Desk Pads

As desk pad manufacturers continue to provide products to meet the ever growing small office/home office (SOHO) market, finding the right product is  simply a matter of doing some research. Before purchasing a desk pad, you need to determine what you want to accomplish with it, your budget and if there any special features that you want. Above all else, keep in mind that choosing the right desk pad  can, and should, make you more productive.

Your first action should be determining which types of features you want and need in a desk pad. As you search for the ultimate desk pad, you will encounter a variety of options. Desk pads come in all kinds of sizes, shapes and materials. Some come with side panels for storing notes, photographs and so on, while  others feature metal or even stitched edges.  A good tip is to make a list of what you want the desk pad for and what features it should have.

Size
Desk pads come in many sizes. Choosing the right size is a function of the desk surface and the amount of space you want to reserve for the desk pad. In most offices, desks range in size from 44” long to 24” wide.  Given that most desks will have a computer on it, about 25% of your desk will be already be reserved, leaving you about 33” x 24” to work with. Desk pads come in 4 sizes: 12” x 16” (smallest), 12” x 18” (medium), 18” x 24” (large), 20” x 34” (larger) and 24” x 38” (largest). A smaller pad will leave you enough room for any other objects you might want to have on your desk. The largest pad will basically cover all the remaining space. As you think about what you need, it might help to make a brief sketch of your desk space to give yourself a visual guide to work with.

Shape
There are many different shapes to choose from. Desk pads often made in three classic styles: oval, rectangular and square. The right shape for you depends on what you need and what kind of desk space you have to work with. Rectangular shaped desk pads are probably the most common shape, followed closely by square shaped, and then by the less known oval shaped desk pad. The shape of the desk pad also contributes to the aesthetic appearance of your desk top. Oval shaped desk pads are unusual and give your desk a sense of style that more associated with the oval shaped conference table pad you might see in a boardroom. But while oval shaped desk pads make a stylistic difference, they don’t cover as much of the desk as a rectangular or square desk pad.

Edging
Desk pads are designed with a variety of edges from stitched, curved, rounded, straight-edged and metal. Different edging styles offer aesthetic as well as functional advantages. If the daily activities of your job, i.e., counter service, are such that any desk pad will be subject to all sorts of abuse, then metal edges might be more appropriate than a stitched edge that is more suited for lighter duties.

Material
When it comes to the materiial that a desk pad is made of, there are probably as many different kinds of desk pads as there are manufacturers. Each materiail offers its own distinct advantages. The classic leather desk pad is probably the oldest material. As leather is still are the favorite of the design conscious, newer materals, such as vinyl and linoleum offer the consumer a leather-like alternative, they are longer lasting and less susceptible to damage. Less expensive desk pads are made from cardboard and paper. There are also clear desk pads made from plastics and vary in thickness and price.

Features
Aside from their internal constuction, i.e., whether they are constructed in layers of composition or simply fabricated out of a single layer of material, stitched and finished, some desk pads offer additional features to improve their functionality. Corner pockets are a well known addition giving the desk pad a storage functionality for storing papers, photgraphs and other important notes, etc. Side panels are a relatively unknown feature that offers even more storage space for everyday items. Other desk pads come with calendars, writing pads, etc.

Function
The second thing you should consider when choosing a desk pad is its ultimate function. Your job is to determine what you need the desk pad to do.  Desk pads are a multi-functional desk accessory. Desk pads were designed to serve six main functions: protection, writing surface, prevent shifting of paper, organization, ergonomic and aethetic.

1. Protection: desk pads were intiially designed to protect a wooden working surface, i.e., the surface of an executive desk, reception countertop or boardroom table from scratches, spills and stains. Spilled coffee, a leaking pen, scratches can ruin expensive furniture. If protection is the main reason why you want a desk pad, then a linoleum or vinyl desk pad is probably your best choice.

2. Writing Surface: desk pads serve as an excellent writing surface. When you write with a pen, you want a perfectly flat, padded, surface to ensure your pen works properly, your paper does not tear and you do not leave an imprint on your desk. If you just want an oversize pad of paper or calendar to doodle on when you are at your desk, the inexpensive, cardboard backed desk pad will do. However, it will not protect your desk from spills and doodles can give your desk an unorganized appearance.

3. Paper Shifting: desk pads prevent unexepected paper shifting.  A stack of documents or a single sheet, requiring your signature can become a never-ending task if a page keeps slipping while you are signing it.  The waste of paper, your time, your staff’s time highlight the value of a desk pad with a non-skid foam back.

4. Organization: desk pads reduce clutter. Your desk pad is a thing of beauty you won’t want hidden beneath piles of paper.  With a desk pad that entices you to get your work done and makes you want to keep it clear for efficient use, your productivity will increase and the rest of the office will be wondering what your secret is. If you have lists of information that must be accessible at all times but keep getting lost, such as phone numbers or codes for parts, instructions on how to change your toner cartridge or set the digital clock, you might need a clear desk pad. Your items can be placed beneath the clear surface and be seen when you need them. Just make sure the finish of your desk is compatible with these items because lacquered or urethane or acrylic surfaces can be damaged when using some clear desk pads.

5. Ergonomic: desk pads offer a flat comfortable surface with padding and helps lessen stress and fatigue from hours of writing. This has obvious benefits, increasing your creativity and the ergonomic functionality of your office. Leather desk pads are perhaps the most ergonomic because of their softness and flexibility.

6. Aesthetic: desk pads enhance the look of your desk and office. Make a statement to your clients, your co-workers and your boss with a desk pad that looks great and has a purpose. If you want a writing surface to help protect your desk from scratches, think about a leather desk pad. If you love the look of leather and can afford the cost, you will want to check out the care instructions. Avoid heat, direct sunlight, dust and use only guaranteed products to clean them. Leather is beautiful, it comes in different colors and it will last, if properly cared for. If you want a desk pad to enhance the look of your desk and protect the surface while making your writing more enjoyable, consider a quality wood accented desk pad with a black Rhinolin™ writing surface with a non-skid foam back which lays flat and stays put. Cushioned comfort and timeless elegance at an affordable price just might be the best of all choices.

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