Coasters are practical and decorative, protecting your furniture and adding a touch of design to your space. Placed between your drinkware and the countertop, coasters can protect the countertop from condensation, drips, and temperature fluctuations. Coasters are available in a variety of materials, colors, and textures.
Although the cost of buying coasters is relatively low, if you want to buy a suitable set of coasters, you still need to consider factors such as material and stability. Cork and felt have the most absorbent properties, while stone or leather are heavier. We tested coasters made of different materials, sizes and designs to choose the ones that deserve a closer look. Let’s get started.
The unique hexagonal design easily adapts to different drinkware sizes and the set also includes six coasters.
They may not be durable enough and we are not sure how long they will last when exposed to liquids or moisture.
The Table Tiles Coasters from Bower Studios are perhaps the most futuristic design we tested. They’re a fun take on traditional coasters. The hexagonal design allows you to use multiple coasters at once to hold large glassware, pitchers, vases, or anything else that requires more coverage than a standard-sized coaster can provide. The sturdy cork bottom prevents slippage, but we weren’t so keen on the flimsy beech wood top. We’re concerned that these coasters might not last long if they’re constantly exposed to liquids, but they definitely look cool.
We love the dual-sided design of these coasters. One side is flat, while the other is slightly curved (and emblazoned with the Fable logo, which you may or may not like), allowing for flexibility in terms of cup size and mood. While the Fable coasters don’t have a non-slip surface, we found that they stayed in place well during testing, with no signs of damage from hot mugs or wet glassware. These coasters are stackable, easy to clean, and look great thanks to their ash wood construction.
The Lawson-Fenning Leather Coasters wowed us with their silky soft texture and striking brass base. This set of coasters would look great on your coffee table or sideboard, and the high-quality leather will help prevent slipping and water leakage. For long-term care, it’s best to wipe off excess condensation from the coasters rather than leave them in place, but we think this set is a worthwhile investment for those who value aesthetics.
These resin coasters from CB2 not only look cool, but each one is unique thanks to the hand-molded design. At four inches in diameter, it easily holds a variety of glasses and mugs, and since both sides are the same finish, there is no top or bottom. While this means they can slip or stick to the bottom of a glass covered in condensation, it wasn’t a big deal for us. These coasters are durable and easy to clean, so they’ll fit in just about any home.
Natural materials bring a touch of nature to any interior space, which is why we immediately fell in love with the Crate & Barrel Artesia Coasters. They’re super lightweight, and their intricate woven pattern will add texture and interest to your cabinetry. The downside is that they don’t handle moisture well, and while they resisted condensation well in our tests, spilled drinks are more likely to end up on your countertop. We recommend using them as backup coasters for entertaining guests or at holiday parties rather than for everyday use.
The Cole Coasters from Crate & Barrel are a great value, with a set of four costing just $10. The ceramic material makes them durable and feels great right out of the box. We love how they stack cleverly thanks to the curved rim. While this may limit the size of the drinkware that pairs well with these coasters, we’ve found that most traditional glasses and mugs fit perfectly. The foam feet on the bottom provide extra traction, ensuring that the coasters won’t scratch your furniture, making the Cole Coaster set an ideal all-round choice.
When testing the Dorai Home stone coasters, we were most impressed by their ability to absorb water. The mixture of diatomaceous earth and recycled paper allows liquids to penetrate quickly and evaporate quickly, meaning any spills from the coaster or particularly juicy condensation stay inside the coaster rather than on the tabletop. However, these coasters are hard by nature, so they are not suitable for pairing with fragile glassware that can easily scratch.
We love everything about the Graf Lantz Bierfilzl beer coasters. The soft merino wool felt protects your furniture surfaces and easily absorbs moisture; the stackable, flexible, and lightweight design allows you to store the coasters almost anywhere. Our only gripe is that the light-colored coasters tend to get dirty from drips and spills, so you might want to consider investing in an extra set of darker coasters for wine nights.
If you are looking for an elegant touch, marble decor is the way to go, and these coasters from Pottery Barn are no exception. These coasters are simple in design, moderately heavy, stackable, easy to clean, and look great on display. The coaster rim may not fit all sizes of glasses and mugs, but it will fit most sizes perfectly. We use this set of coasters every day, but they are also perfect for special occasions.
These beautiful marble coasters with brass inlays definitely deserve a place of honor. They are sturdy enough to withstand heavy use, the rubber feet on the bottom keep them in place, and their flat design makes it easy to accommodate most types of drinkware. The only downside is that the coasters are not very absorbent and do not have a rim to retain moisture, so excess condensation can collect and spill over the rim. It’s a minor gripe on an otherwise awesome roller coaster.
Coasters come in a variety of materials, and most do a great job of protecting your tabletop from spilled glasses or hot cups. But if you want maximum absorbency, we recommend cork or felt. Easy-to-clean surfaces include marble, resin, and solid wood, while leather or rattan coasters can be a little more tedious to maintain.
Most coasters are sold in sets of four, but check the quantities carefully before purchasing to make sure you have enough coasters, especially if you plan on entertaining.
Aesthetics is a subjective concept, so choose coasters based on personal preference. In addition to color and shape, you should also consider the external design of the coaster. A raised edge of the coaster may limit the size of the cup, but it will better prevent condensation from dripping. Some coasters also have a non-slip bottom for added safety. Please choose according to the actual situation.
To test the coasters, we integrated them into our daily lives as much as possible. During our testing, we used the coasters several times with hot and cold drinks to evaluate their ability to absorb water. If the coaster is suitable for outdoor use, we will use it outdoors. We also cleaned the coasters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, we tested the durability of the coasters by spilling water on them. Ultimately, we rated each coaster on design, functionality, durability, and ease of cleaning, including:
Felt is a great material for coasters because it absorbs moisture, is soft, and won’t scratch furniture or glassware. Cork is also excellent in this regard. If you’re looking for coasters that are easy to clean and wipe down, we recommend marble, resin, and solid wood. Ultimately, though, the best material is the one you like the look of and reach for when you set your drink down.
Condensation can cause the coaster to stick to the bottom of the glass when you pick it up. It’s not a big deal, but it’s definitely annoying. Textured surfaces like sandstone, leather, or cork tend not to move, while marble has the advantage of being heavier.
Summer Rylander is a food and travel journalist who has written about food, drink, and cooking for Food & Wine, Allrecipes, Serious Eats, The Kitchn, and more. Here, she uses Food & Wine testing data to pick the best coasters for entertaining and everyday use.