cost more but also last longer with daily use. If on a tight budget, vinyl and plastic let you get more bang for your buck. Just be diligent about not dragging flatware across the surface which can scratch more easily.
Specialized Placemat Size Tips
While following general size guidelines, also tailor dimensions if using placemats in specific situations:
DIY and Custom Placemats
Making your own personalized placemats lets you cut to exact sizes needed. Some DIY size suggestions include:
- Rectangular fabrics can be 12 to 16 inches long by 12 to 14 inches wide
- Pre-made placemat patterns tend to be 14 x 18 inches
- Round placemat patterns range from 15 to 18 inches diameter
Measure existing dishes first before cutting custom fabric dimensions for the best size accuracy.
Circular Placemat Arrangements
Getting circular placemats to properly fit round tables takes a bit more measuring finesse. Some tips include:
- Calculate at least 24 inches diameter for per person to prevent elbow bumping
- Alternate large and small diameter mats for visual interest
- Allow a couple inches between place settings for easier dish and glass maneuvering
Outdoor Placemat Sizing
Outdoor dining setups benefit from slightly oversized placemats in case of shifting dishes on uneven patio table surfaces:
- Add 2-3 inches length and width beyond plates
- Get rectangular placemats at least 16 x 14 inches
- Choose thicker materials like Chilewich or poly laminates for weather resistance
Popular Placemat Brand Dimensions
To simplify size selection, many top placemat manufacturers provide detailed dimension specifications to help find ones to properly fit your existing plates and table.
Some examples include:
- Chilewich - mainly 14 x 18 inches or 15 inch rounds
- Artland - selections from 12 x 15 inches up to 18 x 14 inches
- Andover Mills - lots of polyester fabric options in 14 x 18 inches
- PrimeHome - bamboo, jute, poly mixes from 12 x 15 to 18 x 13 inches
Browse color and material choices knowing size ranges available. This also helps mix, match, and properly pair placemat dimensions.
FAQs on Standard Placemat Sizes
Some common consumer questions around optimal placemat sizes include:
Do placemat sizes need to match?
Having a consistent size that fits your plates across all placemats creates a clean uniform look. But mixing up materials, shapes, and dimensions also adds character and dimension.
What size should rectangle placemats be?
The most versatile all-purpose rectangular size is a standard 14 x 16 inches. Many dish sets and table shapes pair well with this middle-ground placemat dimensions.
Can you use oversized placemats on a small table?
Oversized placemats can dwarf smaller cafe or bistro tables. But small 12-14 inch mat options help maximize usable space on petite tabletops.
Should fabric placemat sizes differ from vinyl placemats?
Not necessarily - 14 x 18 inches tends to suit both materials well. The thicker vinyl might be slightly stiffer, but same dimensions still work across fabric and vinyl.
Hopefully this overview gives you a better sense of standard placemat sizes to properly anchor your dinnerware while sprucing up table decor.
The most versatile dimensions for rectangles is 14-16 inches by 12-14 inches. But don't be afraid to deviate based on your plates, tablescape theme, and shape preferences. Properly measuring your table and existing dishware helps tailor placemat sizes to their supporting functionality.