I still cringe when I think back to the time I hosted a dinner party and used hot pink placemats on my white dining table.
What was I thinking?!
The moment my guests walked in, I could tell the bright pink was all wrong paired with the crisp white linens.
It was a visual assault!
After that incident, I became a bit obsessed with finding placemat colors that truly complement an all-white tablescape.
Through trial and error (and maybe one or two more cringey mismatches!), I’ve discovered some real winner shades.
Today I want to share my hard-earned wisdom so you can effortlessly style your white dining table.
Ready to hear my top color picks?
Deep sapphire blue and emerald green placemats lend an elegant, luxe vibe.
Earthy neutrals like sand and mocha blend seamlessly into a white backdrop.
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Top 20 Placemat Colors for a White Table
| Rank | Why it’s a Good Match | |
|---|---|---|
| Navy Blue | 10 | Deep navy blue looks sophisticated and luxe against crisp white. Great for any season or occasion. |
| Emerald Green | 9 | Vibrant emerald green injects energy and freshness into an all white space. |
| Black | 10 | Classic, timeless black and white pairing works for any style or event. |
| Ivory | 8 | Soft ivory blends seamlessly into white linens for an understated earthy look. |
| Sapphire Blue | 9 | Bold sapphire blue adds drama and sophistication to a white table. |
| Plum | 8 | Rich plum purple looks utterly refined and elegant against white dishes. |
| Blush Pink | 7 | Subtle blush pink infuses warmth and vintage romance into an all-white scheme. |
| Mustard Yellow | 7 | Mustard yellow placemats lend sunshine and joy to a clean white backdrop. |
| Moss Green | 8 | Earthy moss green adds organic vibes and tranquility to white dining tables. |
| Terracotta | 6 | Natural terracotta placemats bring cozy texture and rustic character to bright white linens. |
| Lavender | 9 | Soft lavender placemats look airy and ethereal against clean white dishes. |
| Sand | 9 | Warm sand and tan placemats effortlessly blend into white for a soothing earthy look. |
| Hunter Green | 7 | Dramatic hunter green placemats make a bold luxe statement against white. |
| Periwinkle Blue | 8 | Pretty periwinkle blue placemats lend an elegant pop of color to white dining tables. |
| Gold | 7 | Metallic gold placemats add subtle glam and shine to crisp white linens. |
| Olive Green | 8 | Earthy olive green placemats feel casually chic against a white backdrop. |
| Silver | 8 | Cool-toned silver placemats complement white dishes while making a modern metallic statement. |
| Peach | 7 | Soft peach placemats lend a punch of pastel color and vibrant warmth to white dining tables. |
| Charcoal | 7 | Dark charcoal placemats provide sophisticated contrast to bright white in a lighter way than black. |
Regal Purple
Few colors look as refined against white as rich, jewel-toned purple.
Try deep wine purples or eggplant in velvety or embroidered textures.
Metallic accents in bronze, pewter and gold complement nicely.
Some specific regal purple placemats I love are the velvet royal purple ones from Anthropologie – they have such a luxurious, opulent vibe.
Target also has some great metallic purple placemats that add a touch of glam.
For a lighter, more ethereal vibe go for lilac or lavender placemats.
The Threshold lavender linen-blend placemats from Target are a favorite, and Crate & Barrel has some nice sheeny lilac ones.
A hint of sparkle or sheen always elevates the look.
One of my favorite tricks is to use glittery purple napkin rings on white napkins – it’s an easy way to infuse glamour.
Even vivid fuchsia can work when muted to a dusty plum tone.
I once found some gorgeous plum colored velvet placemats with antique gold trim that looked stunning against bright white dishes.
Purple is regal, elegant, and utterly timeless.
It may seem intimidating to decorate with such a bold hue, but don’t be afraid to embrace moody jewel tones!
Deep plums, wines, and eggplants work beautifully year round.
Save the lighter mauves and lilacs for spring and summer when you want a more airy vibe.
