Best Chair Mat for Carpet

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • If you’re looking to protect your carpet from the wear and tear of office chairs, a good chair mat is essential. Chair mats not only make it easier to glide across your workspace but also prevent dents in your carpet fibers, helping extend its lifespan. Available in various sizes, shapes, and materials—most commonly plastic or polycarbonate—these mats typically have cleats or spikes to grip the carpet securely. Some are better suited for low-pile carpets, while others handle plush, high-pile carpets more effectively. When choosing a mat, consider the size of your workspace, your carpet type, and how much you move around. After testing eight popular options, we found the best chair mats for different setups and carpet styles.

  • Dimex Clear Carpet Chair Mat

    10

    We recommend this chair mat for its durability and eco-friendly design, making it a solid choice for protecting low-pile carpets.

    10

    We recommend this chair mat for its durability and eco-friendly design, making it a solid choice for protecting low-pile carpets.

    Pros

    • Made from recycled materials in the USA
    • Fits well under desks and chairs
    • Grips carpet securely

    Cons

    • May not work as well on thicker carpets
    • Can develop permanent indentations
    • Some users find it too thin

    We’ve been using the Dimex Clear Carpet Chair Mat in our office for a few weeks now, and it’s held up well. The mat arrived rolled up, but it flattened out quickly once we unboxed it. We like that it’s made from recycled materials right here in the USA.

    The clear design blends in nicely with our carpet, and at 36″ x 48″, it provides plenty of coverage for our office chairs. We found the cleated backing grips our low-pile carpet well, keeping the mat in place as we roll around.

    One thing to note is that this mat works best on thinner carpets. On our medium-pile test area, we noticed some permanent indentations forming after a week of use. If you have thicker carpet, you might want to look for a sturdier option. Despite this, we think the Dimex mat offers good value for its price point, especially for home offices or small work areas.

  • Gorilla Grip Carpet Chair Mat

    9.7

    We think this chair mat is a solid choice for most carpeted home offices due to its durability and non-slip design.

    9.7

    We think this chair mat is a solid choice for most carpeted home offices due to its durability and non-slip design.

    Pros

    • Stays firmly in place on carpet
    • Durable and resistant to cracking
    • Protects carpet from wear and tear

    Cons

    • May feel slightly small for some setups
    • Semi-transparent design might not suit all tastes
    • Only works on low to medium pile carpets

    We tested the Gorilla Grip Carpet Chair Mat in our home office for several weeks. Right away, we noticed how sturdy it felt underfoot. Unlike flimsy mats that bend or crack, this one stayed flat and firm.

    The studded underside really grips the carpet. Our chair didn’t slide around at all, even when we rolled from one side to the other. This feature alone made our workday much smoother.

    We liked how the mat protected our carpet from our chair wheels. After a month of use, we didn’t see any signs of wear on the carpet underneath. The mat itself held up well too, with no visible scratches or dents from our chair.

    One thing to note: the mat measures 36 by 48 inches. For most desks, this size works fine. But if you have a larger setup, you might find it a bit small. We had to be careful not to roll off the edges sometimes.

    The semi-transparent design lets you see your carpet through the mat. We found this looked nice, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you want something that blends in more, you might prefer a fully clear or colored mat.

    Overall, we think this Gorilla Grip mat is a great pick for most people with carpeted home offices. It’s tough, it stays put, and it does a good job protecting your carpet. Just make sure to measure your space first to ensure it’s the right size for your needs.

  • MuArts Crystal Clear Chair Mat

    9.5

    We think this chair mat is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, versatile option that works on both carpet and hard floors.

    9.5

    We think this chair mat is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, versatile option that works on both carpet and hard floors.

    Pros

    • Super thick and heavy-duty
    • Crystal clear transparency
    • Works on carpet and hard floors

    Cons

    • Might slide on some surfaces
    • Heavier than some other mats
    • Can’t be folded or rolled up

    We’ve tested a lot of chair mats, and this MuArts model really impressed us. At 0.2 inches thick and weighing about 14 pounds, it’s one of the sturdiest mats we’ve used. The crystal clear design lets you see your flooring underneath, which we liked.

    When we rolled our office chairs on it, the mat stayed put on both carpet and hardwood. It didn’t curl up at the edges like some thinner mats we’ve tried. We also liked that it can handle up to 1400 pounds of pressure without cracking or denting.

    One thing to note – this mat is pretty heavy. It’s not easy to move around once you’ve got it in place. But we think that’s a fair trade-off for how durable it is. We’ve been using it for a few weeks now, and it still looks brand new. No scratches or clouding that we’ve seen with other mats.

