Now that you’ve most likely set up your perfect home coffee bar with all the best coffee flavors and syrups, you need to focus on the next important item on your list: coffee mugs!
Coffee mugs are genuinely one of our most favorite items to talk about when it comes to coffee accessories. At least for us, it is one of the most personal pieces of any coffee bar. This is one of the best areas of your space to allow your personality to shine.
In this blog post, we’ll take you through all of our favorite types of mugs for a home coffee bar, how to choose them, where to find them, and more.
And if you enjoy this post, you should definitely check out this one, which is all about coffee bar accessories that will pull your whole setup together!
Why Your Mugs Are the Most Important Part of Your Coffee Bar
First up, let’s talk a little bit about why mugs are so important to the setup of your home coffee bar.
Like we said previously about, mugs are the most visible and most personal element of your coffee bar. Everything else is really the background.
They’re the perfect functional decor piece, and you know we love a good piece of functional decor around here. They pull double duty by being a comforting, cozy way to drink your coffee as well as elevating the aesthetic of your setup.
Another great thing about mugs is their affordability. It is so cheap and easy to switch up your mugs. You can easily swap out mugs for different seasons and holidays without breaking the bank. A spooky Halloween mug in the fall, a cozy plaid on for winter, and a floral one in spring is all you need.
The Best Types of Mugs for Your Home Coffee Bar
1. Classic White Ceramic Mugs
If you’re just starting out in your coffee mug collection, a classic white ceramic mug is the best option. They’re the most versatile and popular. They look great with any setup or background, regardless of color palette.
2. Cozy Stoneware Mugs
Maybe you already have a few white ceramic mugs and you’re looking to upgrade a little. Some cozy stoneware mugs are a great option. They have this handmade quality that feels both homey and warm. If your style is a little more farmhouse or cottagecore, stoneware mugs would be the perfect option.
3. Aesthetic Display Mugs
If you’re someone who is really into an aesthetic coffee setup, then you should definitely focus on also having some aesthetic display mugs to match. These are the coffee mugs that are almost too pretty to use. They’re the perfect functional decor pieces.
These mugs usually have hand-painted florals or delicate details that you might not find at your local home goods store.
4. Personalized or Custom Mugs
A personalized or custom mug adds the most unique personal touch to any home coffee bar setup. Your name, a phrase that makes you laugh, or something that just feels like you are all mugs that become genuinely irreplaceable.
5. Seasonal or Holiday Mugs
If there’s one thing we love, it’s a good seasonal or holiday-related mug. It’s a cheap and fun way to celebrate the changing seasons. It really keeps your home coffee station feeling fresh and intentional all year long.
And the best part is that these are usually some of the most affordable mugs you can find and they are SO fun to pick out!
6. Large Oversized Mugs
This is a great option for people who need their coffee in large volumes. (No judgement because we are also those people). A big oversized mug is both functional and makes a great statement on your coffee bar setup.
7. Latte Mugs or Glass Coffee Cups
Latte mugs or glass coffee cups are super popular right now. They are so fun because it allows you to have a little bit of fun, turning your coffee into an aesthetic experience. If you really like making lattes or other espresso-based drinks, one of these mugs might work best for you.
8. Dark or Moody Mugs
If you’re someone with a little bit more of a dramatic flair to your style, then a dark or moody mug would work perfectly for you. Popular colors include matte black, navy, and charcoal stoneware.
If you’re a little over the beige-ness of social media and need more dark and cozy vibes, this is a great option.
9. Travel Mugs (that look good on display)
Unfortunately, not every morning can be a relaxing one, where you can sit down with your coffee and enjoy it. (For us, most mornings are not like this).
Everyone needs a beautiful travel mug that looks just as good sitting on your coffee bar as it does in your hand on your way to school or the office.
How to Choose the Best Mugs for Your Coffee Bar Aesthetic
1. Match your mug to your existing coffee station color palette
A really easy way to choose mugs is just based on your color palette. If your coffee bar is all warm creams and wood tones, then white ceramic and stoneware mugs will work perfectly together.
