Acrylic Coaster

Acrylic coasters sit between glass and cork: they look like glass on a table but will not shatter when a guest knocks one off. Shoppers usually want a set that stays put and does not stick to a cold glass.

• Check thickness in millimeters, because thin panels flex and warp while thicker blanks feel solid under a heavy mug.
• See whether the underside has felt, cork, or rubber feet to keep the coaster from scratching a wood finish.
• Confirm the piece count and whether a matching holder or stand is part of the set.

Note that acrylic is not heatproof, so use a trivet for hot pans rather than a coaster.