6 Ideas To Stop Damage To Your Dining Table With Discreet Protection Mats And Trivets Under Beautiful Cookware

6 Ideas To Stop Damage To Your Dining Table With Discreet Protection Mats And Trivets Under Beautiful Cookware

Dining tables are typically expensive and necessary, particularly if you like entertaining your loved ones. But in what way will you not cause harm to your investment?

There are six strategies from our dining table and interior experts for protecting a table surface from scratches, scuffs, marks, and heat without harming style.

I would recommend first washing the dining table and then proceeding to the items that may suit your lifestyle, your guests, or any calendar event to ensure that the dining table gets the protection it deserves.

1. Keep Cookware Off The Table

Sam Deeble, Furniture Specialist at Woods Furniture, adds, ‘When it’s time to plate up the Christmas dinner, never put hot cooking utensils straight on the table. This method of serving the festive meal poses a threat to your dining table as it leads to heat building up, which wears out the furniture’s surface due to heat-mediated expansion, leaving it an ugly shade of brown. Do not fall prey to this expensive catastrophe; instead, serve the food in the kitchen and take the plate to the table.’

Interior Designer Hebe mention that ‘for some dishes, I take them directly from stove or oven to dining table, employing my most beautiful enamel pots and dutch ovens as accessories that give a purposefully rustic impression. To prevent the table from getting burnt, I placed ordinary cork mats bought from Amazon on the table. They can’t be seen after the pots have been placed on the table in the first place.

A photo of Sam Deeble, furniture specialist at Woods Furniture, talking about the importance of not putting hot cooking utensils directly on the dining table. He is standing in a room with a dining table and chairs

2. Skip The Candles

Quite several tablescape photos will include candles as a general requirement of the layout, not that they do not add a certain level of allure to the table arrangement.

Cleaning wax off table clothes and some surfaces is not easy; the heat from the candle can also lead to damage both to the wax and the table and in case of tipping there are likely to be safety issues. On a full dinner table at Christmas, this risk can increase significantly. Therefore, it is advised to place a candle on another plate and put that particular plate away from the celebrations.

A photo of a Christmas dinner table with several place settings. There are candles in candle holders in the middle of each setting. The table has a white tablecloth and is decorated with greenery, red bows, and pinecones

3. Keep Clear Of Toys

In principle, toys should not be brought to the dinner table in any case, but they do occur, particularly at Christmas, and it increases the risk of surface damage. Some toys cause abrasive or staining to your dining table which will make it look bad and not as long-lasting as you would want it to be. Dining set: For this festive season, protect your dining set by limiting toys on that table, for instance.

If your grandkids or young family members are going to cart their toys to the meal, you can shield your dining table surreptitiously without compromising your display or other table accessories.

A festive dining table decorated for Christmas. There are a few toys, including a Santa Claus, a reindeer, and a tree, placed on the table. There's a large dent on the surface of the table near the Santa Claus toy

4. Table runner: let your table go festive

With a table runner, you can bring form and joy in the shape of a festive table. Sam says, ‘It offers protection from heat damage, spills and other risks on the dining table and brings the festive feeling to the dining section’. Not only does it look great and help you protect your furniture from spills and scrapes, but a table runner is also ideal for dinner sets and holiday meals.

The Xeyise table runner from Walmart is waterproof, has built-in heat insulation, and comes in 24 options according to size.

A festive dining table with a table runner. There's a white tablecloth, a beige table runner with a pattern of green leaves. On top of the table runner, there's a decorative plate with a gold rim, a small bouquet of red roses, and a few candles.

5. Use Place Mats and Coasters

It has to do with a no-brainer, literal cutting that may not even come to mind – removing placements and coasters. When the dinner table is cluttered with space, you may be inclined to eliminate placements and coasters.

Sam says these are necessary for shielding the table against spots and heat influences during the course, and they will assist in maintaining perfect hygiene in your dining set. These also protect table linen and runners that are used as aesthetics in the dining places.

A medium shot of a dinner table with several placements and coasters. The table has a white tablecloth and is set with silverware, glasses, and plates.

6. Cover Your Seats

Last but not least, your dining chairs should also not be ignored. While they might not get as easily scratched as the top of the dining table, accidents, dropping of glasses, or any kind of spillage and staining give your whole set a poorly worn-out look.

In his words, it will be advisable to cover the dining set with seat coverings to an extra extent. The dining chairs can also be an area that becomes exposed to Christmastime mess, perhaps receiving food crumbs and spills and maybe even being used to wipe the table. These must be protected with seat covers, or you can lay a festive-colored sheet over the seats for great looks.

If you have been using upholstered dining chairs and have probably brushed aside seat covers all this while, then this is the best time to change your opinion.

A photo of a dining set with a Christmas tree in the background. The dining table has a festive-colored cloth. The dining chairs are covered with seat covers. There are holiday decorations, such as ornaments and a stocking, placed on the table.

Conclusion

Altogether, it is crucial and of significance to take certain precautions to keep the dining table’s beauty and durability intact. For instance, it would take little effort to incorporate slight protective aspects to the table, and in many cases, these aspects can be difficult to distinguish from the table, which maintains the elegant aura, all the while protecting the table from wear and tear.

FAQs

1. Why should I use protection mats and trivets for my dining table?

Protection mats and trivets prevent heat, scratches, and stains caused by cookware, ensuring the longevity and beauty of your dining table.

2. What materials are best for protection mats and trivets?

Silicone, cork, wood, and heat-resistant fabric are excellent materials. They provide durability, insulation, and an elegant touch to your table.

3. Can protection mats and trivets blend with my dining table decor?

Yes, many protection mats and trivets are designed with aesthetics in mind. Choose options that complement your table's style, such as neutral tones, modern patterns, or rustic textures.

4. Are protection mats and trivets safe for all types of cookware?

Most protection mats and trivets are safe for all cookware types. Ensure they are heat-resistant and sturdy enough to support your cookware's weight.

5. How do I clean and maintain my protection mats and trivets?

Cleaning depends on the material. Silicone and cork trivets are easy to wipe or wash, while fabric mats may require spot cleaning or gentle machine washing. Always check the care instructions.

6. Can I use DIY protection mats and trivets?

Absolutely! DIY options like fabric scraps, cork sheets, or wooden slices can be both functional and stylish. Make sure they are heat-resistant and non-slip.

7. How do I choose the right size of mats and trivets for my table?

Select sizes that provide ample coverage under your cookware. Mats should fit your dining table area, while trivets should be slightly larger than the base of your pots or dishes.

8. Do protection mats and trivets work for glass or marble tables?

Yes, they are especially important for glass or marble tables to prevent scratches, thermal shocks, and stains from heavy or hot cookware.

9. Are there eco-friendly options for protection mats and trivets?

Yes, look for mats and trivets made from sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, or recycled fabrics for an environmentally friendly choice.

10. Where can I buy high-quality protection mats and trivets?

You can find a variety of options at home decor stores, online marketplaces, and specialty kitchenware shops. Be sure to read reviews and compare designs to find the best fit for your needs.


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