Look for rich velvets, satiny sheens, or delicate metallic embroidered details.
Incorporate different textures like velvet, linen, or metallic sheen.
Play around and find the perfect shade of purple that excites you – dark and vampy, soft and ethereal or somewhere in between.
And never underestimate the power of lavender in any shade!
It instantly classes up a casual dinner while still feeling chic.
Don’t forget fun accents like napkin rings, candles, and floral arrangements in complementary shades of purple.
Sapphire Blue
The cool tones of navy and sapphire blue sophisticate a white dining space in an instant.
Try textured placemats in tones ranging from pastel powder blue to dramatic midnight blue.
Some of my favorites are the navy linen placemats from West Elm – they add great texture but still let the white plates pop.
Anthropologie has beautiful hand-embroidered navy placemats with delicate floral details.
For powder blue I love the rinsed linen placemats from Crate & Barrel…the faded washed effect feels beachy and relaxed.
Look for beautiful patterns like toile or delicate embroidery to elevate basic blue placemats.
Pair blue placemats with silver or mercury glass accents for serious old world charm.
I scored some cute silver napkin rings shaped like seashells that complemented my blue and white nautical theme perfectly.
To lend a coastal vibe, weave in lines, stripes or starfish shapes.
Blue and white porcelain tableware ties it all together flawlessly.
You can never go wrong with classic blue and white dishware!
Blue is a versatile crowd-pleaser that works for any season or occasion.
Dark midnight blues feel luxe and sophisticated year-round.
Robin’s egg blue adds cheerful spring flair.
Red-toned blues like periwinkle can even transition into fall.
Mix and match patterns and textures in analogous shades of blue for visual interest.
Just stick to one dominant blue tone to keep the look cohesive.
Amp up the charm factor with subtle nautical details like anchors or ships.
There’s no easier way to create an insta-worthy tablescape than blue and white…
It just looks impossibly chic in photos!
Don’t be afraid to carry the blue theme throughout with matching napkins, candles, and floral centerpieces for a thoroughly coordinated look.
Emerald Green
Vibrant emerald green injects energy and life into an all-white backdrop.
Play with different green hues like deep forest, blue-green teal, or lighter seafoam.
I’m obsessed with the deep green linen placemats from West Elm – they add major drama against white dishes.
For a more casual earthy look try the olive green cotton placemats from Pottery Barn.
Crate and Barrel has awesome aqua teal placemats that lend a fun tropical vibe.
Look for interesting materials like metallic embroidered linen or textured velvet in lush green tones.
Incorporate natural textures like bamboo, rattan, cotton and jute for an organic feel.
I love dressing up simple neutral placemats with emerald green napkin rings.
Metallics in antique brass, gold and copper play beautifully with green’s rich tones.
For a glam look try the gold charger plates and emerald placemats from World Market…
swoon!
For a more modern or global look try exotic patterned placemats.
Anthropologie has super cool hand-blocked prints in green that add worldly flair.
Green makes such a lively statement on an all-white table!
The color instantly perks up any mood or setting.
Jewel-toned emerald green feels celebratory and elegant.
Minty seafoam green adds breezy character.
Olive and forest greens ground the look with an earthy vibe.
Play around with different green hues and find one that excites you.
Then build your palette around it by layering complementary gold, brass or metallic accents.
The texture mixing possibilities are endless – try classic linen, global-inspired patterns, organics like rattan and jute, or sleek lacquered bamboo.
Green is a perfect way to bring the freshness of nature indoors.
For added interest, incorporate green motifs into your napkins, candles, and centerpieces.
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Earthy Neutrals
You simply can’t go wrong pairing an all-white table with earthy neutrals likes sand, taupe, beige and mocha.
The organic muted tones effortlessly blend into the clean white foundation.
Mix up the textures with linen, cotton, jute and wood placemats for visual interest.
A woven tan placemat exudes cozy vintage style – try those from Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel in natural jute, seagrass or creamy cotton.
