Custom Printed Bar Mats

Custom Printed Bar Mats – Professional Branded Bar Protection

Custom printed bar mats do exactly what you’d expect, they protect your bar surface from spills and condensation while putting your brand right where customers are looking.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about custom printed bar mats, including the different styles available, material choices, design options, and how they can be used effectively for business promotion and special events.

 

What are custom printed bar mats?

Custom printed bar mats are specially designed mats that not only protect your bar surfaces from spills and condensation but also serve as effective branding tools.

Beyond their practical role in protecting surfaces, these mats serve as powerful branding tools that boost visibility, reinforce brand identity, and elevate the overall atmosphere of any bar or event space.

Whether you’re a bar owner looking to enhance your venue’s professionalism, an event planner aiming to create a memorable branded experience, or an individual setting up the ultimate man cave, this guide will help you understand why custom printed bar mats matter.

As well as their visual appeal, they help control spills, keeping your bar area clean and safe. Whether used in pubs, restaurants, or events, custom printed bar mats promote your business while providing practical surface protection.

 

Custom printed bar mats – which styles can you find in our collection?

Our range covers the essentials for any venue or event. You’ll find standard bar mats for compact serving areas, custom printed bar runners that stretch across longer counters, and branded coasters to complete the look.

These printed bar mats work across:

• pubs
• restaurants
• cafes
• corporate functions

Full colour digital printing means your logo, brand messaging, or promotional artwork can include everything from simple text to complex graphics and photo-quality images.

 

Size Options

Size options range from compact mats perfect for smaller stations through to long bar runners designed for full-length counters.

Whether you need a single design across multiple venues or something unique for a one-off event, there’s a format to suit.

 

Which type of custom printed bar mat to choose?

Picking the right style comes down to your bar setup and what you’re trying to achieve.

Standard bar mats (typically around 250mm x 890mm) suit individual serving stations and smaller counters. They’re practical for cafes, home bars, and anywhere space is limited. Bar runners stretch longer and work better for commercial venues where you want continuous branding across the full bar length.

For high-traffic commercial areas, rubber-backed mats are your best bet. The non-slip backing grips the counter surface and handles constant use without shifting around. Felt-surface options deliver sharper print quality and a premium feel—great for venues where brand presentation matters as much as function.

Think about your bar configuration too. Multiple serving points might need several smaller mats, while a single long counter calls for runners. Branded coasters make excellent complementary items, giving customers something to interact with directly.

If standard sizes don’t suit your space, custom shapes and dimensions are available. Some venues go for unique outlines that match their logo or fit unusual counter layouts.

 

The bar mat – what materials should it be made from?

Material choice affects everything from durability to print quality, so it’s worth understanding your options.

Rubber backing is essential for commercial settings. It keeps mats firmly in place during busy service, absorbs impact from glasses, and provides solid spill protection. Most quality custom printed bar mats use nitrile rubber (100 nitrile rubber construction in premium options), which handles repeated washing and resists the oils and liquids common in hospitality environments.

The surface material determines how your artwork looks. Felt or fabric tops deliver excellent print clarity using dye sublimation, producing vibrant colours that stay sharp over time. This process bonds ink directly into the fibres, making designs fade-resistant even with regular cleaning.

For venues serving food and drinks, food-safe materials matter. Quality bar mats meet hospitality standards, so you’re not compromising safety for branding.

Indoor venues have more flexibility with material choices, while outdoor areas need mats that handle weather exposure. If you’re setting up beer gardens or outdoor events, check that your chosen material suits the conditions.

 

Custom printed bar mats – how to use them for business promotion?

• Strategic placement turns a practical item into a marketing tool. Position your bar mat where customers naturally look while ordering or waiting—right under their line of sight.
• Effective designs incorporate company logos clearly, with contact details or key messaging if space allows. Keep it simple though—a crowded mat loses impact. Your best promotional designs balance branding with visual appeal.
• Beverage brands and suppliers often use printed bar mats as promotional giveaways for venues they supply. It’s a practical gift that keeps the brand visible during every service.
• Consider coordinating your bar accessories for a unified look. Custom bar mats alongside branded stubby coolers, coasters, and staff apparel create a cohesive brand experience. For multi-location businesses, bulk ordering makes sense—consistent branding across every venue reinforces recognition.

 

How to Order Personalised Bar Mats

We typically offer volume discounts for larger orders of bar mats, so the more you order the lower the unit rate becomes.

Production of custom bar mats usually takes 10 working days but if your order is urgent please let us know and we’ll see if we can work some magic for you.

Our team can assist with artwork setup if you need help getting your design ready. We accept most file formats including PDF, EPS, and TIFF, with templates available to ensure your artwork fits perfectly.

 

Promotional bar mats – how to use them for special events?

• Enhancing branded serving stations at trade shows and product launches
• Personalising weddings and celebrations with names, dates, or custom messages
• Refreshing pubs and restaurants with seasonal promotions like Christmas or sporting events
• Showcasing colours and crests for sporting clubs, community organisations, and local teams
• Adding personality to events and functions such as corporate celebrations

 

If you’re ready to create your own bar mat or need help choosing the right option, contact us for a quote. We’re happy to provide samples and guide you through the process from artwork approval through to delivery.