Coasters are one of those gifts that get used every single day. They sit under the morning coffee, the evening glass of wine and the mug of tea that goes cold while you answer emails. Choosing a set should be easy, but one question comes up again and again: ceramic or glass?
We print both in our Cornwall workshop, so here is an honest look at how they differ, who each suits, and what neither one can do.
The short answer
- Choose ceramic if you want a softer, warmer look, a cushioned cork base and a set of six with a mix of designs.
- Choose glass if you want a crisp, modern look with a smooth glossy top and a square shape.
- Both suit hot and cold drinks, and both are wiped clean rather than washed.
Now for the detail.
How they look
Ceramic coasters have a gentle, slightly soft glow. The print sits under a glossy coating, and the white ceramic behind it makes colours look warm and full. That suits painterly designs such as watercolour pets, wildflowers and marble effects. Our ceramic sets are round, about 10 cm across, and most come as six coordinated designs, so every guest gets a different one.
Glass coasters look sharper and cooler. The tempered glass top gives the artwork a clean, polished finish, which suits graphic designs, folk-art landscapes and bold abstracts. Ours are square, which feels a touch more contemporary on a coffee table or desk.
If you are buying for someone, a quick look round their home helps. Cosy cottage, country kitchen or lots of plants? Ceramic usually fits. Clean lines, glass tables and monochrome? Glass tends to look more at home.
How they feel and protect furniture
This is where the bases matter more than the tops.
Ceramic coasters have a cork backing. Cork is grippy, slightly cushioned and quiet when you put a mug down. It also helps protect wooden surfaces from heat and scratches.
Glass coasters have non-slip rubber feet. They hold the coaster in place and lift it slightly off the surface, so a glass top never rubs directly on your table.
What neither type does (an honest note)
Neither of these coasters is absorbent. Unlike unglazed stone or thick cork coasters, a glossy ceramic or glass top will not soak up drips. If a cold glass sweats, the water sits on the surface until you wipe it. For most people that is a plus, as nothing stains and the print stays bright. If the person you are buying for always has an iced drink in hand, keep a cloth nearby.
Care: the same simple rules for both
The care is the same for ceramic and glass:
- Wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth.
- Do not soak them, and do not put them in the dishwasher or microwave.
- Dry them before stacking.
That is all it takes to keep the print looking as bright as the day it arrived. Long soaks and dishwashers are what wear printed surfaces down, on any brand of coaster.
Which one makes the better gift?
It depends who it is for.
Choose ceramic for:
- Animal lovers. Our watercolour pet sets, such as the Golden Retriever Puppy Ceramic Coasters, work best on ceramic's warm white base.
- People who like variety. Six different designs in a set makes it feel like a small collection.
- A "made in Britain" gift. Our ceramic sets are designed and made in Britain, printed to order in our Mount Hawke workshop in Cornwall.
Choose glass for:
- Modern homes and offices. The square shape and glossy top suit desks and glass tables.
- Graphic or landscape art. Try the Mountain Landscape Square Glass Coasters or the Abstract Minimalist No.2 Glass Coasters.
- A coastal or nautical gift. The Vintage Seashell Square Glass Coasters look like pages from an antique field guide.
Still torn? The seashell design comes in both. Compare the Beach Life Seashell Ceramic Coasters with the glass version side by side and pick the finish that suits their home.
A quick word on how they are made
Every set is printed and finished to order in our Cornwall workshop, usually within 5–7 working days before it is posted by Royal Mail. We now UV print every set: the ink is printed straight onto the coaster and cured instantly with UV light, leaving a smooth, flat, hard-wearing finish. (Coasters we made before 2026 were sublimation printed.) Follow the simple care rules above and the print will keep looking good for years.
If you would like a set with your own photo, name or artwork, get in touch before you order and we will talk you through the options.
The bottom line
There is no wrong answer. Ceramic is warm, cushioned and comes in a mix of six designs. Glass is crisp, modern and smooth. Think about the person, their home and the art they love, then pick the finish to match.
Browse all our coaster sets to see every ceramic and glass design in one place.