I was stumped on what placemat colors to pair with my sleek black dining table.
There are just so many options out there!
After doing some digging around, I came across these top placemat colors that will really make your black table pop.
Get this – black is actually one of the most versatile colors for a table because it works with just about any placemat hue.
You can’t go wrong with these combinations:
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White Placemats
Going with plain white placemats is always a safe choice that you can’t mess up with a black table.
There are so many versatile white placemat options to choose from whether you want a glossy high shine plastic or a matte porcelain finish.
You could even do peeled paint vintage styles for major farmhouse vibes.
Diamond or square shapes work great or you could do rounded edges for a soft touch.
Thicker square linen placemats in white are oh-so-cozy too.
Make sure to wash white placemats often so stains don’t set since they’ll really show.
For a pristine white, try using Biz or a stain remover pre-treat stick.
You can find basic white placemats anywhere from Target to World Market but I love the marbleized options from Anthropologie with swirls of white on white – they look so dreamy and textural against black.
Society6 also has tons of unique digital print designs on white that are super affordable.
The white placemats I have are a soft matte white with rounded edges that feel vintage without being fussy.
They photograph beautifully against my black enamel table and always look put together whether I’m having folks over or just eating with the fam.
I love that they match all my dishes too from my floral Fiestaware to white stoneware.
You honestly can’t mess up with plain white placemats and black – it’s such a classic combo that photographs perfectly and looks polished.
White also gives you a blank backdrop to pull colors from your meals, flowers or decor.
The contrast between white and black is striking too – it really allows each surface to stand out in sharp focus.
Whether vintage styled or modern smooth whites, you’ll love how white enhances black.
I always keep a pack of basic white placemats on hand because I know they’ll dress up my table no matter the occasion.
They make hosting or casual weeknights easy-breezy with no stress about colors clashing.
White placemats may seem like a no-brainer choice but there’s a reason the white and black combo is a design staple – it simply works every time.
For the perfect polished set-up, pair your white placemats with black charger plates underneath.
The double hit of contrast will knock your tablescape outta the park.
Float a candle in the center and you’ve got a stunning dining ensemble that photographs beautifully with minimal effort.
The white against black combo allows other elements like florals, candles or artwork to really shine through the negative space.
Gray Placemats
Gray placemats provide range from light to dark in beautiful gradients that all complement black.
For a light, bright take, go with silver gray that has hints of blue – it’s an elegant neutral that feels clean and crisp against black.
Charcoal grays bring intrigue with smoky depth while dove gray exudes calm sophistication.
Dark storm grays rock mod glamour.
Textured grays are all the rage like pebbled leather or seagrass weaves that feel so luxe.
Concrete slabs etched with botanicals take things to an artsy level.
Distressed wood grain placemats give major farmhouse appeal too with weathered character.
If you want to lean into black’s boldness, go with a deep inkwell gray that’s almost black but hits with just a touch more dimension.
It creates beautiful gradient when placed against a true black surface.
Try mixing different gray tones together like having a set of lighter slates paired with darker charcoals – the range of shades adds visual appeal.
Or go all-in monochrome with a full set of matching charcoal placemats for a very mod, graphic look.
Restoration Hardware has amazing large scale concrete resin placemats that are seriously cool works of art.
World Market has tons of stylish natural fiber placemats in chic gray floral patterns too.
You honestly can’t mess up with gray placemats on black because gray plays so nicely with other colors too.
It makes a blank canvas to highlight meals, flowers or whatever artwork you have on display.
The neutral contrast allows everything to shine through.
Gray placemats feel modern and sophisticated while providing endless options from light to dark.
They photograph beautifully against the inky black background and instantly dress up your dining setup.
Gradients of gray make the perfect backdrop for stunning spreads.
Whether monotone or mixed, textured or slick, light or dark – gray placemats will take your black table to chic new heights every time.
Red Placemats
Nothing energizes a space like a strike of red.
It catches the eye and lights up the room.
For placemats on a black table, go bold with a lush cherry or vibrant crimson that truly pops.
Tomato and fire-engine shades really amp up the drama too with high contrast flash.
Think old Hollywood glamour!
You could do red gingham for preppy picnic style.
Buffalo check in red and black oozes retro vibes perfect for autumn.
Paisley or houndstooth adds patterned flair.
Ceramic options from Pottery Barn let you mix and match solids with stripes and florals.
Red cotton rounds from Threshold fit a budget.
Washed velvet ones exude luxury.
Red screams festive for holidays but also energizes everyday meals.
It photographs gorgeously with colorful dishes too like orange Fiestaware or robin’s egg blue stoneware.
Their rectangular shape provides a sleek modern edge.
