Oval Faux Leather Placemats, Set of 4 or 6

An oval mat softens a square table the way a rug softens a square room. These are cut from PU faux leather with a fine linen texture pressed into the surface, so they read as fabric across the table but wipe down like vinyl. At 44 by 30 centimetres each one holds a dinner plate, a side plate and a glass without crowding, and the rounded edge means no corner sticks out over the table edge to be caught by a sleeve.

The practical case is simple. Hot plates and casserole dishes sit on them without leaving a mark, spilled wine and olive oil sit on the surface rather than soaking in, and a damp cloth takes care of the rest in seconds. The backing grips the table so plates do not skate around, and the mats lie flat straight from the packet rather than curling at the ends the way cork and bamboo often do.

Six colours are offered, from oatmeal and light grey through to dark blue and green, in sets of four for everyday use or six for a full table. They stack almost flat in a drawer, which matters if you are short of storage. Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent, dry flat, and keep them out of the dishwasher and away from direct flame or a hob ring.

• Oval PU faux leather placemats with linen-texture finish
• Each mat approximately 44 x 30cm
• Heat resistant, waterproof and oil resistant; non-slip backing
• Available in six colours, in sets of four or six
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent; dry flat
• Not dishwasher safe; keep away from hob rings and open flame