Realspace Designer Chair Mat

Protect Your Floors and Add Style with the Perfect Chair Mat

If you’re in the market for a new chair mat, look no further than the Realspace Designer Chair Mat. This versatile and stylish mat checks all the boxes – protecting your floors, providing comfort for long work days, and adding a touch of designer flair to your workspace.

As someone who recently went through the chair mat buying process myself, I want to share everything I learned to help you make the best choice for your needs. In this comprehensive buying guide, I’ll cover all the key details on sizes, materials, durability, and more. Let’s dive in!

Sizes to Fit Your Space

The Realspace Designer Chair Mat comes in a range of sizes to fit the footprint of standard office chairs.

Small chair mats measure 36″ x 48″ – a great fit for compact home office spaces. The medium and large sizes step up to 41″ x 53″ and 46″ x 60″ respectively, providing full coverage in professional office settings or under bigger chairs.

No matter which size you choose, the mat extends several feet in front of your chair to protect against rolling damage. The ample size also gives you flexibility to move around and roll to different parts of your workspace.

Make sure to measure the length and width of your chair’s base before ordering. A size too small leaves your floors exposed while an oversized mat can bunch up uncomfortably under the chair wheels. The Realspace mats strike the perfect balance of full coverage without excess material.

Durable Construction for Long-Lasting Use

Durability stands out as a major selling point for the Realspace Designer Chair Mat. It’s built from rigid polycarbonate that stands up to heavy daily use without flattening or cracking over time.

The non-porous surface also resists damage from spills, scuffs, and scratches. It’s specially formulated not to fade, discolor, or show greasy smears from chair wheels. With proper care, the mat maintains its clean, crisp look even after years of use.

I appreciate that Realspace tested the mat’s durability under rolling office chairs up to 250 pounds. The sturdy material showed minimal indentation at this weight, retaining its shape and protective qualities. This gives me confidence that the mat can handle my office chair and stand the test of time.

For extra traction, the base of the mat features a unique “grip-dot” texture. The raised dots grip onto hardwood, tile, and other hard flooring surfaces to keep the mat firmly in place. No more pushing and repositioning throughout the day!

Between the thick construction and non-slip texture, the Realspace Designer Chair Mat is built to last. Expect this to be the last chair mat you’ll need to buy for a long while.

Clever Cleaning Methods

While designed to resist spills and stains, it’s still important to clean the Realspace mat periodically to keep it looking fresh. Luckily, it’s easy to clean with just water and mild soap.

For surface debris like dirt or crumbs, you can simply wipe the mat down with a soft cloth or sponge. For deeper cleaning, mix a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Use a soft-bristle scrub brush dipped in the soapy water to gently scrub the mat’s surface. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that could degrade the material over time.

After scrubbing, dip a clean rag in plain water and wring out excess moisture. Wipe down the entire mat to rinse away soap residue. For a finishing touch, go over the surface with a dry cloth to lift up any remaining water pools.

To sanitize between deep cleans, use disinfecting wipes formulated for plastics. Check the product label to make sure they are safe for polycarbonate. This helps kill germs from daily use without dulling the mat’s finish.

With the proper cleaning routine, you can easily keep your Realspace Designer Chair Mat looking like new. The minimal maintenance is a major perk of this durable, stain-resistant material.

Ideal for Protecting Hardwood and Tile Floors

One of my top priorities in choosing a chair mat was protecting the beautiful hardwood floors throughout my home. The smooth plastic surface of the Realspace mat provides the perfect gentle barrier between chair wheels and delicate hardwood.

I like that the mat sits nearly flush to the floor, forming a seamless protective layer. This allows my office chair to roll smoothly across the mat’s surface without transition bumps. It also means no leaks or spills can seep underneath to damage my floors.

The grip-dot texture is generously sized to hold the mat in place on hardwood or tile floors. No shifting, bunching up, or floor scratches – the mat simply stays put as I roll around. The sturdy polycarbonate construction also withstands indentation that could otherwise transfer marks to softer wood floors.

While designed with hard floors in mind, the mat also works great on medium to high pile carpet. The dotted gripper backing flexes to conform to the carpet pile. Just take care when rolling off the mat onto bare floors for seamless protection.

Overall, the Realspace Designer Chair Mat delivers on shielding my beautiful hardwood floors from office chair damage. It provides smooth rolling and secure floor traction in one durable package.

Choose from Stylish Designer Prints

Beyond floor protection, I appreciate that Realspace infused style into these functional chair mats. The collection features exclusive designer patterns to elevate your workspace aesthetic.

