Buying Guide
How to Buy a Chair Mat
This short guide helps you choose the right chair mat for your floor and working habits. It covers what to check, the main types available, key specifications to compare, where to buy and practical tips to avoid mistakes.
What to consider before you buy
Decide what you need from the mat before shopping. Consider floor type, chair travel area, carpet pile and how often the chair is used.
- Measure the area: common sizes here are about 90 x 120 cm and 76 x 122 cm. Buy slightly larger than the space your chair moves in.
- Floor surface: low-pile carpet, high-pile carpet or hard floor need different mat types and under‑surfaces.
- Durability vs weight: glass mats are heavy and very hard-wearing; plastic and woven mats are lighter and cheaper.
- Budget: expect to pay roughly £20 for basic PVC mats up to £60 for heavy glass or premium multi-layer options.
Types and when to choose them
Choose the material that suits your floor and lifestyle.
- Tempered glass mats: very durable, scratch resistant and flat; ideal for high-use desks and hardwood floors. They are heavy and more costly but last a long time.
- PVC or clear plastic mats: affordable, transparent and easy to clean; best for low-pile carpets or hard floors. Thinner PVC can curl or crack over time.
- Woven or felt-backed mats: soft, tri-layer or rigid-board designs that are quieter and suit low-pile carpet; often packed folded to avoid creases.
Key features, specs and common mistakes to avoid
Look for these practical features when comparing models and avoid common errors.
- Thickness and load rating: thicker mats or those with a rigid core give steadier support on soft carpets. Some mats state dynamic load tests; higher values mean better durability.
- Anti-slip: studs, silicone dots or rubber backing are essential on carpet; anti-slip pads or high friction surfaces are needed on hard floors.
- Edge profile and curl resistance: choose mats that stay flat. Tri-fold or rigid-core mats resist warping better than cheap rolled plastics.
- Cleaning and safety: check for non-toxic, odourless materials and whether the mat is washable.
- Buying too small a mat that does not cover your chair travel area.
- Choosing a hard-floor mat for deep-pile carpet without a rigid backing; the mat will sink and the chair will not roll smoothly.
- Overlooking anti-slip features for the specific floor type.
- Assuming all transparent mats suit deep carpets; transparency does not equal suitability.
Where to buy and expert tips
Decide between online convenience and inspecting in store.
- Online benefits: wider selection, clear specs and reviews. Check exact dimensions, return policy and delivery packaging type (rolled or folded) so you know if it will need flattening.
- In-store benefits: you can feel material thickness, test grip and avoid surprises with texture or stiffness.
- Measure first, then compare sizes and backing type.
- If ordered rolled, weigh corners down and allow 24 to 72 hours to flatten; some mats improve after being left under weight.
- For deep-pile carpets choose a rigid core or tempered glass to prevent sinking.
- Prefer tri-fold or rigid-board designs if you worry about creases or warping.
- Keep the mat clean with a damp cloth or gentle vacuum to preserve grip and appearance.
Final Thoughts
Pick a mat that matches your floor and chair travel, prioritise anti-slip backing and sufficient size, and choose the material that balances durability with budget. Measure, check specifications and buy from a seller with a clear return policy so you can exchange or return if the mat does not perform as expected.
