A chair mat is a multifunctional product, giving your office chair a smooth surface to glide over and protecting your floor from scuffing in a home office. We at the This Old House Team researched the best chair mats on Amazon and created a buyer’s guide to help you make an informed purchasing decision. Here are our top mat recommendations.
Key Takeaways
- We chose the MuArts Crystal Clear Heavy-Duty Chair Mat as the best chair mat because of its transparent design, ability to withstand up to 1,200 pounds of pressure, and versatility for both hard and carpeted floors.
- Chair mats can vary in price, with entry-level vinyl models costing $30 to $50, while thicker polycarbonate or tempered glass options can exceed $100 depending on materials and durability.
- Floor type and mat dimensions are the two most important factors to consider when shopping for chair mats, with spiked models designed for carpet and smooth versions suitable for hard floors.
Top 5 Chair Mats
- MuArts Crystal Clear Heavy-Duty Chair Mat: Best Chair Mat for Hard Floors
- Gorilla Grip Office Chair Mat: Best Heavy-Duty
- Sillamate Office Chair Mats: Best Chair Mat for Offices
- Dimex Clear Rectangle Office Chair Mat: Best Oversized Chair Mat
- OFM ESS Collection Chair Mat: Best Value Chair Mat
Compare Top Chair Mats
| Product | Image | Dimensions | Primary Material | Spikes for Carpet | Multiple Sizes | Has Lip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MuArts Crystal Clear Heavy-Duty Chair MatCheck Price | | 35 x 47 inches | Not listed | No | Yes | No |
Gorilla Grip Office Chair MatCheck Price | | 36 x 48 inches | Polyethylene terephthalate | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sillamate Office Chair MatsCheck Price | | 36 x 48 inches | Polyethylene terephthalate | Yes | No | Yes |
Dimex Clear Rectangle Office Chair MatCheck Price |  | 46 x 60 inches | Vinyl | Yes | Yes | No |
OFM ESS Collection Chair MatCheck Price |  | 36 x 48 inches | Polyurethane | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best Chair Mat for Hard Floors
MuArts Crystal Clear Heavy-Duty Chair Mat
We like that this office chair mat has a transparent design that’s 0.2 inches thick to protect your hard or carpeted surfaces from chair scuffs. It can withstand up to 1,200 pounds of pressure and is available in multipacks if you have several desks in your home or office.
Pros and Cons of MuArts Crystal Clear Heavy-Duty Chair Mat
- Made of a non-toxic, odorless material
- Can also be used on carpets
- Sold in multipacks, making ordering easy for larger offices
- Doesn’t have beveled or sloped edges
- Might slip if it’s used on carpet because it doesn’t have spikes
What People Are Saying About The MuArts Crystal Clear Heavy-Duty Chair Mat
Happy customers we found said that the mat didn’t scratch or crack from day-to-day use. However, we did see some disappointed customers who were frustrated that it didn’t have spikes because that kept it from staying in place on carpet.
Best Heavy-Duty
Gorilla Grip Office Chair Mat
Ideal for low-pile rugs, this slip-resistant mat features a studded, spiked underside that stays secure on carpets. It is made from thick, durable material that doesn’t bend or curl, and is easy to glide on with a wheeled chair.
Pros and Cons of Gorilla Grip Office Chair Mat
- Has double-layered protection that helps protect your carpet from markings
- Has a semi-transparent design
- Is resistant to chair wheel divots and indentations
- Has somewhat limited sizing options
- Some customers said this mat didn’t work well on thick carpets
What People Are Saying About The Gorilla Grip Office Chair Mat
We found that customers who gave this product a positive review liked that it was made from durable, sturdy materials and that it was easy to roll a chair on, while several others were pleased that it shipped flat instead of being rolled up upon arrival. However, we did note that some customers felt this mat was ineffective on thick carpets, and others experienced eventual cracks.