Standout prints include marbled swirls, geometric shapes, and soothing watercolor florals. The patterns pop against the transparent mat background adding an artistic flair under your office chair.

Both light and dark color palettes are available to match your existing decor. I’m partial to the light marble and painted floral designs for a touch of grace in my home office. The colors blend in nicely without overwhelming the space.

With normal use, the printed design stays crisp and vivid for years. Unlike fabric chair mats, the prints won’t fray, fade, or stain over time. It’s a reliable way to incorporate artwork that you walk and roll over!

The next time your floors need protection, skip the boring basic chair mats. The Realspace Designer collection brings runway style to your workspace at a reasonable price point.

Made from Heavy-Duty Polycarbonate Plastic

At the core of this mat’s durability and performance is the heavy-duty polycarbonate construction. This engineered plastic is a popular choice for chair mats because it strikes the perfect balance of rigidity, strength, and flexibility.

The mat’s transparent surface allows the designer print underneath to shine through beautifully. Yet the material still rates 3.5 on Mohs scale of mineral hardness, resisting dents and wear from constant rolling. Polycarbonate also has excellent impact resistance in case a heavy item is dropped on the mat.

Unlike PVC, this plasticizer-free material won’t emit foul odors over time. The non-porous finish prevents absorbing liquid spills too. I don’t have to worry about mystery smells or stains building up in the mat from daily use.

Polycarbonate also offers superior thermal stability and fire resistance compared to other plastics. Your mat won’t warp or crack when the temperature fluctuates. This contributes to a longer usable lifespan.

While 100% polycarbonate makes up the durable base, the mat’s dotted gripper backing uses a blend of vinyl and polyurethane. This flexible grip layer adapts to the flooring surface to keep the mat firmly in place without shifting.

Kudos to Realspace for using top-tier materials optimized for chair mat performance. The smart material construction really makes a difference in daily use.

Cushions Your Body During Extended Seated Hours

An unexpected benefit I discovered is how comfortable the Realspace mat feels compared to using an office chair directly on hard floors.

The mat acts as an extra cushion between my chair’s wheels and the solid flooring. This removes pressure points from extended sitting. I can comfortably power through long work sessions without body fatigue.

The mat’s slight “give” also helps isolate small vibrations from rolling over seams or debris. I don’t feel every little bump through the chair anymore that used to disrupt my focus.

Users mention the Realspace mat helps with back pain and soreness from sitting all day. While not a medical-grade ergonomic mat, it does seem to enhance chair comfort. Hey – I’ll take any perks I can get to help withstand marathon work days!

Between shielding floors from chair damage and providing cushioning for the body, the Realspace Designer Chair Mat pulls double duty. It’s quickly become an integral part of my office setup.

Weighs Around 10 Pounds for Easy Handling

As a petite person setting up my home office alone, I was relieved to find the Realspace mat has an manageable weight.

The small size comes in right around 10 pounds while the medium and large measure 12 and 14 pounds respectively. With the mat’s compact rectangular form, I can easily maneuver it into place myself without heavy lifting. No need to enlist help just to put down an office mat!

Once positioned where I want it, the grip-dot backing keeps the mat locked in place. I never have issues with it shifting or bunching up like lightweight mats tend to do. The minimal weight combined with the reliable traction makes placement a breeze.

Plus, the modular design allows me to easily lift and move the mat between rooms if I want to transition my workspace. The streamlined shape and grip texture prevents the mat from flexing awkwardly or drooping in the middle during transport.

While built from substantial materials for durability, the smart slim design still clocks in at a reasonable weight. This user-friendly handling is much appreciated!

Suitable for Use on Carpet Too

While designed for hard smooth floors, the versatility of the Realspace mat also makes it well-suited for medium to high pile carpet.

The gripper backing flexes to grab into the carpet fiber without sliding around. Dense carpeting provides ample cushioning so the mat sits nearly flush rather than drooping in the middle.

The mat smooths out the transition when rolling off onto an exposed floor area. No more bumpy catches from a sudden pile-to-bare floor transition.

I recommend the Skyline patterned mat on carpet since its busy design can help disguise chair indentations in the crushed pile. Solid color or lightly marbled mats show crushed fibers more over time.

All in all, the Realspace mat performs reliably on carpet as long as it has moderate density. Just take care when initially positioning it to maximize floor contact and traction. The added grip really helps anchor it into plush carpet pile.

