I learned this lesson the hard way after hosting my first dinner party in my new apartment.
I had grand visions of a beautifully set table with round placemats complementing my circular table.
Well, let’s just say it didn’t quite turn out how I imagined – the round mats completely clashed with the table shape and ruined the whole look!
Don’t make my mistakes, keep reading to find out what shape placemats you SHOULD use for a round table.
So one Saturday morning I was perusing the home goods aisle, on a mission to find placemats for my party that night.
I had bought a new round dining table from Crate & Barrel and obviously round mats matched perfectly, right?
Wrong.
When I laid the round mats I had picked up at Target on the table, they totally blended into the acacia wood surface instead of defining each place setting.
The mats and table just looked like one giant blob!
It was not the polished look I was going for.
Later that night as guests arrived, I cringed looking at the table.
The round jute mats on round table just looked sloppy, like I had haphazardly thrown them down without putting any thought into the design.
I tried to ignore it but I could tell my guests noticed too.
One of my friends even asked if I had finished setting the table yet when she noticed the mismatch – embarrassing!
I vowed then and there to never use round placemats on a round table again.
The lesson: square or rectangular placemats are best for a round dining table.
The sharp edges provide definition between place settings and add some contrast to the curvature of the table.
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Round Placemats
While round placemats on a round table can look too matchy-matchy, they can work in some cases when done right.
Smaller cafe tables lend themselves better to round mats than large dining tables.
The key is layering – round mats alone tend to blend in, but layered with other shapes creates definition.
Natural woven rounds like seagrass, banana leaf or rattan make great base layers, letting the other shapes stand out on top.
Circular crocheted lace placemats layered over linen also adds pretty texture.
Just keep rounds to a smaller diameter – 16 to 18 inches – so they don’t disappear.
Varying the color palette also helps round mats pop.
Contrasting hues prevent them from fading into the background.
Deep blues, emerald greens, and eggplant purples bring drama, while soft neutrals keep it calm.
Play around with color mixing and matching within your round mat layers.
For everyday dining, try machine washable polyester round placemats.
They come in endless colors and patterns, adding personality without big upkeep.
Waterproof vinyl rounds are also practical for families and outdoor use.
Spicing plain vinyls up with acrylic charms or decals elevates the look.
Rounds with interest like a contrast stitch border, subtle sheen, or textured weave avoid a flat boring look.
The ribbed poly placemats from Chilewich add nice dimension.
With the right combinations, round placemats on round tables can work!
Rectangular Placemats
Rectangular placemats give you neat, defined place settings that break up the continuity of a round table.
The straight edges of the mats contrast nicely with the curve of the table and give each place its own distinct look.
I wish I had tried using the woven rectangular placemats I also bought at Target instead of the round jute ones.
The rectangles would have provided separation between settings and made the table much more polished.
For example, I could have used neutral cream rectangles from the Threshold line to define each setting.
Then I could layer on top colorful cloth napkins and a fun charger plate to add personality.
But keeping the base of each place setting rectangular keeps things neat and organized.
I’ve also seen people use long rectangular runners vertically around a round table instead of individual mats.
This also provides definition while bringing all the places together visually.
When choosing rectangular placemats for a round table, opt for longer, more slender rectangles versus shorter, wider ones.
The elongated shape mimics the oval shape of the table better than a square-like rectangle.
Look for rectangular mats at least 24 inches long, or even better 36 inches or longer for a really light and airy look.
Woven seagrass, jute, sisal, or linen table runners make fantastic rectangular placemat choices for round tables.
Natural fiber textures add organic interest that plays nicely against the curved table shape.
Try overlapping two long skinny seagrass runners per place setting for lots of dimension.
Rectangular placemats are also available in more modern materials like faux leather, acrylic, or plastic.
These work great for a glam or sleek modern tablescape.
Just make sure to stick with long narrow proportions.
The polycarbonate placemats from Design Ideas are perfect – stylish yet durable.
In terms of color, both neutral and bold rectangular placemats pair well with a round table.
Stick with solids or simple stripes to let the elongated mat shape stand out.
Neutrals create a soft, relaxed feel while bright colors amp up the energy.
Either can work beautifully with a round table base.
Don’t overlook the value of DIY for rectangular dining mats either.
Simple linen or cotton fabric cut into long table runner sizes make easy no-sew placemats.
Getting crafty with paint or fabric markers to add patterns takes it up a notch.
The options are endless!
Square Placemats
Like rectangles, the defined straight edges of square placemats contrast nicely with a round table shape.
Squares give you the ability to play with fun patterns and designs since their shape won’t get lost like on wider rectangles.
Just take care that your square mats are large enough for plates with room to spare.
Standard square sizes like 16″ x 16″ or 18″ x 18″ work well for placemats, but oversized 20-22″ squares can be even more striking.
Large squares better balance the curve of the table.
If doing multiple layers, use larger squares on bottom and smaller squares on top.
Squares look fresh in natural woven textures like rattan, bamboo, abaca, and more – the Filo Natural Fiber placemats are so chic!
