If you have ever used a rolling chair on a carpeted or hard floor, you know how important a chair mat is. Chair mats not only protect your flooring but also make it easier to move around without damaging the floor or getting stuck in carpet fibres. The internet is full of chair mat options to consider, the price and quality varies greatly, so it can be difficult to figure out which are the best UK chair mats for you.

In this comprehensive guide, we look at the types of chair mats available in the UK market, how you choose the right mat for you, before we give our recommendations. The ultimate choice is yours, but you will likely have a preference based on budget, style or durability that this best UK chair mats guide can help make your mind up on the right one for your needs.

Ultra Thick Polycarbonate Rectangular Chair Mat on Hard Floor

Key Takeways after Reading this Article

Best UK Chair Mats 2023: A Guide to Choosing the Right One
– Chair mats are essential for protecting your flooring and making it easier to move around with a rolling chair.
– There are different types of chair mats available, such as polycarbonate, vinyl, bamboo, glass, and fabric-topped.
– Polycarbonate chair mats are the most durable and long-lasting choice, and they are transparent and suitable for hard floors and deep pile carpets.
– Vinyl chair mats are an affordable and popular choice, but they are not as durable as polycarbonate mats, and they are recommended for light use on hard floors and short pile carpets.
– Bamboo chair mats are a stylish and eco-friendly choice, but they are not transparent, and they are thicker and heavier than plastic mats.
– Glass chair mats are a premium and elegant choice, but they are expensive and fragile, and they may not work well with some chair wheels.
– Fabric-topped chair mats are a comfortable and stylish choice, but they are not as easy to move around on, and they may require more cleaning and maintenance.
– To choose the right chair mat for you, you need to consider the size, shape, material, thickness, style, and budget of the mat.

Types of Chair Mats

Before we dive into specific recommendations of the best UK chair mats, let’s first explore the types of chair mats available in the market.

Polycarbonate Chair Mats

Ultra Thick Polycarbonate Rectangular Chair Mat Close Up

Polycarbonate chair mats are the most durable and long-lasting choice available. Polycarbonate is a durable plastic that is less liable to cracking and splitting when subjected to high pressure, making it an ideal choice for high-usage chair mats. The Polycarbonate mats sold on the Trusted Mats website use the same material that is used in bullet-resistant glass.

Additionally, polycarbonate mats are transparent and allow your flooring to show through, so they won’t clash with your décor. Can be used on hard floors and even deep pile carpets without cupping or indentations.

Vinyl Chair Mats

Vinyl chair mats are a popular and affordable choice for those on a budget. They are made from PVC and are cut into various size and shape options. They are not as durable as polycarbonate mats, but will protect the floor beneath just as effectively. PVC Chair Mats are recommended for light use on hard floors and short pile carpets. Used on deep pile carpets, they are likely to split and develop indentations which cup the chair wheels and inhibit movement.

Bamboo Chair Mats

Bamboo chair mats are a stylish and eco-friendly choice for those who prefer natural, sustainable materials. They are made from slats of fast-growing bamboo pieced together and cut to the usual sizes and shapes of chair mats. Bamboo mats are typically thicker and heavier than their plastic counterparts. They offer good protection for your flooring, but they are not transparent, unlike polycarbonate and PVC chair mats. The bamboo itself has a natural beauty and unique texture however. Bamboo mats may also require an additional mat underlay to prevent movement of the mat when in use.

Glass Chair Mats

Glass chair mats are a high-end choice for those who want a stylish and unique option. They are made from tempered glass which is resistant to cracks and shattering. They are durable and will protect the floor beneath, but once it’s down it needs to stay put. This is not one for moving around regularly, due to its weight.

Fabric Topped Chair Mats

Fabric-topped chair mats, such as the Shades Custom Chair mats offered by Trusted Mats, are a popular type of chair mat for those who prioritise both functionality and aesthetics.

These mats have a tough and durable rubber base with a bonded layer of fabric on top, giving them a stylish look that can blend seamlessly into any décor. The fabric layer provides a comfortable and slip-resistant surface for your chair and feet. However, being a fabric surface, it gives a little more resistance to chair movement than the other choices. so if gliding freely is your top priority, you may prefer the hard plastic alternatives.

The fabric is eco-friendly, made from P.E.T. bottles which helps reduce plastics ending up in landfills. They are machine washable, making them easy to clean and maintain for long-term use. The rubber backing choices make them suitable for hard floors and short to medium-pile carpets.

The Benefits of Using a Chair Mat

Before we look at our top picks for the best UK chair mats, let’s first understand your motivation for one by exploring the benefits of using a chair mat.

Protect Your Floors: Chair mats prevent scratches, scuffs, and other damage caused by the movement of office chairs on hard floors or carpets. This makes chair mats a sound investment. The initial cost of the mat will be a lot less than replacing or repairing your floors in the long run.
Improve Ergonomics: Chair mats help the chair to glide over the surface to improve ergonomics and reduce strain on your back and legs.
Enhance Aesthetics: A stylish chair mat can enhance the look of your workspace, making it more inviting and professional.

