Trivets

Elevate Your Table: The Best Trivets and Where to Buy Them in the UK

Why trivets deserve a place on your dinner table

Think of a trivet as the unsung hero of every meal — small, often overlooked, but absolutely essential. A well-chosen trivet protects your table from heat, prevents scorch marks, and can add a finishing touch of style to your setting. Whether you’re resting a sizzling skillet or a steaming casserole, the right trivet keeps your surface safe and your presentation polished.

How trivets protect surfaces and style your table

Beyond simple protection, trivets function like the jewelry of the table — they can make ordinary dishes look curated. From minimalist wood to gleaming brass and playful printed ceramic, trivets help you match mood and season. They also provide practical isolation, preventing condensation or steam from ruining your wood or veneer surfaces.

Types of trivets and what each one does best

Trivets come in many materials and designs, and knowing the differences helps you pick one that fits your lifestyle. Below are the main categories and why each is useful.

Wooden trivets: warm, natural, and gentle

Wood trivets, like the Spring Copenhagen Clumsy Hans Trivet in oak, bring a warm aesthetic to the table. They’re ideal for family dinners and rustic settings, and they tend to be gentle on delicate tabletops. Keep in mind that wood is susceptible to stains and prolonged moisture, so treat and maintain it properly.

Brass and metal trivets: statement pieces that handle heat

Brass or brass-accented trivets — for example the Ferm Living Pond Trivet in brass — are both decorative and durable. Metals dissipate heat quickly and are easy to wipe clean, making them a smart choice for serving cast-iron pans or terracotta dishes. They’re perfect when you want a little glamour without sacrificing function.

Silicone and cork trivets: flexible and forgiving

Silicone and cork trivets are modern workhorses. They resist heat, are easy to wash, and sometimes fold or stack neatly for storage. If you’re practical and have a busy kitchen, a silicone trivet gives you fuss-free performance and often comes in colorful options to brighten the table.

Magnetic and cast-iron trivets: heavy-duty and precise

Some trivets like Staub magnetic variants are designed to pair with specific cookware, especially cast-iron pots and pans. Magnetic trivets can stick to the base of cookware for neat storage and a secure fit on a tabletop. Cast-iron or heavy metal trivets are virtually indestructible and ideal for very hot cookware, though they can scratch softer surfaces so use with care.

Designer and Nordic trivets to watch

If you love Scandinavian simplicity or playful designer accents, there are plenty of eye-catching options. Brands such as Spring Copenhagen, Ferm Living, Opto Design, Zone Denmark, and Ernst are well-known for blending form and function. These pieces often lean into minimal shapes, geometric patterns, or subtle colors that sit beautifully with modern tableware.

Top trivet examples and what makes them special

Below are standout models you’ll encounter when hunting for a trivet. I’ve included approximate diameters in inches so you get a sense of scale at a glance.

Spring Copenhagen Clumsy Hans Trivet — oak

This wooden trivet offers a handcrafted look and is perfect for family-style serving. Its natural grain complements wooden boards and neutral ceramic plates. If you like a cozy, organic table, an oak trivet like this one is a natural fit.

Ferm Living Pond Trivet — brass

A brass trivet makes an elegant statement and pairs well with festive table settings. The metallic sheen catches candlelight and lifts darker dinnerware, turning a functional item into a focal point.

Opto Design Tallyho Trivet — Ø 8.3 inches

Opto Design’s Tallyho trivet, about 8.3 inches in diameter, is compact and stylish — ideal for smaller pans or serving bowls. Its graphic patterns are great for those who appreciate a hint of Scandinavian whimsy.

Zone Denmark Hexagon Trivet — geometric flair

Hexagonal trivets from Zone Denmark bring modern geometry to the table. They can work singly or in groups for larger pots, and the clean angles complement contemporary place settings well.

Ernst Trivet — dark brown, Ø 7.1 inches

Ernst’s dark-brown trivet in roughly 7.1 inches diameter adds an earthy, minimalist touch. It’s perfect for smaller vessels and looks especially good with white or cream ceramics.

Staub Magnetic Trivet — round beech, Ø 9.1 inches

Staub’s magnetic trivet in beech wood at approximately 9.1 inches across is designed to pair with heavy cookware. The magnetic feature makes storage neat—stick it to compatible pans when not in use—and the wooden surface protects tabletops from heat and scratches.

Opto Design Moomin Celebration Trivet — Ø 8.3 inches

For a playful option, the Moomin Celebration trivet is both functional and characterful, roughly 8.3 inches across. It’s a great pick for family kitchens or as a conversation-starter at casual gatherings.