Handpainted or printed square placemats in patterns ranging from modern geometric to traditional floral also shine.
Anthropologie has so many whimsical and colorful square placemat options perfect for round tables.
Incorporate squares of all different shades in your round table placemat arrangement.
Contrasting colors pep things up while harmonious tones keep it cohesive.
Don’t be afraid to get creative painting or stenciling your own custom square placemats too!
The possibilities are endless.
Layering square placemats over round tablecloths or runners is a clever styling trick.
The square corners popping out from under the curve creates visual interest and a dimensional look.
Just be sure your squares are large enough not to get lost under the layer beneath.
If going for a more formal tablescape, crisp black and white or linen-textured squares exude elegance.
Dress them up with shiny chargers, white plates and napkins for timeless style.
On the flip side, playful pops of color or funky patterns make for a festive fun look!
Oval Placemats
Oval placemats mimic the shape of a round dining table, making them a seamless choice.
Their softer corners help oval mats feel more integrated than the harsh edges of squares and rectangles.
Yet they still provide definition between place settings.
Look for oval placemats approximately 24 inches long for optimal fit on round tables.
Natural jute ovals with fringed borders create an earthy boho feel.
For something more polished, try white or black linen-textured ovals.
Faux leather ovals in rich shades like chocolate, navy or mahogany exude luxury.
Creative oval placemat options like woven wicker, embroidered cotton, metallic faux silk, or hammered metal inject artisan flair.
Anthropologie always has unique printed and embellished ovals perfect for making a statement.
Play with mixing and matching patterns for an eclectic mix.
Layer an oval placemat over a round charger plate for dimensional interest.
The oval’s shape mimics the direction of plates and flatware, creating a cohesive feel.
Just be conscious of proportions – slim oval mats can get lost under bulky chargers.
Allow at least a few inches of the oval placemat to peek around the edges.
Ovals work well in any color palette.
Go monochromatic with tonal shades of one color family, or create contrast with bright pops against neutrals.
Just steer clear of matchy-matchy ovals and tablecloths.
Introduce other shapes and textures to keep things interesting.
If you want definition but prefer less angular edges than rectangles, oval placemats are a great solution.
Their softer corners blend beautifully with round tables in both traditional and modern settings.
Experiment with materials and layers to find a look you love!
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Other Unique Shapes
Beyond the standard placemat shapes, don’t be afraid to get creative with unexpected silhouettes!
Things like chevron, diamond, octagon and hexagon placemats introduce angles and flair.
Whimsical freeform shapes and curved triangles also jazz up a round table.
Try standing woven rattan chevron placemats upright for cool dimension.
The slight curve pairs nicely with the round table.
Faux horn octagons or hexagons bring chic texture perfect for modern spaces.
For boho flair, layer colorful embroidered diamond mats over natural jute rounds.
Look for unique placemat shapes in materials like wood, marble, terrazzo, acrylic and metal to take the elegance up a notch.
Just keep the sizes large enough so the shapes don’t get overpowered by the scale of a dining table.
Around 20-24 inches is ideal.
Handpainted freeform placemats on Etsy offer unlimited artistic options to make a statement.
Or DIY your own curvy shapes by cutting posterboard and decorating with paints or collage materials.
The abstract quality adds whimsy.
Alternating wide chevron and slender oval mats around the table creates visual rhythm.
Pairing shaped mats with rounds, squares and rectangles keeps things cohesive yet interesting.
Unexpected silhouettes make mundane mats a thing of the past!
Why Rectangular Placemats Work Best
Rectangular placemats give you neat, defined place settings that break up the continuity of a round table.
The straight edges of the mats contrast nicely with the curve of the table and give each place its own distinct look.
I wish I had tried using the woven rectangular placemats I also bought at Target instead of the round jute ones.
The rectangles would have provided separation between settings and made the table much more polished.
For example, I could have used neutral cream rectangles from the Threshold line to define each setting.
Then I could layer on top colorful cloth napkins and a fun charger plate to add personality.
But keeping the base of each place setting rectangular keeps things neat and organized.
I’ve also seen people use long rectangular runners vertically around a round table instead of individual mats.
This also provides definition while bringing all the places together visually.
Try Mixing Shapes
You can also use a combination of squares, rectangles, and ovals to add visual interest to your round table.
Just be sure each seating has its own mat shape so it stands out individually.
I love the idea of mixing different natural wood shapes like rounds, squares, and rectangles for a nature-inspired vibe.
Or try marble, terrazzo, or ceramic shapes like those sold at Anthropologie to add some geometric personality.
One trendy idea is to use large rectangular mats as a base layer, then top some seats with circles, some with squares, some with ovals to create an eclectic mix-and-match look.
Whatever shapes you choose, keeping things asymmetrical prevents it from feeling too matchy-matchy.
Just adhere to the rule of giving each seat its own distinct shape and you’re golden!
