The Affordable Walmart Find That's Perfect For Storing Mugs

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If you collect coffee mugs, then you probably appreciate it when you unexpectedly happen upon the perfect mug storage rack at the local Walmart — especially one that's cleverly disguised as something else. It's even better when the nifty item in question is perfectly affordable to boot. In this case, this genius coffee mug storage idea inspires you to repurpose a two-tier wooden serving tray from Better Homes and Gardens. Normally, a foodie serves items like gourmet rounds of Brie and artisan crackers on one of these. You, on the other hand, are going to use it to serve up your cute collection of mugs.

The setup starts with the 14-inch by 7-inch wooden two-tier serving tray that's supported by gray carbon steel legs. A small collection of five or six coffee mugs of your choice finds a comfortable home on this piece. If you'd like to personalize the double-tray setup a bit more, you'll find that some other home coffee bar items will come in handy. These could include a set of non-slip weaved black-and-white placemats from EDanle Store, to make the two trays less slippery. Fancy spoons, holders for individual flavored creamers, and other coffee-related items will also be helpful as you personalize the double-tiered rack.

Setting up this coffee mug holder is really easy. The Walmart serving trays come ready to assemble in the box, though saying "some assembly required" makes it sound slightly more complicated than it actually is. Essentially, the two trays are removable. All you need to do to set the unit up is slide them into place after you open the box. Once the stand is set up, arrange your coffee mugs on it. Like we said, simple. It's the extra stuff you add that makes this such an interesting piece, which is where some personalized suggestions can help.

First up is the repurposed placemat set. If the mugs are placed on the tray as is, there is a small danger that they'll slide off if you place slightly wet mugs back on the shelves. The non-stick surface of the placemats could help to prevent them from sliding off, while also making the rack more decorative overall. You'll just need to trim the mats down first so that they fit the shelves properly. You could also use a set of coffee bar mats from Walmart instead. But, similarly, they also need some trimming so that they neatly fit the shelves.

Likewise, you can make some magnetic hanging cups to attach to each of the tray's front metal support bars. This gives you a place to hold disposable creamer cups, coffee spoons, and other coffee-related items. Simply hot glue some magnetic buttons from the Dollar Tree to some jot metal pencil holders and then stick the cups onto the front of the metal support bars once the glue dries.