Built to Last for Years of Reliable Use

Investing in a quality chair mat means committing to years of daily use across its surface. That’s why durability stands out as the Realspace mat’s strongest virtue.

The 100% polycarbonate construction feels substantially thick and solid underfoot – this mat won’t flatten out or crack anytime soon.

Realspace also backs up the mat with a generous 10-year limited warranty. That’s a decade of coverage should any manufacturer defects arise. Proper care also makes the mat last even longer than the warranty period.

Many reviewers mention still using their Realspace chair mat after 5+ years of ownership with no signs of wear. The surface resists scuffs, punctures, and stains that quickly ruin cheaper mats.

While inexpensive mats need replacing annually, the Realspace mat’s combination of premium materials and resilient engineering delivers exceptional longevity.

Considering the reasonable price point, a decade or more of reliable use provides excellent value. This may be the last chair mat you ever need to buy.

Adds a Decorative Touch to Your Space

Beyond protecting your floors, the Realspace Designer Chair Mat makes a stylish addition to any room. The range of exclusive patterned designs elevates the mat from utilitarian floor covering to decorative accent.

The transparent mat construction showcases the designs without obscuring them like opaque vinyl or rubber mats. Light reflects off the mat’s smooth surface revealing intricate details of each pattern.

I’m impressed by the quality and resolution of the printed artwork. The tones stay rich without fading or bleeding over time. It maintains the eye-catching appearance of a custom art piece.

Displaying artwork underneath your office chair is also safer than placing a conventional rug in the rolling zone. The flat non-slip mat prevents rumpling, bunching, or corner curling that could trip up chair wheels.

With both fashionable looks and functional floor protection, the Realspace Designer Chair Mat deserves to be shown off. Let it lend artful flair to your professional or home office space.

Protects Against Blemishes and Indentations

A big advantage of the rigid Realspace mat is its resistance to impressions and markings. Unlike softer mat materials that show every dent and wheel track, this mat retains its smooth finish.

The durable polycarbonate surface doesn’t permanently indent when bearing heavy chair weight. It bounces back to uniformly flat even after you roll off. No embarrassing wheel marks marring the mat’s surface!

The grip-dot texture also prevents black skid marks or greasy smears left behind from chair wheels. The raised nubs reduce surface contact so rubber wheels glide cleanly across.

For extra protection, the mat’s beveled edges provide a buffer zone if your chair accidentally bumps the border. This helps prevent chipped or compressed edges over time.

Between the mat’s unyielding texture and rigid plastic construction, it shrugs off the dents, smudges, and bumps of daily office use. The flawless surface stays clean and professional-looking for years.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Materials

As consumers become more conscious about environmental impact, it’s important to purchase office products made sustainably. I’m happy to report the Realspace Designer Chair Mat features green, eco-friendly construction.

The 100% polycarbonate composition contains zero PVCs, toxic plasticizers, or heavy metals. Producing this mat generates minimal waste compared to rubber or vinyl versions.

Polycarbonate is also recyclable in many municipal programs once the mat reaches the end of its usable lifespan. This gives the plastic new life rather than clogging up landfills.

The mats ship from Realspace’s US-based manufacturing facility in California. They pride themselves on complying with all state and federal regulations limiting pollution and waste.

It gives me peace of mind to incorporate an office essential made ethically with eco-friendly processes and materials. The mat’s durability also cuts down on replacement and potential waste over time.

Adds Magnetic Power to Your Workspace

An unexpected bonus I discovered about the Realspace mat is that it works with magnets! The polycarbonate construction allows magnets to adhere to the mat’s surface.

This opens up clever possibilities for customizing your workspace. Try attaching magnetic memo clips to hold documents right where you need them.

Or affix magnetic hooks under your mat to store headset wires, charging cables, and other desktop accessories out of sight. This keeps your workspace clear of clutter while keeping vital items within reach.

Fridge magnets are also perfect for temporarily posting reminders, inspiration quotes, or photos directly on your mat. The smooth surface is ideal for quickly attaching magnetic notes without damaging the material.

Thanks to this handy magnetic quality, the mat becomes more than just a surface protector. Take advantage of its magnetic powers to organize your office needs in a snap!

How Does It Compare to Other Popular Chair Mats?

When choosing the best chair mat, you’ll encounter a range of materials and price points to consider. How does the Realspace Designer mat compare against other top contenders?

