Whether you are age 3 or 63, puzzling is a hobby that is fun, stimulating, and relaxing all in one go. Nothing beats the feeling of slotting in the final piece of a puzzle and watching the picture come into focus.
While completing a puzzle is a feeling that is more than satisfying, the stage when the puzzle is incomplete can be a frustrating experience. The difference between a frustrating and relaxing puzzling session largely depends on how you store your pieces between uses.
This comes down to whether you have a proper puzzle mat. If you have nowhere to store the puzzle, the unfinished jigsaw ends up occupying a large proportion of your floor space while you are not working on it.
To avoid the pressure of completing a 1,500 piece puzzle in one go, it is worth investing in a reliable puzzle mat. Here are some that we recommend.
Contents
- 1 Best Puzzle Mats
- 2 1. Jigsort 1500 Jigsaw Puzzle Case
- 3 2. Johexi Puzzle Mat Roll Up
- 4 3. Laviert Jigsaw Puzzle Roll Mat
- 5 4. Ravensburger 17960 Puzzle Stow and Go
- 6 5. Grateful House Wool Blind Roll Up Puzzle Mat
- 7 6. Becko Puzzle Roll Jigsaw Storage Felt Mat
- 8 7. Nessie’s Playground Puzzle Roll Up Mat
- 9 8. Gropecan Jigsaw Puzzle Mat Roll Up
- 10 9. Mozooson Puzzle Mat Roll Up
- 11 10. Atdawn Wooden Puzzle Table
- 12 Best Puzzle Mat Buying Guide
- 13 FAQs
Best Puzzle Mats
1. Jigsort 1500 Jigsaw Puzzle Case
The Jigsort puzzle case is suitable for puzzles up to 1,500 pieces. This is a high-end product that is perfect for puzzle enthusiasts. The mat itself is rigid and can be folded up and stowed beneath the sofa.
The fabric covering prevents the pieces from moving about when you move the mat and it also makes the product comfortable to work on. What’s more, the product includes four sort trays for organizing unassembled pieces and storing the pieces in between sessions.
The sort trays can also be used for assembling small sections of the puzzle to be transferred to the main tray. Finally, the case comes with a zip so the puzzle mat is entirely portable. This is a mat that you can take anywhere.
2. Johexi Puzzle Mat Roll Up
This puzzle mat from Johexi is made from fabric and rubber. The rubber bottom layer prevents the product from slipping around and keeps the puzzle stable when the mat is rolled up.
The foam tube securely keeps the puzzle in place and is more convenient than similar inflatable tube products. Even if you have loose pieces scattered about the mat, you can be confident that when you unroll the mat, they will be exactly where you left them.
The mat also comes with a drawstring bag, meaning the product is portable. The velcro fastening strap keeps the mat rolled tightly during transportation.
3. Laviert Jigsaw Puzzle Roll Mat
The Laviert Jigsaw Puzzle Roll Mat is a traditional inflatable mat made of black felt. The inflatable tube protects the puzzle and secures it firmly in place. The mat is non-crease which means it lies flat on the floor.
This is particularly important if you are doing a 1,000+ piece puzzle as bumps and creases can disrupt the picture. The drawstring bag it comes with means the puzzle can be hung up or stored behind the sofa with ease.
As far as traditional puzzle roll mats go, this is one of the best on the market in terms of quality and value.
4. Ravensburger 17960 Puzzle Stow and Go
The Ravensburger Puzzle Stow and Go is a great accessory that utilizes the inflatable tube method to keep your puzzle in position in between use. The mat is a bright yellow to create contrast between the pieces so you don’t lose them on the mat.
The mat rolls up to a convenient size and when you unroll it, it will lay down flat with your puzzle perfectly in place. It can be used for puzzles up to 1,500 pieces.
5. Grateful House Wool Blind Roll Up Puzzle Mat
The Grateful House wool puzzle mat is innovatively designed to roll up and tuck in neatly so the puzzle can be easily transported and lay down flat when needed. It comes with a high-quality storage bag with a shoulder strap for easy transport.
The wool is specially created for puzzles and comes in a range of colors. Better still, the product comes with a two-year unconditional warranty and a quality guarantee. This is a product you can trust to deliver on practicality and durability.
