Frequently Asked Questions
We've tried to answer everything you could need to know about our products below — but if you have any other questions, do drop us a message!
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship?
We currently ship to the UK and the USA only. Our print partners are based in these two countries, which means we can keep shipping costs low (free!) and delivery times predictable. No mystery customs fees, no parcels wandering the globe for weeks. And if anything goes wrong with shipping, we can sort it quickly because we know exactly which partner handled your order.
How long will my order take to arrive?
Most orders are printed and dispatched within a few days. UK or US orders usually arrive within the typical domestic shipping timelines for each print partner. You’ll receive tracking details as soon as your mat is on the way.
Why don’t you ship internationally beyond the UK and USA?
We’ve tested it, and the costs, customs delays, and unpredictable delivery windows just didn’t meet the standard of service we aim for. Keeping things UK and US only means faster delivery and better problem-solving if anything happens in transit.
Designs, Artwork & How We Create Them
Where do your designs come from?
A bit of everywhere. I’m an illustrator, so some designs are fully my own creation. Others come from digital tools that help speed up or inspire the artwork process (yes, sometimes including AI). We also licence artwork from other illustrators, and we source out-of-copyright vintage illustrations which we restore and edit carefully so the final print looks crisp and high-quality on your desk mat or wall art.
Do you use AI to create designs?
Sometimes, yes. We treat AI as one tool among many. It doesn’t replace creativity, but it does help us explore ideas faster and offer a wider range of artwork. We know AI can feel controversial in the art world, and we get it, which is why we’re transparent about how we use it. Our final designs are always edited, refined, restored, or illustrated by a human before they ever reach your home.
Are your designs unique to your store?
Most are. Some are my own illustrations, some are exclusive licensed artworks, and some are restored vintage prints that aren’t available anywhere else. Occasionally you might see a licensed design elsewhere, but our edits, colour adjustments, layouts, and sizing are made specifically for the products we sell, be that a desk mat or a sticker pack.
Why do you use old illustrations and archive artwork?
We love the feeling of finding an overlooked image tucked away in an old archive: strange engravings, beautiful medieval details, old gothic illustrations, fascinating botanical prints...
There is something wonderfully satisfying about giving those artworks another life, hundreds of years after they were first created. Restoring them and placing them on something useful feels like a small way to keep them seen, enjoyed, and part of everyday life.
Product Quality & Materials
What are your desk mats made of?
They’re printed on a smooth polyester surface that works with all mouse types. The edges are stitched so they won’t fray, and the natural rubber base keeps the mat firmly in place. They’re durable, wipe-clean, and designed for both everyday work and gaming setups.
How do I clean and care for my desk mat?
Our desk mats are made from polyester and rubber, with a smooth wipe-clean surface designed for everyday life.
For most marks, simply wipe the mat with a soft cloth, a little dish soap, and water. This should clear everyday spills, dust, and desk debris with no fuss.
Avoid harsh cleaning products, abrasive scrubbing, or soaking the mat. Once clean, leave it flat to air dry. Keeping it flat when not in use will help it retain its shape.
Will the desk mat fit my desk and computer setup?
Our desk mats come in three sizes, so there is something for everything from a small laptop table to a full gaming or work setup.
Small — 14.4" × 12.1" / 36.6 × 30.7 cm
Best for compact desks, occasional mouse use, laptops, and smaller work surfaces. This is a mouse-mat-sized option rather than a full desk cover.
Medium — 23.6" × 13.8" / 59.9 × 35.1 cm
A comfortable fit for most standard desks. It gives you a generous mouse area and works beautifully alongside a laptop, monitor, or compact keyboard setup.
Large — 31.5" × 15.5" / 80 × 39.4 cm
Designed for larger desks and full computer setups. It comfortably fits a keyboard and mouse together, making it a lovely choice for gaming stations, home offices, dual-monitor setups, and anyone who prefers more coverage.
As a quick guide, measure the clear space in front of your keyboard or monitor before ordering. If you would like your keyboard and mouse to sit on the mat together, choose the large size.
Which desk mat size is right for my setup?
It depends on how you use your desk.
