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The presence of a desk pad, mat, or even a desk blotter is becoming more and more uncommon on everyday workspaces. But for those more aesthetically pleasing offices, like that of your boss or a CEO, you might notice one accessory that low-key makes their whole desk look better and classier – and that’s the desk pad.
Not only is it nice to look at, but some of them also serve as an organizer with a planner pad section or added side rails to securely tuck away some business cards or important notes on your desk.
TL;DR: The #1 Desk Pad for Most People 👇
This budget-friendly desk mate is perfect for those looking to spruce up their desk while also adding improved comfort, some desk protection, and a more aesthetically pleasing design.
It’s made from high-quality PU leather that doubles as a mouse pad while also looking great in each of the three available colours!
So if you want a desk mat from a trusted brand at a great price point, you’ve found it! 🙌
Nonetheless, the primary use of a desk pad is to protect the surface of your table from scratches and scuffs caused by gadgets and other objects. So don’t think of it as added and unnecessary cost since it’s more of an essential workspace accessory with lots of perks.
The Best Desk Mats to But Today in Australia
- Best Overall Desk Mat: Dacasso Wood & Leather Desk Pad
- Best Desk Mat for the Money: Nordik Leather Desk Mat
- Best for Most People: Satechi Eco-Leather Deskmate
- Best Leather Desk Mat: Dacasso Classic Leather Mat
- Best Classic Looking: Gallaway Leather Desk Pad
- Best Budget Desk Mat: KINGFOM Desk Mat Pad
- Best See-through Desk Mat: SMARTDG Clear Desk Pad
- Best Wireless Charging Desk Mat: MiroddiLarge Mouse Pad
The Best Desk Mats & Pads Available in Australia
1. Best Overall Desk Mat: Dacasso Wood & Leather Desk Pad
Why we love it:
- Beautiful aesthetic with pinewood side rails
- Faux leather
- High quality felt backing
- Excellent for writing
What customers say:
“This is a heavy, well made product that has a rich and professional look to it. I was skeptical that this would have the quality I needed for an executive office. Was pleasantly surprised that it was such an excellent product. Out of the box, it is as nice as I hoped and more. No reason to think it won’t wear well over time, but since it is spanking new, we’ll have to wait to see.” – Amber
Dimensions: 86.36 x 50.8 cm
The Dacasso Wood & Leather Desk Pad sports a more classic design, with a look that you might have seen in movies or even in your grandfather’s den when you were younger.
It’s definitely a look you’d want to pull off if you’re going for that old-school, elegant feel.
It’s a mix of wood, leather, and old-fashioned craftsmanship. The side rails are made from European Ash that has been stained with a deep, attractive walnut finish.
The base of the whole desk pad is made from wood and underneath it is a soft velveteen backing to prevent the pad from slipping off and to keep the wood base from scratching your table.
The pad’s surface is made with genuine leather and it has a large workspace, with the padded leather on the side rails doubling as a comfortable arm and wrist rest.
2. Best Desk Mat for the Money: Nordik Leather Desk Mat
Why we like it:
- Has a cable organiser for a mess-free workspace
- Cushioned for wrist comfort
- Scratch-resistant surface
- Waterproof finish for easy cleaning
What customers say:
“This is a great desk mat, the leather finish is great and it looks great on the desk and will give the required protection.”–NTS
Dimensions: 89 x 43cm
Safeguard your desk against scratches and spills in style with the Nordik Leather Desk Mat. As the name suggests, it is made of high quality PU leather to ensure you get a product that is both stylish and durable.
Additionally, the mat comes in a wide range of colours that you can choose from based on your taste and preference. It measures 89 cm by 43 cm, which is enough to cover the entire work area of your desk. You will be happy to know that the mat is padded for user comfort.
That being said, it will protect your elbows, wrists, and forearms at all times. Also, it is waterproof, so you won’t have to worry about spills. It is equally easy to clean–simply wipe the surface of the mat using a damp cloth and you will be good to go.
