Black-and-white placemats commonly come in rectangular, round, and oval shapes. Typical sizes shown include rectangular placemats roughly 12–20 inches long (with proportionally narrower widths), round mats about 7.9–15 inches in diameter, and oval mats around 12.6 by 8.66 inches.
Small black-and-white mats and trivets designed for heat protection are typically made from cotton non-woven fabric or braided cotton. Their construction provides insulation to help protect countertops and tables from hot pots, pans, and dishes.
Black-and-white placemats are made from several common materials, including 100% cotton, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polypropylene, and non-woven/cotton non-woven fabric.
Common black-and-white motifs include stripes and printed illustrations. Seasonal or novelty designs may feature skeletons/skulls and spider-web graphics, and some printed placemats include black-and-white illustrations intended for coloring or play.
Black-and-white placemats are sold as single pieces and in sets of 4, 6, or 8. Disposable placemats are also sold in packaged quantities (for example, packs of 4).
Wipeable PVC black-and-white placemats are wrinkle-resistant, protect tables from dirt, scratches, and spills, resist fading, and clean easily with a cloth or sponge.
Disposable black-and-white placemats typically have a soft, absorbent top layer with a waterproof or leak-resistant backing, gentle adhesive strips to hold the mat in place, and a lightweight, portable design. Many include black-and-white printed illustrations for coloring or play and are described as food-grade and free of BPA, PVC, and phthalates.
Holiday-themed black-and-white placemats often feature seasonal motifs such as skeletons/skulls or spider-web graphics. Many are made from cotton (including braided or textured cotton) and are described as durable; care varies by product from machine-wash to spot-clean. Typical sizes shown include about 14" x 20" or roughly 15" diameter.