Whether you have a few favorite mugs or an extensive collection, finding ways to neatly organize them can free up cabinet space and make your kitchen feel more tidy. With some clever solutions, you can corral mugs of all shapes and sizes while keeping them easily accessible for daily use.
Hanging Mug Racks
Installing hanging mug racks is one of the most space-efficient ways to store mugs. Racks mount to the underside of cabinets, keeping mugs suspended out of the way but still within reach.
Ceiling-Mounted Racks
Ceiling-mounted racks install right underneath your upper cabinets. Look for sturdy racks with strong mounting brackets to safely hold the weight of multiple mugs. Wrought iron or solid wood racks add nice visual interest.
Wall-Mounted Racks
Wall-mounted racks physically attach to the wall underneath cabinets. Make sure they extend far enough so mugs do not bump against the wall. Racks with a lip or rim to hold mug handles provide added security.
Multi-Tiered Racks
Opt for a hanging rack with multiple shelves or pegged tiers to double or triple your mug storage. Vertical designs maximize space. Look for solidly constructed racks rated to hold heavier mugs.
Wall-Mounted Rails or Ledges
Wall-mounted rails or shelving ledges create vertical mug storage on any bare wall space. The simple floating design keeps the mug display tidy so it does not dominate the whole wall.
Rustic Wood Ledges
Sturdy wood ledges made from attractive reclaimed wood, barrels staves, or edged pine boards add rustic flair. Space ledges about a mug’s height apart for a seamless stacked look.
Industrial Pipe Shelving
Mugs look striking displayed on wall-mounted black iron or copper pipe rails with the handles slid over the poles. Use brackets to securely mount the pipes.
Adjustable Rail Systems
Customize floating mug storage with adjustable wall rail systems from a hardware store. Space the rails apart based on mug size and create unique configurations.
Wall-Mounted Mug Trees
Mug trees neatly organize mugs in tiered holders screwed right onto the wall. Position them close to where mugs are used daily for quick access.
Three-Tier Mug Trees
Compact three-tier mug trees work well in smaller kitchens. Opt for sturdy metal trees with smooth finished edges to prevent scratches or chipping.
Expandable Mug Trees
Customize storage with expandable mug trees featuring removable tiers that can be stacked. Add tiers as your mug collection grows.
Decorative Mug Trees
Ornate wall-mounted mug trees with scrolled metalwork and flourishing designs infuse traditional charm. Protect mugs with felt pads on the tiers.
Sliding Cabinet Organizers
Install sliding organizers inside existing cabinets for hidden mug storage. The sliding trays neatly stack mugs at the back of the cabinet.
Tiered Drawer Organizers
Look for sliding organizers with two or three pull-out tiers designed to hold mugs by their handles. Deep drawers accommodate even oversized mugs.
DIY Drawer Organizers
Get customized storage by designing your own sliding system. Cut plywood or plastic boards to size and mount them onto drawer glides and tracks.
Corner Cabinet Organizers
Make use of awkward corner cabinet spaces with rotating organizers. Spin the tiered trays to conveniently access all mugs.
Over-The-Cabinet Organizers
Over-the-cabinet organizers create bonus storage space above your existing cabinets. Use the extra room to neatly line up an array of mugs.
Metal Wire Racks
Inexpensive metal wire racks stand up to heavy use and provide ventilation to prevent dust buildup. Bendable wires allow customization of mug spacing.
Fixed-Shelf Organizers
Solid fixed-shelf organizers feature built-in lips or guardrails to securely hold mugs in place. Some include mug hooks for even more capacity.
Tension Pole Systems
Tension pole racks install in minutes without brackets or hardware. Shelves slide onto adjustable length poles secured in place with tension and pressure.
Under-Cabinet Organizers
Take advantage of the unused space underneath cabinets with mounted racks, baskets, or shelves for mugs. Conveniently access them right where they hang.
Mounted Wire Shelves
Basic mounted wire shelves double as mug organizers. Look for shelves with smaller mesh holes or crossbars suitable for holding mugs.
Metal Baskets
Sturdy metal or wire mesh baskets hang from cabinet undersides to corral mugs. Angled designs make it easy to view mug contents.
Tiered Organizers
Keep mugs upright and visible with tiered wire racks. Some feature protective coatings to prevent scratches.
Rotating Corner Shelves
Rotating corner shelves neatly organize mugs while maximizing every bit of available space. Spin the tiers to access all mugs.
Three-Tier Rotating Shelves
Compact polypropylene or metal corner units with three angled tiers fit in tight spaces while storing up to 18 mugs.
