Placemats are a key element of table design in the hospitality industry. They protect the table surface, add targeted visual accents and clearly define each guest's place setting. Whether in restaurants, cafés or buffet areas, high-quality placemats and table mats create a polished appearance while making everyday cleaning noticeably easier. Depending on the material and design, restaurant placemats can be perfectly tailored to your concept, interior style and menu.

Table mats, coasters, placemats & co. – what's the difference?

Terms such as placemat, table mat, coaster or place setting mat are often used interchangeably in day-to-day operations. In principle, they all describe a base for tableware, cutlery and glassware at a laid table. They can either complement a tablecloth or replace table linen entirely.

Differences typically arise from:

Material and stability (soft vs. firm)
Intended use (decorative vs. protective)
Design, colour and size

While classic placemats often combine decorative appeal with practical function, more robust versions are used specifically as coasters or trivets to protect surfaces from heat, moisture or scratches. Coasters for plates are usually round and sized to match the plate diameter. Glass coasters are available as a separate category in our online shop.

Placemats – common materials

The choice of material affects both the look and the everyday usability of your placemats. Different materials suit different hospitality concepts and occasions:

Plastics: Materials such as PVC or polyester are especially easy to care for, durable, water-repellent and often wipeable or washable. They are available in a range of finishes, for example in faux leather or with a woven texture.
Paper & non-woven fabrics: Also available in recycled versions, these are ideal for single use, for example in fast-paced event service.
Silicone: Silicone plate mats are non-slip, flexible and heat-resistant – perfect for high-traffic areas.
Viscose: Flexible viscose placemats have a silk-like appearance and lend an elegant, refined touch to the table.
Linen: The premium natural fibre linen has a soft drape and a textured, matt surface. The ideal choice for naturally stylish tabletop concepts.

Important: Cleaning requirements for placemats vary by material. To care for your products correctly, remove stains effectively and ensure a long service life, always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

Table mats and placemats in different shapes

Alongside the material, the shape also plays an important role in the overall effect at the table. Placemats are available in various formats:

Rectangular placemats: The classic choice for structured table layouts.
Round plate mats: Create a softer, more contemporary look.
Organic shapes: For creative and individual table concepts.

Which placemats are best suited to the hospitality industry?

The right restaurant placemats should be functional, durable and visually consistent with your concept. For professional use, the following characteristics are particularly important:

easy to care for and quick to clean
non-slip and stable
resistant to moisture and heat
coordinated with your tableware and interior design

While fast-paced service settings often rely on robust plastic or paper solutions, upscale venues tend to opt for textile, design-led and washable placemats.

Buy placemats at LUSINI

Whether easy-care table mats, stylish placemats or contemporary design solutions – the LUSINI range offers a wide selection of placemats for the hospitality industry. Our products are specifically tailored to the demands of professional use and stand out for their quality, functionality and appealing design.

Discover the right placemats, plate mats and table mats for your business now and set your tables efficiently, stylishly and with your guests in mind.

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Outdoor Placemats