West Elm has great neutral linen placemats in camel and ivory.
Or go super minimalist with unbleached muslin or bamboo placemats in ecru and ochre – check CB2 for sleek options.
Look for subtle natural variations in tone for depth.
A personal favorite of mine is pairing black bamboo placemats with off-white linen napkins for an ultra-chic look.
Mad for mocha?
Try chocolate brown or deep espresso placemats – modern yet warm and welcoming.
Understated earth tone placemats are a foolproof choice for everyday dining and special occasions alike.
They blend right into white dishes and table linens effortlessly.
The natural muted tones create a soothing ambiance that makes everyone feel instantly at ease.
You can’t ever go wrong mixing creams, taupes, sand tones, and deeper brown hues.
Play with different natural-fiber textures like linen, cotton, jute and wood.
Simple white dishes pop against these quiet backdrops.
For more visual interest, opt for organic-inspired patterns with subtle ivory, tan and ecru motifs.
Neutral placemats ground your table in organic minimalism while still leaving room for you to add pops of color elsewhere.
Classic Black and White
The most iconic, timeless placemat color for white tables is classic black.
The high contrast looks impossibly elegant and chic.
Add some black and white patterned placemats or napkins for a modern punch – Anthropologie always has cute graphic prints in this palette.
Black bamboo or ebony wood placemats make a sleek statement – check CB2 for options.
For farmhouse character weave in textures like black denim, burlap and distressed wood.
I once scored some cute vintage-looking floral lace placemats in black that mashed up romantic and modern beautifully.
Black linen or cotton placemats feel crisp and authoritative against white dishes.
Play with different textures like linen, velvet, lace, rattan, and wood to add visual interest.
You simply can’t go wrong with this classic combo – it works for literally any occasion or season!
Black and white dining decor never ever goes out of style.
The dynamic duo pairs effortlessly for a look that’s bold yet easy on the eyes.
Mix and match solids, patterns, and textures within this two-tone palette.
Geometric designs and graphic prints amp up the modern edge, while lace and florals soften the vibe.
Natural linen, cotton and wood add organic contrast to the stark black.
Don’t be afraid to break the mold with black placemats on your crisp white table.
This striking color combo makes a serious style statement.
For a put-together look, carry the black and white motifs through to your napkins, candles, and centerpieces.
Blush Pink
Soft blush pink is a feminine choice that injects warmth into an all-white space.
Play with shades ranging from barely-there pastel to richer rose quartz.
Anthropologie has beautiful embroidered cotton placemats in a muted petal pink that don’t overpower the table.
For a shabby chic look try distressed wood placemats in a washed out pink from Target.
Metallics like antique brass and gold complement the rosy tones nicely.
Blush looks especially dreamy in spring – try glass peony placemats from Crate & Barrel.
Just stay away from neon brights.
Look for delicate details like lace trim or floral embroidery to enhance the romantic vibe.
Who says pink is just for little girls’ rooms?
Subtly rosy placemats infuse any dining space with warmth and flair.
Blush pink specifically has a timeless, vintage vibe.
Light dusty shades feel airy and ethereal atop white linens.
Opt for cotton, linen or wood placemats in softened petal and quartz hues.
Metallic accents in brass, gold and silver amp up the romance.
Floral details like peach roses or cherry blossoms lean into the feminine aesthetic.
Blush pink placemats make a stunning statement while still remaining soft and inviting.
For beautiful coordination, carry the pink into your napkins, flowers and candles too.
Sunny Yellow
Bright lemon and goldenrod placemats liven up a white table with a burst of sunshine.
Try natural materials like rattan, banana leaf or bamboo for an organic look.
Woven placemats in sunny yellow from West Elm pull in tasteful texture.
Bold graphic yellow and white stripe placemats add retro flair.
Just stick to muted shades – neon yellow could overpower.
Look for interesting yellow and white patterns to spice things up.
Even a simple yellow border on a white placemat packs a punch.