Best Chair Mat for Offices
Sillamate Office Chair Mats
These office chair mats come in a pack of two for multiple desk chairs. We like that the gripper backing on the mats holds them firmly in place on low pile carpet up to a quarter-inch thick. Additionally, the top of the two clear mats features a lightly textured surface for smooth, controlled chair movements.
Pros and Cons of Sillamate Office Chair Mats
- Has a lip to prevent office chairs from rolling over the mat
- Has a studded underside to keep it in place on carpet
- Odorless, nontoxic, BPA and phthalate-free
- The gripper backing may damage wood floors
- Only available in one size
What People Are Saying About The Sillamate Office Chair Mats
Our team found that satisfied customers were happy with these mats, stating that they shipped flat and didn’t curl beneath their office chair. Several customers also thought the size of the mats were perfect. The neutral clear color of the mats also matched customers’ desk decor. However, we did note that some customers thought that the mats weren’t thick enough for regular household carpeting, and others thought that the mats weren’t rigid or sturdy enough.
Best Oversized Chair Mat
Dimex Clear Rectangle Office Chair Mat
Our research showed that this office chair mat is made with a durable, wear-resistant material that provides floor protection for large work areas. It has 46-by-60-inch dimensions, but you can other sizes are available to customize your space if your workspace requires a different fit.
Pros and Cons of Dimex Clear Rectangle Office Chair Mat
- Made from BPA- and phthalate-free materials
- Undergoes humidity and temperature testing to ensure performance
- Has a smooth, stain-resistant surface
- Only works with low-pile carpet up to 0.25 inches high
- Doesn’t have a lip, limiting coverage under your desk
What People Are Saying About The Dimex Clear Rectangle Office Chair Mat
Many customers wrote that the Dimex Clear Rectangle Office Chair Mat was durable and affordable and protected their carpeted areas. However, we did see some dissatisfied customers who said that it was challenging to unroll because of its stiffness and that it indented their carpet after minimal use.
Best Value Chair Mat
OFM ESS Collection Chair Mat
This office chair mat has an anti-slip top and a molded cleat underside for added stability on carpet that’s up to 0.25 inches thick. It also has an extended front to provide you with protection under your desk and a clear exterior to blend into your carpet. All of these features come at an affordable price.
Pros and Cons of OFM ESS Collection Chair Mat
- Has ramped edges that make it easy to slide your chair on and off it
- Features an extended lip for under-the-desk coverage
- Also available in a hard floor design without the spikes
- Not intended for use on hard floors
- Can take up to three days to flatten once it arrives because it’s shipped in a roll
What People Are Saying About The OFM ESS Collection Chair Mat
Satisfied customers appreciated this mat’s features that helped it grip their carpet. They also said that it was a good value for the money. Unhappy customers had difficulty unrolling the mat because it was stiff. However, some customers said that it became less rigid if they left it in the sun for a day or two.
Chair Mat Buying Guide
From thick carpet chair mats to office floors, it’s important to understand how each chair mat’s specifications impact its user experience. Here are four factors our team thinks are important to consider to help you sort through office chair mats online.
Intended Use
Not all office chair mats are designed for use on carpet and hard floors. Some chair mats come with a pronged underside that secures to carpeted flooring, providing a non-slip surface for rolling chairs. However, it’s not recommended for use on hardwood floors because the prongs could scratch the wood. Other models, including the MuArts Crystal Clear Heavy-Duty Chair Mat, don’t have the spikes, making them usable on hard or carpeted floors.
Choosing the Right Mat for Your Floor: Hard floors and carpet require different chair mat designs. Mats for carpet typically feature anchor cleats on the underside to grip pile and prevent sliding, while hard-floor mats have smooth, non-scratch backing. Using the wrong type can damage your flooring—a concern TOH editors have seen firsthand with hardwood, where scratches from improper mats can be as damaging as pet toenails or dragged furniture.
Pro Tip
- If you’re placing a chair mat on a finished hardwood floor, make sure the underside is completely smooth — textured or grippy backings designed for carpet can trap grit and actually cause more scratching than rolling a chair directly on the floor. For hard surfaces, a flat, non-studded mat like this one is the way to go.