VS. Glass Chair Mats

• Glass tops the durability scale but shows any dust or wheel marks
• Heavier and prone to hazardous shards if cracked or broken
• Often 2-3x the price of the Realspace polycarbonate mat

VS. Hard Plastic Chair Mats

• Smoother plastic can be slippery and harder to keep in place
• Lacks grip-dot texture to prevent wheel marks and smudges
• Fewer style options – mostly plain transparent colors

VS. Vinyl or PVC Chair Mats

• Softer construction shows dents and is prone to curling edges
• PVC smell and off-gassing are common complaints
• Much shorter lifespan – loses shape and sheds floaties

VS. Carpet Chair Mats

• Fabric covers obscure artwork and absorb liquids
• Traps dust, dirt, and grime over time
• Less floor protection for delicate hardwood

Across the board, the Realspace Designer Chair Mat emerges as the ideal blend of style, performance, and value. Its versatility to suit any decor, durable construction, lasting protection, and magnetic abilities make it my #1 chair mat recommendation.

Where to Buy Your Realspace Chair Mat

Realspace products are carried exclusively by Office Depot and OfficeMax stores nationwide. The Designer Chair Mat collection is one of their top-selling models known for quality and longevity.

The mats are affordably priced starting around $40 for small sizes up to $85-100 for XL coverage. Sign up for Office Depot/OfficeMax emails to receive special discount offers.

Buying your mat at a local store allows you to see its thickness and quality in person. The vibrant colors and crisp details really shine at full scale. Associates can also help you test the fit with your actual office chair.

However, the widest selection of sizes, shapes, and designer patterns is available through the Office Depot website. Browse the full line of Realspace mats and order convenient direct delivery to your door.

Either in-store or online, investing in a Realspace Designer Chair Mat is sure to elevate your workspace while protecting floors. Cut through the mat clutter and choose the top-performing polycarbonate construction Realspace is known for.

Get the Perfect Fit with Careful Measurements

To get the full floor coverage you need from a Realspace chair mat, accurate measurements are crucial. While sizing charts provide general guidance, it’s wise to break out the measuring tape yourself.

The most important dimensions are the length and width of your office chair’s rolling base or “footprint.” This is the surface area that will sit atop the mat as you roll around.

For standard office desk chairs, the rolling base spans approximately 25-30 inches wide x 20-24 inches long. Measure across the farthest wheel points for the chair width and from the front to back wheels for the length.

Add 6-12 inches of mat dimensions beyond your rolling base size for sufficient overhang in the rolling zone. This prevents suddenly dropping wheels off the mat edge while you swivel and roll.

For example, my office chair measures 26 x 22 inches. So I opted for a 36 x 48 inch mat to allow a comfortable 10 inches of clearance around the rolling base in all directions.

Don’t forget to account for chair arms that stick out wider if selecting a narrower size mat. Leave room to avoid whacking them on the mat border as you roll.

With the right rolling base measurements and buffer, the Realspace Chair Mat becomes a no-hassle floor protector. Just double check those numbers for a precision custom fit.

Is a Chair Mat Necessary?

You may be wondering – do I really need a special mat for my office chair? Can’t I just roll around on the bare floor?

There are a few key advantages that make a chair mat well worth the investment:

• Protects floors from scratching or denting – chair wheels can damage soft hardwood and crush carpet fibers over time.
• Keeps floors clean – prevents oil stains from wheels leaving marks and builds up from constant rolling.
• Provides cushioning – options like the Realspace mat reduce pressure and fatigue from sitting on solid hard floors all day.
• Contains rolling to a designated area – keeps you from inadvertently scooting into walls or floor vents as you adjust positions.
• Limits chair vibrations or bumps – cradles wheels so they don’t catch on seams or small objects.
• Makes cleaning easier – contains debris from projects and regular office dust/dirt in one area.

Consider your floors as an investment – a quality chair mat preserves their condition and lifespan. It also makes your long work days more comfortable and productive.

While you can roll on bare floors, taking preventative measures helps maintain their pristine state and avoid future damage. Think of a chair mat as insurance for your floors!

Maintaining Proper Office Ergonomics

Along with protecting your floors, a chair mat like the Realspace model plays an important role in proper office ergonomics. Here are some benefits for your posture and health:

• Allows you to pull close to your desk or workstation without rolling away thanks to the grip-dot backing and ample size. This eliminates reaching that strains the back and shoulders.
• Encourages movement and changing positions by enabling easy rolling while containing you in a designated workspace. Stagnating in one position all day can stiffen muscles and joints.
• Slight cushioning and vibration dampening reduce pressure points and discomfort that lead to shifting and slouching in your chair.
• Keeps cords or uneven surfaces from obstructing chair movement and causing awkward bending or twisting to avoid running over them.
• Contains messes from small parts, media, grease, ink, etc. to prevent objects from being ground into floors and making smooth rolling hazardous.
• Flat, flush profile facilitates ergonomic adjustment of chair height for proper wrist and elbow positioning.

