If Green & Bean were an physical object it would for obvious reasons be this Subtle Art Studio coaster:

The aesthetic of the products Subtle Art Studio produces is reminiscent of those dreamy Mad Men episodes set on the west coast. They’re that sexy 60’s groovy retro vibe and almost demand that you sit by the poolside with a large rattan hat and an ice cold margarita.

In other words: classic, timeless.

Subtle Art Studio doesn’t only produce coasters for drinks and bowls, but also picture stands and larger, decorative trays that are extremely versatile as functional decor pieces. We love the longer rectangular trays for an elegant, effortless look.

Each of these pieces are handcrafted in San Jose with durable, high quality glass tiles that are able to withstand high temperatures. They’re as functional and well designed as they are aesthetically pleasing, with a sturdy wood backing and felt pads underneath to further protect surfaces from damage. 

For a small brand, Subtle Art Studios has made a big name for itself since launching in 2021, having been featured in Architectural Digest, Golde, and is one of Etsy’s Design Awards Finalists for 2022.

We love their small-batch nature of production, because Subtle Art Studio is constantly coming out with new patterns, and not all of them with the checker pattern or even glass. There are designs with one solid color, as well as one using marble, and another using mosaic tile. Each iteration is as fun and well done as the one before it, and manages to keep its classic feel while also being fresh and exciting.

While the coasters are absolutely their signature, our favorite pieces are definitely the trays, both rectangular and square. They’re perfect for more permanent displays, like in the bathroom to display perfumes & oils, or to liven up a work desk. We love green here, but there’s something about the black & white rectangular tray that’s so striking.