We reckon that desk mats are the easiest way to personalize your office workspace. Is your desk boring and drab? Want to add a pop of color or interest? This is how you do it, and it is such a quick and easy thing to do. We all know a happy workplace is a productive workplace. So why a desk mat? Well, desk mats protect your workspace, enhance comfort, and add style. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one? This guide breaks down the benefits of desk mats, the types available, and top-rated options you can find on Amazon.
Why You Need Desk Mats
As we mentioned above, there are several reasons you need a desk mat, and let’s look at them a little more in depth. Remember, a desk mat is more than just a decorative piece. And, it improves your work setup in several ways:
- Protects Your Desk – Your mat will help prevent scratches from staples or scissors, spills from your coffee cup, and stains from pen marks, keeping surfaces in good condition. Also, this is especially helpful if you have a trendy white desk, we are certain that it will really look good with a great desk mat!
- Enhances Comfort – Provides a smooth writing surface and your keyboard remains stable for typing (not balanced on the edge of a book and wobbling). A lovely fabric mat adds warmth as seasons change. It keeps your forearms cozy instead of resting on a cold desk.
- Improves Mouse Performance – Although mouse technology has come a long way, a desk pad still offers better tracking than bare desks.
- Reduces Clutter and Glare – Your desk mat helps define your workspace and keeps your accessories in place. If your desk surface is quite shiny, you will benefit from a desk mat that reduces the reflective glare.
- Adds Style – We love this one! Mats come in different materials and designs to easily match or set the tone for your office decor.
Types of Desk Mats
When it comes to desk mats, the options are endless. From traditional leather and vinyl to modern synthetic materials, there is a desk mat to suit every preference and style. In the past, desk mats were primarily paper-based, consisting of disposable sheets that were prone to tearing and staining. However, advancements in technology and materials have revolutionized the concept of desk mats. Today, mats for the desk are made from a variety of durable and eco-friendly materials, offering enhanced durability and longevity. Mats come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors, allowing for greater customization and personalization of your workspace.
Leather Desk Mats
Leather mats bring a professional touch to any desk. Exuding sophistication and elegance, they are perfect for a classic or executive-style home office. Also, they are durable, smooth, and easy to clean.
Best for: Executive and professional setups, classic aesthetics.
Top Picks on Amazon:
Aothia Leather and Cork Desk Pad – Made from synthetic leather with responsibly sourced cork backing, this is a best seller. Waterproof with sound-absorbing qualities, this mat is also easy to wipe clean. Available in multiple sizes and colors.
Gal
laway Leather Desk Mat – Premium vegan leather with a non-slip base. Excellent workmanship with a stitched edge – this mat has a refined, executive look. The mat has a non-slip felt base, which keeps everything in its place. Sleek and stylish for any workspace. In addition, it comes with a 1-year warranty and a gift-ready box – classy!
YSAGi Leather Desk Protector – This rectangular faux leather desk mat is available in a range of beautiful colors. The leather desk mat offers protection from scratches, stains, spills, and heat. The reverse is covered with suede, which offers a non-slip surface. Also, they are easy to clean with a damp cloth.
Felt Desk Mats
Felt mats add warmth and a soft texture to your workspace. They also help absorb noise, making them great for quieter environments.
Best for: Minimalist and cozy setups, reducing desk noise.
Top Picks on Amazon:
Dawntrees Felt Desk Pad—A high-quality felt fabric mat that is very soft, flexible and non-slip. The felt is a comfortable resting surface while working. Felt is a great protective surface for your desk. Additionally, it is water resistant and easy to clean. A quick brush of the surface is the best way to clean it.
Nordik Felt Desk Mat – Combines wool felt with a leather accent for a modern look. The anti-slip rubber dots help to keep things in place. The desk mat is large enough to provide a functional workspace. It offers great protection to your work surface, keeping it free from scratches and spills. This mat comes with a designer storage tube and would make a great gift.
Clear Tempered Glass Desk Mats
Clear mats protect surfaces without hiding your desk’s natural finish. Providing a soft and smooth surface, they offer comfort and resistance to water damage. They are also easy to clean.
Best for: Glass, wood, or custom-finished desks where you want to preserve the look.
Top Picks on Amazon:
Floortex Clear Desk Pad – This desk mat is made from tempered glass. It offers protection from scratches, scuffs and spills with additional heat resistance. The desk mat has anti slip dots for security. Handy benefits are that you can use dry erase pens to make notes on it as well as store notes or photos underneath.
Impresa Tempered Glass Desk Pad – Also manufactured from tempered glass, this desk pad is a great surface protector from scratches and spills. It can also be used as a dry-erase board while working. There are rounded corners for comfort and rubber pads for a non-slip, steady surface. Ultra-durable and scratch-resistant for a high-end feel.
Extended Mouse Pad Mats
These oversized mats cover a large portion of your desk, offering a smooth surface for both your keyboard and mouse.
Best for: Gamers, digital designers, and anyone needing more space.
Top Picks on Amazon:
KTRIO Gaming Extended Mousepad – This desk mat is a top seller. Waterproof, anti-fray stitching, and optimized for mouse tracking. This durable mouse pad has a non-slip rubber base and a spillproof coating ensuring liquids just run off. Available in a wide range of colors and patterns, you will definitely find one that you love.
Excel Shortcut Extended Mousepad– Designed for gaming but works great for office use too. Another Amazon best seller, this desk mat is a great size, with a heavy-duty rubber base, for a non-slip surface. The Excel cheat sheets are organized and grouped into frequently used operations. Such a great gift idea.
Choosing the Right Desk Mat
Consider these factors when selecting your desk mats:
- Size: Measure your desk to ensure the mat is the right fit.
- Material: Choose based on durability, comfort, and aesthetics. Some materials are more durable than others.
- Grip: Look for non-slip backing to prevent movement.
- Waterproofing: Essential if you keep drinks at your desk.
- Ease of Cleaning: Some materials require more maintenance than others. It is inevitable that you will get some pen marks or coffee stains on your desk mat, and knowing that it is easy to clean will make all the difference.
So are there a couple of desk mats in your future?
Desk mats are a simple upgrade that enhances both function and style in your home office. Look out for seasonal options i.e. Christmas-themed or Halloween, to change up your home office to match your home decor. Whether you prefer the elegance of leather, the warmth of felt, or the practicality of a clear mat, there’s an option that suits your needs. Check out the best sellers on Amazon to find the perfect one for your workspace!
