Which Desk Mat to Buy? How to Find the One That Fits Your Vibe & Setup
If you’ve ever wondered “which desk mat to buy?” while rearranging your workspace for the 47th time… welcome, you’re in the right place.
As someone who actually designs desk mats (not just curates another Amazon roundup), I’ve learned that choosing the right one isn’t just about what looks cute on your feed. It’s about matching your vibe, your workflow, and your actual desk setup — whether you’re working from home, studying, gaming, or building a Pinterest-worthy office aesthetic.
Before you click “add to cart,” here’s what really matters when picking the perfect desk mat:
Start with the Material: What’s Actually Best for You?
Different materials have different vibes and feel.
Leather / Vegan Leather - people love them because it gives luxe, sharp and durable look but while they look premium, the price reflects that. They are good for a clean, minimal aesthetic.
Felt / Wool Felt - They are soft, cozy, eco-friendly, but can be hard to clean, and the texture can slow down your mouse — not great for fast movements or gaming.
Cork is sustainable, natural and grippy material, it has a more rustic look but the flip side is that it can stain.
Fabric (like mine!)- These desk pads are smooth, colourful, washable, amazing for everyday work and gaming. However, quality varies a lot between brands — print sharpness, base grip, and stitching make a huge difference.
That is why the mats I offer are made out of smooth fabric, combined with a rubber base and stitched edges - flat, bright, durable, and designed to stay put.
Design Matters
Most fabric mats online fall into two categories: Solid block colours or repeated AI/stock pattern you’ve seen a hundred times.
My aim is to create original artwork that gives your setup personality and that’s why reviews like these mean the world to me:
“Brightens my whole desk!”, “So cute! And the quality is amazing.”, “The colours are so vibrant — way better than the plain ones I used to have.”
Your desk should inspire you, not just hold your keyboard.
One of my favourite real examples:
I recently spotted my strawberry desk mat in a social media post, and it made my day seeing it real life. The creator has chosen this desk mat because it fits her strawberry-themed brand perfectly —I loved seeing that.
Another customer said in their review: “A big improvement over the desk pads of old which were usually black!”
And let’s be honest we spend so much time on our desks so they need to feel like you but also be functional and improve your workflow. Sometimes a desk mat is the quickest way to get there.
Match the Vibe to Your Setup.
Another important thing to consider when wondering which desk mat to get.
A desk mat can either blend in or completely transform your space depending what you want:
If you are after a more Minimalist setup? Choose something neutral or soft, think pink plaid, muted tones, simple patterns.
If you are a Maximalist, colour-loving chaos gremlin? Go bold! Bright florals, fruits, patterns — your desk can handle it.
If your workspace feels already busy? A clean, subtle desk mat design keeps things balanced.
But if you have a plain setup that needs life? Bring in a statement mat (my strawberry or floral ones are the usual favourites).
When it comes to size — Here’s How to Choose
It really depends on your set up and desk space in my opinion.
A Smaller size (60×30 cm) is great for laptops, tablets, or tidy minimal setups.
The Medium size (30×80 cm) is perfect if you use a keyboard and a mouse.
And the Large size (40×90 cm) is ideal for full setups, gaming rigs, or anyone who never wants to run out of mouse space again.
If your mouse keeps “falling off the mat,” you need to size up.
And finally, here is the Quality Checklist (Stuff That Actually Matters)
If you want a mat that lasts, check for:
• Stitched edges (no fraying)
• Smooth glide surface (for mouse accuracy)
• Rubber base (no sliding)
• Sharp, high-quality print
• Original artwork — not AI or stock images
Because a good desk mat isn’t just decor — it’s the foundation of a workspace you actually enjoy.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
I hope this guide helped you figure out “which desk mat to buy” .
Now come check out the full collection of Dessi Designs desk mats and see which design fits your vibe.