Drink Coasters

Small pieces that earn their place

Drink coasters are a practical finish to a room, but they also do a quiet job in the background. They catch condensation from glasses, protect sealed timber from water rings, and keep ceramic mugs from marking painted or polished surfaces. In compact flats, family homes, guest suites and office reception areas, a well made coaster set helps a surface stay neat without taking over the room.

Our range focuses on handmade pieces with a proper feel in the hand. You will find smooth glazed ceramics, stitched textiles, turned or cut timber, and mixed material sets that suit modern and more traditional interiors. The look is modest rather than loud, with natural variation from one piece to the next, which is part of the appeal of handmade work.

• Use on coffee tables, bedside tables, patio tables and bar counters
• Suitable for cups, glasses, tumblers, mugs and small carafes
• Works well in homes, guesthouses, studios and office break areas

Materials and finishes you can expect

Handmade coasters are usually made from materials that handle everyday use well, but each finish has its own character. Ceramic coasters are often glazed on top with a cork or felt backing. They wipe clean easily and suit hot mugs as well as cold drinks. Timber coasters can be sealed with oil or a protective finish, which helps them stand up to daily handling and light moisture. Textile and woven coasters bring softness and texture, and are useful when you want a quieter look on darker furniture.

Because these are made by hand, you may notice slight differences in grain, glaze tone, weave density or edge finish. That variation should be expected. It is not a fault, it is the mark of work that was made and finished individually rather than pressed out in large batches.

• Ceramic: glazed surface, easy to wipe, often slightly heavier
• Timber: sealed finish, warm colour, natural grain pattern
• Textile or woven: softer appearance, lighter weight, subtle texture
• Mixed sets: combine two or more materials for a layered table setting

For homes near the coast, especially around Cape Town and Durban, timber and textile pieces should be dried after use if they pick up moisture from cold drinks. Coastal humidity can leave fabric or untreated wood feeling damp for longer, so a dry place helps keep the set in good order.

Sizing and set options to check before ordering

Coasters are usually sold as singles, pairs or sets of four and six, depending on the maker and the style. A standard coaster generally sits around 90 mm to 110 mm across, with square sets often measuring about 100 mm by 100 mm. Some ceramic pieces have a slightly raised rim, while timber and textile versions are usually flat with a neat finished edge. Thickness can vary from about 4 mm for slim textile styles to 8 mm or more for heavier ceramic or wooden pieces.

When ordering, it helps to check the size of the cups or glasses you plan to use. Large insulated mugs, stemless glasses and wide tumblers need a little more surface area than a standard teacup. If the coasters are intended for a specific table or tray, measure the available space as well. A small set can feel lost on a big coffee table, while an oversized coaster may crowd a narrow bedside space.

• Round, square and organic shaped options may be available
• Sets may be matched or mixed, depending on the collection
• Thickness and edge profile can differ from one maker to another
• Some designs include a base pad or non slip backing

Where drink coasters work best in the home

These pieces suit places where surfaces see daily use. In living rooms, they keep marks off coffee tables and side tables. In bedrooms, they protect painted or timber bedside surfaces from a night-time glass or mug. On a dining bench or breakfast nook, coasters are useful when the table is used for tea, coffee or small drinks between meals. They are also a practical addition to guest rooms, holiday lets and reception counters where presentation matters but the space has to stay easy to maintain.

For styled shelves and coffee stations, coasters can be used as part of a display when stacked neatly beside a tray, candle or small vase. In a corporate setting they are often ordered with gift boxes or branded gifting where a calm, handmade look is preferred. The pieces are small, but they carry enough visual weight to make a table look considered without becoming fussy.

• Living rooms and TV rooms
• Bedrooms and guest rooms
• Covered patios and indoor outdoor dining spaces
• Office meeting rooms, reception areas and hospitality suites

Care that keeps the set looking right

Most handmade coasters are straightforward to care for, but the right treatment depends on the material. Glazed ceramics can usually be wiped with a damp cloth and dried after use. Timber coasters should be wiped clean rather than soaked, and occasional oiling may help maintain the surface if the maker has finished them with a natural seal. Textile coasters may need gentler handling, with light spot cleaning where needed. If the set has a cork or felt base, keep that side dry so it holds well over time.

It is worth avoiding harsh scouring pads and strong cleaning liquids, especially on sealed wood or printed fabric. If a coaster has a hand painted detail or an unglazed underside, treat it with a bit more care. For homes where drinks are often served with ice, a coaster mat or tray beneath a set can help collect small drips and keep the surface tidy.

• Wipe ceramic and sealed wood after use
• Keep textile pieces dry and air them if they become damp
• Avoid soaking, abrasive pads and heavy scrubbing
• Store flat so the set keeps its shape

Order details to confirm before checkout

To make sure the right set is sent, it helps to confirm a few details before placing an order. Check the quantity you need, whether you want matching pieces or a mixed set, and whether the coasters must suit hot mugs, cold glasses or both. If the set is for gifting, think about the style of the home or room where it will be used, as this can guide the choice of colour, material and finish.

For special orders such as wedding gifting, corporate gifting or curated bundles, confirm whether you need gift wrapping, a note, or a larger quantity with the same finish across the set. If you are ordering for delivery in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria or Stellenbosch, make sure the address details are complete and that any area notes are added. This helps with smooth delivery coordination, especially where apartments, estates or office buildings have access rules.

• Preferred material: ceramic, timber, textile or mixed
• Shape and approximate size needed
• Set quantity and whether pieces must match exactly
• Gift wrapping, notes or bundle requests
• Delivery area and access instructions