Best Buy Guidebook is a culmination of online publishing lessons learned. From SEO to paid ads, our team has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Our goal now is simple: Arm readers with the most information possible.
Puzzle mats are an ingenious invention that solves puzzle storage, preservation, and cleanup problems all at once. These mats ensure that puzzle pieces stay in place, even when the mat is rolled up for storage, so you can save your progress and keep your puzzle from being disturbed.
We reviewed the best puzzle mats on the market and narrowed it down to our favorites. We looked at factors like size, portability, ease of use, material type, and more, with the Newverest puzzle mat earning the top spot for its durability and convenience. Keep reading to see the rest of the picks on our list, and find a mat that’s right for you and your puzzles.
The Newverest puzzle mat is a 46 x 26-inch saver pad that secures any puzzle with 1,500 pieces or less. The non-slip rubber bottom grips any flat surface firmly, while the smooth polyester top lets you place your puzzle pieces easily. This combination ensures that your puzzle remains intact when rolled up, allowing you to pause and resume your puzzle piecing without any hiccups.
We like that the mat includes three puzzle sorting trays and a travel-friendly storage bag, perfect for preserving puzzle progress on the go. The sorting trays make separating the corner/edge and internal pieces much easier. When it’s time to pack up, the mat rolls up neatly into the storage bag, keeping your pieces safe and in place. This puzzle mat maintains the integrity of your work and lets you work on puzzles wherever you’d like, making it the best overall choice on our list.
The Becko puzzle mat was designed to keep puzzle pieces secure, ensuring your work remains intact, even if it needs to be moved or stored temporarily. It accommodates puzzles of up to 1,500 pieces, making it adaptable for different puzzle sizes. Instead of losing pieces or scrambling to find space, we love how this mat allows you to roll up your puzzle neatly and stow it away.
When you’re ready to continue, the mat maintains the puzzle’s integrity and saves you from having to piece together parts you have already completed. The drawstring storage bag adds another layer of convenience, and it also comes with a clear window on the front for those with multiple puzzle lovers in one household. If you need to save space in a small apartment or need to keep the dining table clear for dinner, this puzzle mat is a great choice.
The Genovega puzzle mat accommodates puzzles of up to 2,000 pieces but works with 500-, 1000-, and 1500-piece puzzles just as well. We think its large, portable design is ideal for effortlessly transporting your puzzle from one location to another without disrupting your work. You can work at your speed and return to it whenever you want to.
It comes with six sorter trays and one storage bag, ensuring that your puzzle pieces stay organized and easy to access. The puzzle mat rolls up seamlessly, allowing you to quickly store your puzzle when you need to free up space. The three velcro straps on the outside of the storage bag keep the puzzle pieces extra secure when rolled up, so when you’re ready to work on it, you can focus on the fun of assembling rather than constantly adjusting previously placed pieces.
The Tektalk puzzle mat secures your puzzle projects and keeps the pieces safe from dust, dampness, and curious pets. It supports up to 1,000 pieces with a non-slip surface that keeps pieces in place, allowing you to work on your puzzle without the pieces shifting. The dustproof cover acts as a protective shield, preserving your puzzle from potential damage and helping you maintain your progress over multiple sessions.
It doesn’t roll up like the other entries on this list, but we like that it can be conveniently picked up and moved from surface to surface. Objects can even be placed on top of the mat with the puzzle inside. If the protective cover is shielding the puzzle, your progress is safe and secure. This puzzle mat’s practicality makes it an excellent choice for those who casually enjoy puzzles.
The Lavievert puzzle mat’s felt interior means your puzzle pieces will stay firmly secure wherever you place them and after you’ve rolled and unrolled the mat. It accommodates puzzles of various sizes up to 1500 pieces. It also has dotted line guides for 500, 1000, and 1500-piece puzzles on the interior of the mat. These guides are great for kids who are relatively new to larger puzzles.
Its portability stands out, allowing both adults and kids to easily roll up and transport their puzzles without losing any pieces. Because the mat is non-slip, it’s very difficult to have long-lasting creases after being rolled up for long periods. You can keep your rolled-up puzzle extra secure by using both of the included elastic bands to prevent it from unrolling on its own. We especially appreciate this puzzle mat’s effectiveness in keeping puzzles safe from pets.
When you’re knee-deep in a challenging jigsaw puzzle, the last thing you want is pieces missing or your hard work ruined. That’s where a puzzle mat comes into play.
