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Placemats are the unsung heroes of a well-set table — they protect, style, and polish every meal. Whether you’re after a minimalist Scandinavian vibe, a kid-friendly silicone mat, or something rustic and natural, the UK market has options that suit every home and budget. In this guide we spotlight standout picks from stores like Nordic Nest and Ebebek, and point you to other British retailers where you can find similar quality and style. Ready to make your table pop? Let’s dive in.
Placemats do more than catch crumbs. They frame your tableware, define zones at the dining table, and protect finishes from heat and spills. Think of them as a picture frame for your plates — small details that lift the whole composition. For busy families they hide everyday wear; for dinner hosts they’re a chance to layer textures and colours like a mood board.
Nordic Nest is renowned for clean Scandinavian lines, natural materials, and muted palettes that translate to timeless table settings. If you love simple, high-quality pieces that age well, this store’s placemats are worth a look. They offer options across materials, from woven linens to innovative silicone designs that echo Nordic minimalism.
The Himla Bistro placemat in the 14 by 18.5-inch size comes as a two-pack and brings a soft, woven texture to everyday dining. Perfect for casual breakfasts or a pared-back dinner, it absorbs small spills and provides a soft landing for plates and glassware. Its rectangular footprint works especially well on narrow tables and breakfast bars.
Lind DNA’s Nupo range is clever design at work: durable, soft-touch surfaces made from recycled leather and other long-lasting materials. The Curve and Square sizes cater to different table setups — small curve pieces are great under a bowl or coffee set, while larger square mats serve as an understated base for a full place setting. They wipe clean easily and resist staining.
If you like organic textures, the Dixie Ella round placemat, about 15 inches across, brings a nature-inspired feel to the table. Its circular shape pairs especially well with round plates and softens angular table edges. This style is ideal for layered settings where placemats act as a neutral anchor beneath patterned chargers or dinnerware.
Ebebek focuses on family life and child-centric products, and their tableware choices reflect that practicality. Expect items that are easy to clean, bright enough to engage little ones, and made with safe, durable materials. For parents who want both function and charm, Ebebek’s placemats and accessories are a strong choice.
Ebebek stocks items like the Matchstick Monkey anti-slip bowl, which pairs well with child-friendly placemats and mats. Designed to stay put on highchairs and kitchen tables, these products minimise mess and withstand daily use. If you’re setting a dedicated kids’ place at the table, look for anti-slip bases and durable, BPA-free materials.
The UK high street and online retailers stock a wide range of placemats, from budget-friendly basics to designer pieces. Here are some reliable destinations that match the styles offered by Nordic Nest and Ebebek, along with what they’re best known for.
John Lewis blends classic homeware with dependable quality and offers linen, cotton, and silicone options. It’s a great place to browse coordinating table linens and napkins to build a cohesive look. Their mid-range pricing and seasonal collections make it easy to refresh your table without breaking the bank.
Dunelm is a go-to for affordable placemats in a broad palette and array of materials. From PVC woven mats that wipe clean to cotton sets with bold prints, Dunelm is ideal for families and renters who want stylish options without commitment. They frequently run multi-buy deals for setting up several places at once.
The Range stocks trend-led placemats and natural textured items that mirror current home styling trends. If you’re after braided, rattan-style, or tropical prints, this store often has seasonal pieces that fit the brief. It’s a good spot to scout for statement mats to anchor a themed tablescape.
If you prefer bespoke or designer-made placemats, Heal’s and independent UK studios offer premium linen, artisanal weaving, and limited-edition pieces. These are ideal for investment pieces that become family heirlooms, or if you want to match a carefully curated interior scheme.
Material choice determines looks, longevity, and maintenance. Below are common placemat materials, with pros and cons to help you narrow down the best option for your home.
Linen and cotton placemats breathe and soften with use, offering a relaxed yet refined look. They’re great for formal dining and weekend brunches but tend to require more care — think gentle washes and quick ironing if you want them crisp. Linen’s natural creases add character, which many people love.
For busy households, silicone and PVC mats are lifesavers. They resist stains, can be wiped down or rinsed, and often have anti-slip backs. Silicone is heat-resistant, so you can place a warm dish directly on it without damaging the surface — handy for family meal prep.
Cork and bamboo placemats bring a warm, organic texture to the table. They’re light, durable, and naturally water-resistant to a degree, though they may show wear over years of use. These materials pair beautifully with neutral dinnerware and wooden tables, adding a natural layer to settings.
Options like recycled leather or composite materials (seen in ranges like Lind DNA) blend durability with a contemporary aesthetic. These mats often come in subtle colours, wipe clean easily, and have a minimal environmental footprint compared with some plastic alternatives.
Picking the right size comes down to plate diameter and table shape. Standard dinner plates are often around 10 to 12 inches across, so a typical placemat should be at least 13 to 16 inches wide to provide a tidy border.
Rectangular placemats commonly measure about 14 by 18.5 inches — a size that accommodates most dinner plates and cutlery. Round placemats sit around 15 inches in diameter and work stylishly with circular plates and bowls. For extra-large chargers or festive settings, consider mats up to 18 inches across to maintain balance and proportion.
Placemats are a powerful styling tool. They can inject colour into a neutral room, add texture beneath plain dinnerware, or create contrast against a busy tablecloth. Think of them as the base layer in a fashion outfit — they set the scene for everything that sits on top.
For formal dinners, lean into linen or woven textures in muted tones and layer with chargers for depth. For casual family meals, colourful silicone or patterned cotton placemats bring energy and are realistically easy to maintain. Mixing formal and casual elements can create a relaxed elegance that invites conversation.
Rule of thumb: pair one patterned piece with one solid to avoid visual overload. If your plates are patterned, choose a textured solid mat; if your tableware is neutral, a patterned placemat can become the focal point. Don’t be afraid to experiment — contrast can be refreshing if balanced correctly.
How you care for placemats depends on the material. Machine-washable linen and cotton are easy to refresh, but expect some shrinking if washed in hot water. Vinyl and PVC mats wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. Silicone often goes in the dishwasher. Always check product labels for temperature recommendations and cleaning tips.
Before you buy, shop around. Many UK retailers offer seasonal sales, multipack discounts, and bundle pricing when you buy sets. Comparison websites and marketplace platforms can quickly show price differences across stores, letting you snag the best deal without hunting every site manually. Also keep an eye on outlet sections of major stores for last-season colours at a fraction of the price.
If sustainability matters to you, prioritise natural fibres like linen and bamboo, or look for recycled-material pieces. Certifications and clear labelling help: search for organic or sustainably sourced tags. A well-made placemat that lasts years is more eco-friendly than a cheaper item you replace frequently.
Placemats are where practicality meets personality. A well-chosen mat protects your table and gives you an instant style update — it’s a simple swap that can change the mood of the room. Whether you favour the Scandinavian restraint of Nordic Nest, the family-focused practicality of Ebebek, or the comprehensive ranges at UK high-street retailers, there’s a placemat to match your lifestyle and aesthetic.
Choosing the right placemat comes down to three things: lifestyle, material, and style. For minimalist, quality-driven options look to design-led stores; for family-proof solutions seek silicone and anti-slip materials; and for seasonal, affordable finds check out mainstream UK retailers. With a little thought about material care and size, a well-selected set of placemats can refresh your dining table instantly and reliably. Now go pick a style that feels like home — your table will thank you.
