I was looking for oval placemats in black, both online and in stores, which was like looking for a unicorn. Then I saw these beautiful mats and, after reading the product description, knew that they were exactly what I had been looking for. They are elegant and durable, easy to clean, and will last a long time. I think I would get tired of them (but doubt that I will because they go with every table setting) before they ever wear out. The underside is of material that keeps them in place on the table, and both it and the leather topside are easy to clean. Anything spilled on them will not leak or soak through to your tabletop, which is not the case with many placemats I looked at before finding these. They cost more than I wanted to spend, but you get what you pay for. They are so worth the price, and you won't be disappointed if you buy them.I noticed that one review of this placemat said it is not oval, and another said that, when wiped down with water, it seemed to disintegrate a little. Whatever about those perceptions, I wanted to say that the mats ARE indeed oval-shaped, and that wiping them with water has in no way affected the surface of the mats I bought, othr than to make them clean.)
