Gold on dark, gold on light: styling metallic placemats

4 min read

Gold behaves differently depending on what is around it. On a dark surface it glows; on a pale one it reads as warmth rather than shine. Choosing placemats with your table in mind makes the difference between a table that looks expensive and one that looks busy.

Dark tables: walnut, black marble, black glass

Contrast is your friend. Bright gold and fine-line designs stand out sharply against dark wood and stone. Morpankh looks almost engraved on black marble. Openwork designs such as Jaal Leaf Lace and Nishat Garden let the dark surface show through, so the pattern seems to float.

Light tables: white marble, oak, pale stone

Here the softer finishes shine. Champagne and ivory designs like Zari Bloom, Mehtab Starburst and Sheesh Mahal sit tone on tone, which is the quietest kind of luxury. If a pale table needs more depth, reach for antique gold: Gulnar Bloom adds warmth without shouting.

Glass tables

Glass shows everything beneath it, so lighter, openwork designs keep the table from feeling heavy. Noor Lace is a good place to start.

What to put on top

White porcelain is never wrong, and a thin gold rim ties it to the placemat. Cream stoneware works on the champagne designs. Avoid heavily patterned plates; let the placemat carry the pattern. For napkins, ivory linen is the safe choice, while deep emerald or oxblood make the gold look richer.

Light it warm

Warm light brings out gold. Candles in holders, or warm white bulbs, make a metallic table look its best after dark. Keep every flame on a holder or tray, off the placemats and runner.