Do you think cork coasters look tacky?

[Abcd3]

I need coasters to protect my new wooden floors and wooden table. (There isn’t space for a coffee table near the sofa, so drinks will need to be placed on the floor.) I’m wondering whether to go for wood or cork; wood looks nicer but cork ones would be absorbant, which would be a major advantage. If someone sloshes a bit of red wine/tea/coffee, I’d rather it was absorbed by the coaster than going on the floor! Any thoughts?!

I’m also wondering which is better for not sticking to the bottom of glasses/mugs if there’s a bit of water there, and then falling to the table/floor as the glass/mug is lifted!

Sorry but yes. I understand the falling off issue but maybe look for bamboo or something that is not cork?

Ugh I loathe all coasters.

Dunno why really, But they're just such naff, cluttery little buggers.

I use plastic coasters that have sides otherwise when I have cold drinks the condensations ends up dripping off the edge of the coaster which makes it pointless. These are the ones I have www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0052WG0DM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?psc=1&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&ie=UTF8

A friend on mine uses something like this over the arms of her sofa for drinks. Whether they work will depend on the style of your sofas though
Wood Sofa arm Tray Protectors armrest Table Sofa Table Coaster Sofa Tray Phone Holder (Color 3.) www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07D8Q58YJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5C7jDbXC806AG?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

Never realised people had such coater hate. They're just an intermediary protective surface, ffs.

You're giving me anxiety about drinks placed on the floor 😂
I'm a clumsy oaf and would be kicking them over the whole time.

Can you look into slim side tables/slim nest of tables? I use a skinny plant stand alongside my armchair as a flat elevated surface. I bought it from Sainsburys recently although it might not suit your decor. It's sea green metal with copper legs. I found eBay good for slender tables/plant stands. B&M also do a plain (white?) pedestal table for £10. I considered getting one and painting it.

Sorry this doesn't answer your questions about coasters!

Isn’t cork likely to get stained and be difficult to wash? I’d go for a completely wipe clean plastic/laminate/tile type material - there are thousands of different patterns including ones that look like wood or cork. Or as PPs have said, get a nest of occasional tables. Putting drinks on the floor is asking for them to get kicked over and spilled.

I really hate coasters(sorry) I 5hinktheyre so messy. I've never seen anyone put them in the floor ever although I know loads of people with woooden floors, myself included. Is your gloor not varnished or oiled? Mine are very durable to cups, trikes, balls, water spills (baby wee from potty training too) .
Is there no way you can fit in a really small or skinny table anywhere? It would be easier. Drinks of the floor do get knocked over and if it's a hot one - ouch!

If I really couldn't squeeze in a skinny or pedestal table, I would put a tray on the floor, rather than fiddly little coasters. Or a thickish fabric napkin.

Thank you very much for the replies!

I think a coffee table, even a small one, would make the room look a bit cluttered. I previously lived in a flat where there was also no coffee table, and people put drinks on the floor (on coasters, on carpet). As far as I remember, there were no spillages!

The floor is oiled, so liquids can be wiped up, but I think a hot cup might mark it, especially if it’s also wet. However, I do have a sample of the floor, so I will test it with hot, wet mugs, and if they don’t leave a mark, problem solved!

@maidenover Thank you very much for that link - those things look good. Unfortunately the arms of my sofa are very squashy, so probably wouldn’t really be stable enough to put drinks on.

Slate coasters are nice! I’ve also recently seen felt coasters. Very Scandi.

small side table?
I find coasters necessary evils but slate or ceramic ones can be stylish. but can't abide cups and glasses on the floor.

What about tiles with cork backs? You could make them yourself and pick tiles to match your decor.

I like cork ones. The ones I have at the minute are from flying tiger, they have similar on Amazon if you search for felt ball coasters, lovely multicoloured ones, I have a set of trivets as well for hot plates.