The Art of Dining: Choosing and Styling Luxury Placemats
At Posh Trading Company, we believe that luxury lies in the thoughtful touches. Our placemats are designed not just to protect your surfaces, but to elevate every dining experience, from casual brunches to formal soirées.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- What type of placemat is best?
- What is the purpose of placemats?
- What should placemats match?
What Type of Placemat Is Best?
The “best” placemat blends form and function beautifully. It should be durable enough for everyday use while elegant enough for entertaining. At Posh Trading Company, our placemats are handcrafted with exquisite finishes and exceptional materials that suit both traditional and contemporary settings.
Here are a few standout types from our collections:
Silver Leaf Placemats
Our Silver Leaf Placemat in Chic Matte Silver is a best-seller for good reason. It features a sophisticated metallic finish that adds an instant touch of glam to any table. Ideal for elegant dinners or seasonal celebrations, it also pairs effortlessly with fine china or crystal.
Faux Shagreen Placemats
For a more textural approach, the Faux Shagreen Placemat in Chocolate or Natural evokes the look and feel of exotic leather, without compromising on ethics or practicality. It’s versatile, timeless, and easy to clean—perfect for the modern entertainer.
Faux Boa or Croc Finishes
Looking for bold and contemporary? Our Faux Boa Charcoal or Python Black placemats bring depth and drama to your tablescape. These finishes look especially stunning under matte black or gold-toned tableware.
What Is the Purpose of Placemats?
Beyond the surface-level aesthetics, placemats serve several important purposes:
Table Protection
High-end wooden or lacquered tables are susceptible to scratches, stains, and heat marks. Placemats create a protective barrier, allowing you to serve with confidence—no coaster required.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
In both casual and formal settings, placemats help define each diner’s space, keeping utensils, plates, and glasses neatly contained. They’re also easier to wipe down between meals than full tablecloths.
Visual Balance
Placemats frame your dinnerware, adding structure and symmetry to the table. They anchor each place setting and draw attention to your beautiful tableware and centerpieces.
Everyday Elegance
Even simple meals feel elevated with the right placemat. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or a late supper, a luxury placemat transforms the experience from mundane to mindful.
What Should Placemats Match?
Coordinating your placemats thoughtfully helps to tie your tablescape together. But matching doesn’t have to mean identical—instead, think in terms of complementary tones, textures, and moods.
Dinnerware
Choose placemats that enhance the finish of your plates. Neutral tones like taupe, silver, or champagne work with almost anything, while bold textures (like croc or faux boa) look incredible with minimalist white or matte black crockery.
Table Linens
Pairing your placemats with matching coasters, napkin rings, or even a runner can help build a harmonious tablescape.
Interior Style
Your placemats should also echo the tone of your dining space. For instance
- A modern glass or marble table pairs beautifully with high-shine silver or matte black.
- Rustic wood tables love the warm tones of gold or natural shagreen.
- For a luxurious classic dining room, gold leaf or champagne finishes add opulence.
Final Thoughts: Placemats as Lifestyle
Placemats may be functional by design, but at their best, they are an extension of your personal style and hosting philosophy. Whether you're setting a table for two or twenty, the right placemats help you do it beautifully.
Explore the Posh Trading Company placemat collection to find a style that suits your space, your tableware, and your taste.
Because every meal—big or small—deserves a setting as beautiful as the moments shared around it.
