5 Smart Ideas for Storing Placemats When Not in Use
Placemats are an easy way to upgrade your dining table and protect it from spills and stains. You can find placemats in various materials, designs, and sizes to complement your décor and impress your guests. However, when it’s time to put them away, you may wonder how to store them without taking up too much space or causing wrinkles. Here are five smart ideas for storing placemats when not in use:
Roll Them Up
Rolling placemats is a classic storage trick that works well for cloth, leather, or vinyl placemats. Start by folding each placemat in half, then rolling it tightly from one end to the other. Secure the roll with twine, ribbon, or a rubber band and stack them vertically in a basket, bin, or shelf. Rolling your placemats will prevent creases and wrinkles and allow you to see the designs at a glance.
Hang Them Up
If you have wall space or a hook rack in your kitchen or dining room, you can hang your placemats like artwork. Use clip hangers with adjustable arms or S-hooks to attach the placemats to the rod or rack. Make sure to leave enough space between each placemat for easy access and airflow. Hanging your placemats will keep them organized, visible, and wrinkle-free, and also add a decorative touch to your walls.
Stack Them Flat
If you have limited vertical space, or your placemats are made of paper, cork, or straw, stacking them flat might be a better option. Lay each placemat on top of the other, alternating the direction of the design or texture. Avoid stacking too many placemats on top of each other, as this can cause them to bend or lose shape. Keep the stack in a drawer, cupboard, or tray, and label the top placemat with a sticky note or tag.
Slide Them in Tubes
For placemats that are too thick or bulky to roll or fold, try sliding them in tubes. You can use PVC pipes, wrapping paper tubes, or mailing tubes, depending on the size of your placemats. Cut each tube to the length of your placemats plus one inch, then wrap a piece of fabric or contact paper around it and secure it with glue or tape. Slide the placemats in the tubes and store them vertically or horizontally.
Combine Them with Napkins
If you have a collection of placemats and matching napkins, you can store them together to save space and time. Fold the napkins and place them inside the placemats, then roll or fold the stacked bundle as usual. You can also use a napkin ring or ribbon to tie the bundle together and hang it up or store it in a basket. Combining your placemats with napkins will ensure that you always have a complete set ready for your next dinner party.