Red is bold enough to stand alone if keeping the rest of your tablescape pared back in black, white and metallics.
Or you can pull other tones from your floral centerpiece onto the table with it.
Red complements a range of dishes from lighter salads to rich braised meats.
It photographs especially well with golden roasted chickens or red wine!
Come Christmas, my red placemats are a staple paired with pine boughs, berries and candles.
Their festive pop lifts everyone’s spirits.
Orange Placemats
As a close cousin to red, orange pops just as boldly against black.
Go bright with tangerine, papaya or carnelian hues that energize any space.
For a softer take, try blush apricot or peach shades that feel vintage-y and pair especially lovely with bouquets of orange roses.
Mustard yellow placemats verge on orange and strike the perfect balance of spirited without being over-the-top.
Coral hits a sweet spot between pink and orange that photographs beautifully.
Distressed wood rounds in coral vibe major coastal grandma charm.
Whether fancying up my table for dinner parties or keeping it casual with takeout – orange placemats always lift my mood.
Against black, their high contrast really allows each piece to shine.
Come summertime, I break out my orange linens paired with mason jars of zinnias.
They set a festive al fresco tone.
Around Thanksgiving, the bright oranges look especially cozy paired with neutral wheat decor.
Their pop of color feels oh-so fall without being too on the nose.
Orange photographs especially well too against black glazed pottery or rustic wood serving boards piled with fresh citrus.
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Yellow Placemats
Sunshine yellow placemats stir up happiness with their lively radiance.
Buttery yellows warm any space while still providing enough contrast on black.
Wax printed chambrays from Garnet Hill feel breezy and vintage.
Light lemon yellow linen rounds photographed beautifully paired with my white stoneware all summer.
Their tangy pop felt so fresh.
Deeper mustard yellows feel modern and graphic against black.
Distressed wood rounds in mustard vibe serious industrial farmhouse charm.
Gold placemats verge on yellow for an aristocratic take.
Faux snakeskin ceramic ones from World Market rock major glam.
Bright canary yellow ties any room together whether it’s all white or incorporates wood tones.
Against black, it energizes the space.
No matter the undertone – sunshine yellow placemats on black set an upbeat mood worthy of only the happiest gatherings.
Their cheer perks up any assembly.
Around Easter, pair them with pastel floral arrangements and you’ve got an instant springtime scene.
Come fall, stack oranges atop instead for a seasonal twist.
Yellow photographs so well against black glazed serving pieces piled with fresh herbs or berries too.
The high contrast lets all elements stand out even more.
Green Placemats
Earthy green transports senses to verdant pastures aboard a teal placemat highway.
Dark emerald placemats ooze sophistication against the inky black.
Their rich tones look seriously posh paired with minimal white stoneware.
Lime greens feel as fresh as a key lime pie on a summer night.
Cactus jute rounds from World Market set a chill desert vibe.
Soft mint shades soothe soul and palate alike.
Distressed wood rounds stained mint photograph dreamy against amber glass bottles of ale.
Olive greens embody European elegance whether smooth ceramic or textured faux suede.
Rolled jade edges add sculpture flair.
Pistachio linens from Garnet Hill provide subtle intrigue.
Their light tones highlight all other elements while green’s calming presence relaxes guests.
Come spring, pair green placemats with seeded eucalyptus picks and you’ve got an instant zen trendsetter tablescape photographed to perfection.
Alongside black serving boards heaped with fresh herbs, green placemats set a savory stage.
Their earth tones complement hearty roasted meats just right.
Blue Placemats
Something about blue and black strikes the perfect balance of yin and yang.
Deep indigo placemats exude elegant mystery.
Lapis round jute pads inject artistic flair.
Obsidian finishes evoke timeless tradition.
Bright robin’s egg ceramics from Threshold feel as fresh as a spring walk.
Their crisp pop wakes up any space.
Teal brings an earthy splash without compromising sophistication.
Faux leather rounds in teal look serious slick against black’s cool tones.
Navy always feels polished and pulls together any nautical or evening affair with seamless grace.
Scalloped vinyl from Kohl’s strikes elegant balance.
Sky blue creates bright cheer whether matte ceramic rounds or puckered linen.
It photographs gorgeously set against charred wood serving trays.
Pink Placemats
Pretty in pink placemats sprinkle ladylike charm across any tablescape.
Hot pink rounds send an energized message that’s unapologetically playful and fun.
Give guests rose quartz scented candles to take the fiesta vibe higher.
Blush pink linens feel oh-so feminine and romantic.
Distressed wood rounds stained dusty rose photograph to perfection against stone serving boards.
Dahlia pink ceramics from Threshold feel sweet without crossing into saccharine.
