Carpets and office chairs don’t mix well. If you have a heavier pile carpet, your chair is virtually impossible to move every time you need to move away from your desk. Your office chair could even be damaging your carpet by leaving grooves in it, or sinking into a certain area.
So how can you improve the longevity of your carpet while making it much easier to move around to boot?
That’s where a chair mat will come in handy. These are basically harder mats, often made using plastic or other materials, which you can place on top of your carpet, but under your chair. It will make it much easier to roll around in your office chair, and will also work to keep your carpet protected.
But with so many different types of chair mats on the market, how can you be sure that you’ve found the best chair mat for carpet?
There’s no need to worry. We’ve done all the hard work for you so that you don’t have to. We’ve researched and reviewed hundreds of products to find the best chair mats for carpet that the market has to offer. So you can rest assured that you are buying a quality product that will make your life even easier. Let’s take a look at the best chair mats for carpet in more detail!
OUR TOP PICK
The OFM ESS Collection Chair Mat with Lip for Carpet is just the thing you need for your home office if you don’t want to spend a small fortune.
This particular chair mat is available at a competitive price so that you can protect your carpet and focus on the things that matter. This chair mat will work to protect your carpet from any desk chair wheels as well as from surface friction.
This particular chair mat is suitable for use with a ¼ inch thick carpet pile. This makes it the perfect fit for low to medium pile carpets. The chair mat features a gripper back surface to ensure that the mat stays in place when you use it. This gripper back surface will work best with a ¼ inch carpet pile.
Another great feature is that this chair mat features ramped edges so as to make it easy to roll off and on the chair mat as needed.
A useful feature of this chair mat is that it comes with an extended lip. This is so that you can easily fit the chair mat under your desk, so that you can get full coverage. So you won’t have to worry about one area of your carpet getting damaged by your chair. The chair mat measures 36 inches x 48 inches, and is 2.2 mm thick.
You won’t have to worry about this chair mat letting you down. It has been manufactured using a textured and sturdy plastic. This material is very hardy and won’t crack or shatter. It will give you the easy mobility you need without skidding around.
Pros
- Budget friendly - one of the more affordable options on our list
- Durable - constructed using a clear plastic that won’t crack or shatter
- Medium pile - best suited for carpets with a ¼ inch pile
Cons
- Flattening - needs to be unrolled at room temperature and allowed to flatten first
EDITORS CHOICE
The Office Chair Mat for Carpeted Floors will give you all the support you need from a quality chair mat. This particular model has been designed to be as sturdy as possible, and the manufacturer boasts that it is unbeatable in terms of durability.
These chair mats have been designed not to curl, crack, scratch, or discover over time through normal use. They are even delivered flat so that they are ready to use straight out of the box.
You won’t have to worry about this chair mat breaking once you’ve got it in place. This is one of the thickest chair mats available on the market, measuring at ⅛ inch thick.
This superior thickness makes the chair mat super sturdy, and will prevent your office chair wheels from sinking or leaving indentations in your carpet. This thickness will also ensure that the corners of the chair mat remain flat.
This particular chair mat will be perfect for use with low and medium pile carpets. It features a super grip backing with a studded underside to ensure that it remains in place. So you won’t have to worry about the mat moving around as you move your chair.
It’s important to note that this model must be used with carpeted flooring, not hardwood flooring.
Another handy feature of this chair mat is that it is phthalate free. It is also free from any volatile toxic compounds so that you can maintain a healthy indoor environment. It has been manufactured using 100% polycarbonate for a sturdy chair mat that won’t let you down.
Pros
- Durable - manufactured using 100% polycarbonate that is highly sturdy
- Thick chair mat - measures ⅛ inch thick for added durability
- Low and medium pile - suitable for low and medium pile carpets
Cons
- Expensive - one of the pricier models on the market
BEST VALUE
The Amazon Basics Polycarbonate Office Carpet Chair Mat is the perfect choice for your home office. This particular chair mat works to keep your carpet or rug protected from the wheels of your office chair. The Amazon Basics chair mat is clear so that you can still see the natural color of your office carpet.
This is a chair mat that has been designed with durability in mind. It has been constructed using a high gauge polycarbonate material which gives the chair mat a high impact resistance.
It will allow your chair to easily glide over its surface so that you get superior movability. The chair mat won’t curl at the edges, and it won’t flex. This is perfect for low to medium pile carpets that are ¾ inch thick.
Another great feature of this chair mat is that it has been designed to last you for as long as possible. It is incredibly hard wearing and durable so as to last you a lifetime. Thanks to the nature of polycarbonate, this chair mat will instantly flatten against your carpet and will remain flat for the duration of its lifespan.
You’ll get the maximum stability possible with this chair mat. It features a gripper back underside to ensure that it will remain firmly in place on your carpeted flooring. Another great feature is that the chair mat features a lightly textured surface so that you have better maneuverability.
Pros
- Various sizes - choose between 3 different sizes to suit your needs
- Highly durable - constructed using polycarbonate for superior durability
- Maximum stability - feature a gripper back for superior maneuverability
Cons
- Pricey - one of the pricier options on the market
RUNNER UP
The Resilia Office Desk Chair Mat with Lip for Carpet is an excellent choice if you want to prevent unnecessary wear on your carpet. This particular chair mat will give you superior carpet protection to prevent everyday wear and tear which is often caused by office chairs.
You also won’t have to worry about this chair mat moving around unnecessarily. It features non-slip grippers to keep the chair mat firmly in place.
You won’t have to worry about this chair mat letting you down when you need it most. This particular chair mat features long lasting durability to ensure that it will last you for many years to come. The chair mat is flexible but won’t crack, curl, tear, scratch, discolor, or break over time. It will also work on a variety of carpets to give you added peace of mind.
