Must-Have Puzzle Accessories
Level Up Your Puzzling Game
*Originally published on MyPuzzleDay.com —February 20, 2023*
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Jigsaw puzzling is the ultimate escape—a quiet space for focus and creativity. But as any dedicated puzzler knows, the right tools can transform a frustrating session into a seamless, relaxing experience.
From keeping pieces organized to ensuring you aren’t straining your eyes under bad lighting, these are the accessories I personally use and recommend to keep the “puzzle peace.”
1. Surface Area: Boards and Mats
A dedicated surface is a game-changer, especially if you don’t have a permanent puzzle table or need to protect your furniture.
Puzzle Mats: Perfect if you need to reclaim your dining table. These allow you to roll up your progress and store it safely.
Foam Core Boards: My personal favorite. I use 20″ x 30″ boards (in white or black). They are lightweight, making it easy to move a puzzle-in-progress to another room—or flip it over when needed.
Puzzle Caddies: For the traveling puzzler, a zipped caddy with internal trays keeps everything secure on the go.
2. Organization: Sorting Trays
Before I got “official” trays, I used random dishes, but they took up too much space. Now, I swear by stackable art trays.
The Benefit: You can sort by color or pattern into 10″ x 7″ trays and work through one tray at a time.
Space Saver: Because they stack, they keep your workspace clear and (most importantly) keep the cat from nosing around in the pieces.
3. The Vision: Lighting & Magnification
Proper lighting is the difference between finishing a puzzle and giving up in frustration over similar color gradients.
The Setup: I use a 2-in-1 Magnifying Lamp. It works as a table lamp with three brightness settings (900 lumens).
Pro Tip: If you struggle with tiny details or dark pieces, the flip-up 2.25X magnifier is a lifesaver for cloudy days or nighttime sessions.
4. Storage: Modular Cubes
If your collection is outgrowing your bookshelves, consider a modular system. I switched from heavy bookcases to frosted modular cubes. They let more light into the room and make the space feel much less “oppressive” than dark wood shelving.
Just the Deets: The Essentials
Best for Portability: Puzzle Mats or Travel Caddy
My Go-To Surface: White Foam Core Boards (20″ x 30″)
Top Sorting Pick: Stackable Art Trays
Must-Have Lighting: Brightech Magnifier Lamp
Collection Storage: Modular Cube System
Ready for a new challenge?
Once you have your accessories sorted, it’s time for a new project. You can find all my latest brand recommendations here: Browse Puzzle Brand Reviews