Their soft pop photographs perfectly against burnt umber wood planks.
Heathered mauve rounds from Garnet Hill emit calm sophistication.
Pair them with pale eucalyptus picks for an effortlessly lovely vignette.
Pink and black colorblocked rounds stripe modern glamour.
Scalloped vinyl rounds with zigzag stripes rock retro charm too.
Come Valentine’s Day, flirty pink placemats set hearts aflutter.
Pair them with rose bouquets and heart shaped chocolates for an enchanting scene.
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Purple Placemats
Mystical purple placemats wrap any tablescape in regal splendor.
Rich aubergine rounds emanate opulence whether matte ceramic or velveteen.
Distressed wood ovals stained eggplant look seriously posh.
Lilac linens feel ethereal and float guests to dreamier pastures.
Scalloped rounds bring delicate flair.
Plum tones strike lush vibrancy without crossing over bright.
Smooth resin rounds accented with gold look fit for royalty.
Wisteria instills calm grace whether hammered pewter or textured seagrass weave.
Their floral mystique reminds that refinement needs not boast.
Lavender strikes the sweet spot between femininity and intrigue.
Distressed wood rounds in lavender photograph sumptuous set against obsidian serving boards.
Brown Placemats
Earthen brown placemats wrap any space in rustic warmth.
Chocolate brown linens feel indulgently rich.
Distressed wood rounds stained espresso photograph gorgeously against white stoneware.
Caramel rounds emit sunny cheer through subtle sophistication.
A vintage look emerges paired with palomino chargers.
Cognac tones give guests rose colored nostalgia for simpler times.
Etched rounds with botanicals set a pastoral scene.
Sand placemats verge on tan for breezy seaside sentiment on land.
Jute rounds braided with sea grass add coastal flair.
Heathered taupe linens from Garnet Hill set a tone of easy elegance whether in country manors or city lofts.
Whispers of color imply natural beauty.
Distressed leather rounds in mocha look seriously luxe.
Paired with granite serving boards, guests feel transported to Italian bistros.
Come autumn, pair brown placemats with spiced pumpkin candles and guests feel cozy nostalgia for falls past wrapped like a blanket around loved ones present.
Black and White Placemats
High contrast black and white placemats deliver graphic finesse.
Houndstooth rounds emit vintage charm whether smooth linen or textured vinyl.
Pinstripe ovals feel razor sharp against black’s inky base.
Damask rounds dressed in shades of charcoal and pearl look fit for royalty.
Stenciled acanthus details deliver artistic edge.
Scalloped checkerboard rounds bring retro cheer to the masses.
Modern loops on matte rounds rock mod flair.
Marbled rounds resemble shimmering onyx and look seriously slick.
Handpainted marbling on wood rounds deliver craftsman quality.
graphic stripes stripe modern magic whether vertical on ovals or diagonal across rectangles.
Solid black and white rounds feel boldly graphic.
Come alfresco game nights, the high contrast placemats set a sharp yet easy stage.
Guests feel welcome to kick back comfortably.
Metallic Placemats
Shimmering metallic placemats add glamour to any gathering.
Rose gold rounds send an effortlessly luxurious message whether faux snakeskin resin or hammered brass.
Scalloped foil edges amplify light.
Golden placemats feel aristocratically rich against noir tones.
24k gold vermeil rounds etched with vines look fit for European castles.
Pewter delivers steampunk edge whether smooth or textured.
Distressed wood rounds with pewter wash photograph gorgeously against mercury glass cylinder vases.
Silvery placemats feel sleekly modern whether polished stainless or hammered tin.
Beveled rounds with subtle sheen bring space age charm.
Oxidized copper rounds take on a handsome patina whether etched botanicals or smooth.
Their living finish earns appreciation over time.
Come celebrations, foil embossed rounds set an opulent if not over the top stage.
Guests feel uplifted in spirit already.
Candlelight flashes across metallic sheens setting an otherworldly aura.
Gatherings feel eternally memorable.
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Patterned Placemats
Vivid designs dazzle the eye and lift the spirit above any drear.
Aztec prints bring global adventure.
Artisans wove textiles with vanished hand skills but their vibrance remains.
Paisleys transport to faraway lands of spice and silk.
Modern marbled rounds bring such patterns state side.
Botanicals remind of nature’s myriad beauty.
Gilt edged ovals look like vintage frames around nature’s artwork.
Geometry feels mod yet classic.
Colorblocked ovals stripe a color theorist’s dream against onyx depths.
Plaids recall lands far yet lives well lived.
Herringbone vinyl looks sharp enough to survive world travel.
Come global feasts, designs transport guests without leaving home.
