Table mat  is a mat used under a hot dish to protect the table from the hotness. It is a flat mass of soft material that can be used for protection or as a decorative piece. Placemat: is a mat set on a dining table beneath a place setting. A placemat or table mat is a covering or pad designating an individual place setting, unlike the larger tablecloth that covers the entire surface. Placemats are made from many different materials, depending on their purpose: to protect, decorate, entertain or advertise.

 Placemats usually measure 12×18 inches when rectangular or 15 inches in a round shape. This size is ample enough to accommodate an entire place setting on top of it comfortably.