Choosing the right placemats to complement your light wood dining table can be tricky.
You want something that adds a pop of color but doesn’t clash or overwhelm the natural, airy feel of the light wood.
Last year when we were redecorating our dining room, I was adamant about using bright turquoise placemats on our new light wood table.
I just loved that bold pop of color!
However, as soon as we put them down, I realized they totally overwhelmed the whole space.
My wonderful husband gently suggested we, umm, reconsider.
And you know what?
He was right!
So before you go slapping any old color down, make sure you take my handy advice below.
The key is to stick with soft, muted tones that add subtle interest without competing with the light wood.
Before I proceed, it’s crucial to recognize that placemats are far more than mere table coverings.
They play an unsung role as protectors, shielding your cherished table from spills and scratches while simultaneously introducing a touch of elegance:
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Earthy Neutrals
My top recommendation is to use natural, earthy neutrals like cream, tan, or light gray.
These colors complement the light wood beautifully.
For example, try a textured linen or burlap in a warm sand or oatmeal hue.
You can even layer different neutral-toned placemats for an eclectic look.
Cream lace over tan jute?
Sign me up!
This is an easy way to warm up a light wood table without being overpowering.
When it comes to earthy neutrals, you have tons of great options to choose from.
Cream, beige, tan, sand, oatmeal, ivory, light brown, taupe – they all work well with light wood.
I’d suggest sticking to matte cottons and linens versus shiny satins or sequined fabrics.
A little texture like lace or burlap adds cozy interest too.
If you want something super neutral, try an off-white or natural linen placemat.
Don’t be afraid to layer in multiple neutral tones for dimension.
For example, pair creamy lace placemats with textured jute runners down the center.
Or alternate oatmeal linen placemats with ones in a deeper tan hue.
Adding in various natural wood accents like napkin rings or charger plates can tie everything together beautifully.
When shopping, hold different neutral swatches up to your light wood table to see what complements it best.
Stay away from anything too yellow, orange or pink toned as that can clash with the cool undertones of light wood.
Stick with more greige, taupe, brown, gray and beige based neutrals.
But do have fun mixing and matching – layer sand with ivory, oatmeal with cream, etc.
The variations keep it interesting while still feeling cohesive.
Here are some more specific neutral color ideas to try with light wood tables:
- Oatmeal linen placemats with a jute runner
- Creamy lace placemats layered over textured tan jute
- Warm tan placemats with antique bronze napkin rings
- Soft gray placemats with neutral wood chargers
- Natural linen placemats with burlap overlays
- Woven seagrass placemats in deep tan
- Fuzzy textured placemats in warm ivory
- Rope placemats in lightweight macrame
When mixing and matching neutrals, think about adding visual interest through texture – linen, burlap, lace, terry cloth, seagrass, macrame.
Layer placemats over runners for depth.
Incorporate natural wood elements like napkin rings, chargers, table decor.
Just stick to that overall neutral color scheme so it doesn’t fight the light wood.
Soft Pastels
Another great option is soft pastels like blush pink, pale yellow, or powder blue.
These will add just a touch of feminine cheer against the neutral wood backdrop.
Look for a muted tone and matte, cotton fabric.
Avoid anything too shiny or neon-bright.
For instance, a matte blush pink linen placemat looks much more refined than a shiny fuchsia satin one.
You want the natural wood to still stand out.
When using pastels, stick to soft, muted hues rather than bright primaries.
The light wood has a naturally airy feel, so you don’t want to overwhelm it with neon colors.
Think blush, not hot pink.
Powder blue, not cobalt.
Pale yellow, not sunflower bright.
The pastel should almost have a washed-out effect against the wood.
Fabric choice is key too.
Matte cottons and linens have that casual, farmhouse feel that works beautifully with light wood dining tables.
Avoid anything shiny or slick like satins and polyesters – they’ll cheapen the look.
A matte blush pink linen instantly feels elevated compared to a shiny fuchsia satin.
Consider layering your pastel placemats with some natural wood elements like woven chargers or napkin rings.
This helps ground the pastels and prevents an overly “little girl” look.
I also love mixing pastels with other patterns and textures.
Try powder blue placemats with a cream lace overlay for some visual interest.
