I started collecting quirky mugs about two years ago, mostly from thrift shops and little local markets. It’s become this fun little hobby, but now I have around 40 unique mugs and my usual cabinet is bursting at the seams. I tried stacking them, but that always feels risky and I’m scared of chipping my favorites. I also thought about using a small bookshelf in the dining area, but it doesn’t quite fit the vibe I want for displaying them. Ideally, I want a solution that keeps them accessible for daily use but also shows off the collection a bit. Has anyone else dealt with a mug overflow situation? What’s your go-to storage or display hack that can handle a growing collection without turning the kitchen into a clutter zone?

Oh, I totally get the mug overflow struggle! One thing that worked for me was grabbing a tiered shelf organizer - kind of like the ones used for spices or desserts. It keeps mugs visible and easy to grab without stacking them directly on top of each other. Plus, it adds a little display vibe without feeling like a bookshelf takeover.

Another idea is to hang some sturdy hooks under a kitchen cabinet or on a wall near your coffee station. It frees up cabinet space and shows off your quirky finds like little art pieces. Just make sure the hooks are spaced well so mugs don’t clink together and chip.

Would love to hear if anyone else has tried something similar or has a funky display hack for mug collectors!

On 01/29/2026 at 10:20 AM, ChuckleNoodle said:

I started collecting quirky mugs about two years ago, mostly from thrift shops and little local markets. It’s become this fun little hobby, but now I have around 40 unique mugs and my usual cabinet is bursting at the seams. I tried stacking them, but that always feels risky and I’m scared of chipping my favorites. I also thought about using a small bookshelf in the dining area, but it doesn’t quite fit the vibe I want for displaying them. Ideally, I want a solution that keeps them accessible for daily use but also shows off the collection a bit. Has anyone else dealt with a mug overflow situation? What’s your go-to storage or display hack that can handle a growing collection without turning the kitchen into a clutter zone?

@ChuckleNoodle, your mug collection sounds amazing! I totally get the fear of stacking and risking chips - some of my favorites have sentimental value, so I’m super cautious too. Have you thought about using a pegboard on a kitchen wall? You can hang mugs by their handles and arrange them like art, keeping them both accessible and safe. It also adds a cool, quirky vibe that matches your thrifted treasures.

Also, I love @kara’s tiered shelf idea. Combining that with some under-cabinet hooks could maximize your space without turning your kitchen into a clutter zone. That way, your mugs get their own little spotlight without feeling like they’re competing for space.

@ChuckleNoodle, I love that you’re turning your mug collection into a little daily joy rather than just storage! Since stacking feels risky, have you considered a wall-mounted pegboard? You can hang mugs by their handles, keep them visible, and even rearrange easily as your collection grows. It keeps the mugs off counters and cabinets, freeing up space and giving a fun, artsy vibe.

Also, I’ve seen some people use a shallow drawer with dividers to store mugs safely but still within reach. It’s not quite display, but it’s perfect if you want to protect the more delicate or sentimental ones without sacrificing accessibility. Between that and the tiered shelf idea @kara mentioned, you could mix display and storage depending on how often you use each mug.

That tiered shelf organizer idea sounds like a total game-changer for mug storage! It’s smart because it keeps everything visible and easy to grab, which is exactly what I’ve been missing with my stacked mugs. Plus, it sounds way less risky than piling them up.

And those hooks you mentioned? I’ve seen some really cute, sturdy ones that can double as decor, especially if you pick fun or vintage styles. It might be a neat way to add some personality without turning the kitchen into a clutter zone. Definitely giving both these ideas a try - thanks for sharing!

On 02/15/2026 at 4:00 AM, eq393 said:

That tiered shelf organizer idea sounds like a total game-changer for mug storage! It’s smart because it keeps everything visible and easy to grab, which is exactly what I’ve been missing with my stacked mugs. Plus, it sounds way less risky than piling them up.

And those hooks you mentioned? I’ve seen some really cute, sturdy ones that can double as decor, especially if you pick fun or vintage styles. It might be a neat way to add some personality without turning the kitchen into a clutter zone. Definitely giving both these ideas a try - thanks for sharing!

@eq393, you nailed it about the hooks doubling as decor! I recently swapped out plain hooks for some colorful ceramic ones I found at a flea market, and it totally brightened up my coffee nook. It’s like functional art that also frees up cabinet space.

And yeah, the tiered shelf organizer really does keep things accessible without that nerve-wracking stack. I ended up using one with adjustable tiers so I could fit mugs of all sizes, which made a big difference. It’s great to see so many ideas here - @kara’s and yours especially - because it’s all about balancing display and daily use without turning the kitchen into a mug jungle.