By Journey Gesta | Updated Nov 3, 2020 8:52 AM

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Sweaty beverages such as cold water, iced tea, soda, and beer can cause unsightly stains that can be difficult to remove from surfaces. Using a drink coaster is a simple way to protect furniture from these unwanted marks.

Finding the best coasters for drinks can be challenging. Some drink coasters look great but aren’t very functional, while other options get the job done but don’t fit design schemes. Functionality and style are two main factors shoppers should consider in choosing the right coaster set.

Many shoppers assume that all drink coasters offer the same level of performance, but that’s not entirely true. As with any other product, coasters are available in a variety of materials, styles, colors, and sizes, and all of these variations affect functionality and performance. Here’s a closer look at how.

When choosing coasters, shoppers should start by considering the material. Drink coasters are made from a wide variety of materials, including wood, steel, cork, felt, and plastic. Some materials—such as sandstone and ceramic—actually absorb water, making the coasters even more effective.

The type of material used affects how a coaster looks as well as how it performs. The design is important for aesthetics. Some coasters are simply made from natural materials and don’t feature any patterns or adornments. Others are decorated with any number of different designs.

Coasters come in a variety of shapes, though their sizes are relatively uniform. Shoppers should choose a coaster set that will accommodate their widest glassware, leaving about an extra 0.5 inch on each side. Most standard coasters measure about 4 inches in diameter, regardless of whether they’re round, square, or another geometric shape. Those who regularly use larger glassware should consider coasters measuring more than 4 inches in diameter.

One exception to standard coaster sizes are those that are designed to be used in a car’s cupholder. These typically measure about 2.75 inches in diameter to fit the size of most car cupholders.

While all coasters aim to serve the same basic purpose, some have useful features that add to their performance, protecting furniture against water rings and stains a bit better than other options.

Some coasters have a nonslip base that prevents them from sliding around on a coffee table. These base layers are typically made from cork but could also be constructed from silicone. Coasters with a small lip contain moisture even if they’re not made from absorbent materials.

Shoppers looking to purchase eco-friendly products should consider cork or wooden coasters made of bamboo, for example, which are readily renewable resources.

The best coasters are made from top-quality materials that can absorb moisture well while also adding a touch of style to any room. Our top picks are among the best coasters on the market, offering functionality, quality, and style.

When it comes to absorbing moisture, Thirstystone’s stone coasters are impressive. The sandstone dries quickly, soaking up the condensation of beverage glasses, leaving tabletop surfaces dry.

This set’s surface-protecting functions don’t end there: The sandstone’s 1.5-inch thickness prevents the moisture of coffee, tea, mulled cider, and other warm drinks from damaging the surface below, and its natural cork backing saves surfaces from scratches. What’s more, the sandstone’s natural grain prevents the coaster from sticking to a cup when it’s lifted.

The only potential downside is that stone coasters are breakable, so gentle care should be taken when washing them.

Get the Thirstystone coasters on Amazon or at Target.

For a simple but effective barrier between a beverage and a much-loved table, the Natural Home Decor Cork Coaster can do the job at a great price. The 3.75-inch round coaster is made from the material of cork oak trees. Comparable to bamboo, the sustainably harvested and durable material is a 100 percent-recyclable resource that sops up condensation and efficiently protects surfaces from heat.

The Natural Home Decor Cork Coasters’ light and simple design matches well with different home decorations. The raised lip around each coaster’s edge specifically prevents moisture from pouring out onto surfaces. However, cork can become saturated if it’s too wet, so beware of spills and especially sweaty glassware.

Get the Natural Home coasters on Amazon or Natural Home.

For ease of maintenance, Enkore Coasters top the list. The functional silicone material can be rinsed off quickly as needed on occasion or given a thorough scrub—even run through the dishwasher—after a sticky spill.

With a diameter of 4.3 inches, Enkore Coasters are slightly bigger than the standard 4-inch size most coasters boast. The larger size accommodates more liquid (from condensation or spills) and better protects surfaces from moisture. A spare coaster can also serve as a spoon rest or as a bar spill mat.

While Enkore Coasters may not be the most fashionable, they can suit a variety of design aesthetics.

Get the Enkore coasters on Amazon or at Sears.

