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Need a better way to organize a growing coffee mug collection? Jordan built this wall-mounted DIY mug shelf for my sister’s Rae Dunn mugs, with individual cubbies and metal rods across the front to keep everything in place. Follow the original measurements, diagrams and step-by-step tutorial to build your own coffee cup display.

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My sister had a growing Rae Dunn mug collection and one small problem: she was running out of places to put them.

So she asked Jordan if he could build a wall-mounted mug shelf that would get the collection off the counter while still keeping her favorite mugs on display. He came up with this simple wood cubby design and added metal rods across the front for a little extra security.

Years later, I still love this project because it works for so much more than Rae Dunn mugs. If you collect coffee cups, seasonal mugs or just want to free up cabinet space, you can use the same plans to create a display that fits your kitchen and your collection.

The original shelf took Jordan about an afternoon to build. Below you’ll find the measurements, diagrams and steps we used so you can make your own.

 

 

How to Make a DIY Mug Shelf

Step 1: Cut and Prep the Boards

Using the diagram below, cut your 1″x 6″x 8′ boards. You won’t want the mug holder to be the full 5.5″ deep, so you’ll need to rip it down to 4.5.”

 Step 2: Drill the Holes for the Metal Rods

Then mark your drill holes 1″ above each level, 3/8″ from the front edge of the board. Drill your rod holes using a 5/16″ bit. You will drill through the entire board for the inner 2 boards. For the outer boards, only drill 1/2  through (you don’t want to see any holes on the outer sides).

Step 3: Prepare the Keyhole Hangers

Once your boards are drilled, you’ll want to measure the keyhole hanger, about 3″ from the top of the board. Since the forstner bit is 5/8″, it’s important to very carefully drill into the wood, as it’s only about 3/4″ wide! Use the bit to remove the wood from the top and bottom for the hanger. Use a small chisel to remove some wood in between.

Optional: You can install your keyhole hangers now, or wait until you’re finished.

Dry fit your boards to make sure they look straight!

 

Step 4: Assemble the Mug Shelf

Next you will want to start joining your boards! To make it easier, use a right angle clamp. Your pocket holes should always be on the bottom of each level so that when you are looking at it (and empty of mugs), you don’t see any pocket holes. Always down.

Jordan created these diagrams to help you fit the pieces together.

You can see that it’s easier to assemble in inner sections once your outer box is joined.

DO NOT Complete the assembly until you read the next step about installing the metal rod!

To make it as easy as possible, fill in your Kreg plugs and sand them down prior to installing the metal rod. This leaves you with the most room to move around and sand the plugs.

Step 5: Install the Metal Rods

As you’ll piece it together, you’ll end up with one open side. Install the metal rod here. Cut the rod to 21″ for each level.

Simply thread it through the holes and finish the assembly by joining the remaining exterior piece.

 

Step 6: Sand, Stain and Seal the Shelf

Once your mug holder is assembled, lightly sand it down along the edges using an orbital sander.

Then, stain it and apply a sealer. We always choose our go-to stain color and sheen.

Step 7: Hang Your Mug Shelf

Lastly, drill in your keyhole hangers if you didn’t do it in the first few steps!

How to Safely Hang Your Mug Shelf

Remember that the finished shelf will be heavier once you fill it with ceramic mugs. Choose mounting hardware appropriate for your wall and the total loaded weight of the shelf.

Whenever possible, secure the shelf into wall studs. If your mounting points don’t line up with studs, use wall anchors rated appropriately for your wall type and the weight you’re supporting.

Because wall materials and mounting situations vary, follow the instructions and weight ratings for the hardware you’re using rather than relying on the shelf’s keyhole hangers alone.

Can You Make the Mug Shelf Bigger or Smaller?

 Absolutely. These plans show the dimensions we used for my sister’s nine-mug display, but there’s nothing special about a 3-by-3 layout.

Before cutting your boards, measure the mugs you actually want to display. Note the height and width of your largest mug, including the handle, and leave enough room to easily lift each mug in and out of its cubby.

You can also add or remove rows to fit your collection. One reader even commented that she used our tutorial to make a version that holds 16 mugs, so the basic design is easy to adapt.

What This DIY Mug Shelf Cost Us to Build

When we originally built this mug shelf, our out-of-pocket material cost was $19.65, since we already had stain and sealer on hand.

Lumber and hardware prices have changed quite a bit since then, so use our original cost as a reference rather than a current project estimate. Your total will depend on current material prices and which tools and finishing supplies you already own.

• Boards: $9.50
• Kreg Plugs: $3
• Metal Rod: $5.40
• Keyhole Hangers: $1.75
• Stain & Poly (used leftovers)
• Total Cost: $19.65

 

Once the boards are cut and prepped, this DIY mug shelf comes together pretty quickly. The pocket-hole construction keeps the assembly approachable, while the metal rods give the finished shelf a little extra character and help keep the mugs securely in place.

Our original shelf was designed for my sister’s Rae Dunn collection, but the same plans can work for seasonal mugs, souvenir coffee cups or any collection you’d rather display than hide in a cabinet.

Just remember to measure your mugs before you start, adjust the cubbies if needed, and use mounting hardware that’s appropriate for the weight of your finished shelf.

 

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