Placemat sizes: how many centimetres for which table?

August 31, 2026

Kurulu sofrada amerikan servis, bardak altlığı ve runner yerleşimi

When choosing a placemat, the first question should be size, not pattern. On a table with the wrong size, plates either touch each other or the table looks empty.

The Amalfi collection's table runner, placemat, coaster and cushion cover side by side on the grass — Set shown: Amalfi Table Setting Set — Runner + Placemats + Coasters + Cushion

What is the standard placemat size in cm?

The most common placemat size is 30x45 cm (12x18 in) for rectangular placemats; rectangular sizes usually range from 30-36 cm wide and 41-51 cm long. Round placemats are typically 38 cm in diameter, square ones 33x33 cm and oval ones 33x48 cm.

Shape	Standard size	Best for
Rectangular	30x45 cm	Plate and cutlery together; long tables
Round	38 cm diameter	Round tables, under a charger plate
Square	33x33 cm	Under the plate only, narrow tables
Oval	33x48 cm	A softer look on rectangular tables
LaMua Home	35x35 cm and 35x38 cm	Under the plate; laser cut, size stated on every product page

When choosing a placemat size, start with the plate: the placemat should extend beyond the plate on every side; if the cutlery goes on it too, choose a rectangular one.

How much space does each person need?

About 60 cm of width per place setting is recommended. The placemat sits in the middle of this space; leave at least 5-10 cm between two placemats so neighbouring plates do not overlap.

How many people for each table width?

120 cm table: 2 + 2 facing = 4 people
160 cm table: 3 + 3 facing = 6 people
200 cm table: 4 + 4 facing = 8 people, plus one at each end

Table depth matters too: on tables narrower than 80 cm there is not enough margin between the placemat and the table edge, and the charger plate overhangs the edge.

Round table

On a round table, rectangular placemats form a layout that narrows towards the centre and the gaps are uneven. Either use round or square placemats, or use fewer placemats and widen the gaps. A round table 120 cm in diameter comfortably seats 4.

Together with coasters and a runner

Coasters are standard at 15x15 cm and go at the top right corner of the placemat, at one o'clock from the plate. When a runner is laid lengthwise down the middle of the table, it should not touch the inner edges of the placemats; a 40x140 cm runner leaves 10 cm on each side on a 160 cm table.

In short

Measure the table first, allow 60 cm per person, then look at the pattern. At LaMua Home, coasters are 15x15 cm, runners 40x140 or 45x138 cm and cushion covers 40x40 (43x43 in some collections) cm, and the size is written in the product name. Our placemat designs are laser cut.

Are a “supla” and an “amerikan servis” the same thing?

In everyday use the two Turkish terms usually describe the same product, but the trade uses two definitions that do not fully overlap. “Supla” comes from French and means under the plate; it usually describes a more decorative mat that covers the plate area. “Amerikan servis” is used for rectangular mats wide enough to take the cutlery as well as the plate.

In practice, shops sell both in the same category and give the same product both names. When shopping, look at size and shape rather than the name: will the piece take the cutlery too, or will it sit only under the plate? That question decides it.

How do you use a placemat?

The placemat is laid on the tablecloth (or bare table) directly in front of the chair. It goes under the charger plate if one is used, otherwise under the main plate.

It stays on the table throughout the meal. Even when plates change, the placemat is not removed; it defines the place setting.
Forks and knives go outside the placemat — the placemat covers the plate area, not the whole place setting. On wide rectangular models, the cutlery can also go on the placemat.
The coaster goes at the top right corner of the placemat, at one o'clock from the plate.

A placemat is an alternative to a tablecloth; the two are not usually used together, you choose one. A runner, however, is used with placemats — the runner in the middle, the placemats on either side.

How many should you buy?

The measure is the table, not the household. For everyday use, as many placemats as the table seats is enough; in homes that often have guests, go one step up. 4 for a table for four and 6 for a table for six is standard. Coasters are usually bought in the same number as placemats.

LaMua Home's table setting sets follow this logic: the set for 4 contains 4 placemats, the set for 6 contains 6 and the set for 8 contains 8, with the same number of coasters; each set also includes 1 table runner and 2 cushion covers.

Does the material affect size?

It does. Thick woven and rattan models take up space on the table and their edges curl; thin, stiff models look neater at the same size. LaMua Home placemats are 100% polyester with a laminated surface and laser-cut edges — the edge is heat-sealed, so there is no seam and no fraying. This construction lies flatter on the table than a stitched model of the same size.

Common sizing mistakes

Buying without measuring the table. A placemat bought for its pattern clashes with the neighbouring plate on a narrow table.
Forgetting table depth. On tables narrower than 80 cm there is no margin between the placemat and the table edge, and the plate overhangs.
Setting a rectangular layout on a round table. The gaps never even out; either use fewer pieces or choose a round or square shape.
Overlapping the runner and placemats. Leave a few centimetres between them.