Try A Simple Coffee Mug Storage Idea If Your Cabinets Are Jam-Packed

You can tell a lot about a person from their mug collection. For instance, owning a set of cat-themed mugs is a clear indicator that you, well, like cats. An "I Heart New York" cup could hint that you've ticked this city off your ever-growing travel list. Or maybe your style is simple and minimalist, reflected in your choice of neutral drinkware. Regardless, it's way too easy to accumulate mugs, and before you know it, they're taking over your kitchen. The good news? Something as simple as a couple of floating shelves can keep them in check. They're (mostly) easy to install, as well.

You'll need to drill your walls for this project. So, if you're renting, be sure to check with your landlord before grabbing a drill or hammer. On the plus side, it can turn the dead space above your kitchen sink into a useful storage solution (if that spot is windowless). You can also mount your shelves in an empty corner, above your coffee station, or over your refrigerator if you're tight on wall space. But perhaps the best part is that this setup can accommodate a large number of cups. You can even stack one mug on top of the other to maximize the space on your open shelving from top to bottom.

First things first — choose your shelves. You can either DIY floating shelves that are strong enough to hold kitchen supplies or buy ready-to-install ones. There are so many other designs to pick from beyond the typical wooden, minimalist look. Let's say you're worried your mugs might topple over or get knocked off when you're rushing to make your coffee in the morning. Boom: a set of floating shelves with rails can help. Alternatively, maybe you'd prefer a ledge with hooks on the bottom to double the storage. Or, why not take a cue from TikTok user @hello.vivz and use clear shelving so the full focus is on your mug collection?

Next comes installing the shelves. With a stud finder in one hand and a power drill in the other, screw your shelf brackets (aka the metal hardware) into the wall studs. Brackets on units like the Wengus Heavy Duty Blind Shelf Support may be hidden, or hardware such as J brackets will be visible as the metal rods seem to cradle your shelf. Either way, slide the board over the bracket to secure it in place.

Finally, arrange your mugs any way you like. Color-coordinate them, line them from most-loved to least-used, or categorize by theme, whether seasonal, travel-related, or limited edition. If you still have room, finish things off with some greenery, a coffee sign or two, your canister sets, or flat trays for a cozy touch.