Or pair pale yellow with a floral print napkin in analogous tints.
Shop for pastel placemat options in real life rather than online if possible.
Colors show up differently in person versus on a computer screen.
And as always, hold up swatches to your light wood table before purchasing anything.
Make sure the undertones complement each other.
Some cute pastel placemat ideas include:
- Washed out blush pink linen placemats
- Mint green cotton placemats with ivory lace overlays
- Light sage green placemats with antique bronze napkin rings
- Washed out lilac placemats with sheer white lace borders
- Soft buttery yellow placemats with floral print napkins
- Powder blue placemats with woven chargers and linen napkins
- Pale peachy placemats with natural jute runners
Mix and match pastel placemats with different patterns and textures for depth – florals, lace, burlap, jute, etc.
Incorporate wood elements like chargers and napkin rings to ground the look.
And always eyeball pastel options against your light wood in person before purchasing anything!
Deep, Muted Hues
Finally, don’t be afraid to pull in some deeper colors like olive green, slate blue, or burgundy.
Go for muted, earthy shades rather than primary colors.
And make sure the fabric has a soft, matte finish.
The key is keeping the look natural, almost rustic.
Ironically, a deep forest green linen placemat actually makes light wood pop more than stark white would.
It adds warmth and dimension without detracting from the beautiful grain.
Richer, moodier hues can be stunning with light wood if done right.
Think deep olive green, slate blue, eggplant purple, or burgundy.
Stay away from primary reds, bright greens, and primary yellow – they’ll clash.
Instead, look for muted, earthy tones.
Almost like colors pulled straight from nature.
These complement light wood’s natural beauty.
As with pastels, stick with matte, organic fabrics like linen, cotton and textured jute.
Avoid shiny satins or anything too slick.
A matte finish absorbs light and showcases wood’s texture.
Glossy fabrics can look cheap and compete too much with the light wood’s natural luster.
Don’t overlook adding metallic accents in bronze, pewter, silver, aged brass.
Metallics pair strikingly with deep jewel tones and light wood.
Try a burgundy linen placemat with hammered bronze charger plates.
Or slate blue with rubbed silver napkin rings.
The metallic sheen contrasts beautifully with the matte placemat fabrics.
Also think about layering – charcoal linen under eggplant cotton, deep navy and evergreen burlap, etc.
Mixing in different wood tones (medium, dark) in napkin rings or table decor provides even more depth and interest.
Most importantly, hold up any potential jewel tone placemat purchases next to your light wood table before buying.
Double check that the undertones complement each other rather than compete.
A quick in-person check can prevent costly mistakes!
Some gorgeous deep, muted color ideas include:
- Forest green linen placemats with bronze chargers
- Burgundy cotton placemats with pewter napkin rings
- Deep navy placemats with antique brass candlesticks
- Eggplant purple placemats with rubbed silver flatware
- Slate blue placemats layered over charcoal linen
- Olive green jute placemats with natural wood accents
- Mustard yellow placemats with dark wood napkin rings
Remember to stick to muted, earthy jewel tones that feel natural and unforced.
Incorporate metallics for contrast and mix in wood tones for depth.
Most importantly, eyeball any potential colors next to your light wood table before purchasing!
Warm Grays
Don’t overlook warm grays as an option!
Shades like dove gray, brown gray, beige gray beautifully bridge the gap between wood tones and lighter neutrals.
They provide a cozy, layered look.
With warm grays, stick to matte cottons and textured linens to complement the light wood’s natural finish.
Avoid anything too slick or shiny.
Mix in darker wood elements as accents to create depth and contrast against the grays.
Some warm gray placemat ideas:
- Heathered dove gray linen placemats
- Warm brown gray cotton placemats with dark wood chargers
- Nubby beige gray placemats with natural jute runners
- Subtle taupe gray burlap placemats with linen napkins
Warm grays beautifully bridge light wood tones with lighter neutrals like cream and ivory.
Mix them in for a layered, cozy look!
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Dusky Pinks & Peaches
While hot pink may be too overwhelming, dusky pinks and peaches feel right at home with light wood’s soft palette.
Think blushed pink, antique rose, weathered peach.
These work well mixed with creams and warm grays.
Stick to matte, organic cottons and linens to complement the wood’s texture.
