When using a chair with wheels, chair mats are a handy way to prevent damage to your wooden, tiled, carpeted, or other type of flooring. There are a few different types on the market, with plastic being a common option but also recently glass, which offers more stability. To protect your flooring and make sitting at your desk as stress-free as possible, read on to find out how to choose the best chair mat and which are the best buys among brands like IKEA, MuArts, and more.
We rigorously tested 14 bestselling chair mats for flooring to recommend the best for you. mybest defines the best chair mat as one that can be used for extended periods without sliding, enables smooth wheel movement, and is easy to maintain. We ranked the top-performing models, and we'll help you choose in our buying guide.
Since joining mybest, she has been in charge of furniture and interior goods and has overseen over 350 product tests for goods such as office chairs and desks. With the personal mission to deliver accurate information by thoroughly testing each product, she works hard to curate the best content that will be beneficial to users.
We set our definition of excellent slide resistance as mats that did not move at all, even when repeatedly rolling back and forth on them while sitting in a chair.
To evaluate wheel movement, we set the standard as to whether users could smoothly roll the wheels without feeling any snagging or needing to use excessive force to move.
We thoroughly tested for mats that are easy to clean and difficult for spills to soak into.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
Table of Contents
The main advantage of using a chair mat is that it protects your floor from wheel scratches and damage. If you work every day at your desk, the constant rolling of wheels on the surface of a hard floor can lead to pricey damage, particularly in rental situations. The estimated cost of repairing damaged flooring can range anywhere from $100 to $300. To avoid this hefty expense, it's a good idea to start using a chair mat as soon as possible. By placing a specialized mat as a barrier, you can eliminate any worries of damage and ensure smooth wheel movement as well.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best Chair Mats for Flooring.
Some chair mats lack anti-slip features and tend to shift every time the wheels are moved over them. Based on the results of our tests, chair mats that did not slip easily fell into two main categories.
1. Mats weighing 4 pounds (70 oz.) or more. Since the mat itself is quite heavy, it's much less likely to slip, even if you move the chair a lot.
2. Mats with a non-slip backing. These securely adhere to the floor and stay in place without sliding.
Mats that don't fit into the two types above tend to be lightweight and have less adhesion to the floor, so they slide around easily. This can be frustrating as even a slight movement of your chair can result in significant shifting. To ensure long-term comfort and use, choose a chair mat that doesn't shift easily, even if you move your chair often.
The top-rated chair mat in our tests, by MuArts, stands out for its unrivaled resistance to slipping and overall performance. However, it is quite heavy and may be difficult to carry alone. If you're looking for a mat you can move from room to room, we recommend IKEA's KOLON, our second-ranked product that received similar high ratings.
A chair's wheels are more prone to snagging on fabric mats. Choosing a non-fabric mat ensures you can easily move your chair smoothly since there are no fibers for the wheels to get caught on. During long, busy days at your desk, the last thing you want is your chair getting stuck every time you move and stressing you out.
Based on our test results, glass and PVC chair mats came out on top for ease of cleaning. Spills could be swiftly wiped away without staining. Fabric mats, meanwhile, tended to absorb stains and requird hand washing. If you have a busy schedule or household, it's best to avoid fabric mats due to the extra maintenance.
Additionally, chair mats reduce dirt buildup on your floor. A clean, fresh workspace is not only nicer to sit in each day, but it can boost productivity.
Chair mats come in two designs: T-shaped and rectangular. It's best to choose one that suits the size of your work or desk space.
T-shaped mats are the more compact option because part of them sits under your desk. Another plus is that they cover the area under your feet, so the area of the floor you tuck your chair in is also protected.
For a mat that doesn't take up too much space, check for T-shaped options in our ranking.
