Guide to choosing personalised placemats
Personalised tablecloths and placemats fall mainly into three basic types: classic tablecloths, table runners and placemats themselves. Their usually square or rectangular shape makes them easy to adapt to different surfaces: an outdoor table, a meeting-room desk or a picnic on the grass are just some of the places where one of these products can be used. Much of this versatility also comes from the wide range of materials available, each of which can be paired with specific printing techniques. Microfibre, bamboo, paper and non-woven fabric, among many others, allow the use of printing methods designed to bring out the colours of your logo and wording. All these features make personalised placemats suitable both for a restaurant dinner and an informal breakfast at a café.
Personalised placemats: materials
Personalised placemats are available in different materials and can therefore suit many uses, both indoors and outdoors. The many versions range from materials suitable for both settings, such as non-woven fabric and polyester, to options better suited to indoor use, such as bamboo, paper or smooth leatherette. Another important factor made possible by this variety of materials is good resistance to weather and wear over time. Silicone or polypropylene, for example, is not only resistant to stains and moisture but also easy to clean and maintain. Another material commonly used, especially for table runners, is RPET microfibre, which is soft to the touch and very lightweight.
Available formats for tablecloths and placemats
What most clearly distinguishes one personalised placemat from another is the format. The best-known models are placemats, generally square or rectangular and available in various sizes. Their regular, symmetrical shape makes them easy to adapt to any flat surface. Because the materials are so varied, many printing techniques are available too. An alternative is the table runner, which has a rectangular shape and is normally longer than a placemat. This format makes it suitable for outdoor settings as well as indoor spaces, especially when paired with a centrepiece. Another available option is the full tablecloth, designed to cover the entire table and often used for banquets, trade fairs or corporate events.
Some of the most suitable uses
The possible uses of personalised tablecloths and placemats are almost unlimited. The most common are breakfasts and quick lunches, but at home they can also act as decorative elements indoors or outdoors, for example on a gazebo or garden table. Placemats, especially individual ones, are also well suited to public venues such as bars and restaurants. Because they are easy to clean, they can help staff save time and effort without giving up attention to the customer. This usefulness is shared by many food-related businesses, including wine shops, agritourism venues, breweries, pastry shops, oil producers and coffee roasters. During food service, a placemat can also become a useful surface for communicating a brand. Depending on the format, runners, tablecloths and personalised placemats can even be used at conferences, marketing events or company meetings. Their use is not limited to work or everyday settings: they can also be useful at campsites, especially where guests can eat outdoors. Paired with personalised lunch boxes, they can bring some of the comfort of home to an outdoor meal.
How to personalise a placemat
Regardless of size, a tablecloth offers many possibilities for customisation. Motivational phrases to read every day, seasonal themes and playful images are just a few ideas. Logos and wording can be reproduced using the many available printing techniques. These range from sublimation, often used on table runners and suitable for full-colour designs, to screen printing, a cost-effective option that can create a pleasant raised tactile effect. These and other methods can provide durable prints suited to everyday use. Thanks to clear colour reproduction, images and wording can be made more or less vivid, creating an immediate visual impact.
Personalised placemats: gift ideas for many occasions
Personalised placemats can also be a good gift idea for companies that want to surprise customers and show attention to detail. A real estate agency that has just sold a home, or a construction company that has completed one, could give them to the new owners together with personalised mugs and personalised cups, helping them feel welcome straight away. Another option is to include them in a corporate Christmas box together with personalised chocolates as a seasonal gift for employees.
In-depth guide to choosing personalised placemats
For further information and a practical checklist to help you choose placemats, download the in-depth guide.
Personalised Placemats - FREQUENT QUESTIONS
The best placemats for everyday use are those made from durable materials that resist daily wear. Examples include silicone, polypropylene, polyester and RPET microfibre.
It depends on the specific product, but they are generally foldable. For exact details, check the product page or contact us.
Yes, if the material is water-resistant. Repeated or occasional washing is not recommended for bamboo and paper, while plastic-based placemats can generally be washed without problems.
Sublimation can be used on white polyester products or suitably treated items and allows full-colour, photo-quality prints. Screen printing can be applied to more materials but supports up to four colours. For four-colour artwork, sublimation is usually the better choice; for simple wording, screen printing is more suitable. See the printing techniques for more information.
For personalised placemats, sublimation is one of the most suitable techniques for RPET microfibre. It produces durable prints with crisp, bright colours. These products also work well with large graphics, and sublimation can use almost the entire surface when the selected item allows it.
It depends on the selected product and printing technique. Some placemats allow almost the whole surface to be used, while others have a smaller print area. For exact details, check the product page or contact us.
Much depends on the venue, its style and the message you want to communicate. Paper placemats work well in bars or restaurants serving quick lunches and are also popular in pubs because they suggest simplicity and craftsmanship. Smooth leatherette placemats create a more elegant impression and suit luxury restaurants or hotel lounge bars.
Yes, personalised placemats are made from materials that withstand heat.