9 DIY Coffee Mug Décor Projects To Add Style To Your Home

Broken mugs don't need to go in the garbage. There are various ways you can create eye-catching décor using old ceramic mugs. This isn't only for your cracked and chipped mugs either. We've rounded up some DIY coffee mug décor projects to repurpose any of the cups that you simply don't want to use for coffee and tea. Damaged mugs, extra mugs, and questionable thrifted mugs (antique or vintage crockery may cause lead exposure) can all be given a new life. These DIY ideas are also fabulous for sentimental mugs that you want to put on display rather than just use for your morning cup of joe.

While there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose coffee mugs around the house, this article focuses on décor. We've rounded up some DIY décor projects to put these pieces to good use and liven up your home at the same time. Requiring no more than a few materials and tools, these projects are great for all skill levels. Grab a coffee cup and get creating with these fun mug décor ideas.

Even the most smashed-up coffee mugs are suitable for this DIY. In fact, if your mug is too intact, you'll need to break it up with an old rag and a hammer! Make sure to wear heavy-duty gloves and eye protection for this step. This project uses the shards of ceramic from a broken coffee mug to make a mosaic top. A step not mentioned in the video is that you may want to use a grout sealer. Don't have a side table? You can get creative, choosing different bases to mosaic, like trays, square plant pots — or a plain piece of plywood to DIY some mosaic wall art. 

This is one of the easiest DIY coffee mug projects on the list. You'll hardly have to change the mug itself. It's important for it to be intact for this project (though a few little chips or hairline cracks are alright). Use the mug as a small planter that's perfect for cozy and eclectic décor. It's a must to drill a couple of holes in the bottom of the planter for water drainage, unless you opt for houseplants that don't need drainage. And of course, since it's a tight container, choose plants that are suitable for small pots. 

If you have a few matching mugs that you want to repurpose, this is the perfect project. It attaches a set of cups onto a wooden base; if you're using ceramic mugs, you might need to make the base sturdier to support them, and consider using cup hooks instead of cable clips. You'll also need to drill a hole in the mug bottoms before you start. For better drainage, we'd advise placing your holes toward the side away from the mug handles. Plant herbs in each one and place it on your kitchen counter. To help, here are some tips to make a countertop herb garden.

Display some favorite mugs in the garden with this eclectic planter. Fast-setting concrete creates the base. You can use a product like Sakrete 50-lb Fast Setting Concrete Mix which costs $6.91 from Lowe's. You can make the base any size and shape; the easiest is to set it in a rectangular cardboard box like in this video. Before you set the mugs into the concrete base, make sure to drill some holes in the bottom of each for water drainage. Carbide-tipped or diamond drill tips are ideal for ceramic, and you can get an assortment of sizes from Lowe's for $19.98.

This kitschy floating coffee cup project from @diywithnadia is the perfect décor piece to add personality to a hot beverage station. You'll need your coffee mug, a saucer, and an old fork, all attached with hot glue and E6000 (or another strong craft adhesive). You can also use craft pebbles to add bulk to the project before gluing on the coffee beans. The finished project only takes up as much space as a saucer, so it's even suitable for a coffee corner in a small apartment.

A coffee mug is naturally a good vessel for a candle — it's made to hold up to hot temperatures. The mug has to be in decent condition for this DIY. You will be pouring hot wax into the cup, so it's important that there aren't any leaks. Follow the lead of this video from @lizfenwickdiy and grab soy wax and wicks to create your candle. You can also pick up a candle-making kit that already has these materials, like the Hearth & Harbor Soy Candle Wax Kit for $15.61 on Amazon.

Transform old coffee mugs into a stylish centerpiece by essentially turning a cup into a vase. This video from @emmalinerosefloral shows how a pretty coffee mug can make a charming vase for a bouquet. The end result looks less formal than a traditional base, so it's perfect for casual, cottage-style settings. Since mugs tend to have shorter sides, you may need something inside to support the blooms. You can use a wire ball, like this flexible flower cage for $11.99 on Amazon. You can also make your own with some soft wire, such as poultry mesh.

The coziness of coffee mugs is perfect for the winter season. This video from @cozy_in_georgia sticks a mini Christmas tree in each mug and lines them around other decorations to create adorable winter décor. Use cups that fit the theme: green and red for Christmas, blue and white for winter in general, and you can throw a plaid or other homey pattern in the mix for added interest. If you want to go one step further, you could even fill your mugs with faux snow (you can get 10.6 ounces on Amazon for $9.99).

This last DIY is practical as well as decorative. If you have an adorable mug that's fallen victim to a broken handle or one too many chips, you can use it as a holder around the house. @pursuitofcraftiness_ drills a hole into the bottom of the mug so it can drain, making it suitable as a sink-side holder. Use it to contain toothbrushes by the bathroom basin, dishwashing brushes by the kitchen sink, or perched near the dish drying rack for cutlery.