Products | Image | mybest Score | Click to purchase | Key features | Main Score | Details | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slip Resistance | Wheel Mobility | Stain Resistance | Material | Shape | Width | Depth | Thickness | Weight | Washable | Non-slip | Vacuum Compatibility | Heated Flooring Compatibility | Carpet Compatibility | ||||||
1 | MuArts Chair Mat | ![]() | 4.81 | mybest's Top Choice: For Smooth, Snag-Free Movement | 4.95 | 4.50 | 5.00 | Hard material | Rectangular | 35 in. | 47 in. | 0.2 in. | 224 oz. | unknown | unknown | unknown | |||
2 | IKEA KOLON Floor Protector|448.811.00 | ![]() | 4.76 | Moveable Yet Sturdy With Stain-Resistant PVC | 4.72 | 4.57 | 5.00 | PET plastic, Polyurethane plastic | Rectangular | 47.25 in. | 39.38 in. | 0.125 in. | 99 oz. | ||||||
3 | BEAUTYPEAK Tempered Glass Office Chair Mat | ![]() | 4.57 | Currently unavailable | A Heavier Glass Mat That's Stable and Long-Lasting | 4.97 | 3.86 | 5.00 | Tempered glass | Rectangular | 36 in. | 46 in. | 0.20 in. | 684.8 oz. | unknown | unknown | unknown | ||
4 | Dimex Hard Floors Office Chair Mat | ![]() | 4.40 | Great for Medium to Large Office Spaces | 4.22 | 4.15 | 5.00 | PVC | T-Shaped | 36 in. | 48 in. | 0.11 in. | 99.04 oz. | ||||||
5 | Kuyal Clear Chair Mat | ![]() | 4.37 | Wheels Glide Smoothly, but Not the Best Grip | 4.06 | 4.29 | 5.00 | PVC | Rectangular | 36 in. | 48 in. | 0.07 in. | 73.6 oz. | ||||||
6 | OFM Chair Mat for Hardwood Floor | ![]() | 4.28 | Noticeable Shifting That Often Needs Adjustment | 4.12 | 3.93 | 5.00 | Polyurethane | T-Shaped | 36 in. | 48 in. | 0.08 in. | 64 oz. | unknown | unknown | unknown | |||
7 | SHAREWIN Hard Floor Chair Mat | ![]() | 4.18 | No Anti-slip Features and Difficult to Move On | 3.86 | 4.00 | 5.00 | PVC | T-Shaped | 36 in. | 47 in. | 0.05 in. | 66.4 oz. | unknown | unknown | unknown | |||
8 | LuxStep Office Chair Mat | ![]() | 3.96 | Snags Easily Due to a Tendency to Crease | 3.73 | 3.57 | 5.00 | PVC | Rectangular | 30 in. | 48 in. | 0.39 in. | 40.8 oz. | ||||||
9 | Sealegend Office Chair Mat | ![]() | 3.92 | Slide Resistant but Susceptible to Stains | 4.98 | 4.43 | 3.00 | Polyester | Rectangular | 48 in. | 40 in. | unknown | unknown | unknown | |||||
10 | FMVIOL Office Chair Mat | ![]() | 3.84 | Wheels Catch Easily, Requiring Force to Move the Chair | 5.00 | 4.07 | 3.00 | Polyester, non-woven fabric, glue layer PE film | Rectangular | 35 in. | 55 in. | 0.16 in. | 36 oz. | unknown |
Washable | unknown |
---|---|
Non-slip | unknown |
What we loved
What we didn't love
MuArts' classic rectangular chair mat is made from durable clear plastic, so it will blend into your space with no chance of creasing or cracking. Thanks to its weight, this mat stayed in place even when rolled over constantly, earning it high ratings for slip resistance. Plus, its super-smooth surface means there's no chance of the wheels catching, allowing you to focus on your work. Testers commented that the movement felt so smooth it was like they were gliding on a wooden floor.
In addition, this chair mat is a cinch to maintain. You can quickly wipe away any spills and run the vacuum over it when needed, keeping your workspace fresh and clean. With its excellent slip-resistance, natural floor-like feeling, and suitability for all floor types, this chair mat is our top buy for desk work.
Width | 35 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 47 in. |
Thickness | 0.2 in. |
Weight | 224 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
IKEA's KOLON Floor Protector is a transparent plastic mat that's ready to go straight out of the box. Whether used in the office or as an easy-clean solution under your toddler's high chair, it's suitable for all floor types. One highlight of this mat is its mid-range weight of just over 6 pounds. It's easy to move from room to room if needed, but it still offers stability, even if you move your chair frequently. Its smooth surface prevents wheel snagging and allows for seamless gliding, making it perfect for long work sessions without distraction.
The PVC material is stain-resistant, so even if you accidentally spill your coffee, it can be quickly wiped up. However, while suitable for most types of flooring, this material cannot be used on heated wooden floors.
