8 Stylish Ways to Showcase Your Mug Collection

updated Dec 5, 2022
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wooden shelves and patterned dishware
(Image credit: Nasozi Kakembo)

Whether you’re an intentional collector or not, mugs make an excellent souvenir, thoughtful gift, and affordable indulgence for those days that call for a bit of retail therapy. If you’re like us, your mug collection represents your interests, favorite destinations, and your penchant for second hand stores which means finding a way to organize this eclectic assortment is a must. We’ve rounded up eight brilliant ways to proudly display all your favorite mugs for every budget and DIY skill level. 

1. Invest in a mug tree.

One of the simplest ways to create extra mug storage is by purchasing (or making) a mug tree, like this one by Hearth & Hand with Magnolia to house a handful of your favorite vessels. Choose your prettiest pieces to display on a countertop or cozy nook that will be within reach whenever a caffeine craving or late-night deadline strikes. 

2. Repurpose a cake stand or two.

Whether you’re an avid baker or not, shopping for a cake stand that will house all of your go-to mugs is another easy way to streamline organization and create a pretty display in seconds. We love how @mindy.hoffman organized this pretty pastel setting that also features a baby succulent that brightens up each morning.

3. Gather them all in one place for a colorful display.

This one’s for those who don’t want to edit their extensive mug collection and have to choose which ones to show off. Here, a Buenos Aires home features a beautiful set of open built-in shelving that allows the owners to showcase their vibrant assortment of mugs, plus all their other favorite kitchen goodies.

4. Install floating shelves.

This DIY is perfect for even the most novice of home renters and owners. Take a page from @kiva.nicole.ww’s playbook and find the right shelving to fit your needs (it can even be thrifted!) then organize your mugs accordingly. Plus, you can deck out this little corner of your kitchen for the seasons and holidays. 

5. Go all-out with a DIY coffee bar.

How fun is this cozy coffee corner designed by Yomi of @decor_obsessed20? While this is the most time- and money-intensive organization project of the bunch, it is sure to pay off each morning as you start your day with the perfect cuppa. And there’s plenty of room for mug storage!

(Image credit: The Inspired Room)

6. Hang mugs from a rail.

This simple solution  works well if you have a select number of mugs you really want to feature. Kylee at The Inspired Room installed a utensil rail (check out this $15 option from Walmart) above her coffee maker for easy access. If you’re really looking for ample storage space, you can also install a floating shelf or two above to keep all your mugs in one spot.

(Image credit: The Clever Bunny)

7. Try a peg board.

If you’re feeling particularly crafty, you can make a custom peg board to store all your mugs, like this one from The Clever Bunny. Use painter’s tape and spray paint to spruce up your peg board in any design you like and simply put your mugs in place with hooks once it’s dry.

8. Take advantage of vertical space.

You may not have a lot of room for bars and shelves, but if you can spare a little bit of vertical space, there’s sure to be a place for a mug display. The above example, as seen on House of Turquoise, is a beautiful use of space, and it’s a fairly simple project to recreate at home.