Music lovers may want to check out these quirky coasters from DuoMuo. Each coaster flaunts an authentic vintage look, making it a conversation starter for both commercial bars and home bars—not just at an ‘80s-themed party. They may be perfect gifts for family members or friends, too.

While the design makes them unique, the DuoMuo Coaster Vinyl Record Disk Coasters are equally functional. The coasters’ rubber discs on the bottom ensure that furniture is protected from slips and spills. However, note that the tiny hole in the middle (matching the vinyl record design) may allow the odd drop of water to leak onto the surface below.

Get the DuoMuo coasters on Amazon.

Anyone who is looking for something that’s more design forward may want to consider these black marble coasters from D’Eco. The Carrara marble offers a timeless look, making these black marble coasters excellent decorative pieces even when stacked in their gold-tone holder between uses.

Aside from an attractive look, D’Eco also considered functionality in designing this coaster set. Four built-in nonslip pads prevent furniture scratches. Marble doesn’t absorb as much condensation as other coaster materials, so users should be prepared to wipe away excess moisture with a napkin if there’s a spill or a particularly sweaty glass.

Get the D’Eco coasters on Amazon.

These sophisticated Lifver porcelain coasters easily match a variety of furniture styles. Expensive-looking but affordably priced, these coasters provide a modern ambiance to home design.

The unglazed ceramic material absorbs water, so condensation evaporates from the coasters’ porous material, leaving users free from worry about cleanup. These coasters also have cork backings that prevent scuffs or scratches on surfaces.

As with other ceramic surfaces, these coasters are breakable and may crack if dropped or mishandled.

Get the Lifver coasters on Amazon.

Neoprene is the same water-absorbent fabric used for making diving suits, which makes it an excellent material for beverage coasters. Aside from efficient absorption, these coasters dry fast and leave no drips or stains on furniture.

Not only can Wococn’s neoprene car coasters save furniture from a wet mess, but they also work well inside a vehicle. Since they come in a set of two, they’re perfect for using in both front cupholders. The nonslip backing securely grasps the surface on which they’re placed, even when in motion, and the 2.76-inch diameter is small enough to fit in most cupholders.

This model comes in three fun leopard prints. The lack of other print designs may be limiting if the prints available don’t suit a shopper’s particular style.

Get the Wococn coasters on Amazon.

The Me.Fan Silicone Coasters are nonstick, nonslip, and unbreakable. These coasters are excellent for cradling both hot and cold drinks and can withstand temperatures ranging from -40 degrees up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. (The silicone’s resilience makes these coasters dishwasher-safe, too!)

Meanwhile, the groove patterns and the deep-tray design hold water and prevent leakage. The silicone creates a grippy feel, so wet mugs, cans, glasses, or bottles don’t slide around on the surface.

Since Me.Fan coasters are made of food-grade silicone, they don’t contain petroleum-based chemicals, BPS, BPA, or fillers that may be harmful.

Get the Me.Fan coasters on Amazon.

Thirstystone coasters are our top choice for their universally appealing design and high-quality construction. Those on a budget might appreciate the Natural Home coasters, a sustainable option at a low price point.

Years of experience covering home and decor products as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 25 coaster options and weighed several practical considerations before making our recommendations.

Drink coasters protect furniture against all of the unwanted moisture stains beverages leave behind. A piece of high-quality wood furniture, whether new or antique, can be a major investment—the kind that can easily lose value if the finish is damaged by water rings and moisture stains. Not only are these cloudy marks unsightly, but they can also be difficult to remove.

Drinking glasses, cups, bottles, and cans can also nick or dent the surface of a coffee table or other furnishings. Coasters provide a soft resting place for drinkware at a highly affordable price—a wise investment compared to the cost of refurbishing or replacing damaged furniture.

Shoppers looking to buy the best coasters that can protect their tables and furnishings from nicks and dents, moisture stains, and water rings often have several questions while comparing products. Some wonder about water absorption, while others question whether some coasters are waterproof. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about coasters.

Coasters made of porous stones such as sandstone and ceramic are the most water-absorbent options. Neoprene is also an excellent absorbent material that can dry quickly.

The liquid at the bottom of a cup has surface tension that prevents air from coming in. This creates a vacuumlike force that keeps the cup stuck to its coaster.

Using lacquer on certain kinds of coasters can make them waterproof. It will also add some glossiness to them.

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