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Growing up, my mom was about as warm and even-keeled a presence as you could ask for. But if you ever wanted to see her fly off the handle, there was one easy shortcut: forget to use a coaster. Even when guests were over, if they'd put their glasses directly on our tables, I'd see her left eye start twitching and immediately fly one in to prevent disaster.
The result of this upbringing is that all these years later, I'm a diehard coaster user myself. But even if you don't have this deep personal history with them, there's truly no better way to prevent water marks from ruining your desks and tables. No matter if you're drinking water, wine, or your wellness drink du jour, condensation is the enemy of wood surfaces, and coasters are the most reliable line of defense.
Luckily they're made in every shape and style these days, from marble to terrazzo and everything in between. As humble an item as the coaster may be, anything you set out on your coffee table might as well be chic – and our eight faves below are the best of the best.
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Let's kick things off with an unexpected material: merino wool felt, the medium of choice for cult-favorite German design brand Graf Lantz. Available in several different color palettes – like the Japanese-inspired Ikebana or the verdant Forest collection – these sets bring diverse but cohesive pops of color. Wool is a water-loving fabric, and with its ability to absorb up to 30% of its weight in liquid without feeling wet, this set will keep your table dry and look good while doing.
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Into leather? These handcrafted stunners, made by artisans in India and sporting individual stamped designs, are calling your name. These are premium materials sourced and crafted in an ethical, fair-trade environment – but at a bargain cost, considering it's a set of eight. Available in brown or black colorways, both styles look fantastic against natural woods and a forest of houseplants.
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No self-respecting coaster roundup could be caught dead without a good marble option, and Lulu and Georgia always comes through. At a sizable 4" diameter, these circles have real personality, sporting streaky gray or pink marble grains. Each one is unique, with mesmerizing details, and is hefty enough to protect against even the frostiest water glass.
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Maybe marble's too severe for you – you like your materials a little more rustic. Check out St. Frank's Ombre Fog set, woven together with natural fibers and tied together with a grosgrain ribbon. They're gorgeously colorful, with roots in Ugandan weaving traditions – and with variations in texture and color, they're also a bit of a grab bag for those who like surprises.
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Jumping from Italy to Sweden, we find Skultuna's Bluebell coasters, with their almost psychedelic shape enhanced by a gleaming polished brass finish. They're designed by Veermakers, the new brand from Sweden's leading interior designer Louise Liljencrantz, and combine a regal material with playful edge. Also available in inky dark blackened brass, these are a confident statement piece for the contemporary design collector.
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