Our Mousepad (Small desk mat) is ideal if you mainly use a mouse, only use your computer occasionally, or have a compact desk with limited space.
Our Standard desk mat (Medium) is a great everyday choice for standard desks, home-office setups, and regular computer use. It gives you plenty of room for comfortable mouse movement without taking over your workspace.
Our Keyboard desk mat (Large) is made for bigger setups. It is perfect for gamers, work-from-home desks, office setups, and anyone who wants one continuous surface underneath both their keyboard and mouse.
How are your desk mats printed?
Our desk mats are created using dye-sublimation printing, which is basically the gold standard for fabric print. The artwork is printed onto transfer paper with water-based inks, then heat-pressed into the fabric so the colours actually bond with the fibres.
This means the print won’t crack, peel, or fade the way cheaper surface-printed mats sometimes do, and the texture stays smooth.
Will the print fade over time?
Sublimated designs age extremely well. The colours bond into the fabric, so even with daily use, the mats don’t flake or fade the way surface-printed mats sometimes do. As long as you keep it clean and avoid long-term direct sunlight, the colours stay strong.
Mouse Compatibility
Are your desk mats suitable for all types of mice?
Yes. Our mats work with all modern mouse types, including optical and laser sensors. The surface has a consistent weave and texture that gives sensors the contrast they need to track movement accurately. That means smooth gliding for casual use, gaming, design work, and anything else you’d use your mouse for.
Do bright or detailed designs affect mouse performance?
No. The underlying texture of the fabric stays the same no matter the design, so even intricate artwork won’t interfere with tracking. Mouse sensors read the micro-texture, not the image printed on top, so performance stays consistent across all designs.
Choosing the Right Product
Are these designs suitable for someone who loves gothic, medieval, vintage, or retro style?
Very much so. That is the thread running through the collection.
Our designs are an eclectic mix, but they share a love of the old, the unusual, and the slightly dark. You will find gothic details, medieval imagery, vintage illustrations, retro curiosities, and artwork that feels as though it has stepped out of another century — essentially, anything with a Dark Aura.
You'll find designs suitable for your dark-academia décor, vintage aesthetic, or moody gaming set-up. We curate products for cosy gothic book nooks, retro reading corners, and eclectic living spaces.
Is a desk mat a good gift?
Absolutely. A desk mat is a useful gift that still feels personal.
Our range includes gothic, medieval, vintage, retro, and beautifully odd designs, so there is something for gamers, home workers, students, writers, artists, history lovers, dark-academia enthusiasts, and anyone whose desk deserves a little more personality.
Will a vintage or gothic desk mat work in a modern workspace?
Yes — often that contrast is what makes it work so well.
A desk mat is an easy way to bring personality into a clean, modern setup without changing the whole room. Pair one with a simple keyboard, monitor, or laptop, and the artwork becomes a small focal point: a little bit of old-world atmosphere in an otherwise everyday workspace.
Are the desk mats worth the price?
We think so.
Each design is chosen for its character: unusual, atmospheric artwork with a gothic, medieval, vintage, or retro feel that is difficult to find on the usual desk accessories. Many of the images begin life in old archives, illustrations, and forgotten collections; we carefully restore them and give them a new place in the modern world.
They are also printed to order rather than mass-produced in bulk. Combined with a durable rubber base, stitched edges, and a smooth wipe-clean finish, this makes them a practical piece designed to be enjoyed for years, not just a pretty thing for your desk.
Orders, Returns & Support
Can I return or exchange my order?
Since each mat is printed to order, we only offer returns or replacements if something arrives damaged or defective. Just send us a photo and we’ll sort it.
Can I cancel or change my order?
If your order hasn’t gone into production yet, we can usually make changes. Once printing begins, adjustments aren’t always possible. Just message us and we’ll see what can be done.
Do you offer custom designs?
Yes. If you’ve got a concept or want a personalised version of one of our existing desk mats or other products, reach out and we can chat through options.
Shop Policies
Do you charge for shipping?
No, shipping is free to the UK and USA.
Will I get hit with customs fees?
No. Because we print and ship within the same region you order from, there are no unexpected customs charges.