Width | 47.25 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 39.38 in. |
Thickness | 0.125 in. |
Weight | 99 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip | unknown |
What we loved
What we didn't love
BEAUTYPEAK's tempered glass chair mat looks great, with rounded corners for safety and a clear design that will blend in seamlessly with any flooring layout. This glass mat performed exceptionally well in our tests for slip resistance due to its substantial weight. As well as maintaining stability, its glass surface is resistant to stains and scratches. This mat is both easy to care for and long-lasting.
On the other hand, it didn't perform as well as we hoped when tested for ease of wheel movement. Its glass surface means there's minimal friction, making it really easy to roll over, but some of our testers said that it was actually too slippery. If you'd prefer more grip, either when moving or just sitting in your chair, you might want to consider other options.
Width | 36 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 46 in. |
Thickness | 0.20 in. |
Weight | 684.8 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility | unknown |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
This T-shaped PVC mat from Dimex is a good option for medium-sized or larger spaces. It's designed for use on all hard floor types, including wood, vinyl, tile, and linoleum. With no spiked backing to hold it in place, our testers noted that this mat did slip around a little when rolled on. But this shouldn't be too noticeable unless you're very sensitive to movement. As for wheel mobility, it didn't receive the highest rating as the top surface isn't as smooth as others we tested. Since it's PVC, this mat resists staining and is easy to clean. It's also durable and odor-free.
Width | 36 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 48 in. |
Thickness | 0.11 in. |
Weight | 99.04 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Kuyal's rectangular chair mat is transparent and lets your flooring shine through. This mat received high praise from our testers for the way caster wheels glide over it. Chair wheels glided smoothly over it with minimal effort and didn't snag, meaning less chance of any annoying creases. This is another option made of PVC, so upkeep is minimal. However, it's worth noting that this mat was prone to sliding, even though it is studded. You may need to readjust it throughout the day, which isn't ideal when trying to focus on work or study.
Width | 36 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 48 in. |
Thickness | 0.07 in. |
Weight | 73.6 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
OFM's clear PVC mat is designed for tile, laminate, vinyl, and hardwood flooring types. Its T-shape offers protection for the area underneath your desk as well as in front of it. Unfortunately, this product received a low rating for its ability to stay in place. Without spikes to keep it in place, it shifted easily and required frequent readjustment. While its textured surface aims to keep your chair from sliding around while sitting still, it makes rolling on it cumbersome. Not ideal if you're often in and out of your office chair. However, this mat did score highly for stain resistance and ease of maintenance.
Width | 36 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 48 in. |
Thickness | 0.08 in. |
Weight | 64 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | unknown |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility | unknown |
Washable | unknown |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
This T-shaped mat by SHAREWIN slides under your desk, making it space-saving and more protective as you move in and out of your chair. This mat received low scores in our tests for both ease of wheel movement and slip resistance. Its lack of a non-slip backing as well as its lightweight construction, made it prone to shifting around as we moved the chair over it. Like other PVC options, however, this mat did score well for ease of cleaning and maintenance.
Width | 36 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 47 in. |
Thickness | 0.05 in. |
Weight | 66.4 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | unknown |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
LuxStep's offering is one of few intended for multipurpose use on both hard floors and carpets. When evaluating the slide resistance and wheel gliding, our testers gave this mat low scores for both. It has no studded underside and is a very lightweight product, resulting in not only significant shifting of the mat but a tendency to cause creases, which leads to snagging. While it is easy to clean, this mat didn't perform well in any other areas.
Width | 30 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 48 in. |
Thickness | 0.39 in. |
Weight | 40.8 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
This larger office mat is made of non-woven fabric and is available in three color choices. It arrives as a rolled package to avoid any creases from the get-go. Sealegend's fabric offering received excellent ratings for both slide resistance and ease of movement. The non-slip underside gripped firmly to the floor, showing no noticeable sliding even with constant movement of the chair. Despite its fabric surface being more textured than PVC, there was minimal snagging, allowing the wheels to glide over it smoothly.
However, it's important to note that this mat requires more effort to keep clean. Its fibers can easily absorb spills and stains, so you would need to hand wash it if you accidentally spill your coffee. Choosing one of the darker shades may be an option to combat noticeable stains.
Width | 48 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 40 in. |
Thickness | unknown |
Weight | unknown |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
FMVIOL's fabric office mat has a unique, customizable design. You can cut it to the exact size and shape you need, making it a versatile choice for various workspaces. Thanks to the non-slip coating underneath, this mat adheres well to the floor, even without studs. However, since it's made of polyester, our testers found the wheels were more susceptible to catching on the fibers. As a result, moving the chair over it required some effort. If you're often in and out of your chair or wheeling around as you work, this would likely be a drawback. Its fabric construction also means it's more prone to stains, so it may not be the best option for daily use.
