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Desk mats help define your workstation while protecting the surface underneath from nicks, scratches, and ink stains. “A treated leather that is water-resistant is my favorite, but there are also tons of synthetic and recycled materials that provide a great surface,” says professional organizer and home stylist Holly Blakey of Breathing Room.
We researched options of various sizes and materials with standout features. Our top choice is the Orbitkey Desk Mat, which boasts a water-repellent, easy-to-clean design and a magnetic cable holder.
Orbitkey Desk Mat
“The main functions of a desk mat include desk protection, organization, and a better surface for writing so your keyboard doesn’t slide around and your mouse moves more smoothly,” says Blakey. This sounds like a tall order for a relatively simple product, but the Orbitkey Desk Mat checks all of these boxes—and then some.
It’s made of smooth vegan leather and has a soft felt backing to protect the surface underneath from scratches, knicks, ink, and spills. The water-repellent material is also super easy to wipe clean. Notable features include a magnetic cable holder you can move along the toolbar to keep your cords tangle-free and in place. There’s also a hidden layer for stashing important papers or post-it notes you want handy but out of the way.
This desk mat doesn’t have a non-slip backing, but the weight of your keyboard should prevent it from sliding around. And while the price is steep, we think it’s worth the investment.
DeltaHub Minimalistic Felt Desk Protective Pad
The DeltaHub Minimalistic Desk Pad is soft yet strong option made out of felt. Felt is uniquely durable, with exceptional resistance to heat. The absorbent, tear-resistant material2 is often used to protect floors and furniture, which is why it’s a top choice for desk mats.2
This mat is easy to clean with a handheld vacuum or a damp cloth. Your mouse will move around friction-free, while grippy rubber dots on the back prevent the entire thing from sliding around.
Pupufu Large Leather Desk Pad
If your workstation is more substantial, the Pupufu Large Desk Pad might be your best bet. It comes in three sizes, the largest of which measures 47 x 23.5 inches, and you can choose from eight colors.
This desk mat is made of durable, easy-to-clean vegan leather. Though it doesn’t have a non-slip backing, the material is water-repellent, oil-proof, and resistant to high heat.
Logitech Studio Series Desk Mat
For smaller desks, we recommend Logitech’s Studio Series Desk Mat. It’s just 27.5 x 12 inches, but that’s big enough for a keyboard and mouse, and it fits easily on writing desks, built-ins, countertops, and other compact workstations.
This mat made of soft, smooth polyester and has a non-slip rubber backing. While this product is spill-resistant, easy to clean, and conveniently rollable, you should know the stitched edges may fray over time.