Function, Meet Form: The (Actually Stylish) Coaster Edit

Let's kick things off with an unexpected material: merino wool felt, the medium of choice for cult-favorite German design brand Graf Lantz. Available in several different color palettes – like the Japanese-inspired Ikebana or the verdant Forest collection – these sets bring diverse but cohesive pops of color. Wool is a water-loving fabric, and with its ability to absorb up to 30% of its weight in liquid without feeling wet, this set will keep your table dry and look good while doing.

Okay baby, time to get brutalist. Made from concrete and cork, these coasters have an architectural feel, but one that's warmed up with specks of golden brown terrazzo. They're indicative of Houston-based brand Pretti.Cool's use of custom-made molds to achieve unique, geometric forms, each with their own minute variations. All that's missing is an ice-cold beer stein.

Into leather? These handcrafted stunners, made by artisans in India and sporting individual stamped designs, are calling your name. These are premium materials sourced and crafted in an ethical, fair-trade environment – but at a bargain cost, considering it's a set of eight. Available in brown or black colorways, both styles look fantastic against natural woods and a forest of houseplants.

No self-respecting coaster roundup could be caught dead without a good marble option, and Lulu and Georgia always comes through. At a sizable 4" diameter, these circles have real personality, sporting streaky gray or pink marble grains. Each one is unique, with mesmerizing details, and is hefty enough to protect against even the frostiest water glass.

Maybe marble's too severe for you – you like your materials a little more rustic. Check out St. Frank's Ombre Fog set, woven together with natural fibers and tied together with a grosgrain ribbon. They're gorgeously colorful, with roots in Ugandan weaving traditions – and with variations in texture and color, they're also a bit of a grab bag for those who like surprises.

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If you're craving more art but you've run out of wall space, turn to these hand-painted coasters from artist Luisa Longo. Her fluid, modernist brushstrokes look luxe as hell on these silk organza cutouts, with their buttery soft handfeel. Though I'm a particular fan of this set, if you scroll just below the product description you can find all the other styles this Italian artist has painted across all kinds of textiles. Brava.

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Jumping from Italy to Sweden, we find Skultuna's Bluebell coasters, with their almost psychedelic shape enhanced by a gleaming polished brass finish. They're designed by Veermakers, the new brand from Sweden's leading interior designer Louise Liljencrantz, and combine a regal material with playful edge. Also available in inky dark blackened brass, these are a confident statement piece for the contemporary design collector.

Is buying a single coaster for $16 a questionable decision? Maybe. But when it looks this good, and doubles as a lid for our favorite coffee mug, we've definitely been swayed. Imported by our evergreen favorite brand Canyon Coffee to bring a little style to our morning coffee game, the coaster is made in Japan by Hasami, with the craftsmanship to prove it. It's solid, substantial and a little bit extra. Just the way we like it.