Alright, confession time: I have way too many mugs. Like, “how do I even drink this much coffee?” levels of mug overload. Between the cute ones from Target, the souvenir mugs from random road trips, and the one that says “Don’t Even Talk to Me Yet”—my cabinet was stuffed. And not in a charming way.
Last fall, after a particularly aggressive cabinet avalanche (RIP llama mug), I decided to actually get it together. Here are the mug storage ideas that actually work—no DIY degree required.
1. Mug Tree on the Counter
Classic, easy, and cute if you pick the right one. I went for a matte black version and now it looks intentional instead of just clutter.
2. Hooks Under Cabinets
Those adhesive mug hooks? Lifesavers. I popped a row under my top cabinet and it freed up SO much space. Bonus: I can grab my favorite mug without playing mug Jenga.
3. Wall-Mounted Rack (aka Mug Shrine)
If you’ve got wall space, go vertical. I hung a rustic rack with six hooks and now it’s like a coffee shop right in my kitchen. 10/10 would recommend.
4. Inside-the-Cabinet Hooks
Perfect for tiny kitchens. I added a rack to the inside of my cabinet door and now the mugs hang like little treasures. Just make sure your door closes properly after (mine didn’t at first—oops).
5. Floating Shelves for the Aesthetic Vibe
If your mugs are as cute as mine (lol), show ’em off. Floating shelves turn storage into decor. Add a plant or a mini framed quote for bonus points.
6. Stackable Shelf Risers
Cabinet space doubled. I used a wire shelf riser to stack mugs on top and bottom and suddenly my tiny shelf had levels, baby.
7. Use a Bookshelf
No shame—I took an old IKEA shelf, cleared off the random junk, and turned it into my “beverage station.” Mugs, teas, hot cocoa packets… even a tiny electric kettle. It’s a whole mood.
8. Hanging Rod + S Hooks
You can get a kitchen rail (like the ones for utensils) and hang your mugs with S hooks. It’s kind of industrial chic, and it saves so much counter space.
9. Drawer Inserts (If You’re Fancy)
Some people have deep drawers and fancy mug holders inside them. Not me, but if that’s you? Live your best, organized life.
10. Pegboard Wall Organizer
This one’s lowkey genius. Mount a pegboard and customize hooks and shelves however you want. It’s giving garage-meets-coffee-bar in the best way.
11. Turn a Bar Cart into a Mug Station
Hot tip: bar carts aren’t just for booze. I turned mine into a cozy little hot drink corner. Mugs, coffee machine, marshmallows, everything. Plus wheels = move it around if needed.
12. Repurpose a Wine Rack
Some wine racks are the perfect size to hold mugs. Found one at a thrift store and gave it a new identity. Wine? Never heard of her. This is for chai lattes now.
13. Lazy Susan Magic
Put a few mugs and creamers on a rotating tray in your cabinet or on the counter. It’s super satisfying and weirdly fun to use.
14. Curated Collection Rotation
Okay, so maybe don’t store all your mugs at once. Pick your current faves and keep the rest in a bin to rotate seasonally (yes, I have Halloween mugs and I regret nothing).
Real talk: organizing mugs was way more satisfying than I expected. My kitchen feels calmer, I actually use more of my mugs, and there’ve been zero mug casualties since. Got a mug hack I missed? Send it my way—I’ve got room for one more (probably).