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This post is all about the best coffee mug display ideas!
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If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist a cute coffee mug. Unique ceramics, fun colors, the perfect host for any and all cozy drinks – some things are just meant to be collected. They are small but mighty pieces that can help transform a simple cup of coffee into a stylish treat.
Unfortunately, unlike a collection of coins, mugs tend to take up quite a bit of space. We are all familiar with the messy kitchen cabinet where mugs end up getting stored, hoping there is still some space left for your next purchase. This is where a well-thought-out coffee mug display can come in handy. After all, your mugs are not only functional utensils, but their design makes them incredible pieces of decor that deserve to be showcased where you can see them every day!
In this post, we’ll see how to design a mug display area that can work with your coffee bar regardless of your style preferences or the space you have available. From basic tips for choosing the right setup to 10 inspirational displays and what you need to recreate them, get ready to make your mug collection the start of the show!
What to Consider When Designing A Coffee Mug Display
The very first thing you’ll want to consider during the planning phase is the size of your collection. Having a clear understanding of how many mugs you need to store, what their sizes are, and how much space you want to leave for future purchases are all important factors. Personally, I like to select a subset of my collection to keep out for display – this helps me rotate which mugs I use throughout the year, making it extra easy to store away my more basic pieces and even integrate some seasonal items when needed.
Secondly, make sure to measure how much weight support your display should provide. Especially if you’re looking for a wall-mounted solution, you’ll need sturdy materials and an excellent installation. The last thing you want is to watch your precious collection crushing onto the floor. Most commercial shelving solutions will work for this purpose, just be mindful of how many mugs you store on each shelf. If you’re building a full DIY piece, remember to stress test it well before placing all your ceramics. Extra wall anchors or a shelf reinforcer in tempered glass, wood, or metal are all great candidates to make your setup super safe.
Lastly, secure an easily accessible location for your display. This will not only provide a design that is as cute as it is functional but also minimize the chances of your mugs getting damaged as you try to use them over time. The ideal scenario is striking the right balance between accessibility and making sure your setup is shielded enough from daily high traffic that could lead to accidents.
10 Creative Coffee Mug Display Ideas
Opt for A Trendy & Cute Shelving Solution
Especially if your mug display is located in a high-visibility area like the living room or if your apartment has an open living concept, it’s important to look for a beautiful, decorative shelf. Something like a cute geometric shelving unit can be modern, easy to install, and provide a great neutral background to let your pieces shine.
I also think the combination of smaller and bigger nooks is a great element of visual interest that creates a natural focal point in the space. This could be a fantastic solution if you’re trying to fill out a blank wall or counterbalance a very busy kitchen counter. Truly a win-win solution!
Combine Different Items For An Efficient Coffee Mug Display
If you have a very large collection, it may be best to combine different display solutions. Having multiple storage options available will allow you to keep more of your pieces within reach and prevent some mugs from being forgotten in the back of a cabinet.
Naturally, the best way to achieve this is by taking full advantage of the vertical space you have available. Why limit yourself to a display on your counter when even the space underneath your cabinets can be used?
Get creative with how you combine different storage systems and leverage the variety of solutions to keep your mugs extra organized. You will also want to make sure you’re taking full advantage of the different heights, textures, and materials to make your design feel even more curated.
Embrace Bold Colors And DIY Your Design
If you’ve been reading the blog for some time, you know that I am a fan of bold colors. I think they are an often-forgotten tool to bring personality into a space in the name of neutrality and safer choices. The same holds for your coffee mug display.
Whether you’re opting for a full DIY solution or want to upgrade a beautiful thrift store/antique find, don’t shy away from a beautiful shape that can help turn your mug collection into a small design statement. Of course, make sure to opt for a shade that can nicely complement the pieces you already own rather than overpower them. After all, your mugs should be the center of attention, not the self they are placed on.
YOUR NEXT READ: If you want to integrate more colors into your kitchen, check out this post for the latest kitchen cabinet color trends!
Keep Your Coffee Mug Display Simple & Classic
Sometimes less is more, and this design is a perfect example of that! If your home is simple but timeless, consider investing in a wooden display shelf. Letting the natural wooden tones shine through and forgoing other decorative elements will let your mugs take center stage.
This is also a great choice if you think you’ll be changing the color of your walls or the type of decor you have in your home down the line. The inherent neutrality of wood and the simple lines of a piece like this make it extra versatile. I love a sustainable solution that can stand the test of time and evolve with your taste and home!
Invest In A Timeless, Space-Saving Piece
If your collection is more limited, perhaps a small counter display is all you need. A tree stand, in particular, can introduce a fun element of design while keeping your storage vertical. This is something I currently have on my coffee bar wish list as my apartment kitchen has very limited counter space but I can’t go for a wall-mounted solution!
This accessory is also perfect if you’re working with a boho or contemporary, organic space. In a wooden shade, it’s easy to pair with other decor and matches well the warm tones of textured ceramics. A black, matte version can instead be better for a more modern or minimalist coffee bar.
You could even use this a a hi light display for your favorite mugs while the rest of your collection is stored away. I can totally see this on a mobile coffee cart – great for entertaining!
Embrace The Intentional Clutter Look
Curated chaos is part of the charm of a collection. You know, the same vibes as the cluttered but effortlessly elegant home of a classy grandma. Keeping your collection all in one area will also ensure you can easily have access to all your pieces in one go.
In this case, I would recommend opting for a practical tiered tray. This will keep your mug display limited to a specific spot while allowing you the ability to intentionally stack your favorite pieces to display. A lazy Susan could work even better in terms of accessibility.
Opt For Sleek Finishes For A Modern Coffee Mug Display
You just can’t go wrong with a sleek, floating shelf. It’s simple, chic, and modern without being too trendy.
This design is also a great example of how the right shelving can truly help you highlight your mugs and turn them into beautiful decor. For instance, in this case, black complements some of the pieces while providing a stark contrast that lets light shades and pastels really shine.
Spend some time evaluating your color options – something even more colorful may be right for your space!
Organize Your Display By Style
This is the perfect setup for all my type-A readers (hello fellow organizers, fancy to meet you here). For the ultimate organization system, split your mug displays by categories.
You can combine different accessories to keep your pieces arranged according to color, style, degree of formality, etc. The options are truly endless!
Opt For A Farmhouse, Rustic Design
Simple, rustic shelves are a beautiful piece to include in your farmhouse mug wall. While relatively basic, these shelves are full of character and can pair beautifully with wooden kitchen cabinetry.
Of course, given how open this solution is, you’ll need to be extra careful in how you set up your mugs. Stack them carefully and ensure there is plenty of space between them in order to avoid accidents as you move your pieces around through daily usage.
Use Your Mug Collection As Counter/Wall Decor
One of the best ways to take all the stress out of designing a coffee mug display is to embrace simple but impactful solutions. Don’t overcomplicate things!
For example, that pot rack that is already above your stove? Purchase a few cheap hooks and have it double as a mug rail. A small wooden display shelf is the perfect way to showcase your espresso cups right on your kitchen counter.
These ideas are perfect if you’re looking for fast and low-commitment projects. Renters, I am talking to you!
To Conclude
This post showed you the best coffee mug display ideas!
Whether you have a massive collection you want to organize or are simply looking for a fun complement to your coffee bar, a mug display is a great design project for your home. As you settle on the best solution for your space, remember to keep into account your mug collection size, the weight support you’ll need, and the location of your setup.
Make sure to choose a style that can seamlessly blend with your existing decor and leave enough space for future purchases. This is a functional area that should grow with you over time!
Happy decorating! 😊
