Coasters

A coaster is a type of small table mats placed under a vessel to protect a tabletop or other surface beneath. Coasters protect table finishes from damage caused due to hot dishes, water rings or scratches. Apart from its functional utility of protecting table surface, coasters are also a decorative table accessory. There are many styles and types of table coasters available including hand-woven, hand painted, embroidered coasters as well as coasters printed and manufactured through machine by wholesale table coasters suppliers.

 

Difference Between Placemats and Coasters
The function of placemats and coasters are almost similar- to protect the table surface from getting damaged by heat, scratches or other such hazards. However, there is also a basic difference between the two. Placemats are comparatively larger than coasters as they are meant for placing dishes whereas coasters are much smaller as they are used for placing beverages or drinks. Due to this reason, table coasters are also popularly known as beverage coasters or drink coasters.

 

Types of Coasters
Table Coasters are made of various materials like jute, wood, straw, plastic and many fabric types such as cotton and linen.

 

Fabric Coasters
Fabric coasters made of cotton, linen, chenille etc. are liked by people due to the convenience of making and using them. Cotton coasters are very popular as they are often machine washable allowing the user to remove stains from them in a quick and timely manner. Handmade cloth coasters are also liked as they make a good gift item. Linen and cotton coasters are also available as padded coasters which make them thick and more heat resistant. Given all their advantages, there are also some disadvantages of fabric coasters. They tend to fade, rip, and tear and need replacement much often. Therefore many people prefer modern coasters made of other materials like wood, metal or glass coasters.

 

Wooden Coasters
Carved or handcrafted wooden coasters made from different types of woods like teak, Indian rosewood, maple, mangowood etc. are liked as gifts due to their exquisite beauty. They are also considered as one of the many types of art coasters sought after by art collectors and art aficionados. Wooden coasters having different styles and wood color shades, come in various shapes, sizes and designs including squares, circles, rectangles, hexagons, stars etc. Handpainted coasters made of wood are also in great demand by art lovers as well as home decorators.

 

Metal Coasters
Stainless steel coasters are the most popular ones in the category of metallic coasters. These are cool coasters prized for their beauty and elegance. Most often, metal coasters are used in offices or as restaurant coasters where there is a need of quick clean as well as durable items. Coaster printing can also be done easily on metal surface so as to manufacture personalized, custom or promotional coasters.

 

Paper Coasters
Paper coasters are mostly used by restaurants and bars though it is not totally unusual to find some paper coasters at homes too. Coasters made of papers are inexpensive or cheap coasters. They can also be customized easily in simple ways such as printing pictures on their surface. Paper coasters are, however, not durable and can be used as temporary table accessory only. These coasters become damp or moist and deteriorate over a very short period of time, sometimes leaving little flecks lying around all over the table space. However, they can be used for temporary occasions like kids parties etc. where many table mats and coasters are needed and they also get messy too!

 

Contemporary Coasters
Coasters are divided into various types not only on the basis of raw materials or their inherent properties but also on the basis of style and attitude they represent. Contemporary modern styles have given birth to some of the unique coasters styles which are loved by the young generation too, mostly as gifts. Photo coasters, fun coasters, wildlife coasters, cork coasters, beaded coasters etc. are some of the modern coaster styles which are loved by people to decorate their tables.

 

Absorbent Coasters
Beverage coasters or drink coasters should be absorbent enough to properly work to protect the table surfaces. Natural stone coasters such as slate coasters, marble coasters etc. are absorbent due to their very inherent nature. Stones can naturally absorb the liquids that condense on the outside of glasses into the coaster. Decorative coasters made of marble and slate are not only adored because they are absorbent coasters but also because many a times they carry arts with them. Some of the absorbent stone coaster contain miniature paintings and other such art forms too.

 

Custom Coasters
Custom coasters are in fact one of the types of contemporary coasters as they have come into being due to the modern lifestyle where everything becomes special when made according to one's customized needs. Customized coasters are in fact personalized coasters. They may contain the name of a person or company etc. along with other details according to the needs of a client who get it made by the coasters manufacturers and suppliers. People made personalized coaster sets too bearing names, photo or special messages for people whom they wish to gift these sets of coasters. Custom beer coasters, coffee table coasters and other types of coasters are all used as gifts or promotional items for advertising.

 

Promotional Coasters
Table coasters are not only used for decorating table or protecting table surfaces. They have a business purpose too. Promotional coasters have become a very popular medium of advertising for businesses. Wholesale coasters are bought by many companies to be used as free gifts to buyers, clients and even visitors coming to such places as trade shows or other business events. Attractive leather coasters, glass and ceramic coasters, rubber coasters etc. all are used widely as promotional coasters. As people getting promotional coasters- which are custom coasters too having company's name and other details on them- use them at homes, offices or other places, easy budget advertising is done for the company as their information is circulated among a wide network of people who may be their potential customers of future.

 

Shapes of Coasters
Perfect for formal entertaining or as an attractive accent for tables, coasters come in a multitude of shapes

 

Designs of Coasters
Coasters, especially the cotton ones are available in huge choice of colors and shapes. Designs and patterns are given by using various techniques such as embroidery, fabric-painting, applique work etc. Manufacturers of table linens have introduced a wide range of spell binding coasters that have long been appreciated for their beauty and designs. Modern coasters such as paper and cork coaster too have different designs including prints, imprinted photos etc.

Tags:- Cotton Coasters, Custom Coasters, Personalized Coasters, Table Coasters

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