Customizing Placemat Size? How to Get It Just Right
Most of us don't think twice about the size of our placemats. We simply lay them out on the table, set our dinnerware on top, and start eating. But if you've ever experienced placemats that are too small or too large for your table and dishes, you know it can create all sorts of issues during mealtime. Placemats that are overly cramped or spaced too far apart can cause accidental elbow bumps, tipped glasses, and other annoyances. The good news is that you don't have to settle for poorly-fitting placemats. With a few simple steps, you can customize your placemat dimensions for a perfect fit.
You'll learn how to assess your current placemats, determine ideal new dimensions, and find or create custom-sized placemats so meals go smoothly no matter what you're serving.
When Should You Customize Placemat Size?
Standard placemat sizes are around 12 x 18 inches or 30 x 45cm for rectangular mats and 15 inch or 38cm diameter for circular ones. These dimensions are suitable for many table setups and place settings. However, there are several situations where you may want to consider adjusting the size of your placemats:
- Your current placemats are too small or large for your dinnerware and don't provide enough usable surface area.
- You have an unusually shaped or sized table that standard mats don't fit well.
- You want more space between place setting positions.
- Your dishes or serving platters are oversized and need bigger mats.
If any of these sound familiar, customizing the dimensions of your placemats can greatly improve your mealtime experience.
How to Measure Your Current Placemats
Before determining new placemat dimensions, it's helpful to get the exact measurements of the placemats you're currently using. Here's how to do it:
- Lay out your placemats on the table just as you would for eating a meal, with plates, glasses, and cutlery positioned on them.
- Visually assess whether your dinnerware seems cramped on the mats or if there is excessive overhang.
- Use a measuring tape or ruler to measure the length and width of rectangular placemats and the diameter of round mats.
- Note these measurements so you have a starting point for resizing.
Pay attention to any issues you notice during this process. Do drink glasses hang off the edge? Are plates crammed too close together? Making note of these functional problems will help inform new placemat dimensions.
Factors to Consider When Adjusting Size
Determining your ideal custom placemat size involves taking into account several factors:
Table Size and Shape
The dimensions and silhouette of your table impact the shape and proportions you'll want for placemat sizing. A large banquet table may need longer rectangular mats. Circular placemats fit nicely with round tables. Consider the amount of surface area your particular table provides when choosing placemat size.
Dinnerware Size
Larger dinner plates, wide soup bowls, and oversized platters will naturally need bigger placemats to contain them. Measure the footprint of your largest dishware pieces to ensure your mats can properly accommodate them.
Place Settings
If your table is set up for a dinner party with multiple place settings, adequate space between placemats is key. Make sure matt dimensions allow elbow room between guests without crowding.
Table Function
A primary purpose of placemats is protecting table surfaces from scratches, stains, and condensation rings. Ensure your mat size is large enough to catch spills and provide a place to set hot dishes off the table.
Aesthetics
Along with function, the visual look of your placemat size matters too. Find dimensions that complement your table shape, allow for attractive place setting arrangements, and fit with your personal style.
Creating Custom Placemat Templates
One easy way to test out placemat sizing options is by creating paper templates. Here's how to make and use them:
- Use a ruler and pencil to draw various rectangular or circular shapes on sheets of paper in the dimensions you want to try. Size them according to your table measurements.
- Cut out these paper template shapes.
- Lay the paper templates on your table and arrange your dinnerware on top as a place setting.
- Adjust the template size and test again until you find the ideal proportions for fitting your dishes and table shape.
- Record the measurements of your winning custom template to use for purchasing or making placemats in that size.
Drafting various templates lets you experiment with placemat dimensions and see how they work with your specific dinnerware. Tweaking as needed helps dial in the perfect amount of surface coverage.
Purchasing Non-Standard Placemats
Once you've settled on the ideal measurements for your customized placemats, there are a couple options for obtaining them:
Ordering Custom Sizes from Retailers
Many major home goods retailers allow you to enter custom dimensions when ordering placemats on their website. Check product listing details for adjustable sizing options. Keep your precise measurements handy to input.
Making Your Own
For complete control over placemat size, make them yourself. All you need is a large piece of fabric cut to your specifications. Or use a special paper like vinyl or laminated poster board. Add binding or trim to finish the edges. Unleash your creativity with unique patterns and designs!
Tips for Measuring and Getting the Right Fit
Careful measurement is key for achieving your optimal customized placemat size. Keep these tips in mind:
- Use a metal measuring tape for durability and precision. Laser measurement tools also work well.
- Always round up when deciding on placemat size - a little extra room is better than cutting it too close.
- Test different place setting configurations to ensure your mats work for various occasions.
- Lay out the full table setting when assessing fit--mats alone may seem roomy at first.
- Consider allowing up to an extra 2 inches or 5cm of wiggle room so mats feel spacious, not cramped.
Taking the time to get measurements right means you'll never again struggle with placemats that are frustratingly too small or overwhelmingly large. Dialing in that perfect fit will have your table looking polished and elegant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should I make circular placemats for a 48-inch round table?
For a 48-inch or 120cm diameter round table, circular placemats around 13 to 15 inches or 33 to 38cm in diameter should provide ample space for place settings without overhanging the table edges. Allow approximately 4 inches or 10cm between placemats.
My placemats are always sliding around on my glossy table. How can I fix this?
Slippery placemats are annoying. Try using a rubberized mesh table liner or placemats with grip dots or a textured back to help them stay put on slick surfaces. You can also apply self-adhesive cork squares or felt furniture pads under each placemat.
What are typical placemat dimensions for a small square cafe table?
For a 24 to 30 inch or 60 to 75cm square cafe table, compact square placemats around 10 inches or 25cm per side should fit nicely. Scale down dinnerware accordingly so pieces don't hang off the edges.
What's the best way to measure placemats for a table with leaves?
For expandable tables, measure with the leaves fully extended to determine the largest mat size needed. Standard placemat dimensions should then adapt well when leaves are removed. Just allow slightly more room between individual place settings.
Should I buy all new dinnerware if I size up my current placemats?
Not necessarily - you can often go up one placemat size without dinnerware looking drastically undersized. But more than one size increase may make dishes seem out of proportion. In that case, it's best to purchase appropriately sized dinnerware.
Dining with placemats that properly fit your table and dinnerware makes mealtime much more pleasant. No more knocked over water glasses or crowded elbows! By taking some simple measurements, creating size templates, and understanding your space needs, you can discover the perfect custom placemat dimensions for your home. Order or make placemats to your own specifications so they complement your decor and lifestyle. Bon appetit from beautifully set tables!