10 Best Placemats UK 2023 | Orla Kiely, Maison & White and More

When picking a number one, we sometimes have to choose between stick or twist. We could pick something a little unique and out there or put forward something that will please the masses. In this case, we've opted for the latter, especially as there are so many colours available. 

From restaurants to home dining rooms, these simple and sleek placemats are going to look fantastic in pretty much any decor setting and on any table. They're made from easy-to-clean materials, they come in an ample size for all of your tableware accoutrements, and, best of all, you get a generous quantity for an excellent price. 

Cool, quirky, and a whole load of fun, these bold placemats with a fruity design are great for households who want to showcase a bit of character and personality while not taking themselves too seriously. Of course, they'd also be appealing to homes with kids. 

The combination of MDF and cork means they're heat resistant up to 100°C, while the backing protects the surface of the table. Plus, if you really into the design, you could always pick up the matching coasters. And if you end off going off them as table mats, then we reckon they'd make for some decent artwork on the kitchen walls too! 

The eight-piece natural set is made from 100% bamboo, which is incredibly durable, stain-resistant and easily wiped clean. On top of the practicality, the bamboo finish is ideal for those of you with modern homes who are looking for a clean and tidy finish to their dining area. 

While the size is not as generous as some, we have bumped this up the ranking because they are an excellent option for anyone with a smaller dining area and table. After all, you don't always want large mats if they're going to overwhelm the entire tabletop.

With plenty of colours to choose from, this fabric and table runner set is perfect for those who frequently host guests. The assortment is simple and refined, without being showy. Plus, dirt and grease can easily be cleaned off thanks to the use of PVC and polyester materials. 

Additionally, the placemats come in at a very generous size, so you'll have no worries fitting enough cutlery for a three-course meal on there. Just make sure you know which side the knives and forks are supposed to be on! 

The queen of homeware strikes again with this refreshing, playful and all-round gorgeous set of placemats. While she may have stepped away from her iconic, and slightly more basic pattern, this set still features a retro colourful floral design. 

The surfaces are lacquered and have been placed on MDF before receiving a cork-based backing. This well-balanced cocktail of materials means that these mats will keep your table safe, last a long time and, best of all, look good while doing so. 

Made from two synthetic materials, PVC and polyester, these heat-resistant placemats will protect your dining or coffee table should you need to put down pots or pans for sharing at dinner time. They come in a wide array of colours from blue to beige, so you're sure to find some that match your current decor. 

The design does have a rather peculiar pattern, which is almost a blend of rectangular and round. Unfortunately, we believe this limits the types of tables that these will suit, and would recommend only purchasing these if you have a circular dining table. 

The obvious highlight of these placemats is their wonderful aesthetic which is reminiscent of Navajo patterns and colours. The charming yet subtle tones and patterns allow for the design to fit into many a dining room, be that one already rich with colour or one that is pared-back and contemporary. 

Made from natural dense cotton, these mats are easy to care for and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth when they're looking a bit grubby. The only issue is, as mentioned in the buying guide, this material is not as durable as something more solid, so the jury's out on how long they'll last. 

A great match for homes with neutral shades throughout the dining area, these cork mats are simple and low-key whilst still holding a sense of smart-casual sophistication. Plus, the material is fantastic at containing spillages and is even mould resistant. 

Coming with a 29 cm diameter, they are a touch on the small side, although we think that for most people this would be just about unnoticeable. They're also a little thin (0.8 cm), so they could be too flimsy to stand up to daily family life.  

This stylish and contemporary set from Maison & White will give you all the dining out vibes from the comfort of your home. These slate placemats will assist in providing a pleasurable atmosphere and environment, as well as remaining durable, so you don't have to worry so much if they take a knock.

On top of that, the material is heat-resistant and the addition of anti-slip feet ensures you don't have to worry about scratches or marks – perfect for glass or marble tables. Our only concern is that these are slightly on the small side, so you'll want to consider how big your crockery and cutlery are first. 

Beautiful and decadent, these placemats produced by John Lewis are inspired by the ornate and glamorous nature of the Art Noveau period, whilst also celebrating the entertaining season. Pulling influence from their namesake, the peacock, these placemats use glass beads and polyester fabric on top of a plastic base. 

It's not only the design that is beautiful either – the 38 cm diameter gives plenty of space to fit everything you and your guests would need for an evening of dining. The only qualm is that they're pretty pricey, so you'll want to make sure you're smitten, and that you'll get good use out of them.