Coasters (drink coasters or bar coasters) are tiny objects placed below our drinks to prevent the table or other furniture from getting damaged. Most of us have coasters at home but we hardly use them. Only a few of us have the habit of using coasters daily while having a drink. Though it seems to be a trivial habit, it helps everyone around. These tiny objects are of great use and serve a greater purpose than just another home decor item.
Coasters are made of a variety of materials such as rattan, cork, wood, ceramics, marble, glass, resin, soapstone, metal, silicone, or many layers of tissues. Though each material serves a specific purpose, wooden coasters are the most economical, durable as well as eco-friendly. Irrespective of the material, coasters should offer water absorbency, heat resistance, and printability. Nowadays, coasters are also made up of recycled material to be more environmentally friendly.
It is interesting to know that some people also have the habit of collecting different varieties of coasters, the way people collect stamps! This hobby of collecting coasters is known as – Tegestology! Coasters come in different shapes and designs, though the usual size is 4X4”.
Here are some amazing benefits of coasters on a day-to-day basis….
1. To shield your furniture from cold beverages:
When we have a cold drink, the glass leaves a ring mark on the furniture, it could be your dining table, coffee table, side table or benches, or even the kitchen counters. As condensation forms on the outside area of cold beverages, the bottom of glasses often forms a ring of water. This not only looks bad but eventually damages your expensive furniture. Especially good quality expensive furniture is bound to get more affected by water rings in the absence of coasters. To maintain the durability of your furniture, coasters come very handy!
2. To protect burns:
Coasters are not only useful for cold beverages or beverages at room temperature, even in the case of hot drinks, coasters are great protectors from burning the table. Imagine putting a cup of hot water, tea, or coffee directly on your shiny elegant wooden table! The way trivets are used under hot utensils, coasters should be used more frequently!
3. To add aesthetics:
Apart from saving your valuable furniture from embarrassing marks and stains, the benefits of coasters also include adding aesthetic appeal to your home decor! Placing beautiful vibrant coasters in different designs and patterns will add elegance and beauty to your house. In fact, at times, you don’t even require tablecloths or table mats, coasters will effortlessly compensate for them! Coasters spread enchantment and bring joy and beauty to every sip!
4. Used in the bars too:
Coasters are not only used at homes but also in restaurants, hotels, and especially bars. Imagine, one after the other guests coming and leaving with several drinks circulating on the table. It is highly difficult for bar managers to maintain the quality of the furniture without using coasters underneath! Bar coasters kept on top of the glass indicate that the drink is not yet finished and shouldn’t be disposed of.
5. As a gift item:
Coasters are great objects that can be used as splendid and thoughtful gift items. As they are not only beautiful but also serve a useful purpose, coasters are unique items to be gifted to your friends and relatives. You can even personalize coasters by getting a photo gallery or the names of the receivers printed on the coasters.
6. Used under the furniture:
Apart from drink coasters, another use of coasters is protecting the floor from your furniture. Yes, coasters are also used under the legs of the sofa or chairs to level them or protect your rugs or marble/granite flooring from scratches. Coasters can also be used under the vases to protect against leakage of water on your table!
7. Coasters show your sophistication side:
When you use a coaster, it shows how classy and sophisticated you are. Coasters avoid clumsiness at a party and exhibit respect, good impression, and etiquette towards the host while drinking and socializing. Some hosts do get upset if you aren’t using the coasters despite providing you the same. So, start using them!
8. To protect your drink:
Coasters are not only used below the glass; it is also used to cover your drink on top of the glass if you need to take a break from your drink. Sometimes, people may need to go to the washroom, or get involved in talking to someone, or attend a phone call. In such cases, coasters are great items to cover your glass and protect your drink from dust and insects entering it.
9. Great advertising platforms:
In commercial places such as bars and offices, coasters can be a great platform for advertising. As we can play with coasters in numerous ways, these tiny objects can be amazingly used to advertise and promote your brand, especially for beverage companies! So, advertising and promotion are other benefits of coasters!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
1. Why should I use coasters?
Coasters are great items that protect your furniture from getting damaged by water rings of cold beverages or from getting burnt due to hot drinks.
2. What are the main benefits of using coasters?
Main benefits of coasters include providing shields to your furniture from getting stains, scratches and burns.
3. Do coasters only come in standard shapes and sizes?
Coasters come in varied shapes such as circular, square or hexagon, however the usual size is 4X4”.
4. Do coasters have any decorative purposes?
Yes, of course! Coasters also serve as embellishments for your home décor. Beautiful and lively coasters are the centre of attraction and can be placed at different spots to enhance the beauty of your house. They add a twist of natural charm!
