Placemats - The right placemats pull a table together, protecting the surface underneath while setting the tone for the whole meal. Some days call for something relaxed and everyday, other times you want a smarter look for when guests are over and there's a style here to suit either way. Our placemats sit neatly alongside the rest of our
dining range, so it's easy to build a coordinated look. With plenty of colours and finishes to choose from, refreshing your table setting is a small change that makes a big difference.
Placemats by Material
Half the fun of placemats is the texture they bring. Cork placemats are a practical, heat-friendly choice that helps shield your table from hot plates and dishes, while woven placemats and rattan placemats add a natural, laid-back feel that suits casual and coastal styling. For something sleeker, leather-look placemats and reversible designs give you two looks in one and wipe-clean silicone placemat options are handy for busy households and messier meals. Whatever your table is made of, there's a placemat here to protect it and complement your
dinnerware.
Round & Rectangular Placemats
Shape matters more than you might think when it comes to a tidy table setting. Classic rectangular table mats suit most dining tables and give each place setting clear, defined space, while round placemats work beautifully on round tables or as a softer, more relaxed look. Mixing placemat shapes and finishes across the table can add interest or keep things uniform for a clean and considered feel. Either way, placemats are an easy option to make everyday meals feel a little more intentional without much effort at all.
Coasters & Table Accessories
Once the placemats are down, the little extras finish the job. A set of coasters protects your table from rings and spills and choosing designs that complement your placemats ties the whole setting together. Marble-look coasters, cork coasters and patterned styles all add a touch of personality and they're just as useful day to day as they are when you're entertaining. Round out the look with a few pieces from our
drinkware range and your table is set for everything from a quiet cuppa to a long lunch.
Shop Stylish Placemats at Target Australia
Ready to give your table a quick refresh? Explore our complete collection of placemats and coasters online or in-store at Target Australia and take your time finding the styles that suit your space best.
Placemat FAQs
Do placemats or a tablecloth protect a table better?
Both have their place and it comes down to the look you want. Placemats protect the key spots where plates and cups sit, they are quick to wipe down or wash and really let a nice dining table surface show through. On the other hand, a tablecloth covers the whole table for a more formal or fully protected look. Plenty of people use placemats day to day and bring out a tablecloth for special occasions.
Are cork placemats heat resistant?
Cork is naturally insulating, which is why cork-backed placemats are a popular choice for protecting tables from warm plates and serving dishes. That said, they're designed for everyday dining warmth rather than straight-from-the-oven cookware, so it's still wise to use a proper trivet for very hot pots and bakeware. For general mealtime use, cork is a practical and table-friendly option.
What size should a placemat be?
A standard rectangular placemat is generally around 30 by 45 centimetres, which comfortably fits a dinner plate plus cutlery on either side. Round placemats are usually around 35 to 38 centimetres across. The main thing is leaving a little breathing room between each setting, so it's worth considering how many people your table seats before deciding how many mats you need.
How do you clean different types of placemats?
It depends on the material. Silicone placemats and wipe-clean styles just need a quick wipe with a damp cloth, while cork placemats are best spot-cleaned rather than soaked and fabric or woven placemats may be gently hand-washed or wiped depending on the design. Checking the care label is always the safest bet and letting the placemats dry fully before stacking them helps keep them looking their best.
How many placemats do you need?
A good rule of thumb is one placemat per seat at your table, plus a spare set or two for guests and for rotating while others are in the wash. If you like to switch up your table styling through the seasons, having a couple of different placemat sets on hand makes it easy to change the look without buying a whole new collection each time.