By allowing you to roll freely without obstacles while protecting underlying floors, the chair mat really enhances ergonomic function. Consider it an integral component of a healthy, productivity-boosting workspace.

Is a Chair Mat Needed on Carpet?

carpeting provides some cushioning and traction for office chairs, is an additional chair mat still advised?

Here are factors to consider when deciding:

• Pile thickness – low or medium pile carpets benefit more from a mat’s protection as wheels make direct contact with the floor. High shag offers more natural cushioning.
• Fiber composition – dense olefin or wool fibers stand up to rolling chair wear better than looser nylon or triexta. But any carpet risks crushing, fraying and revealing bare patches over time.
• Texture – Berber carpets or those with busy patterns hide rolling indentations and stains better than solid colors or soft loops.
• Flooring below – chair mats add a layer of protection for fragile wood or tiles underneath thin carpet installations.
• Transitions – a flat mat eases the bump between rolling off carpet onto an exposed hard floor area.

While thick, dense carpeting minimizes the need for a chair mat, having one still provides benefits. A mat contains chair damage to a designated area and makes transitions smoother. Consider your specific carpet factors as you decide.

Do You Really Need a Chair Mat on Hardwood or Laminate?

It’s a fair question – does a chair mat provide enough benefit on durable hardwood or laminate floors to justify the cost?

Here’s my take:

Hardwood seems like it would resist typical chair damage thanks to the finish layer. But constant rolling can still dent softer woods like pine, cedar, and maple over time as wheels concentrate weight in one area. Dense exotic hardwoods offer more inherent protection.

Laminates wear well overall except at seams where the particle layer can separate. Wheels rolling over seams create dents and cracks. A chair mat distributes weight more evenly.

The mat’s grip-dot texture also prevents finish scratching, varnish thinning, and ugly skid marks from repeated rolling friction.

A cushioning mat like the Realspace model makes long work sessions more comfortable by damping hard floor vibration and pressure points.

For expensive wood investments or even “indestructible” laminate, a chair mat provides inexpensive insurance against inch-by-inch damage. The mat also keeps floors cleaner and free of debris, oils, and liquids from normal use.

While optional, a quality chair mat brings enough benefits to justify the cost, especially for softer or seamed floors.

Introducing: The Realspace® Pinnacle Chair Mat

If you’re seeking maximum chair mat performance, look into Realspace’s new Pinnacle mat – it really lives up to its name as the pinnacle of quality and innovation.

Realspace leveraged cutting-edge technological advances to engineer the Pinnacle mat for unrivaled durability under heavy office use.

Here’s an overview of standout features:

• Made of Fortified Polycarbonate – Molecularly enhanced for 2X more strength than standard polycarbonate mats – rated a Class A fire retardant material
• Verticoil Support System – Special vertical ribbing provides reinforced structure and cushioning – rated for up to 1200 lbs
• SureLock Grip Veins – Multi-directional veins on bottom grip any flooring surface firmly in place
• BeveledGuard Edging – Cushions and deflects impacts around the mat perimeter – stays dent-free
• MyCustom Mat – Optional custom logo or icon engraving for a personalized office mat

While priced at a premium, the Pinnacle mat provides next-level features for flawless performance year after year. Check it out for heavy-use settings that demand the strongest chair mat money can buy!

Ready to Invest in Your Realspace Chair Mat?

I hope this comprehensive buying guide gave you all the details needed to choose the perfect Realspace Designer Chair Mat for your workspace.

This top-selling mat checked all my boxes between durable construction, stylish patterns, floor protection, and ergonomic benefits. I’m sure you’ll find the ideal fit for your needs among the many size and design options.

Keep your floors pristine and body comfortable during long work hours by rolling on one of these premium polycarbonate mats. Don’t settle for alternatives lacking in quality, performance, and style when Realspace offers such versatile chair mats.

Be sure to measure your office chair’s rolling base and add sufficient overhang room when selecting your size. I recommend ordering from Office Depot for the widest selection and free shipping.

Invest wisely in this office essential – I’m sure you’ll be impressed by the Realspace mat’s real-world performance and longevity. Your home or office floors will thank you!