Width | 35 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 55 in. |
Thickness | 0.16 in. |
Weight | 36 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
A change from the usual functional design, this option from Placoot comes in six different colors and patterns. Great if you're looking for something more interesting to accent a plain workspace. This carpet-style mat received high ratings for slide resistance thanks to its adhesive backing. It barely moved from its original position, so you won't need to readjust it throughout the day. On the other hand, it fell short when it came to ease of movement. Its fabric design means the chair's wheels are prone to catching, and there was resistance when moving over it. While this fabric mat can be vacuumed, you'll need to be careful of spills if you enjoy your morning coffee at your desk, as it could stain.
Width | 35 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 55 in. |
Thickness | 0.16 in. |
Weight | 28.96 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
The APORANA office mat is available in three neutral color options, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your space. You can cut this mat to your desired size, whether smaller or in a T-shape. Its non-slip under-coating stood up well in our tests for floor adherence, helping you stay focused during longer work sessions.
On the downside, moving over it caused the mat to crease and the wheels to catch, making it less than ideal for those who often get in and out of their chair while working. Like similar fabric options, if you happen to spill a drink, the stain may set before you have a chance to wipe it away.
Width | 47 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 36 in. |
Thickness | 0.16 in. |
Weight | 22.88 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Along with six color choices, this mat is available in three sizes, so there should be something to fit any room or workspace. This mat features an adhesive backing that earned it high marks for slip resistance. However, there are concerns about the adhesive sticking to the floor even after you remove the mat. While the material is comfortable underfoot, the slightly longer fibers of this mat's fabric can be a drawback: they make it harder to move your chair on. They're also more prone to picking up dirt and stains, though the mat can be vacuumed and even machine-washed on a cold, delicate cycle if it gets really dirty.
Width | 36 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 48 in. |
Thickness | 0.16 in. |
Weight | 22.6oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility | unknown |
Washable | |
---|---|
Non-slip |
What we loved
What we didn't love
Sycoodeal's office chair mat is available in three colors in a classic rectangular design. It arrives folded, so it will need flattening out to get rid of any creases. This mat performed well during our slip resistance tests, showing strong adherence even with constant chair movement. However, it wrinkles easily, meaning it will have a tendency to snag. Not what you need when you're trying to concentrate. Maintaining this mat's cleanliness is another downside. The long fibers not only trap dirt and grime but also make it harder to clean up spills (and it can't be machine-washed.)
Width | 36 in. |
---|---|
Depth | 48 in. |
Thickness | 0.16 in. |
Weight | 44.96 oz. |
Vacuum Compatibility | |
Heated Flooring Compatibility | unknown |
Carpet Compatibility |
At mybest, we define the best chair mat as one that can be used for extended periods without sliding, enables easy wheel movement, and is easy to maintain.
To find the best products, we gathered 14 of the top-selling chair mats from Amazon, Staples, Walmart, and other popular retailers. We conducted a thorough evaluation based on the following 3 criteria:
Products we tested
We set our definition of excellent slide resistance as mats that did not move at all, even when repeatedly rolling back and forth on them while sitting in a chair.
We scored the mats' slide resistance by having a product tester check these criteria. They performed 10 back-and-forth movements while seated in an office chair on the chair mat. The closer the amount of shiftage was to 0 inches, the higher the recommendation score.
To evaluate wheel movement, we set the standard as to whether users could smoothly roll the wheels without feeling any snagging or needing to use excessive force to move.
We had our testers sit in the same office chair and roll over each product, evaluating the ease of the wheel movement. Through this, we scored each product based on its performance.
We thoroughly tested for mats that are easy to clean and difficult for spills to soak into.
We tested each mat by spilling 3 oz. of coffee on it and seeing if it could be wiped clean without soaking in. To earn a high score, the mat's weight would remain the same before and after the coffee spill, indicating that it had only absorbed a minimal amount. Products with less coffee soakage received higher scores.
No. 1: MuArts|Chair Mat
No. 2: IKEA|KOLON Floor Protector|448.811.00
No. 3: BEAUTYPEAK|Tempered Glass Office Chair Mat
No. 4: Dimex|Hard Floors Office Chair Mat
No. 5: Kuyal|Clear Chair Mat
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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