Puzzle mat or puzzle case – what's the best way to store your jigsaw puzzle?
If you've ever had a 1000-piece puzzle on the table, you'll probably recognize this: you're working hard, completely in the flow... and then the table needs to be cleared. Puzzle gone.
But yes, just leaving everything lying around isn't an option either. Losing pieces, a jumbled puzzle – no one wants that.
Luckily, there are clever ways to store your puzzles in between. The two most popular? A puzzle mat or a puzzle case . Both have their pros and cons. What's best for you depends on how and how often you puzzle.
Why you can't live without a storage system
A 1000-piece puzzle simply takes up a lot of space. It's often about 70 by 50 centimeters. Quite large, then.
If you leave it on the table for too long, you're waiting for trouble:
- someone knocks something over,
- you lose pieces,
- or you have to start all over again.
With a handy storage solution, you don't have to worry about that anymore. Simply put everything away, and when you have time again, you can effortlessly continue.
What exactly is a puzzle mat?
A puzzle mat is a kind of flexible surface, usually made of felt, that you use to puzzle directly. Finished for the day? Then you roll everything up, usually around a sturdy tube.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Not expensive
- Available in very large sizes
But there are also some disadvantages:
- Pieces may shift while rolling up
- Not super sturdy, the puzzle can get a little out of shape
- Sorting pieces is more difficult, everything is mixed up
- Not possible to pick it up in one go
In short: a puzzle mat is especially useful if you do puzzles occasionally and have a limited budget.
And what about a puzzle case?
A puzzle case is a bit sturdier. You simply puzzle inside it, on a flat surface. The PuzzlePro puzzle case also includes sorting boards where you can arrange pieces by color or shape. Finished puzzling? Close the case, and everything stays neatly in place.
What's nice about it?
- Everything stays neatly in its place
- Sturdy base – even place on your lap or a small table
- Easier to find pieces thanks to sorting plates
- Easy to store and carry
Negatives?
- A bit more expensive than a puzzle mat
- The size is a bit larger (fits under a sofa/behind a cupboard)
But if you do puzzles regularly, these are minor drawbacks compared to the convenience you get in return.
Puzzle mat or puzzle case? The differences at a glance:
| What | Puzzle mat | Puzzle case |
|---|---|---|
| Stability | Great – pieces can slide | Excellent – everything stays in place |
| Storage | Roll up, risk of deformation | Close, puzzle remains intact |
| Sorting | Annoying | Easy with sorting boards |
| Take along | Roll up first | Portable, also upright |
| Lifespan | Lasts a long time | Lasts a long time |
| Price | Cheap | A little more expensive |
So, do you puzzle occasionally? Then a puzzle mat is fine. But do you do puzzles more often, or do you want everything to stay neatly organized? Then a puzzle case is a better choice.
Who is a puzzle mat ideal for?
- If you are just starting to puzzle
- You have a small budget
- You always have a large table available
Who is a puzzle case ideal for?
- If you would like to be able to do puzzles in multiple places in the house
- Likes structure and overview (sorting plates)
- You want to be able to store or take your puzzle safely
Extra advantage: puzzle wherever you want
With a puzzle case, you're not tied to one spot. Place it on a table, on your bed, or even outside in the sun. Done? Close the case, slide it under the sofa, and you're done.
That makes puzzling a lot more relaxing. No more stress about scattered pieces or cleaning up before dinner.
Tips to get the most out of your puzzle mat or puzzle case
- Check the size – not every puzzle fits on every mat or in every suitcase
- Use sorting trays – it really makes puzzling much faster
- Cover your puzzle – this way everything stays dust-free
- Invest in quality – especially if you do puzzles often
So, what should you choose?
It depends on how you puzzle:
👉 Do you occasionally do puzzles and want something simple? Go for a puzzle mat.
👉 Are you more of a fanatic and want to keep everything neatly organized? Then a puzzle case is definitely the better option.
For anyone who regularly does puzzles, a case like this is a smart investment. Everything stays tidy, your work is organized, and you'll never have to search for lost pieces again.
With the PuzzlePro puzzle case, you bring comfort, organization, and flexibility into your home. So you can puzzle anytime, anywhere – hassle-free.