A handy feature of these particular chair mats is that they are available in a range of sizes and styles. There are 2 different styles to choose from, and 4 different sizes. So you can easily choose the chair mat that best suits your home office.
The two different designs feature a standard square, or a design with an additional lip. The lip design works so that it slots under your desk, so that you can fully protect your carpet.
Another great feature of this chair mat is that it is environmentally friendly. It doesn’t contain any toxic materials, is made using eco-friendly vinyl, and is phthalate free. It also doesn’t have any prop 65 regulated contaminants, so you can rest assured that it will be perfectly safe for your home office.
Pros
- Superior carpet protection - protects your carpet from the everyday wear and tear of office chairs
- Multiple sizes and shapes - choose the best shape and size for your home office
- Durable - won’t crack, curl, tear, scratch, discolor, or break
Cons
- Unsuitable for heavier pile - only designed for use with low pile carpet
RUNNER UP
The Dimex Clear Rectangle Office Chair Mat For Low Pile Carpet gives you another excellent solution for your home office. This particular chair mat has been designed with low pile carpets in mind.
It will be suitable for use with low pile carpet measuring ¼ inch or less. This particular chair mat also comes with cleats specifically for use with low pile carpeting, and will remain in place during your working day.
A handy feature of this particular chair mat is that it is available in 3 different sizes. Choose between 36 inches x 48 inches, 45 inches x 53 inches, or 46 inches x 60 inches.
The smaller 2 designs also feature a lip so that you can get complete protection under your desk. This will give you greater choice in choosing the best sized chair mat for your home office. The largest chair mat is suitable for use with 5 standard office chairs to give complete carpet protection.
You won’t have to worry about this chair mat for carpet coming with an unpleasant odor or being toxic. This particular chair mat is non toxic, it has been Greenguard certified, and is BPA and phthalate free. This makes it ideal for use in the office, schools, as well as healthcare facilities.
Another great feature of this chair mat is that you get a 1 year warranty with your purchase. This will protect your chair mat against any defects that are in the material so in the unlikely event that you receive a faulty item, you can get a replacement free of charge.
Pros
- Multiple sizes - choose the best sized chair mat for your home office
- Low pile - suitable for low pile carpeting
- 1 year warranty - gives you extra peace of mind
Cons
- Expensive - one of the pricier models on the market
Best Chair Mat For Carpet Buying Guide
Trying to choose the best chair mat for carpet can be a real challenge. There are so many different factors to consider that it can often feel like an overwhelming experience. We’ve put together this handy buyer’s guide to make the experience even easier for you.
As long as you bear the below factors in mind, you can rest assured that you are opting for the best chair mat for your needs.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about chair mats for carpet below, or skip ahead to the frequently asked questions.
Carpet Pile
The most important factor to bear in mind when choosing a chair mat for carpet is the length of your carpet pile. This is because if you buy the wrong chair mat for the length of your carpet, then you could actually end up damaging it.
If you have a low to medium pile carpet, you will need a different thickness of chair mat. If you have a heavier pile of carpet, you will need to opt for a thicker chair mat so that your carpet gets the right type of protection.
Durable
You will want to opt for a chair mat that will be as sturdy and durable as possible. This is so that it will last you for many years to come. It’s best to opt for a chair mat that has been constructed using polycarbonate. This will be able to withstand the rigors of working life without cracking, breaking, curling, or experiencing discoloration.
Size And Shape
Another important factor to think about is which size chair mat you need. Are you looking for a single chair mat for a single chair? Or are you purchasing a larger chair mat for an office that will be used by multiple chairs? This will dictate the size of the chair mat you need to purchase to protect your carpet.
Some designs also feature a lip that sits under your desk area, so that when you sit at your desk, the carpet will be fully protected.
Budget
Your budget may also dictate which type of chair mat you can opt for. It will be best to opt for the highest quality mat that you can afford so that the corners won’t curl up, as this can often happen with the cheaper models.
Best Surf Helmets - FAQ's
Are Chair Mats Bad For Carpet?
Chair mats are only bad for carpet if you use the wrong type of chair mat for your type of carpet.
For example, a chair mat designed for use with low pile carpets will only weigh down on heavy shag carpeting, and you won’t be able to move your chair around as you need to. If you were to use a heavier chair mat on a low pile carpet, this would only damage the carpet fibers more.
However, if you didn’t use a chair mat on your carpet, this would only cause your office chair to damage the material and even leave grooves in the carpet. It will be best to ensure that you select the right chair mat for your needs to protect the carpet as you need to.
What Kind Of Chair Mat Do I Need For Carpet?
The type of chair mat you need to use on your carpet will entirely depend on the thickness of your carpet.
If you have a low or medium pile carpet, then a chair mat that’s at least 3 millimeters thick will be the perfect fit. If you have a luxurious plush, high pile carpet, then you will need to opt for a thicker chair mat, such as a 5 millimeter thick chair mat.
The best chair mats for carpet are:
- OFM ESS Collection Chair Mat with Lip for Carpet
- Office Chair Mat for Carpeted Floors
- Amazon Basics Polycarbonate Office Carpet Chair Mat
- Resilia Office Desk Chair Mat with Lip for Carpet
- Dimex Clear Rectangle Office Chair Mat For Low Pile Carpet
What Do You Put Under An Office Chair On Carpet?
The best way to keep your carpet protected from your office chair is to use a chair mat, otherwise known as a floor protection mat. These will keep your carpet protected from the legs and rollers of your office chair, so that the carpet won’t become damaged over time.
There are lots of different sizes, materials, and shapes to choose from. It will be important to select the right chair mat for your type of carpet.
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