How to Repurpose Old Coffee Mugs

Any old or broken objects lying around your house can be given a second chance at life, so it's important to reuse and recycle whenever you can.
How to Repurpose Old Coffee Mugs

Last update: 26 January, 2020

People tend to accumulate all kinds of kitchen equipment and utensils – none of which they ever actually use. This is often the case with coffee mugs and teacups. Believe it or not, repurposing old coffee mugs can be a great way to make handmade gifts, and practical household objects. In this article, we’ll show you some of the different ways you can repurpose old coffee mugs.

Over time, people often find they have a huge collection of coffee mugs cluttering up their cupboards, to the point where they’re just in the way. One effective solution to this problem is to recycle them. There are many reasons why you might want to get rid of your mugs: they’re chipped or cracked, they’re old, or you simply don’t have enough storage space.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a few different ways you can recycle and repurpose old mugs, and get your collection under control. This is just one way you can start using sustainable decorating practices in your home.

Repurposing old coffee mugs – plant pots

Tea cup planter.

One of the simplest and most beautiful ways you can repurpose your mugs is to use them as planters. And the best bit is, you don’t need to make any modifications to your mugs. All you need to do is transfer a small plant into the cup, and add the right type of soil.

You can use your mugs for any kind of plant you like. However, because mugs are generally smaller than the average plant pot, it’s best to choose plants that can adapt to a smaller sized container. For example, cacti can thrive in small spaces and don’t require a huge amount of care.

As you can see, converting a coffee mug into a plant pot is simple. It could even be a fantastic family activity, and a great way to keep young children entertained on a rainy day. You could even start a whole new collection of coffee cup planters.

In the world of interior design, creativity has no limits.

A stylish coffee mug lamp

Tea cup lampshades.

With a little imagination, almost any object can be turned into a charming and original lamp. So, why not a coffee mug? This might seem a bit complex at first, but once you see the final results, it’ll all be worth it.

There are a few different ways you can reuse your mugs and transform them into wonderful lamps.

  • One way to create a unique lamp is to replace your traditional lampshade with a coffee mug or teacup. You will need some basic tools for this project, including a drill and glue. But with a little time and effort, you can create a fantastic look.
  • Another way to repurpose your old mugs is to glue several together to create the base of your lampshade. This idea is a little more complex than the previous option, as you first have to glue the mugs together, before creating a hole for the cable.

Repurposing old mugs – romantic candle holders

Coffee mug candle holders.

Another innovative idea is to transform your mugs into beautiful candle holders. This is a really simple idea, as all you need to do is place the candle inside the mug.

The only thing you need to keep in mind is the color of your candle. For the perfect look, try to choose one that works in harmony with the color of your mug.

You can use these candle holders to give your rooms a softer and more romantic feel. They’ll combine perfectly with almost any room, whether they blend seamlessly into your decor, or help to add a touch of contrast.

Give your bedroom a romantic touch with these elegant mug candle holders.

Repurposing old coffee mugs - mosaic frame.

Sometimes breaking a mug can be a blessing in disguise, as it means you can free up some precious kitchen space. Other times, however, it means losing an item with great sentimental value. But despite what many people may think, you don’t need to throw your mug in the trash, even if it’s broken in pieces. There are still some great ways you can give your mug a new lease of life.

For example, you could transform a broken mug into the star of your next DIY project, and use it to create a mosaic.

This is a fantastic way to repurpose those broken pieces of ceramic or porcelain and reuse them in your interior decor. With a little imagination, you can create a decoration that’s chic, stylish and understated.


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


  • Asenzo, Matilde; Menzel, Nora: Reciclado de muebles y objetos, Albratros, 2003.