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mary507

table runner and placemats for round kitchen table

10 years ago

I think I want to go with the striped mat. Do you think 4 will look to busy on my 48" table? It does come in a table runner- would that look better and which way would I run it? I will be changing out the chair cushions as well with something solid. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Comments (28)

  • 10 years ago

    Is this just for use at dinner time? If you are planning to leave them out, it does look very busy and the cloth ones are too large. Is your table damaged that you want to cover it? I think plain would look best and just pull out the mats when needed. You could always get oval mats rather than rectangular or if you sew, then sew them into oval so they fit the table better.

  • 10 years ago

    Depending on the dimensions of the runner, maybe crossing two runners would work . I like the stripe also.


  • 10 years ago

    I agree that they are too large and the shape is wrong for a round table. If you feel you need placemats, I'd go with a round or oval shape, or do as happy2b suggests and cross two runners (as long as they are not too wide. Or, if you are just trying to dress up your table, then I'd try one runner going front to back of the table, running it between the chairs.


  • 10 years ago

    Too big.

    I'd put a pretty lazy susan in the center of the table, and round place mats if you need them.


  • 10 years ago

    do you want a table runner to cover the seam?? most table runners have some stiffness to them so it won't drape over the rounded edges too well... if you want your table covered, why not a striped round table cloth?? just as easy as placemats and would look better imo

  • 10 years ago

    I like the stripped one best, but as others pointed out, it's too large.

    What is the goal here - because I like your table bare so you can see the beautiful wood and the centerpiece isn't fighting for attention. I also think a table runner needs to be just the right width and fabric so it's in scale with the table and hangs well over the rounded edge.

    If you feel the table must be covered for protection, then a table cloth or placemats designed for round tables are your best bet. wedge shaped placemats for round tables and another link... more ideas of shapes that will work


  • 10 years ago

    The goal is to add some interest and color to the space. The striped mats have a lot of the colors that the picture has. Solid mats just look plain to me. I agree those mats are too large.


  • 10 years ago

    Hmm, what about a circular cloth in the center of the table with some of that yellow or red from your picture. It would go right under the center piece. I personally prefer the table with out the placemats. It's a lovely table.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    My mom used to have wedge shaped placemats for our round kitchen table that fit better than rectangular ones. I didn't look to see if they are still available in stores (I would think they would be, but you never know...), but I wonder if you could make them or find something on etsy? I've ordered custom aprons and table runners from etsy and the sellers love to send you a selection of fabric choices for a custom item. I love the picture you finally got - it looks great!


    Edited to add - I should have read more carefully - alexamorrie already had that idea!

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I think that it looks odd to have placemats (or a tablecloth, for that matter) out on a table all the time. JMHO. If you are talking about mealtime, I like the stripes, too. Also think oval mats would fit better.

  • 10 years ago

    I actually like your black ones better than the two you posted. But I would not leave them out, and only use during meals.

  • 10 years ago

    I use square, cloth napkins for my round table. ;)

  • 10 years ago

    Mary, there are much better ways to add color and interest to the space. A beautiful bowl of fruit or a pretty vase of flowers for example, but if the mats are something you really like, my vote would be for the wedge shaped mat.

  • 10 years ago

    Quoted from mary44 "The
    goal is to add some interest and color to the space. The striped mats
    have a lot of the colors that the picture has. Solid mats just look
    plain to me. I agree those mats are too large."

    I think I have a different style than you - I'm more minimal so take with a grain of salt what I will say.

    I really love the art work you have hanging on the wall -- the colors are beautiful. And the wall color is great. If this was my dining area, I would want the focus to be on that art work. I might even put a nice frame around it to build up it's importance and size on the wall.

    I would switch the cushions on the chair to something in a brown family similar to the wood and not use place mats - all that busy activity on and around the table draws the eye away from the art work. While there is nothing wrong with place mats and cushions, they are not really adding anything to the decor and instead compete with the art work. I'd rather see the wood of the table top with a simple center piece such as a vase of fresh flowers or what have currently.

  • 10 years ago

    I am a tablecloth lover. My round table always has a cover on it. I just love that look! My favorite is using a 70 inch round cloth in a solid color with a square cloth layered on top. The top cover is generally in a print.

    Our porch table requires a 90 inch round cloth....which I top with a 70 inch round cloth. I prefer the layered look.

    You should do what you prefer.....we all have our preferences.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    I struggled with placemats for a round table (and my round table is only 44" in diameter, a bit smaller than the standard 48"). I found the wedge-shaped ones below at Target. Actually, my DH spied them and pointed them out to me. They're magical. They add some bright color to the room and the shape is meant (I'm sure) for round tables. There was also a multi-tone brown.

    In the past I never left placemats on the table. But in this house, the table seems to be where everything lands when we come in. Purses, keys, mail, papers, general junk. The table is new and I wanted to protect it. Also, while your space is more quiet and traditional, ours has some quirk (Exhibit A: green cabinet with 1939 World's Fair memorabilia near the table).


  • 10 years ago

    Definitely need to use place-mats made for a round table. They are readily available.


  • 10 years ago

    jakabedy Wow, I didn't even know those types of placemats exist. So neat.

  • 10 years ago
    last modified: 10 years ago

    Table Runner

    Ours is a 48" diameter and I generally dress it with a short runner that I fold to length rather than allow it to fall over the edge. When using place mats, generally round. I have several colors to choose.


  • 10 years ago


    jakabedy I really like those. Target doesn't have them but I did find them online at Bed Bath and Beyond. Do you think these would like ok in my space?


  • 10 years ago

    I think they would look great!

  • 10 years ago

    Yes. Perfect!

  • 10 years ago

    You know, maybe they did come from BB&B. I just remember DH found them and then showed them to me. BB&B is probably where we got ours. The colors are fairly bright -- it makes me think of Fiestaware. Get them and see if you like them.

  • 10 years ago

    I am hoping to get to BB&B this weekend to see them. The colors in my picture are somewhat bright so I am hoping these will go. Anyone know of any other online websites or stores that have unique placemats/table linens??

  • 10 years ago

    If you go to Etsy, you can get custom made with a fabric you like. Pricing varies but I'm betting it would be comparable to what you'd find online.

  • 10 years ago

    have you checked out crate and barrel??? like I said, they have lots of nice table linens

  • 10 years ago

    Here are some wedge-shaped placemats that are colorful:

    http://www.sweetpealinens.com/Sweet_Pea_Linens_Wedge_Shaped_Placemats_for_Round_Tables_s/1.htm

    Note: I have never ordered from this company. They also sell on Amazon.