  • Labeta Carpet Chair Mat

    9.4

    We recommend this chair mat for its sturdy protection of low-pile carpets and easy gliding surface.

    9.4

    We recommend this chair mat for its sturdy protection of low-pile carpets and easy gliding surface.

    Pros

    • Durable PVC material resists cracking
    • Textured surface allows smooth chair movement
    • Studs on underside keep mat in place

    Cons

    • Only suitable for low-pile carpets
    • May require effort to flatten initially
    • Sharp studs need careful handling

    We tested the Labeta chair mat on various low-pile carpets in our office. Its 36″ x 48″ size fit well in most workspaces, giving enough room for chair movement without taking up too much floor space.

    The mat’s durability stood out during our tests. Made of thick PVC, it didn’t bend or curl even after weeks of use. We rolled chairs over it countless times, and it showed no signs of wear. The lightly textured top made sliding around in our chairs smooth and easy.

    One thing we really liked was how well it stayed put. The tiny studs on the bottom gripped the carpet firmly. We didn’t have to readjust the mat once during our testing period. Just be careful when handling it – those studs are sharp!

    Cleaning the mat was a breeze. A quick wipe with a damp cloth removed any dirt or marks. Its clear design let the carpet show through, which we found nice for keeping the room’s look intact.

    We did find it took some work to flatten the mat when we first unrolled it. Putting some heavy books on it overnight did the trick. Also, while it works great on low-pile carpets, it’s not meant for thicker carpets or hard floors.

  • Placoot Stylish Chair Mat

    9.3

    We think this chair mat is a great choice for those wanting to protect their floors while adding a touch of style to their workspace.

    9.3

    We think this chair mat is a great choice for those wanting to protect their floors while adding a touch of style to their workspace.

    Pros

    • Eye-catching design
    • Works on carpet and hardwood
    • Easy to clean

    Cons

    • May slide on some surfaces
    • Thinner than some plastic mats
    • Limited color options

    We’ve been using this Placoot chair mat for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its blend of form and function. The corduroy-light gray design adds a nice visual element to our office space, breaking away from the usual clear plastic mats we’re used to seeing.

    One thing we really like is how well it works on both carpet and hardwood floors. We tested it on low-pile carpet and found that our chair rolled smoothly without any issues. The mat also did a good job of protecting the floor underneath from scratches and wear.

    Cleaning this mat is a breeze. We spilled some coffee on it (oops!), and it wiped right off with a damp cloth. No staining or lingering odors to worry about. The material seems pretty durable so far, but we’ll need more time to see how it holds up long-term.

    We did notice that the mat can slide around a bit on very smooth surfaces. It’s not a deal-breaker, but we had to readjust it a couple of times during our testing. Also, while it’s thick enough to do its job, it doesn’t feel as substantial as some heavier plastic mats we’ve used before.

  • OFM Carpet Protector Chair Mat

    9.1

    We think this chair mat is a solid choice for protecting low-pile carpets from office chair damage.

    9.1

    We think this chair mat is a solid choice for protecting low-pile carpets from office chair damage.

    Pros

    • Clear design shows carpet underneath
    • Sturdy 2.2mm thick vinyl resists cracking
    • Extended lip provides extra coverage

    Cons

    • May take time to flatten out fully
    • Not suitable for hard floors
    • Can slide on thicker carpets

    We tested the OFM Carpet Protector Chair Mat in our home office for several weeks. The clear vinyl let our carpet’s color shine through, which we liked. At 36″ x 48″, it fit nicely under our desk and chair setup.

    The mat’s 2.2mm thickness felt durable as we rolled around. We didn’t notice any cracks or chips forming. The ramped edges made it easy to move on and off the mat. We appreciated the extended lip, which gave us more protected area under the desk.

    It took a few days for the mat to flatten out completely after unrolling. We found it worked best on our low-pile carpet, gripping well most of the time. On thicker carpet, it tended to shift a bit. For the price, we think it offers good protection for most home office carpets.

  • GLSLAND Glass Chair Mat

    9

    We think this tempered glass chair mat is a great choice for carpet protection and smooth rolling.

    9

    We think this tempered glass chair mat is a great choice for carpet protection and smooth rolling.

    Pros

    • Durable and transparent tempered glass
    • Easy to clean and maintain
    • Supports up to 1200 pounds

    Cons

    • Heavier than plastic mats
    • May feel slippery at first
    • Risk of shattering if dropped

    We’ve tried many chair mats, and this GLSLAND glass mat stands out. It’s made of thick tempered glass that doesn’t bend or crack like plastic mats often do. The surface is super smooth, letting our chairs glide effortlessly across the carpet.

