Quick answer: Round and square coasters are both 95 x 95mm and printed on the same beer mat board. Round gives a classic pub look suited to bold, simple logos. Square, with rounded corners, leaves more room for QR codes, offers and contact details. At 500 both cost $150 + GST single sided. From 1,000 up, round costs more.
When ordering custom printed beer coasters, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to choose round vs square coasters. While both shapes perform the same practical function of protecting tables and absorbing condensation, each creates a different visual impact and suits different branding styles.
The good news is there isn’t a right or wrong choice. It simply comes down to your brand, artwork and where the coasters will be used. Custom Coasters Australia is here to help.
Round Coasters
Round coasters are the traditional choice and remain the most popular option for pubs, breweries, clubs and hospitality venues.
Benefits of Round Coasters
- Classic beer coaster appearance
- Soft, friendly aesthetic
- Ideal for brewery and beverage branding
- Excellent for logos with circular designs
- Popular with pubs, hotels and bars
- Comfortable to hold and pick up
Round coasters naturally complement drink glasses, making them feel like a seamless part of the drinking experience.
Square Coasters
Square coasters offer a more modern, premium appearance and provide slightly more printable surface area than round coasters of a similar size.
Benefits of Square Coasters
- Larger printable area
- Modern and contemporary look
- Better suited to photographs and rectangular artwork
- Easier to include promotional messages, QR codes and contact details
- Excellent for restaurants, cafés and corporate events
If your design includes multiple pieces of information, square coasters often provide a little more flexibility in the layout.
Which Shape Gives You More Design Space?
Although the overall size difference is small, square coasters generally provide more usable print area because there are no curved edges to work around.
Square coasters are often preferred when including:
- QR Codes
- Promotional offers
- Menus
- Event details
- Social media icons
- Contact information
Round coasters, on the other hand, naturally draw attention toward the centre of the design, making them perfect for bold logos and simple branding.
Which Shape Looks More Premium?
Both shapes can produce a premium finish when professionally printed.
Generally speaking:
Round coasters create a timeless hospitality feel.
Square coasters create a modern, stylish appearance often seen in restaurants, boutique venues and corporate promotions.
At 500 coasters the choice comes down to your brand, because round and square cost the same. From 1,000 up, square is the cheaper shape.
Which Industries Prefer Each Shape?
Many businesses successfully use both shapes for different promotions throughout the year.
Round Coasters
- Breweries
- Distilleries
- Pubs
- Clubs
- Bars
- Sporting venues
Square Coasters
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Hotels
- Corporate events
- Conferences
- Product launches
- Wedding receptions
Can Both Shapes Be Printed Double-Sided?
Yes.
Both round and square coasters can be printed on one or both sides, allowing you to feature your logo on one side and promotional content, menus, QR codes or special offers on the reverse.
Ultimately, both shapes deliver the same excellent durability, absorbency and print quality. The best choice comes down to your branding, artwork and the impression you want to create.
Which Shape Should You Choose – Round vs Square Coasters?
Choose round coasters if you want:
- A traditional beer coaster look
- Strong brand recognition
- Simple logo-focused artwork
- A classic hospitality appearance
Choose square coasters if you want:
- More design flexibility
- Space for promotional information
- Modern branding
- QR codes and marketing messages
Frequently Asked Questions
Round is the traditional pub shape and the one most people picture when they think of a beer coaster. Square, with rounded corners, gives more usable space for QR codes, offers and contact details. Pick the shape that suits your design, keeping in mind round costs more than square from 1,000 coasters up.
Yes. You can order round coasters for one job and square for another. At 500 coasters both shapes cost the same, $150 + GST single sided, and from 1,000 up square is the cheaper shape, at $150 + GST against $195 + GST for round. Ask for both prices when you request a quote.
Both shapes are 95 x 95mm, and square coasters come with rounded corners. Remy’s at 106 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington, Brisbane uses round coasters, while Budget Car Rental Central Queensland chose square. Custom Coasters designed and printed both jobs, and you can see them on our gallery page.
Keep reading
- More Materials and Specs guides
- Coaster Size Guide: Dimensions, Shapes and Board Weights
- 365gsm vs 390gsm Beer Mat Board: Which Coaster Stock is Right for You?
- How Much Do Custom Coasters Cost in Australia?
Order 500 of each shape through our short run coaster printing and let your customers settle it, since round and square cost the same at that quantity.
