Which coffee mug tree is best?
If you and members of your household drink plenty of coffee and tea on a daily basis, it’s a good idea to buy a coffee mug tree.
Coffee mug trees are a charming way to display your favorite mugs. Rather than cluttering up the kitchen, they optimize valuable counter space. Some designs go so far as to store other coffee- and tea-related items like sweeteners, stirrers or K-cups. If you’re looking for an accessible and attractive storage solution, a coffee mug tree is your best bet.
Our buying guide introduces you to various styles of coffee mug trees, plus we’re sharing a few recommendations at the end, including our top choice from , which features an ornate design that conveniently stores up to eight mugs at a time.
Considerations when choosing coffee mug trees
Type of storage
Before you begin comparing coffee mug trees, think about your motivation for buying one. If your main goal is saving space, your best option is a stacking design with a small footprint. If you’re buying a coffee mug tree for decorative purposes, select a finish or design that complements appliances or décor.
Mug sizes
It’s important to know the size of the mugs you intend to display, because unfortunately, not all coffee mug trees will accommodate them. This is a source of frustration, as the average coffee mug ranges in size from 8 to 16 ounces. Depending on how spread out the branches are, some trees may only hold mugs 10 ounces or smaller.
Coffee mug tree features
Materials
The majority of coffee mug trees are made of metal or wood. Metal coffee mug trees blend well with stainless steel appliances, while wooden trees complement cabinetry of the same finish. Metal trees may look too modern or out of place in many traditional kitchens, and wooden trees can appear outdated in modern ones.
Colors
Because coffee mug trees are designed to blend with décor, it’s common to find them in neutral colors or finishes. Metal trees usually have black, white, bronze or silver finishes. Wooden coffee mug trees can have a variety of stains or finishes that range from light tan to deep brown.
Accessory storage
Some coffee mug trees are designed to be more like full-service coffee stations with accessory storage. These designs feature baskets, shelves or drawers that hold K-cups, sweeteners or other coffee-related accessories. While coffee mug trees in this category have a larger footprint than regular trees, they’re worthwhile considering the space they save in other ways.
Coffee mug tree price
Simple coffee mug trees that hold six or fewer small mugs cost $15 or less. Mid-range coffee mug trees, many of which offer accessory storage, run between $15-$30. If you prefer a coffee mug tree that coordinates with your existing décor from a specific line, you may spend as much as $50.
Coffee mug tree FAQ
Q. Does it matter how I stack mugs on a coffee mug tree?
A. It depends on how stable its base is. If the base is somewhat lightweight, it’s best to hang the heaviest mugs toward the bottom. It’s also a good idea to pluck mugs from the top of the tree down to help it maintain its center of gravity.
Q. Where should I place a coffee mug tree?
A. Ideally, place the coffee mug tree near coffee and tea pots. This improves the flow of the kitchen around the coffee station. If you entertain with coffee or tea, you may wish to place the coffee mug tree in the space where you host guests, such as the dining room.
Coffee mug trees we recommend
Top coffee mug tree
What you need to know: This popular flat-back design can be pushed against the wall to save even more space.
What you’ll love: We like that this mug tree has a top wire basket to store K-cups. It has a low center of gravity and won’t tip over.
What you should consider: The design isn’t conducive to a collection of oversized mugs.
Top coffee mug tree for the money
What you need to know: This is a budget-friendly option if you need a mug tree with an extremely small footprint.
What you’ll love: The brushed bronze finish is resistant to rust. This mug tree can support medium-sized mugs. It’s available in multiple finishes.
What you should consider: It’s best to remove mugs from the top down to prevent them from toppling.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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