If you work from home, you know that the functionality of your office space is essential to your ability to accomplish your daily tasks. Your workspace needs to be ergonomic so you can flow through your workday without being distracted by discomfort or frustration. If you work at a desk all day, you need to have a comfortable desk chair and the right surface to support it. Whether your office floor is vinyl, tile, or carpet, the best way to ensure your office chair glides smoothly without damaging the floor is to put down an office chair mat.
If you have never looked at chair mats before, this article will guide you through the most important features to look for.
Material
Office chair mats are primarily made from two materials: plastic and tempered glass. Plastic chair mats are less expensive than glass chair mats, and they certainly do the job if you're on a tight budget. However, tempered glass chair mats are generally superior to plastic chair mats. They never warp with extended use, and they look as beautiful as the flooring underneath them.
Thickness
Due to production costs, thicker chair mats are always more expensive than thinner ones. No matter the material you choose, it's always best to get a thicker chair mat. If you have to make a choice between a chair mat that is ⅕ inch thick or ¼ inch thick, it's always better to get the ¼ inch thick mat. Thicker plastic mats resist warping, and thicker glass mats can support more weight.
Edge Design
Although ideally, your office chair would virtually never leave your chair mat, reality doesn't conform to ideals. You're going to slide your chair off of the mat occasionally. If the mat's edges aren't rounded or beveled, you're going to have a difficult time getting your chair back onto the mat while you're sitting in it. If you choose a glass chair mat, pay extra attention to the edges, since unrounded glass edges may be sharp. To ensure you can glide smoothly and safely throughout your office space, choose a chair mat with rounded corners and soft edges.
Now that you know what to look for in plastic or glass chair mats, go out and find the perfect mat for your home office space. You can find a selection of office chair mats online or at office supply stores in your area.
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