Kitchens need to be comfortable and organized in order to be a place where people want to spend their time. Whether you have lots of space to work with or you’re limited on counter and cabinet storage, kitchen items that provide functionality and versatility are the only ones that are going to make the cut. That’s why we love using a mug rack that saves space, adds convenience and works as a décor piece.
The best mug racks help to free up both counter and cabinet space by attaching to the wall or under cabinets. Providing an alternative area to store mugs, users now have more space for other dishes in their cabinets. For coffee and tea drinkers, mug racks also conveniently place their favorite mugs within arm’s reach of their coffee maker or teapot. We also like that mug racks are out in the open and put mugs on display, adding a finished look to a kitchen with matching modern mugs or a touch of flair with a collection of kitschy cups from around the world.
Mug racks can also be used to hang kitchen utensils, keys, tea towels, oven mitts and aprons. It’s not easy to pass the kitchen test and get a permanent place in one of the most used rooms in the home, but we think these mug racks are worth it.
1. Fox Run Expanding Beechwood Coffee Mug Wall Rack
For users who have a lot of mugs to store, we recommend the Fox Run Expanding Beechwood Coffee Mug Wall Rack. The rack includes enough hooks to hold up to 13 mugs. Made from natural rubber wood for added durability, the Fox Run can be adjusted based on space requirements and has a maximum extension length of 3.5 feet. The rack can be installed in its natural state or users can paint the rack to match their kitchen décor. A matching letter key rack and paper towel holder are also available from the company.
Pros: The Fox Run collapses flat for easy storage when not in use.
Cons: Installing the rack vertically allows for users to hang 13 full-sized mugs at once, which may be difficult if the rack is installed horizontally. Users should add extra screws to hold the weight of mugs.
2. EMAISON Coffee Mug Holder
Add rustic charm to your kitchen with a mug holder from EMAISON. Featuring a distressed and weathered design with the word ‘coffee’ printed at the top, the EMAISON mug holder has enough room to hold eight mugs at once. Made using solid pine wood, the EMAISON hooks are spaced four inches apart to allow for enough room to hang full-sized mugs.
Pros: The EMAISON mug holder is available in a neutral white and gray to match a wide variety of kitchen decors.
Cons: The hardware required to install the mug rack is not included.
3. Alliebe Storage Hooks
Save cabinet and counter space with the versatile Alliebe Storage Hooks. The smart storage hooks fit over the bottom of a cabinet and include a screw for secure installation and a small piece of plastic to protect the cabinet. Each rack has enough space to hold six mugs and the Alliebe hooks can also be used to hang kitchen utensils, tea towels and oven mitts. The sturdy rack can handle up to 3 kg or 6.6 pounds. We also like that the rack can be used inside the cabinet for additional hanging space in tall cabinets.
Pros: The racks shown here come in a set of three and are available in black or white to match kitchen cabinets.
Cons: The Alliebe only works for shelves with a max thickness of 2.2 cm or 0.86 inches. The hooks are placed close together and depending on the size of the mug, users may not be able to use each hook.
4. Love-KANKEI Floating Shelf Wall
Move mugs out of the way and get extra storage space using the Love-KANKEI Floating Shelf Wall. The versatile rack and shelf combo includes a floating shelf that can be used to store extra mugs, coffee tins, tea bags or decorative items. The shelf comes with a long black metal bracket and rod as well as eight matching hooks that can be used to hang mugs or removed and used to hang paper towel rolls or tea towels. Made from solid wood, the shelf has a torched finish and combines industrial and rustic charm. Thanks to an impressive 40-pound weight limit, the Love-KANKEI is a versatile piece that can be used in the kitchen or the bathroom.
Pros: The Love-KANKEI comes in carbonized black, shown here, as well as natural, weathered black and weathered gray.
Cons: Assembly is required. The hooks have a tendency of falling off the rod if items aren’t placed on them carefully.