How To Use Coaster Set (Proper Placement & Mistakes) - CustomCoastersNow.Com
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How To Use Coaster Set: Proper Placements And Common Mistakes To Avoid

A coaster set can be an important accessory for protecting surfaces from moisture, heat, and spills. Whether you enjoy a hot coffee or an icy drink, coasters protect against water rings, stains, and heat damage on tables and countertops.


In this guide, we help you understand how to properly use a coaster set to ensure longevity for your furniture and the coasters themselves. Read on to learn about their importance and get tips on choosing, placing, and maintaining your coasters correctly for maximum protection.

How To Use Coaster Set: Proper Placements And Common Mistakes To Avoid

Key Takeaways

  • Coasters prevent water rings, stains, and heat damage, and different materials offer unique benefits like moisture absorption or heat resistance.
  • If you use the wrong coaster, or neglect to maintain them, they may not offer optimal protection for your surfaces.
  • Proper placement and orientation are important for effectiveness, and you should choose coasters based ont he type of surface and beverage used.
  • We supply high-quality custom coasters that you can design in sets and order in bulk to get premium products with generous discounts.

How To Use Coaster Set?

A coaster set protects furniture against damage caused by condensation, heat, and liquid spills. When using a coaster, make sure your glass or cup sits fully on its surface to prevent tipping. Coasters function by absorbing moisture or acting as a barrier, depending on what material they are made from.

  • Absorbent coasters: These are often made from materials like sandstone, felt, or cardboard.
  • Barrier coasters: These may be made from ceramic, PVC, acrylic, and various other materials.

Coasters also prevent heat transfer and shield against scratches. However, it is a mistake to assume all coasters work for every drink, as some are not suitable for hot beverages.


It is crucial to keep up with maintenance of your coasters so that they don’t become stained or lose functionality. Choosing the right coaster set for your needs ensures longevity for both your furniture and coasters. Work with us to create custom personalized coasters optimized for you.

four drink glasses on coasters on a wooden table for how to use a coaster set

How Do Coasters Work?

Coasters work by either absorbing moisture that comes into contact with them or serving as a waterproof barrier between drinks and surfaces. You also get heat-resistant coasters, made from materials like stone or silicone, that help prevent burns or discoloration from hot beverages.

  • Absorbent coasters: Made from materials like felt or sandstone, these soak up condensation from cold drinks to prevent water rings.
  • Non-absorbent coasters: Materials like silicone or ceramic protect Shield heat damage and spills without absorbing moisture.

The science behind moisture absorption relies on porous materials that soak up liquid, keeping tabletops dry. Some coasters even feature grooves or raised edges to contain spills to ensure further protection.


Choosing the right coaster depends on your intended use. Absorbent materials are good for cold drinks, while heat-resistance is vital for hot beverages. You also need to think about how many drink coasters in a set to protect your tables.

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Which Way Do You Use Coasters?

The correct way to use a coaster depends on its material and design. For instance, resin coasters with motivational quotes or similar designs are likely to have a designated top and bottom, and may even feature a cork backing or rubber grips for stability. Similarly, coasters with a textured surface or ridges should face upwards for maximum grip and suction prevention.

Cork-backed coasters should have the cord side facing down as it provides a non-slip base. However, there are reversible coasters that work equality well on both sides. Check for an intended orientation to ensure maximum efficiency.

Placing coasters upside down is a misuse of these accessories, and it could reduce the effectiveness and allow spills to reach the table surface. Aim for proper orientation to enjoy:

  • Slip prevention
  • Optimal moisture absorption
  • Maximum lifespan for the coaster and furniture

How To Choose The Right Coaster Set For Your Needs

When you are exploring different coaster sets, consider the type of drinks you enjoy and the surface you are trying to protect. Let’s look at a few common materials and their advantages:

  • Sandstone and felt: These absorbent materials work best for cold beverages to soak up condensation.
  • Silicone and ceramic: These heat-resistant materials are ideal for coffee or tea.
  • Decorative vs plain: Aesthetically-pleasing coasters add visual appeal but could lack some functional benefits, while plain coasters prioritize protection.

Durability is another key factor in choosing the right coaster set. Stone and ceramic are long-lasting but also heavy and breakable, while silicone is flexible and low-maintenance.


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When Should I Use A Coaster?

It is always recommended to use coasters when placing drinks on delicate surfaces like wood, glass, or stone. All of these surfaces can be damaged by exposure to moisture from glassware and other beverage containers:

  • Wood: This is vulnerable to water damae. Condensation can cause swelling or staining.
  • Glass: This doesn’t absorb moisture, but it can develop water rings or become slippery.
  • Stone: Materials like marble are susceptible to etching from acidic drink spills.

Coasters are used for protecting tabletops during gatherings, preventing guests from accidentally damaging surfaces. They are also important in humid climates where condensation quickly forms on cold beverages.


