Save Wood Scraps For A Unique Way To Display A Mug Collection

If you're an avid mug collector, you know that these little pieces of pottery are more than just vessels for drinking — they are works of art. And like any good artwork, your mugs deserve to be on display instead of tucked away in the cupboards. To showcase your collection, there is no need to rush out and buy something new. Instead, hold onto your scrap wood and create a DIY shelf that will help make your funky mismatched mug collection the star of your kitchen. For this project you'll need blocks of scrap wood, a table saw with a grooving blade or a key router drill, screws, and drywall anchors. You'll also need one wooden block per mug and two screws for each block. 

When it comes to the type of wood, try working with what you already have. Whether you want to transform an old tree limb into a whimsical way to store coffee mugs, or have some wooden scraps leftover from a recent renovation project, either will work. One thing to remember is that your wooden pieces need to lay flush with the wall and be able to support the weight of a coffee mug.

To get started, take your wooden blocks and table saw with a groove blade and cut a straight line along the back side of your wood. You can use the mechanism underneath the saw to adjust blade height until you get the perfect groove depth. The ideal depth will differ depending on the materials you use, but just make sure your screws can fit inside the groove. Alternatively, you can use a key router drill to create a groove in the wood.

Next, hammer two screws and drywall anchors into the wall where you plan to mount the wooden blocks. The space between the two screws should match the width of your wooden block, as seen in this TikTok video. Using a ruler or laser level will help ensure your blocks look uniform and straight. If your blocks are unfinished, now is the time to stain or paint them to your taste. Once dry, all that's left to do is slide the blocks into place with the screws securely tucked inside the grooves. Finally, display your mugs on top of the wooden blocks and have fun decorating your new feature wall.

This project is a fun way to turn your scrap wood into chic minimalist wall art that doubles as storage, but there are some things to watch out for in terms of safety. Weight limitations are the main point of concern. Plastic ribbed drywall anchors can hold up to 10 pounds per pair and should perform perfectly with a lightweight wood like balsa. However, if you're working with something heavier and you're concerned that plastic drywall anchors might not cut it, there are plenty of alternatives. To be safe, you can use heavy-duty Molly bolts or strap toggle anchors instead.

Another thing to consider is location. A mug display like this one has a lot of moving parts and it would be all too easy to bump into one of the wooden blocks and knock over some of your pottery. To avoid the shattered porcelain, be sure to install your wooden blocks in a low-traffic area that's high enough to avoid any accidental contact.