The Best Placemats and Dining Table Mats to Elevate Your Table Décor
When it comes to placemats, I truly believe they’re more than just a layer of protection ( from stains, scratches, and spills) for your table. They’re an effortless way to make your dining setup pop!
Whether you're dressing up for a family dinner, hosting friends, or just want to bring a little more personality into your everyday meals, the right placemat can do wonders.
Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best placemats and dining table mats that caught my eye, and I’ll share what I love about them and why I recommend them.
1. Rufina Designs Ugandan Woven Placemats
What I love about these placemats is their stunning fringe along the edges.
They bring such an authentic vibe to the table and look amazing in casual and formal settings. Plus, they’re easy to maintain — a simple wipe with a damp cloth keeps them looking fresh.
Why I recommend it:
Handmade in Uganda
Eco-friendly and durable
Beautiful design piece for your dining space
2. SHACOS Round Braided Placemats (Set of 6)
These placemats are perfect for anyone who wants something neutral yet elegant for everyday meals or special occasions. At 15 inches in diameter, they fit a variety of table shapes—rectangular, round, or oval.
These placemats are versatile enough for birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. With over 14,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, they're clearly a crowd-pleaser!
Why I recommend:
Set of 6 placemats in a beautiful color palette
Perfect for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings
Easy to care for - just wipe clean with a damp sponge
Highly rated with over 14,000 5-star reviews
3. African Maasai Beaded Placemat – Aleela
Talk about a showstopper! These placemats are more than just table accessories – they're literally wearable art.
Each features beautiful beadwork and galvanized steel done by skilled Maasai artisans. They also make fantastic gifts, especially for those who appreciate unique, hand-crafted items.
Why I recommend:
Stunning, beaded craftsmanship
Handcrafted by Maasai artisans
Reinforced with leather at the bottom so the mats can last for long
Multi-functional (dining, decor, gifts)
Ideal as a thoughtful gift
4. FunWheat Round Braided Placemats (Set of 6)
These red placemats are absolutely stunning if you’re after handmade quality and bold colors for your dining space.
They’re crafted from 100% polypropylene, making them lightweight yet durable. These placemats are great for adding a modern touch to your table while protecting it from spills and stains.
Why I recommend:
I love its vibrant red, though other shades are available too
Heat-resistant and perfect for protecting your table
Easy to clean - can be spot-cleaned or machine-washed
5. Senegalese Wall Décor – Maimouna
These Senegalese placemats are an absolute favorite of mine for their bold and vibrant designs.
Handwoven from seagrass and recycled plastic ribbons, they showcase the rich traditions of Senegalese artisans.
While they are perfect for protecting your table from stains, their durability and artistic appeal make them perfect for use as wall décor or as a base for candles or vases.
Why I recommend:
Multiple uses beyond dining
These mats can withstand daily use.
Supports sustainable craftsmanship from Africa
Sustainable materials
6.Leetaltree Beige Placemats (Set of 4)
If you prefer a clean and modern look for your dining table, these placemats are an excellent pick.
They’re practical for everyday meals but stylish enough for dinner parties, in restaurants, and even as coasters.
I like that they can withstand temperatures up to 176°F (80°C), making them functional for serving hot dishes.
Why I recommend:
Non-slip surface
Heat-resistant up to 176℉
Versatile enough to use as placemats, coasters, or decorative matsPairs well with various table styles and decor
7.African Placemat - Khanita
From Ghana comes this absolutely beautiful elephant grass placemat that proves simplicity can be stunning.
I have used these mats to protect my table and create a wall display. It’s also so functional that I use it as base for my plants decor.
Why I recommend it:
Handcrafted by skilled Ghanaian artisans
Made from locally sourced elephant grass
Minimalist design that fits any home style
They’re easy to clean with a damp cloth!
8. FemGe Store Christmas Round Gold Placemats (Set of 6)
For those who love seasonal decor, these placemats are a festive dream! Perfect for adding a touch of holiday magic to your dining table.
These mats are stain-proof, washable, and can even be folded without creasing.
Why I recommend it:
Choose from many color options to match your holiday décor
Stain-proof, reusable and washable
Great for holiday entertaining and special occasions
Easy to store and maintain
9. Rwandan Decor Basket – Isaro
These stunning baskets are handcrafted from dyed sisal and sweetgrass fibers. Although primarily wall-hanging decorative, they can double as unique placemats for a standout table setting.
Why I recommend:
Easy to handle yet sturdy enough to last for years
Perfect for hanging on the wall or used as a table protector
Versatile decor piece
10. Artesia Round Natural Woven Rattan Placemat
For lovers of natural, artisan-crafted pieces, these rattan placemats are absolutely beautiful.
The mats are handcrafted in the Philippines using the traditional hapao weaving technique. They work beautifully for casual meals or as part of an elegant table setting.
Why I recommend:
Timeless design
Made from sustainable materials
Handcrafted excellence by Filipino artisans
11. Rufina Designs Adika African Placemats
Another gem from Ghana, these placemats are made from elephant grass and boast elegant patterns.
Whether you're using them for dining or as wall décor, they bring a subtle yet sophisticated touch to your home. These placemats are a great gift idea for any occasion, from birthdays to housewarming!
Why I recommend:
Great for both everyday dining and special occasions.
Crafted from renewable materials, they’re a step toward eco-conscious living.
The perfect gift for birthdays, housewarmings, or holidays.
Final thought
Placemats aren’t just a practical necessity; they’re an extension of your personal style.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just enjoying a quiet meal at home, the right placemat can elevate the entire experience. I hope you found a few options here that fit your needs.
For me, the handcrafted African placemats I sell on Rufina Designs will always have a special place in my heart, but I also love exploring other styles for inspiration.
And if you’re still unsure, I’d say start with something simple and versatile like the Khanita or Adika placemats—classic, timeless, and so easy to style.
So, which one will you choose to grace your table?
Why you can trust us
Our goal is simple: to guide you in buying the best products and making the most of your purchases.
Our recommendations come from research and analysis by our expert reviewers. We don’t just look at the product details; we dive into user reviews and rely on our own experiences with these products too.
As a Black woman entrepreneur leading an African accessory shop, Rufina offers invaluable expertise in selecting top-quality baskets.
When you read our guide, you’re not just getting general advice; you’re getting tips from someone who truly knows her stuff.
Want to know more? Visit our store.
Hi, I’m Rufina,
Back in 2018, I turned my love for crafting African accessories into Rufina Designs , right from my bedroom. It’s been an exciting ride ever since as I’ve delved into the vibrant world of African accessories. For me, it’s more than just a business venture – it’s a celebration of my Ghanaian heritage and a way to support our talented local artisans across Africa.
