Made In Britain
The Timeless Craft of Handmade Leather Coasters in Britain
by
Kartik Bagga
on
Oct 31, 2025
There's something deeply satisfying about owning items that have been crafted by hand, especially when they're made from materials that only get better with age.
After years of working with leather, I've come to believe that handmade leather coasters perfectly embody this philosophy: combining practical function with the enduring beauty of British craftsmanship.
A Heritage Worth Preserving
Britain has a long and distinguished history of leatherwork, from the renowned saddleries of Walsall to the bootmakers of Northampton. Here at Primehide, I'm proud to continue this tradition, blending time-honoured techniques with modern design.
When you bring one of our handmade leather coasters into your home, you're not just protecting your table; you're owning a piece that carries centuries of accumulated skill and artistry, honoured in every detail.
How We Make Your Coasters
Creating leather coasters by hand is a meticulous process, and one our Operations Manager, Phil, has perfected over the years.
Phil starts with premium vegetable-tanned leather, carefully sourced from trusted British and European tanneries. Each piece is precision-cut, then comes his favourite stage: edge finishing. Every edge is bevelled, burnished, and polished by hand to achieve that smooth, refined look that prevents fraying and gives our coasters their distinctive quality.
Explore the Craft →
Phil often adds personal touches through hand-stamping or embossing (he's our king of personalisation, after all). Each coaster is then treated with traditional oils and waxes to protect and enrich the surface (techniques passed down through generations). Some customers prefer their coasters left in a natural finish, allowing a unique patina to develop over time in their own home.
Because each piece is handmade by Phil, no two coasters are exactly alike; each one carries a little of his craftsmanship and care.
Why I Believe in Leather
Over the years, I've worked with many materials, but leather remains unmatched for coasters. It's naturally water-resistant, protecting your furniture from condensation rings while being easy to maintain: a quick wipe is usually all it takes.
The durability is remarkable. I've seen coasters I made years ago still going strong in customers' homes, looking better than ever with that gorgeous patina that only time can create.
There's also something about the sensory experience of leather that people instinctively love: the subtle aroma, the supple texture, and the warmth of the material. Together, these small details turn the simple act of setting down a drink into something far more considered.
Why Making in Britain Matters
Running Primehide as a British maker means everything to our team. We're not just creating products; we're keeping traditional skills alive and supporting a community of artisans who care deeply about their craft.
Every coaster that Phil crafts in our workshop represents hours of learning, patience, and a commitment to quality over quantity.
I'm also mindful of the environment. Working locally means a smaller carbon footprint than mass-produced imports. I use off-cuts from larger projects to reduce waste and always source materials responsibly. It's about creating beautiful, long-lasting pieces for your home without compromising our values.
The Perfect Handmade Gift
Many customers tell us they've given our leather coasters as gifts for housewarmings, weddings, and anniversaries. A handmade item always feels more personal; it shows thought and care.
We also offer personalisation services (Phil's specialty), adding initials, dates, or short messages to turn these functional pieces into cherished keepsakes. Knowing that something our team has crafted will be part of your home for years to come is an incredibly rewarding feeling.
An Investment You'll Appreciate Every Day
I'll be honest: handmade leather coasters cost more than mass-produced alternatives. But they also represent genuine value.
These aren't disposable accessories; they're items built to last for decades. Over time, the leather develops character and beauty that tell the story of countless cups of tea, glasses of wine, and moments shared around your table.
In an age of fast consumption, choosing handmade leather coasters from Primehide is a quiet but meaningful statement: one that celebrates craftsmanship, sustainability, and the enduring appeal of owning something made with care.
Bring Craftsmanship Into Your Home
If you'd like to explore our handmade leather coasters or discover our full range of British-made leather homeware, we'd love to hear from you.
Kartik is the founder of Primehide, where Phil and the team specialise in handmade leather goods proudly crafted in Britain.
Phil
Personalisation Expert
