MS086 Square Coaster: 10 x 10cm, 24 to a pack, round or square

The MS086 Square Coaster is a mirrored drinks mat with a crushed-diamond surface, square at 10 x 10cm and supplied twenty-four to a pack. It is the squared-off twin of the round coaster in the same range, and the choice between them is a matter of what else is on your table rather than quality.

What the listing gives you

One thing to note when you enquire: the listing is titled MS086 while the shop's code reads AWS-MS008. Quote both and nothing gets picked from the wrong shelf.

Square or round

Both mats are 10cm at their widest, so they take the same glassware. The difference is how the edge reads next to everything else:

• A square mat lines up with the edge of a square placemat, a rectangular table and a square tray, so a setting looks deliberate.
• A round mat softens a hard-edged table and is more forgiving when it is put down at an angle, which is how a coaster is usually put down.
• A square has corners to catch, and a corner is the part of a mirrored mat most likely to take a knock. Worth thinking about on a low coffee table in a busy room.

If the round edge suits you better, it is the MS085 Circle Coaster (24pcs), same 10cm span, same pack size.

Measuring before you order

Turn your glasses over and measure the base. A 10cm square swallows the base of a mug or a straight tumbler with room to spare at the corners; a wide-footed wine glass can sit proud of the edge, and an overhanging foot is what leaves a ring on the table. If your everyday glassware has a broad foot, measure it and ask the shop what else in the range is wider before you decide.

A pack of twenty-four is deliberately more than one table needs. It is enough to set a dining table, a coffee table and a pair of side tables from one order, and still keep a few spares back.

What it goes with

The coasters sit in the Mirror Ornaments range, the mirrored table and dressing-table accessories the shop supplies. The usual companions:

• Placemat (4pcs) at 30 x 30cm, square to square, for a full setting
• G-MT03 Mirrored Tray to corral the set when the table is cleared
• Coaster (6 or 12pcs) if twenty-four is more than you want

What the listing does not say

The description tells you the look, the shape and the size, and no more. It does not state what the mirrored surface is made of or how thick it is, what backs the mirror, whether there is anything underneath to keep it still, or how the surface copes with a hot mug or a glass that sweats. We will not invent any of it, so ask the shop first if these are headed for hot drinks or a polished table top. It is also silent on whether the pack can be split.

The photograph and the full description are on the MS086 Square Coaster (24pcs) page, and the shop will answer whatever the listing leaves open. Delivery is free within 50 miles of the Glasgow store and £50 beyond.