Incorporate Different Colors and Textures
In addition to varying the shapes of your placemats, experiment with different colors, patterns, and textures.
Layering woven jute, suede, or embroidered and sequined mats together can make a fun eclectic statement.
A common practice is to pick one color, pattern, or material as the base for each setting, then layer other coordinating options on top of that to embellish.
For example, you could choose a natural jute or seagrass base mat, then layer on top a coordinating but colorful or metallic embroidered mat for pops of personality.
Blue and white boho placemats layered on natural jute runners would be so lovely on a dark wood table!
Don’t be afraid to play around with different fabric textures and finishes – matte, glossy, nubby, smooth – to find a combination you love.
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Overlap for a Dramatic Effect
Overlapping rectangular placemats so they extend over the table edge creates a dramatic cascading look.
The overlapping portions will soften the edges and add organic interest to your place settings.
I love how using two long skinny rectangles per setting for this technique almost mimics the look of flower petals.
Or try layering a wider rectangle underneath a skinnier runner on top.
Letting the mats break the boundaries of each place setting helps tie the look together.
For example, you could use rectangular seagrass mats as a base layer, letting them overlap the table edge by 6 inches.
Then top that with black linen runners, overlapping the seagrass by 3 inches for a layered cascading effect.
Mixing natural and modern textures like this paired with the visual overlap results in a eye-catching display.
Choose Contrasting or Complementary Colors
Color choice also matters when selecting placemat shapes for a round table.
Contrasting mat and table colors (like black mats on a white table) really make the shapes stand out.
Complementary colors like navy blue and white also can look great, just be sure there is enough contrast between the mats and table for good definition.
To avoid a matchy-matchy look, I’d advise mixing and matching complementary colors among the different placemat shapes rather than trying to find mats in the exact matching colors.
For example, on a navy table you could layer a white rectangle base mat with a patterned mat on top that mixes navy, light blue, and ivory.
The color variation keeps things interesting while the white base ties it together.
How to Space Placemats Around a Round Table
When arranging placemats around a round dining table, even spacing is key for both form and function.
You want to space the placemats evenly apart so guests have ample elbow room.
But evenly spaced placements also contribute to a polished, intentional look.
As a general rule, allow 24-26 inches between place setting centers.
This provides a comfortable 20 inches of dining space for each guest, with extra room on each side to spare.
For a more intimate arrangement, you can reduce the spacing to around 22 inches between place setting centers.
To get the spacing right, start by centering a placemat perpendicular to yourself at one edge of the table.
Measure over 24-26 inches and center the next setting.
Continue spacing and centering the remaining settings evenly apart all the way around the table.
If your table is small enough, you can simply eyeball even spacing instead of measuring.
Just be sure to step back periodically and check that the placemats still look evenly distributed all around.
Adjust and recenter them as needed for perfection!
Placemat Arrangement Tips for Large Rounds
Very large round tables with 8 or more place settings can present a unique challenge for proper placemat arrangement.
Here are some tips to make sure your setup looks great.
- – Stick with rectangular placemats for definition, but use longer/wider rectangles proportionate to your big table.
- – Break up the table into quadrants and focus on evenly spacing placemats in one quadrant at a time vs.
all around the massive circle.
- – Use a tablecloth underneath to visually define the full table space, anchoring each placemat quadrant on top.
- – Layer rectangular runners vertically along the table’s radius to divide sections and tie the layout together.
- – Cluster 2-4 place settings together in ‘pods’ with space between pods rather than spacing all mats evenly apart.
With some planning and technique, even a grand 14-seater round can get a fabulous placemat arrangement.
Divide and conquer!
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Placemats That Double as Table Decor
While placemats serve a functional purpose, they can also provide decor when done creatively!
For a round dining table, look for placemats that make a visual statement.
- – Woven and textured natural fiber mats add organic interest
- – Printed and embroidered mats inject color and personality
- – Handpainted mats bring unique artisanal flair
- – Metallic sheen and jewel tone mats amp up glam factor
Tassels on placemat edges, hand painted chargers, and fresh florals on the tabletop take the decor up another notch!
Don’t be afraid to have fun with placemat materials and textures to turn your table into a showstopper.
Measurements to Keep in Mind
When purchasing placemats for a round dining table, you’ll want to keep some key measurements in mind:
- – Table diameter – Make sure mats are large enough to fit without hanging over the edges
- – Table seating capacity – Buy enough mats to accommodate all table seats
- – Placemat size – Measure to ensure they’ll fit with proper dining space
- – Table overhang – If utilizing a tablecloth, allow 6-12″ overhang all around
- – Plate size – Mat width should allow 1-2″ clearance around plates for optimal function
It’s a good idea to take your table measurements along when shopping for mats in person, so you can hold different sizes up to the dimensions in the store.
For online shopping, carefully check product size ranges against your current dining setup first.
With the right placemat measurements factored in, you’ll be able to create a gorgeously set round dining table that looks like you hired a professional stylist.
Have fun with different shapes, layers, colors and textures finding a look that suits your personal style!
