The Quick DIY That Will Double Storage Space For Your Mugs

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Mugs are a perfect purchase for nearly any occasion. Whether you pick them up as souvenirs or gifts, buying and receiving mugs happens all the time, and it is incredibly easy to grow your collection beyond what your poor shelves and cabinets can hold. You might wonder how many coffee mugs is too many and whether you need to get rid of some, but it's often difficult to part with novelty pieces associated with specific people, memories, or feelings. If your mug collection has grown out of control and no longer fits on your shelves, you may need to create a DIY mug storage system under your shelf using hooks. This quick and easy solution allows you to hang your coffee cups by their handles in the dead space beneath a shelf, making a tidy arrangement to not just store your beloved mugs but also display them.

This project can be completed fairly easily, and the main items you need are the hooks and a drill. When choosing hooks, be sure to consider the size of your mugs' handles. Small handles will fit in larger hooks, but larger handles won't safely hang on small hooks. Generally, 1-inch or 1 ½-inch hook should work for most mugs. While you probably do not need a ton of hooks, this 90-piece Romeda Black Ceiling Hooks Kit on Amazon for $7.99 is a good deal and has a variety of sizes to try. Also, the hooks are coated in vinyl, which will reduce the chances of you accidentally scratching your mugs. 

To install the hooks, first measure where you want the holes to be. The holes should be at least a couple of inches away from the wall and a few inches from each other so the mugs do not bump against anything and chip. Although, if any do break in the process, you can always try some creative ideas to repurpose old coffee mugs around the home and garden.

Use a tape measure to ensure the holes are evenly spaced and centered for a polished look. Once you have marked the locations, drill pilot holes into the shelf, using a bit that is skinnier than the screw size of the hooks you plan to use. Next, screw the hooks into the holes, twisting them so they are secure and all face the same direction. Finally, hang the mugs from the hooks.

With some careful planning, you can nearly double your mug storage space with this hack, especially if your shelf is deep. In that case, you could do multiple rows of mugs. If you have a funky mug collection and want to achieve a more eclectic look, go for random placement instead of straight lines. This will let you highlight certain mugs and add depth and interest to your space. It may even let you fit more mugs, squeezing each piece in like a puzzle. And when your hooks and shelves inevitably overfill again, you can always explore more fun and creative ways to display your impressive mug collection.