Mat Sizes
Office chair mats come in a variety of dimensions to suit your workspace. Each model is measured by its length and width, and these dimensions are used to calculate the mat’s square footage. For example, the Dimex Clear Rectangle Office Chair Mat measures 46 by 60 inches and covers around 19 square feet.
More compact models, such as the OFM ESS Collection Chair Mat, have smaller dimensions that cover around 12 square feet. This is just enough space to accommodate an average-sized office chair and often works well for compact home offices.
Price
Entry-level chair mats made of vinyl or thin PVC plastic can cost as little as $30 to $50. Thicker mats made of high-quality polycarbonate or tempered glass may cost upward of $100.
Prominence
Some office chairs, such as the OFM ESS Collection Chair Mat, have a lip that protrudes from the mat. This lip isn’t as wide as the rest of the mat, allowing it to fit in the cutout under your desk to extend your coverage.
Pro Tip
- Bill Doan, consultant for the Carpet and Rug Institute, notes that a traditional natural-fiber mat lasts longer on hard surfaces. The same principle applies when choosing a chair mat: match the mat material to your floor type to maximize durability and prevent damage.
Other Ways to Stop Your Chair from Sliding
If your office chair keeps sliding or moving around, there are several methods you can try to help keep it in place, in addition to using a chair mat. Here are some alternative ways to stop your office chair from sliding:
- Check the Casters: Inspect the casters on the chair to ensure they are in good condition. If they are worn out or damaged, consider replacing them with new casters suitable for your office floor surface. Look for casters specifically designed for hardwood, carpet, or other types of flooring.
- Used Rubberized Grip Pads: Rubberized grip pads designed for furniture are a good alternative to chair mats. Place these pads under the chair’s casters or the base of the chair to increase traction and stability.
- Carpet Tape or Hook-and-Loop Strips: Apply double-sided carpet tape or hook-and-loop strips to the chair’s casters or the chair’s base where it contacts the floor. This helps create a stronger grip to prevent your chair from sliding.
- Position the Chair Against a Wall: If possible, position your office chair against a wall or a sturdy piece of furniture to create additional stability. This provides extra support and prevents the chair from moving backward.
- Adjust the Chair Height: Ensure that your office chair is adjusted to the proper height for your workstation to keep you comfortable and well-positioned. When the chair is set at the correct height, your feet should comfortably rest on the floor, promoting better posture and stability.
- Lock the Tilt or Recline Mechanism: Many office chairs come with a tilt or recline feature. If your chair has this function, check if it has a lock or tension adjustment. Locking the tilt or recline mechanism can help stabilize the chair and prevent unwanted movement.
- Consider a Chair Stopper or Brake: Some accessories, such as chair stoppers or brakes, are specifically designed to prevent office chairs from sliding on smooth surfaces. These devices are placed under the chair’s wheels and provide additional grip and stability.
From the TOH Archives
- TOH general contractor Tom Silva discovered the importance of good floor protection firsthand on the Manchester project, where he lined his on-site workshop with interlocking foam-rubber squares to save strain on his feet and back—and to protect the floor should heavy tools fall. “Not only do they save strain on his body, they also protect the floor—and his equipment—should one of his bulky tools fall to the ground,” the team noted. The same principle applies to your home office: a quality chair mat isn’t just about smooth rolling—it’s about preserving the floor underneath.
Chair Mat FAQ
Do I need an office chair mat?
You don’t need one, but they can enhance your office setup because they protect your floors and make moving your chair easy.
Should I use a chair mat on hardwood floors?
Because hardwood floors already have a smooth, flat surface, you can easily glide your chair across them. However, a mat can prevent the chair’s feet from damaging the wood.
What can I use instead of a chair mat?
If you don’t want to use a mat, you can purchase a standing desk to eliminate the need for a chair. You can also update the wheels on your office chair to rollerblade ones. These glide more smoothly across surfaces without damaging them.
How We Selected the Best Chair Mats
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of mats with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.