There’s no better way to infuse your dining space with joy than by incorporating vivid yellow accents.
While bright neons can feel harsh against white, softer muted yellow brings just the right pop of positivity.
Natural textures like rattan, wood, cotton and jute warm up the bold hue.
Graphic black and white patterns feel fresh and modern.
Lighter lemon yellows feel cheerful and spring-like, while deeper golden mustard transitions into fall.
Keep the rest of your tabletop neutral to let those sunny placemats shine.
Don’t forget the finishing touches like complementary yellow napkins, blooms, and candles to tie it all together.
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Ocean Blue
Cool cerulean blue placemats recall tranquil seaside vibes.
Try textured materials like denim, cotton and linen in soft faded shades.
Distressed wood in a washed ocean blue looks equally weathered and chic.
Incorporate natural details like seashells and nautical rope accents.
Pair blue and white striped placemats with timeless porcelain dishware.
Play with different blue toned patterns and textures for depth.
Even simple touches like a striped blue napkin or accent plate pack a punch.
Few colors feel as peaceful and breezy as ocean blue.
Soft faded and weathered shades work beautifully against crisp white backdrops.
Natural texture like denim, linen and cotton exude an organic, coastal vibe.
Don’t be afraid to lightly distress solid blue placemats for a casual lived-in aesthetic.
Weave in subtle nautical elements like seashells, knots and anchors for a beach house feel.
Sticking to muted sea glass blues prevents the eye-popping effect of darker navy tones.
Capture the essence of relaxed seaside living with weathered ocean blue placemats.
Just add a coordinating blue candle or arrangement for that perfect nostalgic dining vibe.
Moss Green
Earthy moss green placemats in soft velvet, cotton, or linen provide just the right amount of nature-inspired color against white linens.
Try a monochromatic look with olive napkins and table accents.
Mix in wood textures for an organic feel.
Keep moss green placemats looking relaxed with muted shades.
Aim for variations in tone like sage green borders on chartreuse placemats.
Even simple details like green tassel trim elevate a neutral placemat.
Few colors feel as calming and grounded as natural moss green.
The muted earthy hue quietly stands out against a bright white backdrop.
Choose materials like cotton, linen, velvet or jute in softened olive and sage shades.
Introducing wood elements creates charming contrast while enhancing the organic vibe.
Ivory dinnerware allows the green to take center stage.
For fun, mix and match shades of moss green with different napkins at each place setting.
Effortlessly turn your dining room into a serene indoor oasis with mossy green placemats.
For beautiful coordination, bring in green with your napkins, candles, blooms or other accents.
Warm Terracotta
Earthy terracotta-colored placemats in rich hues of rust, ochre and adobe add cozy texture to a bright white table.
Try natural materials like cotton, linen, jute and seagrass in faded red-orange tones.
Distressed wood placemats in terracotta with white rubbed edges keep the look relaxed.
Handcrafted ceramic placemats bring in global artisan vibes.
Just avoid anything too bright or saturated.
For an earthy, grounded look try faded terracotta placemats in all their warm red-orange splendor.
Natural textures like linen, jute and cotton help downplay the bold hue.
Distressing and rubbing create a lived-in look.
Handmade ceramics and global patterns feel charmingly rustic and eclectic.
Stick to muted clay and ochre shades rather than vivid hot red.
Let the terracotta be the star and keep dinnerware simple.
Rustic farmhouse style meets boho chic with this organic color palette.
Sage Green
Subtle sage green placemats provide a breath of freshness on an all-white dining table.
Try cotton, linen or velvet in muted olive-gray hues.
Mix in natural jute or seagrass for some texture.
Antiqued silver and pewter table accents complement the cool green tones.
Keep it looking relaxed with varied faded shades and a soft hand.
Understated sage green brings quiet tranquility and nature-inspired color to white table linen.
Matte cotton, textured linen, cozy velvet or woven seagrass make great sage green placemat materials.
Drift toward olive-gray hues rather than bright kelly greens for a more sophisticated look.