A puzzle mat ensures you can secure your puzzle in progress and store it without losing a single piece. But how do you choose the best one? Here’s your ultimate guide to finding the best puzzle mat.
The material of a puzzle mat matters more than you might think. Opt for mats made from felt, rubber, or foam, as these are durable and can keep your puzzle pieces in place without slipping. Felt mats grip the pieces effectively, reducing their chances of moving around when you roll up the mat.
Rubber mats resist wear and tear, making them a long-lasting option. Foam mats cushion your puzzle pieces and absorb impact, so the pieces stay in place even if the mat gets jostled. We recommend looking for high-quality materials that promise durability and ease of use.
Puzzle mats come in various sizes, and choosing the right one depends on the size of the puzzles you usually tackle. Small mats are great for puzzles of up to 1,000 pieces, while larger mats can accommodate puzzles with up to 3,000 pieces.
We suggest measuring the dimensions of your typical puzzle and comparing them with the mat sizes available. Your chosen mat should provide some extra space around the edges so you can comfortably work on the border pieces. Ensuring the right fit prevents overcrowding and gives you a pleasant puzzle-solving experience.
Portability can make a big difference if you like to take your puzzle projects on the go or need to store them frequently. Mats that roll up easily and come with a carrying tube or straps simplify transportation and storage.
Look for mats that include inflatable tubes, which help maintain the puzzle’s shape when rolled up. These features make it easy to move your puzzle from one place to another without disturbing your progress. Portability ensures your puzzle work can travel with you wherever you go without hassle.
A puzzle mat should streamline your puzzle-solving routine, not complicate it. Choose mats with clear assembly instructions and components that fit together seamlessly. Some mats come with grids or guides that help you organize pieces more efficiently.
Others include sorting trays or compartments for storing edge pieces or sorted sections of your puzzle. These features enhance your puzzle-solving experience by making it straightforward and organized. Ease of use can significantly impact how much you enjoy working on your puzzles.
When you’re not working on your puzzle, storing it safely becomes a priority. We’d look for mats designed with storage in mind, featuring components like securing straps, zippered pouches, and tubes that protect your puzzle.
Storage-friendly mats should keep pieces intact and prevent them from scattering. Some mats even include additional storage solutions, like portable cases or bags, to keep everything in one place. Effective storage solutions mean your puzzle stays safe and ready to resume anytime you want.
Extra features can set one puzzle mat apart from the rest. Some mats come with sorting trays, securing straps, and even anti-slip backings that enhance usability. These features can make your puzzle-solving experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Sorting trays help you organize pieces by color or shape while securing straps ensures the mat stays rolled up tightly during storage. Anti-slip backings keep the mat stable on various surfaces, preventing unwanted movement. Additional features transform a basic mat into a comprehensive puzzle-solving tool.
By considering these attributes, you can confidently choose a puzzle mat that fits your needs and enhances your puzzle-solving experience. Whether you’re a casual puzzler or a dedicated enthusiast, the right puzzle mat can make all the difference.
To use the puzzle mat, simply lay it out on a flat surface, start assembling your puzzle on the mat, and when you need to store it, carefully roll up the mat using the provided tube or securing straps.
Puzzle mats are typically made from soft, durable fabrics such as felt or foam to provide a stable yet gentle surface for puzzle pieces.
Gently vacuum it using a soft brush attachment or use a lint roller to pick up any dust or debris. Avoid using water or harsh chemicals as they might damage the interior material.
Most puzzle mats are designed to accommodate a wide range of puzzle sizes, but it's best to check the product specifications to ensure it fits the dimensions of the puzzles you typically work on.
If your puzzle mat develops a crease or wrinkle, lay it flat and place heavy objects on top, such as books, for a few hours to help flatten it out. Avoid using heat sources like irons, as they can damage the material.
To ensure puzzle pieces stay secure, carefully roll the mat evenly and slowly, and use the provided straps or bands to keep it tightly rolled. Some mats also come with a foam tube to help maintain even pressure.
While puzzle mats are specifically designed for jigsaw puzzles, they can also be used as a soft surface for board games, crafts, or other tabletop activities that require a stable yet gentle surface.
Best Buy Guidebook is a culmination of online publishing lessons learned. From SEO to paid ads, our team has experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Our goal now is simple: Arm readers with the most information possible.