Do You Use Place Mats With A Tablecloth

Dining table set with multiple width wise table runners.

Do you use place mats with a tablecloth.

Tables are to be used not cherished. The tablecloth is a decorative accessory that unifies the components of the table setting. Traditionally a table runner is placed down the center of the table on its own or layered on top of a tablecloth but there is a myriad of ways to use a table runner. Placemats are used alone at very informal events while tablecloths are used when the event is more formal but can also be used for fun festive informal.

There are some cute table clothes out there go to homegoods i also like table runners. In general people seem to use placemats either for aesthetic reasons to pull a look together or to dress up the table or for practical reasons because a placemat is easier to clean than a whole tablecloth. A practical accoutrement that insulates the table and lowers the noise level in the room. Two of the most common ways is to use a tablecloth or placemats which is better really depends on the look you want and even the kind of table you have.

An exception is if you use multiple table runners set up width wise. Here are some of our favorites. In most cases using a place mat under a charger is not necessary. Making a table look beautiful is an art and there are lots of ways to do it.

Position table runners across the width of a table connecting guests sitting across from each other and creating a placemat type effect for each. I center it in the middle and let the ends of the wood table be exposed if that makes sense. I m not sure the wood is treated so when i have guests i use a table cloth. I have maybe 4 and i don t think i need more.

Still need placemats if you wish to protect your table. And tablecloths provide more elbow room than placemats and conserve space at a crowded table. Placemats are super easy. But sometimes you might want the softness of a tablecloth without completely obscuring interesting legs.

Chargers are decorative elements that protect the tablecloth or table and add color and formality essentially serving the same purpose as place mats. I pick them up from the big evil w when they re on super sale like less than 4 for the 108 ones. Placing on top of a tablecloth is fine. Exceptional tabletops require no dressing at all.

I ve got a huge black brown parsons table from ikea. We do both table cloth placemats. Place mats are high maintenance. Tablecloths and placemats are normally used separately.

My table cloth is not full size. I have 2 kids and placemats are a must. A long tablecloth instantly improves a less than perfect table and adds a note of elegance for a special event like a dinner party. But i ve never gotten in the habit of using placemats and find that i really don t miss them.