Chair mats provide a smooth surface for desk chairs to roll over, protect carpets and rugs from damage caused by chair caster wheels, reduce back and leg pain, lower the likelihood of repetitive stress injuries, improve ergonomics and help alleviate fatigue. They help create an inviting atmosphere in the workplace by offering some cushioning beneath desk chairs.

What Are The Best Chair Mats?

Finding the ideal chair mat can be overwhelming with so many choices available on the market. Your choice should take into account several factors, like what kind of flooring you have, how much weight your office furniture weighs and your workspace layout. Here are some tips to help narrow down the options and find a perfect mat for home or office.

Before selecting a chair mat for your workspace, take into account your flooring. Hard surfaces like hardwood, laminate and vinyl require one with a smooth backing so it won’t scratch them. Soft surfaces like area rugs and carpets require small cleats on the bottom that grip without damaging carpet fibers. Furthermore, if there are computers or other electrical equipment in your workspace, consider investing in an anti-static chair mat.

Second, the thickness of your floor needs to be taken into account: High-pile carpets require thicker mats than low pile carpets; thinner mats may bend or crack on carpets with thick pile and/or padding.

Finally, the size of your room will dictate which chair mat you require: If it’s large and you have plenty of space to cover, opt for a larger mat. A smaller one will make it difficult to keep your chair in place and could potentially trap dirt or grit beneath it. You can consider Ultimate Mats who can provide you with custom made mats and rugs as per your preferences.

Selecting the Appropriate Shape

The most common chair mat shape is rectangular or square, although other designs exist as well. Some feature a “lip” that fits under the chair and extends from its edge to protect the floor below. Other mats have a “fattened” T-shape which fits under desks and provides comfortable sitting surfaces for users.

Style and Color

Choose a clear or frosted chair mat to match your decor and office environment. Or opt for patterned woven mats with an elegant look; some even come in black finishes.

For something unique, explore chair mat design trends such as woodgrain, metallic and chunky wool jute looks. Many mats feature patterns to match your room’s theme.

Finally, chair mats are typically constructed of materials that will withstand repeated heavy use. Popular choices include polycarbonate, tempered glass and vinyl.

Chair mats for carpet are thick, durable and have studded backing to help them stay put. They come in various thicknesses to accommodate low-, medium- and high pile carpets alike – so choosing the correct mat is essential to guaranteeing your carpet stays in great condition for years to come.