Repurpose An Old Breadbox For The Perfect Coffee Bar & Mug Storage

No matter how large and sprawling they are, kitchen countertops somehow always end up looking utterly cluttered and cramped. Without the right organizational tools, it's simply too easy to let your appliances and belongings fill every inch of available space — especially the items you use fairly often, which need to be out all the time. If your coffee habit is getting in the way of a tidy kitchen, or if you're ready to upgrade from your current breadbox, this DIY coffee bar project is for you!

This smart trick, which repurposes a breadbox for clutter-free counters, only takes a few minutes, and it's an affordable way to enhance your morning coffee routine. Since you can customize the design and materials to fit your kitchen style and your budget, this project is perfect for any home. Whether you have an old breadbox you're excited to repurpose or you've picked one up during your latest trip to the thrift store, use this project as a way to breathe new life into an old household item.

To turn a cluttered or awkward counter space into a stunning coffee bar using just a repurposed breadbox, begin by first determining which items you'd like to store. This project works best if you've got a specific set of mugs to display, and you'll achieve the best results when you store grounds and other ingredients in small containers that fit easily into the box alongside them. If you're thrifting a breadbox for this project, select your ideal shape and size box after you've chosen which items to store inside it. Try to choose one whose lid retracts into the interior of the box, or one that opens toward the bottom. This way, you preserve the top of the box for extra storage.

Next, attach hardware to your breadbox to transform it into a functional coffee bar. This could include small hooks to hang mugs from, lighting strips for the inside of the box, or dividers to keep things tidy. Depending on your usual coffee routine, you may not need to add anything at all — stick with the design that makes the most sense for you and your needs, and feel free to get creative with it. Finally, decorate your breadbox to your heart's desire and fill it with your grounds, pods, sugar, powdered creamer, mugs, and any other necessities. Place it near your coffee machine for an easy and organized morning flow and your kitchen will instantly feel much neater too.

The amount of work you put into customizing and decorating your new DIY coffee station will depend on its original appearance, the style of your kitchen itself, and, of course, your personal preferences. If you've inherited a stunning vintage breadbox that you can't bear to modify, use it as-is and enjoy the unique character it brings to your space. On the other hand, if you're ready for a change or are in the mood to really express yourself, there are plenty of ways to spruce up an old and otherwise boring breadbox.

Depending on what it's made from, you could use paints, wallpaper, and even papier mâché to add your own personal flair to your new DIY coffee bar. Chalk paint is a great way to give yourself space to change up your designs and lettering every now and then, too. If you're working with a smooth surface, use adhesive lettering or designs. Incorporate lighting inside the box and along the edges to guide your way to the coffee station in those early-morning hours when you're not quite ready for the full kitchen light!