If your coffee bar setup is a little more black matte and moody, then go with black or deep-toned mugs. Or maybe you like a little bit of contrast with your dark setup, then you could choose some fun pops of color. Choose whatever fits your vibe the best!
2. Think about how you’ll use them
When choosing the best mugs for your aesthetic, think about how they’re going to “live” on your coffee bar. Are you planning on hanging them up or are you going to stack them? Do you have enough space to line them up?
However you’re planning on displaying your mugs can influence which ones you’ll buy. For example, if you’re looking to stack mugs, then you’ll want mugs with a flat, stable base. And if you’re planning on lining them up, it usually looks better if they’re all the same height.
3. Consider your coffee habits
Think about what kind of coffee you actually drink on a daily basis. There’s nothing worse than being someone who needs at least 16oz of drip coffee and you’re stuck with mugs that don’t fit that amount. Make sure your mugs fit your needs!
4. Buy fewer mugs
Listen, this might be the most hypocritical piece of advice based on the source (we’re the problem), but it’s important! Buy the mugs that you love and need and not ones that are just fine. You will quickly run out of room for more mugs that you love because you wanted to grab a few that you like.
Where to Find the Best Mugs for a Home Coffee Bar
1. Etsy
Etsy is one of our favorite places to find mugs. This is a great option if you’re looking for unique pieces, such as personalized mugs, handmade stoneware, and one-of-a-kind drinkware. We will always champion this site for all the small business owners on there.
2. Amazon
This is a little bit of a contrast from our previous option, but let’s be honest, sometimes we need the cheaper option. Amazon provides a lot of cheaper options that fit almost any budget. You will find plenty of white ceramic mugs, glass mugs, and other affordable options.
3. HomeGoods and TJ Maxx
If your budget is small, but you refuse to shop on Amazon, these small home goods stores are the best! The inventory is constantly changing so it’s not the most consistent selection, but you’re bound to find something for cheap here. We love these options for seasonal cups.
Unfortunately, HomeGoods does not offer online shopping, but TJ Maxx does!
4. Anthropologie
Let’s say you have a bigger budget than usual and are looking for some gorgeous mugs. We would tell you to head straight to Anthropologie. Their mugs feel more elevated than other stores, and you can definitely see it in the price point.
5. Crate & Barrel
We added this to the list solely due to this double-insulated mug. This is one of our favorite mugs of all time. I’ve never had an open mug that insulates coffee so well. From personal experience, just be careful when washing them around other utensils.
6. Pottery Barn
Another great place to buy mugs from if you have the budget is Pottery Barn. They have a broad selection from more expensive stoneware to decorative, seasonal options. We love checking them for their holiday-specific drinkware.
7. Thrift stores
Thrift stores are definitely the most underrated place to buy mugs on this list. If you really like your mugs to have character or you love that vintage look, searching the thrift stores would be the best option for you!
The Best Mugs for Every Budget
Under $15
If you’re looking to find some mugs for $15 and under, you should search the thrift stores, your local home goods stores like Target or Amazon. You’ll find your basis ceramic mugs and some fun seasonal ones in this price range.
$15-40
This is where you’ll find a majority of coffee mugs, thankfully. You’ll see sets of mugs, quality stoneware sets, glass mugs, and a lot of your standard coffee mug options. You can find these kinds almost anywhere.
$40+
You’ll find yourself in this more expensive price range in stores such as Anthropologie or Pottery Bar as well as when ordering something personalized off of Etsy. These are the mugs you save up for and keep forever.
Your Perfect Mug Collection Is Out There
When it comes to mugs, the most important thing is that it works for you. The best mugs for your home coffee bar are the ones that make you smile when you reach for them, the ones that make you feel at home.
And for you, that could be a simple white ceramic mug or a spooky Halloween mug. Whatever it is, as long as it’s perfect for you, it’s the perfect mug.
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