A placemat sits exactly where your guest looks longest: under their plate. Yet at many venues it's a blank sheet, or nothing at all. Want to design your own placemat and have it printed with your logo? This step-by-step guide takes you from idea to a printed placemat on the table — no design agency needed.
Mainly looking for prices and sizes? Read our complete guide to custom printed placemats and tray liners.
Step 1: Choose placemat or tray liner
- Placemats go on the table, under plates and cutlery. Sizes: 30×40 cm and 35×45 cm. Think restaurants, lunchrooms, hotel breakfasts and terraces.
- Tray liners are smaller and fit standard serving trays: 28×38 cm and 32×45 cm. Ideal for fast-casual, food courts and beach clubs.
The size decides how much room you have for your design — so choose it first.
Step 2: Choose the paper
- Kraft paper gives a natural, rustic look. Darker colours stand out best on it.
- White grease-proof paper gives a cleaner, more premium background for full-colour designs with lots of colour.
Both are grease-resistant, FSC®-certified and compostable.
Step 3: Decide what goes on the placemat
A placemat gives you far more space than a napkin or coaster. Pick one or two main messages, for example:
- Your logo and brand style — the basis for a recognisable table.
- Your story — where your ingredients come from, or what makes your venue special.
- A QR code to your menu, website or review page.
- A seasonal or campaign design — for summer, the holidays or a themed week.
- A kids' placemat with a colouring page or puzzle.
Step 4: Create the design
A few rules of thumb for a placemat that works on the table:
- Keep the centre calm. That's where the plate goes. Put your logo and text mainly in the edges and corners.
- Use little, large text. Guests read a placemat in passing, not like a brochure.
- Match the paper. Darker colours work best on kraft; on white you can use any colour.
- Test any QR code at the actual size so it scans reliably.
No design yet? You can also upload just your logo.
Step 5: Upload and check the proof
Upload your design or logo in the placemat configurator and choose placemat or tray liner, size and paper. You receive a free digital proof, so you can check everything before anything is printed.
Step 6: Order and delivery
The minimum order is 1,000 units; the price per unit drops automatically as you order more, up to a maximum of 50,000 units. The configurator shows the price for your quantity straight away. Full-colour printing is included. After you approve the proof, delivery typically follows within 5–7 working days.
Frequently asked questions
Can I design my own placemat? Yes. Upload your own design, or just your logo, in the configurator and get a free digital proof.
Which placemat size should I choose? Placemats come in 30×40 and 35×45 cm; tray liners in 28×38 and 32×45 cm.
Kraft or white paper? Kraft gives a natural look; white grease-proof paper is better for colourful, full-colour designs.
What's the minimum order? 1,000 units.
How long does delivery take? Typically 5–7 working days after you approve the proof.
Pair with other branded items
A printed placemat works best alongside custom printed napkins and custom printed coasters. See also our guide to custom printed tray liners.
Ready to design? Upload your design in the placemat configurator and get a free digital proof.