Sesame Press vs Raffia Coasters: Which Set Suits Your Table?
By Shop Luxury Women's, Kids and Baby Clothing Online ... | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: Comparisons
Compare Sesame Press letterpress coasters with raffia square coasters on material, size, and care to choose the right table linen accessory for your table.
Quick answer
Choose the Sesame Press coaster set in Blueberry if you want a printed, water-resistant paper coaster for hot drinks and easy cleanup. Choose the Raffia square coaster in Watermelon Stripe if you prefer a woven natural-fiber look and a slightly larger square footprint. Both are table linen accessories, but they solve different tabletop problems.
Material and construction: printed paper vs woven raffia
The Sesame Press coaster is individually printed using a 19th-century letterpress in Brooklyn, New York, on heavyweight paper with rubber-based ink. That construction makes it a graphic, lightweight piece that resists running if it gets wet. The Raffia square coaster is made from 100% raffia, a durable natural fiber with a woven texture. Neither material is inherently better; the trade-off is between crisp printed detail and tactile, organic texture.
Size and shape on the table
The Sesame Press coaster measures 10.16 cm in diameter, while the Raffia square coaster measures 11 cm by 11 cm. The round coaster suits standard mugs and glasses with a compact footprint. The square raffia coaster offers slightly more surface area and a geometric shape that can align neatly with square or rectangular placemats. Consider your glassware and table styling before deciding.
Care and longevity: what each material asks of you
The Sesame Press coaster is designed so the designs will not run should the coasters get wet, which simplifies cleanup after condensation or spills. However, as a paper-based product, it is not described as machine washable, so treat it as a surface-wipe item. The Raffia coaster is crafted from durable raffia, but the catalog does not specify washing instructions. In practice, natural raffia generally benefits from spot cleaning and keeping dry, so avoid soaking it. If you expect heavy spills or frequent washing, neither coaster is marketed as fully waterproof or machine washable; choose based on how much care you are willing to give.
Key trade-offs to weigh
- Printed detail vs woven texture: Sesame Press offers crisp letterpress designs that resist running when wet; Raffia offers a tactile, natural-fiber look with no printed pattern. Decide whether you want the coaster to be a graphic accent or a textural one.
- Compact round vs slightly larger square: Sesame Press is 10.16 cm round; Raffia is 11 cm square. The square gives a bit more room and a geometric line, while the round is more compact. Measure your typical glass or mug base and consider your placemat shape.
- Wet-resistance vs care unknown: Sesame Press is explicitly made so designs will not run if wet; Raffia care instructions are not supplied, so plan to keep it dry and spot clean. If spills are frequent, the printed paper coaster is the more predictable choice for wet conditions.
Product facts at a glance
- SESAME PRESS COASTER (SET OF 8) - BLUEBERRY: Individually printed using a 19th-century letterpress in Brooklyn, New York, on heavyweight paper with rubber-based ink. The letterpress printing gives each coaster a detailed, artisanal look, while the rubber-based ink helps the design stay put if the coaster gets wet.
SESAME PRESS COASTER (SET OF 8) - BLUEBERRY - RAFFIA SQUARE COASTER - WATERMELON STRIPE: Crafted from 100% raffia and measures 11 cm by 11 cm. The natural raffia fiber adds a textured, woven element to the table, and the square shape offers a slightly larger surface than a standard round coaster.
RAFFIA SQUARE COASTER - WATERMELON STRIPE
Which coaster fits your table?
Best for
- Hot beverage drinkers who want a printed, water-resistant coaster with a compact round shape.
- Tablescaping with a graphic, letterpress-printed accent that doesn't need machine washing.
Not for
- Those who prefer a natural woven fiber and a slightly larger square footprint.
- Settings where coasters will be routinely soaked or machine washed; neither product is specified for that.
