Content
From Saucers to Sliders: Early Surface Savers
Long before the dedicated coaster as we know it existed, people recognised the need to protect their furniture. In eras where polished wood tables represented significant wealth and status, preventing damage was paramount. Early methods were often improvisational or repurposed. Think of the simple saucer placed beneath a teacup – primarily designed to catch drips and cool the tea, it incidentally protected the table surface. This practice was common in the 18th and 19th centuries. The direct ancestor of one type of coaster emerged in Georgian England, specifically for formal dining. These weren’t for individual glasses but for wine decanters. Often made of wood, silver, or papier-mâché, these larger, lipped trays were designed to be slid, or ‘coasted’, along the dining table from one guest to another after the servants had retired. This is widely believed to be the origin of the term coaster. These decanter coasters were often lined with felt or baize on the bottom to prevent scratching the polished wood surfaces that were highly fashionable.The Bierdeckel Revolution: Mass Production Meets Thirst
The individual drink coaster, designed for glasses and mugs, has a more definitive origin story rooted in late 19th-century Germany. As lager beer consumption surged and pub culture thrived, the issue of dripping, condensation-laden glasses became increasingly apparent, especially on the wooden bar tops and tables. Initially, patrons might have used felt pads, but these quickly became soggy and unhygienic. Enter Robert Sputh, a German printing company owner. Legend has it that in the 1880s or early 1890s, Sputh developed the first mass-produced, disposable beer mats, known as Bierdeckel (beer lids). These early versions were made from thick, absorbent wood pulp or paperboard, created using a process similar to papermaking. They were initially quite plain, focused purely on function: soaking up spills and condensation. Some accounts suggest they were also occasionally used literally as ‘lids’ to place over a beer glass outdoors, protecting the brew from insects or falling leaves between sips.The invention of the cardboard beer mat is widely credited to the German printing works Friedrich Horn in Buckau near Magdeburg around 1880. However, it was Robert Sputh of Dresden who patented a manufacturing process in 1892 involving pouring liquid pulp into moulds. These disposable coasters quickly gained popularity in pubs and breweries across Germany and beyond.The arrival of the Bierdeckel marked a significant shift. Coasters were no longer solely the domain of formal dining or wealthy households with decanters. They became democratised, an everyday item associated with social drinking and public houses. Breweries quickly saw the marketing potential, printing their names, logos, and advertisements onto these absorbent little squares, turning them into miniature billboards placed directly under the customer’s gaze.
A Material World: From Pulp to Porcelain and Beyond
While the disposable pulpboard coaster became ubiquitous in commercial settings, the domestic coaster evolved along a different path, embracing a wide variety of materials reflecting changing tastes, technologies, and economic conditions.Wood and Cork
Natural materials like wood and cork have always been popular choices. Wood offers durability and a classic aesthetic, often carved, inlaid, or simply finished to showcase the grain. Cork, being naturally absorbent and lightweight, became particularly favoured from the mid-20th century onwards. Its slightly yielding surface also provides a gentle landing for glassware. Both materials could range from simple and rustic to highly finished and decorative.Ceramic and Stone
Ceramic tiles offered a new avenue for decoration. They could be glazed in vibrant colours, feature intricate patterns, or even display hand-painted scenes. Tiles provided a sturdy, waterproof surface, although they lacked absorbency – condensation would still pool, but the furniture beneath was protected. Stone coasters, using materials like slate, marble, or sandstone, offered a sense of permanence and natural beauty. Sandstone, being porous, had the added benefit of absorbency, functioning similarly to early pulp coasters but with far greater longevity and visual appeal.Metal and Glass
Metal coasters, often crafted from silver (or silver plate), pewter, brass, or stainless steel, conveyed elegance and modernity. They ranged from simple spun discs to ornate, chased designs. Like ceramic, they protected from heat and moisture but didn’t absorb spills. Glass coasters, sometimes etched or coloured, offered a sleek look but were perhaps less practical due to their fragility and lack of absorbency.Plastics and Synthetics
The post-war boom in plastics introduced new possibilities. Bakelite, Melamine, and later acrylics and silicone allowed for coasters in bright colours, unusual shapes, and at lower price points. Silicone, in particular, has become popular in recent decades due to its flexibility, grip, heat resistance, and ease of cleaning. The choice of material often spoke volumes. A set of heavy slate coasters might suggest a modern, minimalist home, while delicate porcelain coasters could indicate a more traditional or formal setting. Simple cork coasters might be used for everyday family meals, reserving the silver coasters for special occasions.Coasters Come Home: Entertaining and Etiquette
The mid-20th century saw a rise in home entertaining, particularly in suburban America. As families hosted cocktail parties, bridge nights, and backyard barbecues, protecting the new Formica countertops, polished sideboards, and treasured coffee tables became a domestic priority. The coaster transitioned firmly from a pub accessory or formal dining item into a household essential. This era saw the proliferation of coaster sets, often sold in matching holders. They became common housewarming gifts or wedding presents. Designs reflected popular decor trends – atomic bursts, floral patterns, geometric shapes. Disposable paper coasters also found a place in the home for large, informal gatherings, offering convenience over permanence. The use of coasters also became part of unspoken social etiquette. Offering a guest a coaster upon serving a drink demonstrated care for one’s possessions and, by extension, a well-managed household. Conversely, a guest diligently using a coaster showed respect for the host’s home. The subtle dance around coaster usage – the gentle prompt, the careful placement – became a small ritual in the performance of hospitality.While most coasters protect surfaces, be mindful of certain combinations. Unglazed ceramic or rough stone coasters can potentially scratch delicate wood finishes if moved carelessly. Ensure coasters, especially absorbent ones, are fully dry before storing them stacked on vulnerable surfaces.
