GUIDE
What is a desk pad?
A desk pad, also called a desk blotter, is a rectangular mat laid across a writing desk, usually covered in leather or bridle hide. It gives the pen a smooth, slightly yielding surface to write on and protects the desk from scratching and ink. The most common size is 50x65 cm.
What is a desk pad for?
A desk pad does three things. First, protection: it shields the timber surface from pen marks, hot cups and ink. Second, comfort: handwriting becomes noticeably more even when there is a yielding surface beneath the paper. Third, order: it visually defines the working area of the desk.
With digitalisation the third function has come forward. Today a desk pad is mostly chosen to give a desk order and a corporate appearance.
What does a desk pad set include?
A single desk pad is just the mat. A desk set covers everything gathered around it.
- Desk pad (blotter) — the main piece
- Pen holder — upright or recumbent
- Note tray — cube note or notepad recess
- Calendar stand — annually replaceable calendar recess
- Card holder — optional
- Document tray — optional, can be multi-tier
How do you choose the right size?
The practical rule: a desk pad should cover roughly half the depth of the desk. A pad that overhangs looks careless; one that disappears on the desk looks inadequate.
- Executive desk (180 cm+): 60x80 cm
- Standard office desk (140-160 cm): 50x65 cm
- Compact workstation (120 cm): 40x55 cm
What to look at when buying a leather desk pad
Five criteria, none of which appear on the price tag.
- Leather type — full-grain patinas over time, embossed leather stays as it is
- Edge work — whether the edge is turned or left cut determines its life
- Underside — there should be a felt or suede base that will not scratch the desk
- Thickness — too thin and it curls, too thick and paper slides
- Sizing — made to your desk, or cut from a stock die