Natural Linoleum
Linoleum is made from a blend of natural materials that offer durability and premium feel—it’s an ideal material for our desk pads, mouse pads and notebooks. Read more about how it’s made, and why it’s not what you think of when you hear ‘linoleum.’
Linoleum: Not What You Think It Is
Linoleum was discovered accidentally in the 1850s, when the inventor noticed a film forming on the top of an open bottle of linseed oil. He coined the word ‘linoleum’ for the durable flooring he created from this discovery, based on the latin word for flax (linum) and oil (oleum). However, over time the name became generalized, and in the 1950s and 1960s, natural linoleum was widely replaced by synthetic, plastic-based alternatives, usually made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride). This synthetic version is what most people think of when they hear the word linoleum, but the two are very different materials.
![The Medium Matte Desk Pad in Navy Blue runs the entire width of a standard desk, pictured here with maple wood double-wide monitor stand.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=b9ea922d66d76151902d30e9c4bf1e8c 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=e7a01eced17fc35d650b2273952d2195 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=ca233e082a71ebbf4121ee089abe9079 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=d4a0ac3f122238e891e7b892b099145f 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=0333837115b32fe5e43b9efdea83360b 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=2fe0d18645aa445df0e9a96ac184797b 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=8a7f2ce189489e0f6fede547a0ace869 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=1e33019e76845913f54d6fb2d6a22ca9 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=01e8da81b0662b402c00ed09874a481a 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=b65106aa28f1ee6c64addcb005d45e05 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=11b846f7b4ae999c685aeef4c2d06ada 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fgrovemade-matte-desk-pad-navy-mediumplus-galB-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=68d54735d8225ed7ed76f4173fbe322a 3000w)
Using natural linoleum, rather than the synthetic alternatives, allows us to build a desk pad that really works well for your workspace—it’s durable and protects your desk, with the right premium feel. Adding a laminated cork bottom gives it a little extra cushion. It’s smooth surface feels great to touch. It’s antistatic, avoids fingerprints, and is a pleasure to write on.
How It's Made
Natural linoleum is made from a mixture of pure oxidised vegetable linseed oil and natural pine rosin, mixed with wood flour and calcium carbonate (usually from limestone). The furniture-grade product we use has a tooth similar to high quality paper, and a smooth feel.
![Infographic showing the composition of natural linoleum: Linseed oil, pine rosin, and wood flour combine to form the sturdy composite.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=a41a0b8bfa84a8083e27ebbb1c84bdcb 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=f4e0381ece8b662a0d4714995be9145d 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=64f88f8beea092daf1256375fb9eb86b 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=71b50c1565d80c312ce9a4cc19ef03fa 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=8bea8bce66498928c93233b60e391889 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=820410f2403bf698e648429d1cdf5909 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=524e001334a3745e5682495917f7d8d5 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=a6b31e39e6bd2b94cf5efff957654446 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=9f37d4270bdd1612f21624f972c44faf 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=7170f7967782b88b7ae0f9a9c682f467 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=d61c67403651dc004d1572a49cea225d 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-diagram-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=3190671cf2b4a43b1b9159393272aa52 3000w)
![Infographic showing the composition of natural linoleum: Linseed oil, pine rosin, and wood flour combine to form the sturdy composite.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=4bdd71ae7564d0a8102483a97e606f51 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=db66c7f0aceb0b798b20a2ccbbb3fd88 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=da55cdbbfca0694c2468e1194bf448e2 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=c9bb00be827978b281232a94b21d1bc6 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=672c6f297f0d58667b8dbc64a80b883d 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=1fa207236c29347aa6d172d3f0e27f88 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=d6a087e509bf3fec3d63f87d654e0003 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=01325248eca6ca745addb028a2dec0e8 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=dae2f1720bd4c4e648529b887de5079e 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=d2041037639c116e2af668ff93915e74 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=8126e6153c3a6119d7c8da4a7856f0c0 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-forbo-desk-pad-diagram-mobile-A1.png?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=8e3233bd0e0d85b9af7fe378ae2d7975 3000w)
How It’s Used
Linoleum has seen a resurgence in recent years, and is now incorporated in cutting-edge furniture designs. Because it’s natural, moldable, durable and comes in a wide array of colors, it can be applied to a wide range of designs.