When it comes to durability, the edges are firmly stitched to ensure the mat stays in one piece. The mat features a cable organiser through which you can thread wires for a mess-free work surface.
3. Best for Most People: Satechi Eco-Leather Deskmate
Dimensions: 58.42 x 30.99 cm
The Satechi Eco-Leather Deskmate is one of the best examples of the modern take on desk pads, mats, and blotter. It is made with quality Polyurethane (PU) eco-leather, which makes the product resistant to water spills, and scratches. This type of material also makes the product very easy to clean, with it taking just a few wipes to do the trick.
The Satechi desk blotter is designed to complement your modern desk or workspace setup. It’s great to use as a desktop blotter, a mouse pad, and a writing mat. It’s almost 2 meters wide, which means there’s so much space for you to work with and it provides near-endless possibilities for its uses.
4. Best Leather Desk Mat: Dacasso Classic Leather Mat
Why we love it:
- Luxurious top-grain leather
- Incredibly long-lasting and durable
- Rigid internal core
- Premium aesthetic
What customers say:
“Absolutely the best REAL leather desk mat. Hand delivered by FedEx, sold by Amazon. I have purchased two Decasso Black Mats before years back and they turned out to be absolutely perfect – great looking, great for writing, great for computer mouse. My son has used one for most of his high school years and it still looks as good as new. If you can afford it, skip the synthetic leather mats and buy the real leather one. You will enjoy it for years.” – ALY
Dimensions: 76.2 x 48.26 cm
Another great product from the same brand, the Dacasso Classic Leather Desk Mat offers a different take and feel compared to the modern variant. It’s a more premium product, as it’s made with top-grain leather material and it’s thicker to boot. Not only does it give you a clean and incredibly professional desk aesthetic, but it also provides a luxurious writing surface. To keep it from slipping or sliding off the table, the base is made with some protective velveteen felt backing.
What makes this desk mat extra special is that each product is handmade by Dacasso’s skilled craftsmen, so you’re getting meticulous attention to detail and top-quality craftsmanship for its premium price tag.
5. Best Classic Looking: Gallaway Leather Desk Pad
Why we love it:
- Durable PU leather surface
- Embossed classy logo imprint
- Soft, padded surface
- Lifetime Replacement Warranty
What customers say:
“Awesome leather and desk pad. lovely. nearly table runner length, I didn’t realise how long this was until I opened it up. Arrives packaged in a beautiful box that can be used directly as a gift!!” – Chris K
Dimensions: 91.44 x 43.18 cm
The Gallaway Leather Desk Pad reminds you of what your dad might’ve had on his office desk when you were young. It has that classic brown leather look that exhibits such a professional style. Plus, it has a suede bottom for extra grip. This prevents the pad from unnecessary sliding or slipping off the desk.
The pad’s surface is made with PU leather or polyurethane leather, which is the same artificial leather that is used for shoes and furniture. This type of material doesn’t absorb water, making stains and spills very easy to clean. And it is also oil-proof. This makes for a great desk pad for protecting your glass or wooden desk. Moreover, it’s made for comfort, as it provides a delightful degree of cushioning for your wrist and elbow while you work.
6. Best Budget Desk Mat: KINGFOM Desk Mat Pad
Why we love it:
- Great for writing
- Waterproof PU leather
- Multiple sizes to choose from
What customers say:
“I use the smooth one for my desk writing and the course one for computer side table. I am using them on an oak table and will be interested to see if any bleeding but watching closely and none so far. Also, have not smelled any odor. Very satisfied with this product.” – R. Barrow
Dimensions: 120 x 60 cm
The KINGFOM Desk Mat Pad is so large it can cover an entire regular-sized table with ease. It’s made to be very versatile and can be used as a writing pad, a conference mat, and, of course, as a computer desk pad. It comes in different sizes and colours, which allows it to accommodate various preferences. In fact, both sides of the mat can be used, as they have the same colour and surface quality.