Incorporate woven chargers or jute runners to ground the colors.
Accent with dark wood tones for contrast and depth.
Some dusky pink and peach ideas:
- Blushed linen placemats with cream lace overlays
- Antique rose cotton placemats with bronze chargers
- Washed peach placemats with charcoal runners
- Subtle pink burlap placemats with dark wood napkin rings
Dusky pinks and peaches give light wood warmth without overwhelming it.
Mix with creams, grays, and natural wood accents.
Vintage Blues
Contrary to bright turquoise (which I learned the hard way), muted vintage blues like powder blue actually pair beautifully with light wood’s cool undertones.
Think weathered chambray, soft denim, faded indigo.
As always, use matte, textured fabrics like linen and cotton.
Accent with warm metals like bronze and brass to add contrast.
Mix in jute, burlap, or wood elements to ground the vintage blues.
Some weathered blue ideas:
- Washed chambray linen placemats
- Soft faded denim cotton placemats with brass candlesticks
- Subtle powder blue placemats with jute runners
- Hazy indigo placemats layered over ivory lace
Vintage blues add to light wood’s relaxed, weathered vibe.
Matte fabrics keep it casual and livable.
Mossy Greens
Finally, don’t overlook mossy greens like sage, olive, and forest green.
These earthy tones complement light wood’s natural beauty.
Use organic matte cottons and linens to let the wood grain shine through.
Incorporate jute, burlap, or wood accents as contrast.
Mix in warm metals like bronze and brass for an earthy feel.
Some organic green ideas:
- Olive linen placemats with bronze candlesticks
- Sage cotton placemats with jute runners
- Forest green burlap placemats layered over cream
- Mossy green placemats with natural wood chargers
Mossy greens connect to nature and complement light wood’s organic vibe.
Matte fabrics let the wood take center stage.
Top 20 Placemat Colors for Your Light Wood Table
| Rank | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Soft White | 9.5 | Complements the light wood’s natural warmth, creating an elegant and timeless look. |
| Earthy Taupe | 8.7 | Offers a cozy and welcoming ambiance, enhancing the wood’s earthy undertones. |
| Pale Blue | 8.2 | Evokes a serene and calming atmosphere, beautifully contrasting the light wood. |
| Muted Gray | 7.8 | Creates a contemporary and sophisticated setting, harmonizing with the wood’s neutrality. |
| Soft Mint | 7.5 | Brings a touch of freshness and vibrancy, enhancing the light wood’s natural charm. |
| Pastel Pink | 7.2 | Infuses a gentle and romantic feel, creating a delicate contrast with the light wood. |
| Olive Green | 7.0 | Connects with nature, enriching the wood’s aesthetic with a rustic and earthy vibe. |
| Deep Indigo | 6.8 | Provides a bold and dramatic contrast, adding excitement to the light wood table. |
| Rustic Brown | 6.5 | Enhances the wood’s warm undertones, evoking a sense of comfort and familiarity. |
| Sky Blue | 6.3 | Creates a refreshing and airy ambiance, offering a delightful contrast to the wood. |
| Subtle Beige | 6.0 | Blends seamlessly with the light wood, resulting in an understated and sophisticated look. |
| Golden Yellow | 5.8 | Brings warmth and positivity, adding a cheerful pop of color to the light wood table. |
| Soft Lavender | 5.5 | Offers a gentle and dreamy atmosphere, creating a lovely contrast with the light wood. |
| Rich Burgundy | 5.2 | Creates a sense of opulence and luxury, lending a regal touch to the light wood setting. |
| Warm Coral | 4.8 | Infuses energy and vibrancy, adding a lively and cheerful element to the light wood table. |
| Deep Plum | 4.5 | Provides a rich and luxurious contrast, contributing depth to the light wood’s appearance. |
| Emerald Green | 4.2 | Brings a touch of nature’s brilliance, creating a captivating contrast with the light wood. |
| Soft Peach | 3.8 | Evokes a gentle and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the light wood’s delicate appeal. |
| Classic Black | 3.5 | Offers a striking contrast and a sense of sophistication, adding a modern twist to the light wood. |
| Vibrant Orange | 3.2 | Injects warmth and energy, creating an exciting and bold statement on the light wood table. |