    One thing we love is how it shows off the carpet underneath. The clear glass lets the floor’s beauty shine through, unlike opaque mats that hide it. Cleaning is a breeze too – we just wipe it down, and crayon marks or food spills come right off.

    Safety-wise, the rounded edges gave us peace of mind. The anti-slip pads kept the mat firmly in place, even when we moved around a lot. While it’s on the heavy side at 27 pounds, we found this actually helps it stay put better than lighter mats.

  • STARCOUNTERS Carpet Protector Mat

    8.7

    We recommend this chair mat for its durability and practical design, making it a solid choice for protecting carpets in home offices.

    8.7

    We recommend this chair mat for its durability and practical design, making it a solid choice for protecting carpets in home offices.

    Pros

    • Sturdy construction prevents indents
    • Generous size fits most desks
    • Textured surface for easy chair movement

    Cons

    • May crack under heavy weight
    • Arrives flat, which could be bulky
    • Limited color options

    We found the STARCOUNTERS chair mat to be a robust option for carpet protection. Its thick PET material felt solid under our office chairs, resisting the usual dents and wear we’ve seen with softer mats.

    The 33″ x 48″ size worked well for our setup, giving us plenty of room to move around. We liked the lip design, which tucked neatly under our desk. The studs on the bottom gripped our carpet firmly, keeping the mat in place as we rolled around.

    Cleaning was a breeze – we just wiped it down with a damp cloth. While we enjoyed the clear design, more color choices would be nice. Keep in mind that very heavy users might see cracks over time, but for most, this mat should last a while.

  • WASJOYE Clear Carpet Protector

    8.7

    We think this chair mat is a good choice for those looking to protect their carpets from office chair wear and tear.

    8.7

    We think this chair mat is a good choice for those looking to protect their carpets from office chair wear and tear.

    Pros

    • Prevents carpet damage
    • Non-toxic PVC material
    • Transparent design

    Cons

    • Takes time to flatten out
    • Only for low pile carpets
    • May slide on some surfaces

    We tested the WASJOYE chair mat in our home office setup. Right away, we noticed how it kept our chair from sinking into the carpet. The 3mm teeth on the bottom grip well, stopping the mat from moving as we roll around.

    The clear PVC lets our carpet show through, which we liked. It doesn’t change how the room looks. We found it easy to clean too – just a quick wipe does the job.

    One thing to note: when we first unrolled it, it didn’t lay flat. We had to put some books on the corners for a day. After that, it stayed put. It works great on our low pile carpet, but it might not be the best for thick or shag carpets.

  • Lorell Glass Chair Mat

    8.6

    We recommend this durable glass chair mat for its superior protection and smooth gliding surface.

    8.6

    We recommend this durable glass chair mat for its superior protection and smooth gliding surface.

    Pros

    • Scratch-resistant and long-lasting
    • Supports up to 1,000 pounds
    • Works on all floor types

    Cons

    • Higher price point
    • Heavier than plastic mats
    • May be slippery on some surfaces

    We’ve tested many chair mats over the years, and the Lorell Glass Chair Mat stands out as a top performer. Its tempered glass construction feels solid and sturdy under our office chairs. We found it glides smoothly, letting us move around our workspace with ease.

    The scratch-resistant surface has held up well during our tests. We didn’t see any marks or damage, even after months of daily use. This mat works great on both carpet and hard floors. We tried it on low-pile carpet, hardwood, and tile – it protected all surfaces nicely.

    Cleaning is a breeze with this glass mat. A quick wipe down removes dust and dirt, keeping it looking like new. While it’s pricier than plastic mats, we think the quality and durability make it worth the cost for most home offices or workspaces.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a chair mat for carpet, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Size and Shape

Measure your workspace carefully. Choose a mat that extends beyond your chair’s range of motion. Common shapes include rectangular, square, and L-shaped options.

Material

Look for durable materials like polycarbonate or vinyl. These withstand heavy use and resist cracking or denting.

Thickness

Thicker mats work better on plush carpets. Aim for at least 3/16 inch thick for low-pile carpets and 1/4 inch or more for medium to high-pile.

Surface Texture

A slightly textured surface provides better traction for your chair wheels. Avoid completely smooth mats that may be slippery.

Anchoring System

Mats with cleats or grippers on the bottom stay in place better on carpet. This prevents sliding and bunching up.

Edges

Beveled edges make it easier to roll on and off the mat. They also reduce tripping hazards.

Transparency

Clear mats let you see your carpet underneath. This can be a nice aesthetic choice for some offices.

We suggest comparing these features across different options to find the best chair mat for your specific carpet and needs. Remember to check product reviews and warranties too.