Use coaster sets to preserve the condition of furniture during casual gatherings or at events and establishments.

a set of artistic coasters on a wooden shelf for how to use coaster set

How To Use Coasters For Outdoor Events And Gatherings

There are unique challenges to outdoor events. You are more likely to encounter things like uneven surfaces, wind, and exposure to moisture. If you choose coaster sets made from waterproof, hard-wearing materials like silicone or rubber, you will enjoy greater stability and a lower risk of coasters blowing away.

Here are a few other tips to use coasters outdoors:

  • Textured surfaces: These, and raised edges, can be helpful for securing drinks on picnic tables and patio furniture.
  • Non-slip backings: With these, you coasters have stronger grip and can help to prevent spills in outdoor settings.
  • UV-resistance: In sunny conditions, this will help prevent fading or warping.


To help keep coasters in place, you could even explore designs with suction bases or adhesive grips. With the features listed above, outdoor coasters can help protect your mason jar glasses and other glassware while preventing spills and protecting table surfaces.

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Do You Use Coasters On A Dining Table?

Coasters should be used on dining tables, particularly those made of materials like wood, glass, or polished stone. Coasters protect against stains, scratches, and heat damage from your beverages.

During formal dining, tables often have felt, fabric, or decorative coasters that complement the table’s aesthetics. Silicone or cork often make the best drink coasters for protection against moisture and heat whilst remaining low-maintenance. Proper use of coaster sets demonstrates good table etiquette and helps maintain the table’s pristine condition.


Whether you are preparing for casual dining or special occasions, use coasters to ensure longevity and cleanliness for the dining table. This will reduce the need for frequent refinishing or other repairs.

How To Properly Use Large Vs. Small Coasters

Large and small coasters serve different purposes depending on what type of drinkware you have. Naturally, large coasters accommodate bigger mugs, as well as wine glasses, or even multiple drinks. Thus, they are ideal for social settings or shared use. They also provide extra protection for tables, and are useful for things like oversized coffee mugs.

Small coasters, meanwhile, are designed for more compact drinkware. Think about using them for things like:

  • Teacups
  • Espresso glasses
  • Cocktail glasses

They save space while helping to maintain a tidy appearance on dining tables, coffee tables, or office desks. Small coasters are easy to store and arrange in sets, so they are practical for everyday use.


The global beverage coaster market continues to grow, so you will find lots of options for sizes, or you could work with us to create your own custom size coasters.

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Should You Use Coasters For Hot Drinks?

Hot drinks can cause significant surface damage if they are not managed properly. From heat exposure, your table may become discolored, or it may even warp or crack. Surfaces that are vulnerable to heat damage include wood, glass, and some stone tabletops. Over time, repeated contact with hot cups or mugs can leave permanent marks.

To protect these surfaces, you need coasters for hot drinks. Heat-resistant coaster materials include:

  • Stone
  • Silicone
  • Ceramic

These materials serve as a barrier, preventing direct heat transfer. Thick cork coasters can help absorb heat whilst also providing moisture resistance. If you want maximum protection, use double coasters or pair a trivet with a coaster to minimize risk.


Proper choice and placement of coaster sets ensures long-term preservation of furniture. This way, your furniture will remain free from unsightly marks and heat stains.

How To Prevent Coasters From Sticking To Glasses

Condensation can cause coasters to stick to glasses, leading to spills when you lift your drink. This is a common issue that occurs when moisture creates a suction effect between your glass and the coaster it rests on.

The simplest solution to prevent this is to opt for coasters that are designed with ridges, grooves, or drainage holes that disperse the condensation. You could also opt for coasters made from absorbent materials, like our custom felt coasters, as they soak up the excess moisture.


We also recommend that you ensure glasses are dry before placing them on a coaster as this reduces sticking. Coasters designs with anti-slip surfaces or raised textures are common solutions to this issue, so there are lots of choices you can make to prevent coasters from sticking to glasses.

four colorful cocktails on coasters on a wooden table for how to use coaster set

Quick Fixes For Sticky Coasters

Sticky coasters are frustrating, especially when they cling to the bottom of yoru glass due to condensation. Let’s look at a few simple solutions to this problem:

  • Shake the glass: Do this gently before lifting it to release suction.
  • Coasters with grooves: Textured surfaces can help prevent coasters sticking to wet glassware.
  • Absorbent materials: Coasters made from felt or sandstone absorb excessmoisture so they are less likely to stick.
  • Wiping: You could wupe down the coaster and glass before placing them together.


Regular cleaning can also help to ensure dust and residue doesn’t build up to contribute to the stickiness. Choose the right type of coaster and maintain it properly to eliminate this common experience so you can enjoy sitting under your patio umbrella on a relaxing afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Use Coaster Set

How To Use Coaster Set Correctly?

Make sure the drink sits fully on the coaster, use the correct size, and choose a material that is suited to your beverage type for the best possible experience.

What Is The Point Of A Drink Coaster In A House?

Coasters protect surfaces from condensation, heat, and spills. This preserves your furniture and maintains cleanliness in any environment.

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