What are the use of coasters and why do we need them?

Introduction

A coaster is a flat disc or a square-shaped accessory made of various materials like wood, cork, or plastic that prevents stains and dried rings on the table or on any mantle where you place your cup of hot beverage or a glass of cool brew. 

What is a coaster?

The definition is quite blunt though, but the real explanation and its use come into understanding only when one despises the view of a coffee, tea, or any other drink rings all dried up. That is when we basically look for certain things and set some creative ways to scrape those off the table. The appetizers could be quite tasteful but leave a distasteful mark on the table that affects the sensitive surfaces, and scraping them with intense creativity would result in you looking like a disaster artist. That is when the definition of the coasters comes into practicality.

Why do you need coasters?

A good coffee or a concoction of a drink should take us back to reckon the conversation we've had, but not the stains or rings that are formed on our favorite coffee table or about any cabinet. The unsightly image of little distractive smudges or unforeseen damage to the tables can be evaded using the coasters. The need and selection of the coasters are based on the type of coasters. Let's look at the popular coaster types. 

Cork coasters: Made of eco-friendly natural cork that provides good heat absorbing moisture effectively.

Stone coasters: Crafted from marble, granite, or slate they are heavy and durable and often used for elegant and decorative purposes.

Wooden coasters: Carved from different woods offering a rustic and natural look that can be customized accordingly.

Paper coasters: Made of paper or cardboard often used in bars and restaurants for convenience.

Silicone coasters: Made of heat-resistant silicone material preventing spillings.

Fabric coasters: Made of textiles like cotton, linen, or felt decorated with patterns, prints, or embroidery to enhance the aesthetics based on the room.

Tile coasters: Customised with photos and prints that present your peculiar taste and blend amongst the decor of the room

What are the different uses or benefits of coasters? 

Protecting Surfaces

‘The deeper the conversation goes, the obvious there are some stains left on the surface of the table’

The tables are the bearers of many moments like sharing a fable, discussing an idea, hushing on a rumor, and a debate to arrive at a point. Well, mostly none of those goes without a cup of hot or a tumbler of a cold beverage. The logic of a discussion can wait up and also be forwarded the next day, but the basic chemistry of general condensation that lets the droplets trickle down the cup or tumbler can't wait. 

It might look for those with an eye and mind of art to just look at the formation of the rings forming the circumference of the cup or tumbler, but it requires a great deal of work to reclaim the smoother surface of the table. The stains leave an impact that is rather adverse one that has the potential to damage the smooth surface of the table. The only way to protect is not aftermath but prevention of the rings formed inevitably on the table, and that way is to incorporate a coaster that protects from forming rings.

Promoting Hygiene

‘Apart from protecting the surfaces of the tables, coasters also play a minor yet effective role in promoting hygiene’

As we all are very well aware a potion that may be hot or cold is made of a concoction of different mixtures or ingredients, if formed as a ring and unattended to clean them, then it's an issue. The stains stay all dried up if can’t be removed and a few of those can affect hygiene. 

Studies and varied observations say that certain stains fume based on the mixtures the drink is made of. These have the least effect comparatively yet such can affect the indoor quality causing a bit of nausea due to bad air. Of course, stains attract tiny germs and insects to feed on that can cause some infections affecting health when we come into contact. For some, the mere glimpse of an unhygienic stain causes them some irritation and irrational urges.

So, for the best way to keep a hygienic table or a hygienic environment, coasters can be helpful.

Identification of Potions 

‘Coasters are the IDs to certain mixes so nothing goes mixed up’

Is it a get-together, on rocks party at your place in the home bar, or just friendly quick reunions at the office table, the coasters can fit the occasion and can evade you from the risk of confrontation with stains later. But it is also that be noted is the coasters can be the ID of the drink or the potion to whom it belongs. 

It is obvious to stay lost in the moment conversing with your mate too deep within the matter and diving back to the shore to sip the drink. This happens to most of us obviously and it is pretty confusing if all colors and glasses of potion look the same but with a little distinctness of mixing that differs in the taste. Well, through some observations,  the bars and some restaurants choose to have certain coasters, especially for certain people or potions, that set them apart from others. The uses can’t get any better than this,  because this use is actually a special treatment.

Temperature Regulation 

‘Prevention of condensation by coasters is equal to the regulation of the temperature’

We know that when a drink is cold and exposed to open air out of a chilled container, condensation takes place and the droplets trickle down resulting in damage to the sensitive surface of the table. Well, we know that coasters come to the rescue, but some coasters are insulated to regulate the temperature of the drink to slow down such a process.

As coasters are considered a buffer zone between the drink and the table, the desired temperature of the beverage is maintained. If the coasters are made of materials like rubber, cork, or stone the drink or beverage is kept cooler or warmer for a longer time. Since certain drinks are sensitive making it mandatory to savor such flavors at an optimum temperature, specific coasters aid you in ensuring the intent of the beverage. 

Personalization 

‘While your drink serves you the desired taste, appropriate coasters have already set the aesthetics as table decor’

As the house is a more personal abode than any, personalization is a must and should aspect to make it as such. Every minute detail and addition that provides comfort and a sense of belonging is considered. Even the office spaces are schemed accordingly to echo the sense of a homely environment to all who work there. If your house has its own set of tables in each room, then coasters can be an associate to bear the cup and prevent any spillage. While making every detail count in personalizing the home space, coasters with distinct shapes and colors do contribute as one.

There are specific coasters that are engraved, printed, painted, monograms, and intricate artwork that enhance your taste in arranging the decor or aesthetics of a room where the table is present. Such personalized coasters make excellent presentation pieces and gifts on occasion.

Conclusion

Go through the benefits and types that suit your peculiarity that stays as a barrier preventing any damage to your favorite table. 

FAQs:

Are coasters still used?

Coasters are mandatory set pieces to host a party while the guests adorn a dining set or tables. Many coffee shops, restaurants, and bars take these seriously to avoid any spillage or damage and these are perfect hospitality decor.

How long do coasters last?

The durability is dependent on the type of coasters.

• Stone coasters are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
• Cork coasters a renewable and moisture-resistant.
• Metal coasters like stainless steel or aluminum are resistant to corrosion.
• Silicone coasters are flexible and water-resistant.
• Wooden coasters made of oak, cherry, and walnut wood last long in wood type.

Should coasters be absorbent?

Cork or felt coasters are best at being absorbent as the true purpose of the coasters is to avoid the formation of rings or stains caused by the inevitable condensation. So, there is a need to be absorbent.