Where to buy trivets in the UK

Shopping for trivets in the UK gives you lots of options, from high-street chains to specialist online boutiques. Here are the best places to look, depending on whether you want designer pieces or value buys.

Nordic Nest — strong on Scandinavian design

Nordic Nest is known for curating Scandinavian and northern-European homewares. If you’re after brands like Spring Copenhagen, Ferm Living, Opto Design, or Zone Denmark, Nordic Nest is a good starting point. They often stock a broad selection of designer trivets that match modern interiors.

John Lewis & Partners — trusted mainstream retailer

John Lewis is a go-to for reliable kitchenware and frequently stocks designer labels alongside accessible brands. It’s a solid place to compare materials, sizes, and finishes in a single place.

Lakeland and Dunelm — practical and budget-friendly

For practical, budget-conscious trivets, Lakeland and Dunelm offer a wide range. Here you’ll find silicone pads, cork options, and simple metal stands that perform well for everyday use without breaking the bank.

Wayfair and Amazon UK — huge variety and quick search

If you want to browse hundreds of designs quickly, Wayfair and Amazon UK are unbeatable. Use specific filters like “magnetic,” “beech wood,” or “brass trivet” to narrow choices. These marketplaces also make it easy to compare reviews and dimensions in one place.

Habitat, The Range, and specialist boutiques

Habitat and The Range are great for mid-range designer looks, while independent kitchen boutiques often carry unique or handcrafted trivets. If you want something bespoke or artisan-made, don’t be shy about checking small online shops and local makers.

How to choose the right size and material

Picking a trivet isn’t rocket science, but a few quick checks will keep things practical. Think about the typical cookware you use: do you serve large roasting pans or mostly bowls and smaller pots? Choose a trivet with a diameter that covers the base of your largest cookware to avoid heat touching the table.

Guidelines for trivet diameter

For reference, common sizes in inches are helpful: small trivets are often around 6–8 inches, medium 8–10 inches, and large 11–12 inches or more. A medium trivet of roughly 8–9 inches is a versatile household choice, while large roasting dishes may need 11–12 inches or multiple trivets.

Material vs. use-case checklist

- Wood: great for aesthetics and moderate heat but not ideal for very hot cast-iron cookware without additional protection.
- Metal/Brass: excellent heat tolerance and easy cleaning; can be heavy and may scratch surfaces if not lifted carefully.
- Silicone/Cork: practical and slip-resistant, perfect for frequent use and dishwasher-safe options exist.
- Magnetic/Cast-iron: ideal for heavy-duty cookware and neat storage with magnetic pans.

Care and maintenance: keep trivets looking good

Different materials call for different care. Wooden trivets benefit from occasional oiling and should be dried quickly after washing. Brass will develop a patina over time; polish if you prefer the original luster. Silicone and cork are low maintenance, often just a quick wipe or a gentle hand wash.

Trivet trends and style tips for the modern table

Current trends nudge toward versatile pieces that do double duty. Think stackable trivets, modular geometric sets (hexagon tiles form larger platforms), and magnet-friendly accessories that cling to cookware for compact storage. Mixing materials is also stylish — wooden trivets paired with brass accents bring contrast and depth to a setting.

Comparing prices and getting the best deal

Prices vary widely by brand, material, and craftsmanship. Designer and handcrafted pieces cost more, while silicone and basic metal trivets are wallet-friendly. Use comparison sites like ZoneOffer to line up options and read product details—this helps you quickly spot the best value for your style and budget.

Sustainable choices and longevity

If sustainability matters to you, look for sustainably sourced wood, recyclable metals, or durable designs that last a lifetime. A high-quality trivet can serve for years, reducing the need to replace cheaper alternatives repeatedly — and that’s a small win for both your budget and the planet.

Practical buying checklist before you click “buy”

Before you buy a trivet, check these details: the diameter in inches, material composition, whether it has feet or a non-slip base, and whether it’s intended for stovetop pots or just serving. Also consider storage — do you need stackable pieces or something that can hang on a hook?

Final thoughts: small piece, big impact

Trivets are a tiny investment with a big payoff. They protect surfaces, extend the life of your furniture, and add style to every meal. Whether you pick a handcrafted oak trivet, a shiny brass statement piece, or a practical silicone pad, a little attention to size and material goes a long way. Happy serving — and may your table always be scorch-free and stylish.