The desk mat is large enough to fit your laptop, your mouse, journals, notebooks, and books within its dimensions, giving your entire table surface overall protection from the scratches and burns that may result from your gadgets and other stuff. This also makes it a great mat for when you have kids around since it can be comfortably used as a writing pad for children without the fear of having your table surface ruined.
The material used has a light synthetic leather texture which makes it resistant to scratches, stains, and spills. It’s very easy to clean and can be conveniently rolled up and stored when not in use.
7. Best See-through Desk Mat: SMARTDG Clear Desk Pad
Why we like it:
- Textured underside to prevent slippage
- See-through design
- Stain resistant
- Rounded corners
Dimensions: 60 x 40cm
The SMARTDG Clear Desk Pad is definitely a neat option. It eliminates the need to match your mat colour to your desk. A plastic cover also has a different grip on the table which can make it feel more secure. In fact, it has an anti-slip textured design.
Meanwhile, it provides you with the opportunity to customise your mat’s design by inserting pictures of your loved ones or a calendar underneath the clear mat. Another great thing about having a clear plastic surface is that you can spot dirt and spills easier.
This clear desk mat is made with premium quality PVC material and the sides have a round edge design to protect you from possible poking, cuts, and injuries due to its plastic material.
In addition to this, the mat is stain proof, making it super easy to clean. With this mat, you can work on your desk without causing a single scratch.
8. Best Wireless Charging Desk Mat: Miroddi Large Mouse Pad
Why we love it:
- Qi wireless charging
- LED light indicators
- Anti-slip
- Clean aesthetic
What customers say:
“The mouse pad itself is pretty soft and padded, making for a great desktop mat to rest my wrists on. Wireless charger looks classy without looking tacky and is connected via usb type-c (for those who care)” – wchiang
Dimensions: 79.24 x 29.97 cm
The Miroddi Large Mouse Pad Wireless Chargers is quite the powerhouse as a modernized desk pad. It’s made to cater to the gadget-centered market and is designed to be optimal for a gamer.
At first glance, you won’t believe it’s built for video game enthusiasts because of its minimalist design and clean look. The only LED lights you’ll see here are the indicators for the wireless charging feature.
There are two types of materials used on this desk pad. A small portion of it is made with hard leather which encases the Qi wireless charging technology. It is equipped with a Yes, 10W Fast Gaming QI Wireless Charging Pad.
Using that, you can just place your latest phone model on top of the Qi charging symbol and your device will automatically start juicing up. It supports the latest models of Apple’s iPhones, Samsung, and even AirPods.
Meanwhile, the keyboard and mouse pad are made with a rubber base and a smooth cloth surface, which is the right material for a gaming setup since this provides more accurate mouse control.
Because of its modernized and high-tech design, this desk pad is equipped with Exclusive Multifunctional Intelligent Protect Technology.
It has all the protection you need against short circuits, high temperature, overvoltage, overcurrent, and overcharging. This assures users that the product is safe and reliable to use even over extended periods of time.
How We Researched the Best Desk Mats in Australia
We spent over 20 hours researching and comparing the best desk mats Australia has to offer. Our review team then tested 8 desk mats, taking into account material quality, design, size, and price. The desk mats that we tested were sourced from Amazon Australia and Officeworks.
We tested the desk mats atop our EverDesk Max. All the mats offered good grip, so we didn’t have to adjust them every now and then when typing or moving the mouse. We were particular impressed with the Miroddi Large Mouse Pad Wireless Chargers. It has wireless charging capabilities and enabled us to juice up Qi-compatible devices with ease.
The SMARTDG Clear Desk Pad blended well with our desk but we noticed that it bends easily. On the plus side, it is very easy to clean. We were able to remove dried coffee stains by simply wiping down the surface with a damp cloth. Also, we examined the mats to ensure they offer a comfortable surface to work on.
