They go by many names — desk protectors, desk pads or desk blotters — and they serve just as many purposes. A desk protector can keep your desk’s finish as pristine as the day you got it while providing a functional work surface as well as a decorative touch for your office.
The Satechi Eco-Leather Deskmate, for example, features premium polyurethane leather and a nonslip backing, making it perfect for both protecting your workspace and adding a bit of style. Here’s what to look for when you’re shopping for a desk protector.
What to know before you buy a desk protector
Dimensions
Measure the surface of your desk before buying a desk protector so you’re sure you order the right size. The desk protector should be big enough to comfortably fit any computer parts and peripherals like your mouse and keyboard.
Surface
Usually, desk protectors offer one of two surfaces: one textured to help grip keyboards and other tools and one smooth for writing. Depending on what you use your desk for, you may prefer one surface material over another. Some desk protectors are two-sided, so they can be flipped over for different textures or colors.
Aesthetic
Desk protectors are available in styles and colors to match just about any office décor. Pick a bold pattern for a creative, customized workspace or a simple solid color for a more formal, professional setting. Desk pads are also available in clear PVC, acrylic or even glass for unobtrusive protection.
Substitute mouse pad
If you plan to use your desk protector as a mouse pad, make sure it has a smooth, matte texture that won’t disrupt mouse performance. Optical mice in particular function better on desk pads, and desk pads offer the added benefit of visually organizing your workspace in a way that mouse pads don’t.
Desk protector features
Size
Desk pads come in a variety of sizes to cover the working surface of most desk styles. Most desk protectors are larger than 12 by 20 inches, with 15.7 by 31.5 inches being a common size. Some are more than 26 by 49 inches wide. Some desk pads incorporate pockets or grooves for writing implements, which should be taken into account when you’re planning your new desk layout.
Materials
Look for a desk pad with a grippy, nonslip backing made of cork or rubber. If you have a habit of eating or drinking at your desk, look for heat- and water-resistant materials to protect your desk from your microwaved snack or morning coffee even if it spills. Quality desk protectors are made to bounce back from dents or pen indentations so their appearance won’t be affected by writing on them. Desk protectors also feature reinforced stitching to prevent the materials from fraying and improve the pad’s durability.
High-tech vs. old-school
Most desk protectors are simple layers of fabric, leather or plastic, but a few offer high-tech features for the modern desk. Some have hidden magnets to corral charger cables, while others have built-in wireless charging pads.
On the other end of the tech spectrum, some desk protectors are still available with stabilizing side rails or panels and pads of classic blotter paper to protect your surface from ink bleed-through.
Desk protector cost
Affordable, no-frills desk protectors can be found for less than $20, while mid-range options with more stylish touches and better materials cost $30-$50. Larger desk pads that offer special features like genuine leather or smart technology can cost more than $100.
Desk protector FAQ
Can I get a desk protector for an oddly sized or shaped desk?
A. Many desk protectors are available in at least two or three sizes, and some are made specifically for corner or L-shaped desks.
What’s the best desk pad for gaming?
A. Gamers can benefit from an extra-large desk protector that offers grippier backing and extra cushioning compared to models geared toward office environments. Look for desk pads with specialized micro-mesh surfaces for better mouse tracking. Some big-name gaming brands also make desk pads with customizable LED strips.
Which desk protector should I get?
Best of the best desk protector
Satechi Eco-Leather Deskmate: available at Amazon
Our take: This desk pad offers sophisticated style and good build quality. It’s perfect for smaller desks.
What we like: It measures 12 by 23 inches and comes in three colors. Users appreciate how nice it looks and how well it holds up to extended use.
What we dislike: It’s a little small for both mouse and keyboard, and some users found their mouse didn’t perform as well on this pad.
Best bang for your buck desk protector
EMINTA Dual-Sided Desk Pad: available at Amazon
Our take: Offering one side with a grippy texture and one side that’s smoother, this desk protector is reversible, so you can choose which color or surface you prefer.
What we like: The desk pad’s polyurethane is water and heat resistant and features reinforced stitching for better durability. It comes in six color choices and two sizes.
What we dislike: A few users experienced quality-control issues. The pad isn’t as nonslip as some other models, particularly when it’s used flipped over. Some reported a chemical smell that took a long time to go away.
Honorable mention desk protector
Artistic Rhinolin II Ultra-Smooth Desk Pad: available at Staples and Amazon
Our take: It’s generously sized at 24 by 36 inches, and its surface is classic black, comfortable and antimicrobial.
What we like: The broad surface is exceptionally smooth, making it great for writing. The PVC material is treated with antimicrobial protection and has a suede-like foam backing to keep it in place.
What we dislike: The edges sometimes have a tendency to curl up. Some users thought it showed fingerprints too easily.
Laura Duerr is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