![Examples of natural linoleum in other applications, including colorful kitchen counters and unique coffee tables.](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=93b24d7104ed6ae1f17346b81e2d4781 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=eca097805d19082f83d8489e1186c6d1 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=804781c259f5396aa06a1bc293afb5e5 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=f0bf654f3fbd3212ffe20ade3ef879b5 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=188b1de2a1a3c63760ef7d64f0f16c18 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=480fce1332795c6f3066ded02b04b081 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=829afd927ff7f511b37c8010c293a1f3 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=8b36f22cbfd9f6681f925fa6452e47a0 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=46a8d5c49431940ed88b8e71d1b37000 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=0991e0d5a57ad1c998c1a22a138a050a 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=45ba2e845a56390c8ad159ce1343fdb5 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2FGMP0144-linoleum-examples-A1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=4fdd4fe54e4c1f0ed326970cc491cc2f 3000w)
Photos are © Forbo Group. To see more designs and uses, click here.
Define Your Space
Our desk pads provide subtle, effective organization of your workspace, creating functional boundaries and zones. Available in four sizes so you can dial in your space.
![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=0d0b0e7878d68e08c78ff3c2fadfec63 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=6f6cc53fa1073037e272cceccb888796 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=022b492f0a961271ec13ea5a8b06c46f 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=0078608dedc6ba04011c99fa222d1311 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=a5ad9a7f4b75bc007b24e19987f3543d 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=0d1ea586f131c4c69d90462018b33168 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=722d5309975c7a150794b1236494889a 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=c9b7c1d8852fed11a269e54f797378ee 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=9848d7b4c0434532612df0cedef862b9 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=718c50e8073502cf1faffd50fc26ee78 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=270b56e28faf45f510e5f5ace60918f7 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Ffeature-matte-B1.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=d8e293fa2ce4321ba3bef8161099eb09 3000w)
The Right Material For You
Some call it a desk mat. Some call it a desk blotter. We call it a force field, but more on that later. The desk pad is sweet, whatever you name it, and we’re believers.
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![](https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=200&s=360096e307b401a1c518c721a65cc8cb 200w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=300&s=548f7487b98c7e65b6864b3b113a9ed6 300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=500&s=86ba00386c977999269c9eee8dc09e48 500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=700&s=c2bb92103561d6bb30d562baa49a4193 700w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=900&s=12056b3c35b168fa1cb83ecad52ef6ea 900w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1100&s=bc72238f4cbf2b859028dbcf68a492d8 1100w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1300&s=543a0d0ebf61cb2c9b49ab32ec694e2b 1300w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1500&s=4f6077a839fba5a057d52580f88e9a14 1500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=1800&s=ac7fb4f4c36e62d3cbc6999228877a44 1800w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2250&s=f1d417ee544aa143ff933af52e561def 2250w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=2500&s=54ceb404ee9931455253b4be55f933d4 2500w,https://grovemade.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fsiteleaf.grovemade.com%2Fuploads%2Fdesk-shelf-system-feature-B2.jpg?auto=format&ixlib=python-1.1.2&w=3000&s=27fb6885863e29aa85a834eece358888 3000w)
A Seamless Workspace
Our Desk Shelf System is designed to work best as a coordinated whole within the modern workspace. Get the system and see how easy switching from emails to doodles can be.
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For Your Mouse
A smooth option for your mouse pad, with a natural cork backing to provide cushion and support.
Write it Down
Our discbound refillable notebooks make a perfect note-taking and idea generating companion. Available in three sizes for all your ideas, from big to slim.