Deciding which Cork Placemats is Best for Your House
Introduction to Cork Place Mats
Cork place mats are a great addition to any kitchen or dining room. Not only are they functional and protect your table from spills and stains, but they also add a touch of natural, rustic charm to your home decor. But with so many different styles and types of cork place mats available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect ones for your home. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision.
Consider the Size and Shape of Your Table
Before you even start shopping for cork place mats, it's important to measure the size and shape of your table. This will help you determine how many place mats you need and what size and shape will fit best. Rectangular place mats are the most common, but if you have a round or square table, you may want to look for place mats in those shapes. You should also consider the size of your table and whether you want full-size place mats or smaller coasters.
Think About the Style and Theme of Your Home
Cork place mats come in a variety of styles, from traditional and classic to modern and contemporary. Think about the overall theme and style of your home and choose place mats that will complement it. If you have a more rustic or natural decor, you may want to look for place mats made from natural cork with a wood-like texture. For a more modern or industrial look, you may prefer place mats with a sleek, smooth finish.
Choose Durable and Easy-to-Clean Materials
Cork is a naturally water-resistant and durable material, but it's still important to choose place mats that are made from high-quality cork. Look for place mats that are thick and sturdy, as thin or flimsy place mats may not hold up well over time. You should also consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance when choosing cork place mats. Look for place mats that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or that are dishwasher safe.
Don't Forget About the Backing
While the cork material is the main attraction of cork place mats, it's important to also consider the backing material. Some place mats have a rubber or silicone backing, which can help keep them in place and prevent them from sliding around on your table. However, these types of place mats may not be as eco-friendly or as aesthetically pleasing as those with a natural backing. If you want a more environmentally friendly option, look for place mats with a natural backing made from materials like jute or hemp.
Shop Around and Compare Prices
Cork place mats can vary greatly in price, depending on the size, style, and material. It's a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal. You may also want to consider purchasing place mats in a set, as this can often save you money compared to buying individual place mats.
Conclusion
By considering the size and shape of your table, the style and theme of your home, the durability and ease of cleaning of the cork material, the backing material, and the price, you can confidently choose the perfect cork place mats for your home. With a little bit of research and comparison shopping, you can find place mats that not only protect your table but also add a touch of natural beauty to your dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are cork placemats good?
Yes, cork placemats are good for several reasons. Cork is naturally heat-resistant and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for protecting your dining table. When you place a hot pan on cork placemats, the cork material absorbs the heat without passing it through to the underlying surface. This feature ensures that your table is protected during oven-to-table transfers.
2. What is a substitute for placemats?
Plate chargers can be a substitute for placemats if you want to create a refined and elegant table setting. You can make your own plate chargers by winding up thick jute thread, ensuring they are slightly larger than your dishes. Plate chargers add a decorative touch to your table while also serving the purpose of a placemat.
3. Do cork placemats last?
Yes, with proper care, cork placemats can last for many years. Taking care of your cork placemats, such as cleaning them gently and avoiding excessive exposure to moisture, can help maintain their longevity.
4. Can you wash cork placemats?
Yes, you can wash cork placemats. Use a sponge or cloth with a solution of basic soapy water to gently scrub the cork. However, it is recommended to clean cork placemats lightly and infrequently, unless needed. After washing, ensure the cork placemats are thoroughly dried to prevent mold and mildew growth.
5. What is the best backing for placemats?
The best backing for placemats depends on your requirements. If you want heat-resistant placemats, you can use heat-resistant batting. Otherwise, thin cotton, polyester, or a cotton/poly blend can be suitable backings for placemats.
6. What material is best for placemats?
While vinyl placemats can be durable, silicone placemats are a better choice in terms of durability. Silicone is highly resilient, even at extreme temperatures, making silicone placemats last for years. They are a practical and long-lasting option for placemats.
7. Does anyone use placemats anymore?
Yes, placemats are still widely used and have evolved from the traditional vinyl or plastic fruit bowl emblazoned sheets. Modern placemats are trendy and serve the purpose of protecting your table from spills and scratches. They are both functional and stylish additions to your table setting.
Editor's Notes
During our cork placemat research, we found 24 cork placemat products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 20,533 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cork placemats list. We found that most customers choose cork placemats with an average price of $32.86.
The cork placemats are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cork placemats, including Pimpernel, Laura Ashley, Benson Mills, KAF Home, Eaasty. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 8,055 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.