Rustic, organically shaped dinnerware allows the green to stand out.
Aged silver cutlery and candle holders enhance the vintage garden vibe.
For some contrast, mix in cream linens and napkins.
Let sage green placemats breathe earthy new life into your dining room.
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Pale Gold
Delicate gold placemats in soft champagne and buttery yellow hues bring subtle metallic shine to a bright white table.
Try natural linen or cotton fabrics with a subtle gilded shimmer.
Antique brass flatware and accessories pick up the shiny details.
Stick to warm neutrals like ivory and cream for napkins and dinnerware.
For just a hint of understated radiance, try light gold placemats atop crisp white linens.
Super soft metallic sheens in buttery yellow, champagne and wheat gold work best to avoid disco fever vibes.
Natural fabric like linen, cotton and jute grounded in tradition prevent over-the-top opulence.
Creamy dinnerware lets the muted gold shine.
When combined with antique brass accents, the look is timeless and subtly decadent.
Pale gold placemats lend any occasion an unfussy touch of luxury.
Peacock Blue
Vibrant peacock blue placemats make a dramatic style statement on an all-white table.
Try velvet or metallic materials in brilliant teal and sapphire shades.
Weave in brighter cobalt blues for pops of color.
Navy and white dishware allows the vibrant blue to take center stage.
Just stay away from red undertones.
Bold patterned placemats in peacock motifs or global designs feel festive and exotic.
Can’t decide between navy and teal?
Go for the best of both worlds with eye-catching peacock blue.
The mix of deep sapphire and brilliant teal injects serious drama into an all-white space.
Opt for shiny silks, velvet, or metallic placemat materials to enhance the vibrant nature.
Punch up the brightness with cobalt napkins and candles.
Keep dinnerware simple to let that gorgeous blue dazzle.
Global designs and royal peacock motifs crank up the style factor even more.
Make an unforgettable entrance with these jaw-dropping blue placemats.
Deep Berry
Rich berry-colored placemats in deep magenta, plum and wine shades add a bold punch to white dining tables.
Try velour or velvet materials for luxe texture and sheen.
Antiqued silver flatware and candlesticks complement nicely.
Stick to lighter dinnerware so the berry hue pops.
Why settle for basic red when you can make a showstopping style statement with bold berry placemats?
Deep magenta, plum, mulberry and wine shades have all the drama with a more sophisticated edge than primary red.
Sumptuous textures like velvet or velour take the look over the top.
Frosted glassware lets the saturated color shine.
Washed-out cream linens and dinnerware balance the intensity.
Vibrant berry placemats turn up the volume on your table decor – perfect for making any occasion feel special.
Parchment
Natural parchment placemats in soft fawn and oatmeal hues add subtle dimension to white dining tables.
Linen, cotton and jute in lightly saturated tan work nicely.
Try mixing parchment placemats with creamy white napkins.
Walnut wood grain accessories ground the look in organic texture.
For an unfussy earthy feel, try paper bag-colored parchment placemats.
Super soft finishes in ecru, tan and fawn lend just the right amount of contrast on bright white.
Natural linen, cotton and jute aid the organic look.
Handcrafted ceramics or live edge wood servingware in walnut brown enhance the tactile vibe.
Parchment placemats keep the palette relaxed so bold dishes and decor shine.
It’s cozy minimalism perfect for everyday dining.
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Hunter Green
Deep hunter green placemats in emerald and bottle green hues bring drama to an all-white backdrop.
Try velvet or textured cotton paired with vintage brass accents and antique silverware.
Or go modern with sleek black bamboo placemats in dark hunter green tones.
Make a seriously luxe statement with rich hunter green placemats on your crisp white table.
Vivid emerald and deep bottle green tones command attention when contrasted with matte white.
Play up the decadence with velvet textures or metallic sheens.
Layer with antique brass candleholders and silver cutlery for a moody elegant vibe.
Or keep it sleek and modern with black bamboo accents.