6. Becko Puzzle Roll Jigsaw Storage Felt Mat
This roll mat from Becko is another puzzle accessory that adopts an inflatable tube. As with the other similar products on this list, you place the inflated tube on the mat and roll it tightly in between use. This prevents the puzzle from falling apart and keeps the fabric from creasing.
The product is reasonably priced and comes with a drawstring bag with a clear window pocket to slot your name in. This is perfect if you have multiple puzzlers living in the same household.
7. Nessie’s Playground Puzzle Roll Up Mat
Nessie’s Playground puzzle mat is very similar to the previous product. The mats are the same size, color, and use the inflatable tube method. The only thing missing in the Nessie’s Playground mat is a drawstring bag to transport the puzzle with ease.
Nonetheless, it is a quality product that makes storing up to 1,500 pieces easy and hassle-free.
8. Gropecan Jigsaw Puzzle Mat Roll Up
This mat from Gropecan is very affordable and comes with all of the equipment needed to easily store your puzzle between uses. In addition to an inflatable tube, it comes with a hand pump so you can inflate the tube with ease.
It also comes with a storage bag and three adjustable velcro straps. Impressively, this mat can hold up to 3,000 pieces. The majority of puzzle mats will only hold up to 1,500 pieces, so this is a good choice if you enjoy a challenge.
9. Mozooson Puzzle Mat Roll Up
You may have a hard time spotting the difference between the Gropecan and Mozooson mats. They are made of the same felt material and they both come with an inflatable tube and pump.
The only reason the Mozooson model places slightly lower is that it is suitable for puzzles up to 1,500 pieces rather than 3,000. Nonetheless, it is a great product and rolls up to fit compactly in the small storage bag it comes with.
10. Atdawn Wooden Puzzle Table
Finally, if portability is not high up on your priority list, you might enjoy this wooden puzzle mat from Atdawn. The upshot of this accessory is that it comes five sliding draws so that you can separate your pieces and store them neatly in between uses.
The choice of hardwood ensures that the product is durable and can be used time and time again. This makes a great gift for the frequent puzzle user and is a great organizer as well as a convenient surface for puzzling.
Best Puzzle Mat Buying Guide
Are you in search of a convenient method for stowing away your puzzles in between uses? A puzzle mat is a great accessory for children and adult puzzlers alike.
It means that you can keep your unfinished puzzles somewhere safe while you are not working on it or preserve your finished jigsaw for a little longer.
When looking for a puzzle mat, the first thing to consider is what kind of puzzles you will be using it for. If you typically choose 1,000+ piece puzzles, you will need to check that the mat can hold that many pieces.
Fortunately, the majority of mats hold 1,500 pieces or more. If you need a mat for keeping your child’s jigsaw in one place, a mat with a 3,000 mat capacity is not going to be worth the investment.
Next, consider how important portability is to you. If you have a small apartment or move around a lot, a roll mat will likely be your best choice as they take up little space and usually come with a drawstring back for easy transport.
The traditional roll mat comes with an inflatable tube. This lays down on the mat puzzle side up and enables the puzzle to be securely rolled into a portable tube.
If you aren’t going to be moving your puzzle around much, you may be more interested in mats that offer additional features like organization drawers.
Whichever mat you choose, be sure to check the size so you can be confident it will fit comfortably in your living space.
FAQs
If I get an inflatable mat, will I need a pump?
Although some of the mats come with a pump, the inflatable tubes can typically be blown up manually. They are fairly small in size so blowing them up yourself should not be difficult.
Can loose pieces be stored on a puzzle roll mat?
All of the mats on this list have been selected because they secure loose pieces in place as well as a finished puzzle. If you are concerned about properly organizing your pieces, take a look at the mats that come with additional drawers and storage space.
Are the inflatable roll up mats difficult to use?
No, not at all. All you have to do is blow up the tube and place it at the edge of the mat. Next, rightly roll the mat (puzzle side up) around the rube to secure the pieces in place. An attachable band will be included to prevent the mat from unrolling. When you wish to return to your puzzle, gently unroll the mat on a flat surface.
Can the tube be reinflated?
Yes, absolutely. When you are not using the tube, you can deflate it and pack it away to save space. It can be inflated, deflated and reinflated as many times as you wish.
What is the best material for a puzzle mat?
The best material for a puzzle mat largely comes down to preference. Felt is quite popular as it tends not to crease or wrinkle. Rubber is a good choice for the bottom of the mat to prevent the puzzle from slipping on a hard floor.
Leave a Reply