How to Store Mugs in a Small Kitchen With Limited Cabinet Space: Clever Solutions That Actually Work
You open your cabinet, and a mug tumbles out—followed by two more—because they were wedged in so tightly you couldn’t grab one without causing an avalanche. Mugs are bulky, awkward to stack, and seem to multiply overnight. The good news is that you don’t need more cabinets to store them. This guide will show you the best way to store mugs in a small kitchen with limited cabinet space, so everything fits and stays easy to grab.
TL;DR
Storing mugs in a small kitchen is all about thinking beyond the cabinet shelf. The most effective strategies are using vertical space—hang mugs under cabinets, on walls with pegboards or racks, or on the side of cabinets. Repurpose what you already have: use a drawer for mug storage, install hooks under a shelf, or use a lazy Susan in a deep cabinet. Before trying any solution, do a quick audit of your collection and keep only the mugs you actually use.
Key Takeaways
- Move Mugs Out of Cabinets: Mugs don’t need to live in cabinets. Wall space, drawer space, and even the space above your fridge can hold them.
- Hang Them for Easy Access: Hooks under cabinets, on walls, or on pegboards are space-efficient and let you see your mugs at a glance .
- Repurpose What You Own: Drawers, lazy Susans, and even kitchen roll holders can become mug storage with zero cost .
- Adjust Cabinet Shelves: If you keep mugs in cabinets, move shelves to fit mug heights and add hooks under shelves for double storage .
- Audit Your Collection: Before buying any storage solution, go through your mugs and get rid of ones you never use.
The Real Challenges of Mug Storage
Mugs are tricky because they’re bulky, have handles that get in the way, and don’t stack well unless they’re a matching set. In a small kitchen with limited cabinet space, they quickly become a storage headache. The solution isn’t buying more cabinets—it’s changing where and how you store them.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Mugs in a Small Kitchen
Here is a practical plan to free up cabinet space and keep your mugs accessible.
Step 1: Audit Your Mug Collection
Before you try any storage solution, go through your mugs. This is the most important step for any small space. Be honest: which mugs do you actually use? Those promotional mugs from 2015 and the chipped one you keep “just in case” are taking up valuable real estate . If you truly can’t bear to part with them, store them outside the kitchen—in a living room cabinet or on a bookshelf.
Step 2: Hang Mugs Under Cabinets
This is one of the simplest and most effective solutions for small kitchens . Install small screw hooks on the underside of your upper cabinets. This uses the dead space between the shelf and the counter, keeps mugs accessible, and doesn’t take up any shelf space.
How to do it: Use decorative hooks with a threaded screw base. Drill a shallow pilot hole into the underside of the cabinet shelf, then screw in the hooks. Leave enough space between hooks so mugs don’t bump into each other . If you’re a renter, look for hook brackets that slide over the front edge of the shelf without tools or damage.
Step 3: Go Vertical with Walls and Pegboards
When cabinet space is limited, blank walls are a lifesaver . A wall-mounted vertical mug rack with hooks takes up almost no space and doubles as decor . You can install one on the side of a cabinet, between cabinetry and a doorway, or on any small wall.
Alternative: Use a pegboard. It’s sturdy, flexible, and customizable—you can adjust the hooks to fit different mug sizes . Pegboards also work well for renters, but make sure you mount them securely with screws, not just adhesive, since mugs can be heavy .
Another option: DIY a wire mug display using cooling racks from a dollar store. It’s inexpensive and lets you showcase your favorite mugs as decor .
Step 4: Use Drawers for Mug Storage
This is one of the most overlooked storage solutions . If you have a deep drawer, lay your mugs on their sides or stand them upright. A drawer gives you full visibility—no more digging through a dark cabinet to find the right mug.
Pro tip: Add a protective drawer liner to cushion the mugs and keep them from sliding. Drawer dividers can separate different sizes . Place the drawer under your coffee maker for a neat coffee station.
Step 5: Repurpose What You Already Have
You don’t need to buy expensive organizers. Here are some free or budget-friendly ideas:
- Lazy Susan: Place mugs on a turntable in a deep cabinet. A quick spin brings everything to the front .
- Kitchen roll holder: Attach one vertically to a wall with a Command strip and slide mugs onto it .
- Mug tree: Use a classic mug tree to display 3-4 mugs on a counter—it takes up less space than a cabinet stack .
- Hooks on cabinet doors: Install a few hooks on the inside or outside of a cabinet door for extra hanging space.
Step 6: Adjust Your Cabinet Shelves
If you keep mugs in cabinets, make sure you’re using the space efficiently. Most cabinets have adjustable shelves . Move a shelf up or down to match the height of your mugs—short mugs need less space, freeing up room above for another tier of cups . If you have a glass-front cabinet, hooks under the shelf let you hang mugs on display without extra counter space.
Step 7: Use the Space Above Your Fridge
The space above your refrigerator is often unused . If your coffee station is nearby, you can store overflow mugs there in a basket or crate. Just make sure the fridge isn’t too high for easy access—you don’t want to use a step ladder for your morning coffee.
Quick Reference: Mug Storage Solutions for Small Kitchens
| Solution | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Hooks under cabinets | Any kitchen | Uses dead space, frees up shelves |
| Wall-mounted racks | Kitchens with wall space | Keeps mugs accessible and visible |
| Pegboards | Renters, flexible storage | Adjustable hooks, customizable |
| Drawers | Kitchens with deep drawers | Full visibility, easy access |
| Lazy Susan | Deep cabinets | Brings mugs to the front |
| Above the fridge | Overflow storage | Uses unused vertical space |
| Mug tree | Countertops | Small footprint, decorative |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store mugs in a small kitchen with limited cabinet space?
Hang them! Install hooks under your upper cabinets, on a wall rack, or on a pegboard. This frees up shelf space while keeping mugs accessible and visible.
How can I store mugs without drilling holes?
Use a mug tree on your counter, a drawer organizer, or slide-on hook brackets that fit over cabinet shelves. Command strips can also hold lightweight hooks for a few mugs.
What if I have too many mugs for my small kitchen?
Do a mug audit and keep only the ones you use. Store sentimental or extra mugs outside the kitchen—on a living room shelf, in a bedroom, or in a storage box. Rotate them seasonally if you want to enjoy them all.
How do I stack mugs safely to save space?
Stack smaller mugs inside larger ones, or place one upside down on top of another with a saucer or coaster between them to prevent scratches and chips.
Can I use the space above my fridge for mugs?
Yes, it’s a great spot for overflow mug storage. Place them in a basket or crate to keep them tidy, and make sure the fridge is close to your coffee station so they’re easy to grab.
References
Smart Solutions for Small Kitchen Mug Storage:
- House Digest – The Smart And Simple Mug Storage Solution That’s Perfect For Small Kitchens
- Tasting Table – Why There’s Simply No Need To Store Mugs In Cabinets Anymore
- Hunker – The Genius Hack You Need When Storing Coffee Mugs
- Abby’s Abode – Coffee Mug Storage Ideas for Small Kitchens
Mugs don’t have to take over your cabinets. By thinking vertically—hanging them under shelves, on walls, or in drawers—you can free up valuable space and keep your favorite mugs within easy reach. The key is choosing a solution that fits your kitchen layout and your collection size. Start with a quick mug audit, pick one or two of these ideas, and reclaim your cabinet space today.
Which kitchen problem do you want solved next? Share your thoughts in the comments.