How to Choose the Right Chair Mat

Choosing the right chair mat for you will go a long way to determining which are the best UK chair mats for you. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a chair mat:

Size

Measure the area where the mat will be placed and choose a size that fits properly. You want to make sure that the mat is large enough to accommodate your desk and work area. Also, consider your roll area and where you place your feet. The roll area is where you will move your chair when moving away from your desk. Your feet can also damage the floor over time, so you may wish to account for this too.

Shape

The shape of the mat is also important. Choose a mat that matches the shape of your desk and work area. A rectangular mat is usually the most common shape, but there are also t-shaped mats available which can fit under your desk, between the table legs..

Material

Chair mats are typically made from materials like polycarbonate or vinyl, but other more sustainable options are becoming more popular. Choose the material you like the look of and fits in with your space and requirements. Polycarbonate is a durable and long-lasting option, while vinyl is more budget-friendly and suitable for light to moderate use. Fabric top mats are the most portable and come in more size options.

Thickness

Choose a mat that is thick enough to hold your weight and provide protection. The deeper the carpet pile, the thicker the material will need to be for it to remain stable under the weight of the chair. A mat that is too thick will make it more difficult to transport or lift for cleaning, while a mat that is too thin may not protect the floor beneath.

Style

The style of the mat is also worth considering. Choose a style that fits in with the décor of your workspace. There are many options available, from clear mats that blend in with the flooring to mats with a variety of colours and designs.

Budget

Finally, consider your budget when choosing a chair mat. You want to choose a mat that fits your budget while still providing adequate protection and durability. Remember, investing in a high-quality chair mat can save you money in the long run by protecting your floors from damage and wear.

Recommended Chair Mats

Now that you’re fully clued up with what you need from a chair mat and what you should look for in the products out there, we’ll give you our Best UK Chair Mats recommendations here. These are some of the best options available in the UK market.

Polycarbonate Chair Mats: The Most Durable and Long-Lasting Choice

Polycarbonate Rectangular Chair Mat Main — Chair Mat Polycarbonate Rectangular

If durability is your top priority, then we recommend you choose a polycarbonate chair mat. Polycarbonate chair mats are the most durable and long-lasting choice available. At Trusted Mats, we offer the Chair Mat Ultra Thick Polycarbonate Rectangular, which is the hardest-wearing and most durable Polycarbonate chair mat overall. It is available in 3 sizes with a thickness of 3.5mm and tested up to 35 stone, this mat is Ideal for very high usage and for heavy and tall users. It will protect your flooring for years to come.

If your budget can’t stretch to this, then we highly recommend choosing the standard Chair Mat Polycarbonate Rectangular, which gives excellent durability at a lower price point. It has backing options, so that it stays in place on both hard floors or carpets.

Vinyl Chair Mats: An Affordable and Popular Choice

Vinyl chair mats are a popular and affordable choice for those on a budget. At Trusted Mats, we offer a range of the highest-quality vinyl chair mats available in the UK market, including the Chair Mat PVC Rectangular, available in various sizes and backings for short pile carpets or hard floors. It is 2.5mm thick and provides good protection for your flooring. It won’t last as long as our other chair mats, but if you’re a light or very occasional user it will suffice.

PVC Chair Mat Rectangular on Carpet — PVC Chair Mat Rectangular

Fabric-topped Chair Mats:

Now let’s move on to the most versatile chair mat, the Shades Custom Chair Mat. Not only is it stylish, but it is also durable, portable and effective at protecting your carpets and hard floors. This elegant chair mat adds comfort and warmth to the office. It is the perfect choice for those who want colour and a professional-looking home for their office chair as they settle down and get on with their work.

Shades Custom Chair Mats Main — Shades Custom Chair Mat

One of the great things about the Shades Custom Chair Mat is that it is available in any size up to 1.5 x 6.6m, so it will fit perfectly wherever it is needed. This means you can use it under a small desk in a home office or a large conference room at work.

The mat surface is made from incredibly durable nylon. It is extremely stain-resistant and easy to clean without chemicals or detergent, making it simple to maintain.

Another great feature of the Shades Custom Chair Mat is that it can be rolled up for cleaning or storage. This makes it easy to transport if you need to move offices or if you need to store it away for a period of time.

Shades Custom Chair Mats are our pick for the best UK chair mats. They are exclusive to Trusted Mats, so head on over to the site and have your own winning choice.

Conclusion: Choose Trusted Mats for the Best UK Chair Mats

At Trusted Mats, we are committed to providing our customers with high-quality mats at competitive prices. Our selection of chair mats is no exception. Whether you need a tough polycarbonate mat or a stylish eco-friendly option, we have you covered.

So why settle for a cheap, flimsy chair mat that will crack and split over time when you can invest in a high-quality, durable option? Check out the Trusted Mats range of chair mats today to find the Best UK Chair Mats for your needs.

This guide is part of our Complete Guides to Mats series, which includes the following:

Best UK Chair Mats 2024: A Guide to Choosing the Right One