Flavors likewise wander to far shores then return enriched.
Marbled Placemats
Organic marbling spins nature’s intrigue.
Faux marble mimics opulence through realism.
Resin rounds etched with carrara veining look fit for emperors.
Soapstone marbling feels uniquely handcrafted.
Earthy swirls depict evolution across eras on distressed ovals.
Terrazzo evokes mid-century modernism.
Concrete rounds flecked with sea glass transport to boardwalks.
Onyx marbling resembles smokey gems.
Polished rectangles layered with ebony nuance set a galactic stage.
Granite marbling strikes earthy sophistication.
Distressed wood rounds with blended mineral washes look anciently rich.
Resin marbling feels fresh yet familiar.
Bleached rounds whorled with aqua feel like coastal discoveries.
Organic patterns surprise at every turn.
guests feel nature’s mysteries unveiled across each unique round.
Black spotlights nature’s nuanced beauty in all her varied marks.
Gatherings feel endlessly fascinated by the world beneath our feet and wonders that surround.
Wood Placemats
Earthy wood rounds out any table with down to earth charm.
Distressed oak looks perfectly lived in yet loves being part of lively company.
Hand hewn rounds spread welcome.
Beech gleams naturally without polish or pretense.
Smooth rounds photograph pristinely against white serving platters.
Bamboo feels fresh and versatile in application.
Striped rounds bring nature’s patterns without fuss.
Teak tells of faraway shores and travels beyond.
Distressed rectangles stack stories yet remain gastly inviting.
Reclaimed pallet rounds tell of lives well lived on the move.
Their resilience proves home wherever found.
Graphic planked rounds cut from felled trees feel eco aware.
Their purpose continues the natural cycle.
Top 10+ Placemat Colors Ranked for Black Tables
| Rank | Why It Works | |
|---|---|---|
| White | 10 | The ultimate neutral that pairs with any decor, dishes or occasion.
Provides the cleanest backdrop to make other elements pop. |
| Gray | 9 | Endlessly versatile from light to dark in beautiful gradients that all complement black beautifully for modern sophistication. |
| Red | 8 | Nothing energizes a space like a bold pop of red against inky black for high drama and festive flair. |
| Black and White | 7 | The graphic high contrast combo feels sleekly modern while letting other decor elements shine through the negative space. |
| Green | 6 | Earthy hues from dark emerald to mint transport guests to pastoral scenes against the inky black backdrop. |
| Blue | 5 | Navy, robin’s egg and teal shades pair beautifully with black for nautical vibes or a soothing gradient of color. |
| Yellow | 4 | Sunshine yellow uplifts any space while light tones provide sufficient contrast and pop against the dark table. |
| Orange | 3 | A close cousin to red, bright oranges energize with high contrast flashes against black for vibrant flair. |
| Purple | 2 | Regal aubergine to ethereal lilac hues wrap any space in luxurious mystique perfect for black. |
| Brown | 1 | Earthy tones from chocolate to sand feel cozily warm and rustic paired with black’s depth. |
| Gold | 9 | Shimmering metallic gold feels opulent against black’s void. |
| Pink | 8 | Pretty shades from blush to fuchsia add feminine flair to any black tablescape. |
| Silver | 7 | Sleek metallic silver delivers modern edge contrasting nicely with black. |
| Copper | 6 | Aged copper develops a handsome patina that looks great paired with black’s depth. |
| Maroon | 5 | Rich maroon feels luxuriously bold yet grounding against inky black. |
| Turquoise | 4 | Bright turquoise pops with southwestern flair against black’s cool tones. |
| Mustard | 3 | Warm mustard yellow has personality without being over-the-top on black. |
| Teal | 2 | Earthy teal feels fresh and sophisticated contrasting prettily with black. |
| Rust | 1 | Aged rust creates cozy farmhouse charm when paired with black’s depth. |
| Denim blue | 9 | Lived-in denim blue provides breezy contrast to black’s inky surface. |
| Maize | 8 | Buttery maize creates sun-kissed ambience when placed upon black. |
| Sage | 7 | Light sage emanates calm through its subtle contrast with black. |
| Olive | 6 | Earthy olive feels sophisticated and pairs well with black’s undertones. |
| Eggplant | 5 | Richly hued eggplant looks luxurious providing pop against black. |
| Cream | 4 | Soft cream adds graceful warmth when placed upon black’s sleek base. |
| Mint | 3 | Soothing mint green creates serene vibes through its contrast with black. |
| Coral | 2 | Coral brightens spaces with its sprightly pop of color on black. |
| Rose | 1 | Pretty rose pink looks lovely when mingling its soft hues with black. |