Four-Tier Rotating Shelves
Larger capacity corner rotating units feature four shelves. Some include a bonus lazy Susan turntable on the bottom.
DIY Rotating Shelves
With some basic hardware, it is easy to DIY rotating shelves for a corner or inside a cabinet. Find plans for PVC, metal, or wood designs.
Hanging Wall Pockets
Inexpensive fabric mug pockets add quick and easy mug storage anywhere you have wall space. Slide mugs in and out of the pockets’ open tops.
Quilted Mug Pockets
Quilted cotton mug pockets feature sturdySquared Square blocks bottom construction and a square shape with an open top for sliding mugs in and out.
Felt Mug Pockets
Thick felt mug pockets come in fun prints and colors. Felt’s density helps the pockets hold their shape and prevents tearing.
Canvas Mug Pockets
Durable canvas pockets withstand daily use. Use grommets or hooks to hang pockets from walls, rods, or rails.
Over-The-Door Organizers
Hanging over-the-door storage provides vertical mug storage that does not take up counter or cabinet space. Use them on closets or pantry doors.
Mesh Pocket Organizers
Clear vinyl or mesh pockets allow you to easily see mug contents while keeping them dust-free. Pockets with wide openings simplify access.
Hanging Shoe Organizers
Repurpose hanging shoe organizers with clear vinyl or mesh pockets to store mugs handle-side down. Sturdy ones can hold heavier mugs when mounted properly.
Multi-Use Door Organizers
Customize storage with multi-use door organizers featuring adjustable hooks to hang mugs. Bonus shelves or baskets provide additional storage options.
Dishwasher Basket Organizers
Dishwasher baskets create quick and easy mug organizers for lower cabinets or countertops. The lightweight molded baskets neatly stack mugs.
Two-Stack Dishwasher Baskets
Stack two dishwasher baskets, one upside down on the other, to double your mug holder. Optional dividers customize spaces.
Tiered Dishwasher Baskets
Look for triple-tiered dishwasher baskets with handles and wheels for rolling storage. Angled sides provide visibility.
Reinforced Dishwasher Baskets
Choose heavy-duty baskets with reinforced edges to support mug weight without bending or buckling. Open basket sides allow airflow.
Pegboard Storage Systems
Use pegboard panels to arrange mugs in customizable configurations. Conveniently access mugs right from the wall.
Wall-Mounted Pegboard
Mount full sheets of perforated hardboard pegboard directly onto walls. Use mug hooks, holders, or baskets that fit into the holes.
Freestanding Pegboard
Floor standing pegboard on caster wheels creates mobile storage. Angle boards to fit corners or use double-sided boards.
Mix-and-Match Accessories
Pegboard’s versatility allows mix-and-matching accessories like shelves, racks, baskets and hooks to hold mugs. Modify anytime.
FAQs
How should I arrange mugs on a hanging wall rack?
On wall-mounted racks or rails, arrange mugs side by side, evenly spaced apart. Group mugs of similar sizes together. Place heaviest mugs toward the bottom.
How do I keep wall-mounted mug shelves from sagging?
Ensure shelves are rated to hold sufficient weight. Install supportive brackets at stud points. For rails, space brackets close enough to prevent sagging in between.
What size of over-the-cabinet organizer will fit my mugs?
Measure the height between your counter and cabinets as well as the width between the corner edges to find a size that fits. Allow at least 3 to 4 inches of overhead clearance.
How can I determine mug holder spacing for pegboards?
Print out paper mug templates scaled to size. Arrange the templates on the pegboard to visualize spacing. Mark hole locations lightly in pencil, then install actual holders.
How do I mount wall shelves safely?
Always locate and use wall studs to safely support shelves, not just drywall anchors. For heavy mugs, use toggles rated for the weight and pre-drill holes in studs to prevent splitting.
What is the best way to organize mugs in lower cabinets?
Install sturdy shelf risers or dividers to neatly stack mugs upright. Or, set them in divided dishwasher baskets that slide out for access. Use padded rug grippers to prevent tipping.
How can I deter cabinets from becoming dusty?
Wipe down shelves and interiors regularly. Install ventilated wire racks or baskets to promote airflow. Place an open box of baking soda inside to help absorb moisture and odors.
Conclusion
Organizing your mug collection creatively helps make the most of cabinet and wall space while adding decorative flair. Hanging racks, wall-mounted systems, divided baskets, pegboards, and other solutions keep favorite mugs neatly stored but still conveniently accessible. Trying different storage methods also allows customization so you can corral mugs into a system that fits your space and needs. With the right organizational approach, you can easily tame mug clutter.