Placemats & Runners

A table runner and placemats are what turn a dining table into a set table. The runner draws a line down the centre for serving dishes and candles; the placemats hold each setting. Bought to match, they do the quiet work of making a table look composed rather than assembled.

Start with the runner, cut at 35 x 180 cm, long enough to leave a clean fall at each end of a six-seater, in linen, cotton and velvet. The placemats come in sets, around 33 x 48 cm each, in the same materials and palettes, so the runner and its mats read as one range rather than separate buys. Several ranges, Regal, Noir and Gatsby, come as complete table runner and placemat sets; the placemats are also sold on their own in sets of four.

Choose colour for the light you host in: black and beige build a year-round table, while the black-and-gold sits best under brass and candlelight, velvet for depth, linen for a softer matte. Dress the rest of the table with napkins and napkin rings and trivets and coasters, or begin from the dining range and build out. Exclusive to The Pillow Company, across India. Dry clean only.

Do your table runners and placemats come as sets?

Yes. Several ranges, Regal, Noir and Gatsby among them, are made as matching table runner and placemat sets, so the runner down the centre and the mats at each setting share the same fabric and colour. The placemats are also sold separately in sets of four, if you have a runner already or want to pair a plain runner with a patterned mat.

What size are your table runners and placemats?

The runners are 35 x 180 cm and the placemats roughly 33 x 48 cm each. A 180 cm runner leaves a neat fall at both ends of a standard six-seater; on a longer table it sits as a centre panel. A good rule: a runner should clear the table by about 15 to 30 cm at each end, and runner and mats should not overlap.

What colours and materials do they come in?

Linen, cotton and velvet, in black, beige and black-and-gold. Black and beige are the easiest to build a year-round table around; the black-and-gold reads more formal and sits well under brass and candlelight. Velvet adds depth for evening tables, linen and cotton keep a lighter, everyday feel.

How do I style a table runner with placemats?

Lay the runner down the centre first, then a placemat at each seat, leaving a small gap so the two do not overlap. Keep serving dishes, candles or flowers on the runner and each mat clear for its setting. On a longer table, two runners across the width can stand in for placemats for facing guests.

How many placemats do I need?

A set of four suits most homes; for a six-seater, two sets cover the table with a spare for wear. The runner is a single piece down the centre, so you need one regardless of the number of seats.

Can I use these on a round or small table?

Yes. On a round table, skip the runner and use the placemats alone, or lay a single runner across the centre as an accent. The 35 x 180 cm runner also works on a console, sideboard or dresser.

How do I care for them?

Dry clean only. Velvet, linen and cotton hold their colour and shape best dry cleaned rather than machine washed. Spot-treat spills promptly and store flat to keep the edges crisp.

What about napkins and coasters to match?

Many ranges extend to matching napkins and napkin rings and trivets and coasters, so the whole table can be dressed in one design. The dining range brings them together.

What if I need to exchange something?

If a piece isn’t right, we run an exchange policy rather than refunds. See our Exchange & Refund Policy.