Desk Mats: Buyer’s Guide
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify the areas that will help choose the right kind of desk pad for you:
Versatility
Consider a desk mat that’s multi-purpose. Some desk mats won’t just serve as a protective surface layer for your table. They can function as a great mouse pad or a writing pad, while others even have a wireless charging feature. You may also want to choose a type of desk mat that can be used both at home and at the office.
Design and added features
Contrary to general assumptions, desk mats do not all look the same. They all come with different features, designs, and purposes.
A few important design features to look into are the non-slip (for increased friction to prevent mat’s sliding), the double-side (for maximum use of both sides), and the water and scratch-resistant. These are only a few of the basic important design features to look out for. Other premium ones are the wireless charging and side rails—just to name a few.
Of course, the more features your desk pad will have, the more expensive it’s likely to be. But if you have the budget to spend or if the price is reasonable enough for all these added features, then it may be worth your consideration.
Material
The material of your desk mat can be a major factor in your overall experience. You should look into the materials that’ll suit your needs best.
Genuine or top-grade leather is typically the most expensive kind of desk mat in the market. It offers premium quality, design, and features. It’s a great material for writing, so if you’re going to write often and you have the budget, keep this type of material in mind.
Faux leather or aesthetic/ PU leather is a great alternative to genuine leather. Most of the affordable desk mats are made with PU leather. It comes in different colours and styles for a cheaper price.
Plastic desk pads usually include Polycarbonate and PVC mats. It’s a great choice if you are looking for a “see-through” mat that allows for more design customizability—among other things.
Anti-static desk pads protect your gadgets, such as your laptop and phones, from things like dust and electrical discharge damage and the sort.
Size
The size of your desk pads, mats, or blotter should always be compatible with your table dimensions. It doesn’t have to fully cover your desk, but the length and width should somehow be proportionate to your table.
Also, when looking into sizes, you’d want to consider how wide you want your mat to be. Are you looking for a product that can comfortably support your laptop, mouse, and books or journals? Or are you just looking for a desk pad that you can just write on?
Surface
Similar to designs, desk pad surfaces will vary. If you’re looking for a desk pad that you can conveniently write on, then you’ll need a pad that is firm enough to withstand the tip of your pen or pencil and will not puncture both your paper and the pad’s surface. At the same time, you will want the surface to have some level of softness for more comfort and smoothness when writing. A recommendable material type is either genuine leather or PU leather.
A more suitable surface for your mouse is another point to consider. Although leather would be sufficient, most mice won’t glide well with glossy surfaces. This is why a PVC or plastic material won’t be a good fit. Choose either a matte leather style surface or a specifically made desk pad for gaming.
Durability
A durable desk mat will last you a long time, allowing you to save money compared to a cheaper alternative that requires constant replacing. It doesn’t necessarily mean purchasing genuine leather desk mats, though. There are durable and premium PU leather materials that will suffice or PVC materials that can last for a long time too. PVC materials have great heat-resistant features while leather materials are typically water and scratch-resistant. All these are factors for a product’s durability.
Final Thoughts
The perfect desk mat will always vary depending on your personal preference. There are quite a few variations available in the market right now which will suit the clean aesthetic that you’d like to achieve for your workspace, as well as give you some extra cool features.
If you’re going for a more classy and elegant aesthetic, a leather desk pad might just be the product for you. But if you’re into something a little more modern and trendy, there’s a wide array of options to choose from and it’s not limited to just leather. A cheaper option would be aesthetic leather (PU leather) or PVC.
You may also be interested in:
- The Best Standing Desk Converters
- The Best Office Chairs Available in Australia
- The Best Power Boards in Australia
- The Best Laptop Stands in Australia
- The Best Gaming Microphones in Australia
- The Best Desk Chair Mats in Australia
- The Best Standing Desks for Peak Productivity
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
