Repurpose Mug Trees (Thrift Store Finds)

By Lina | Recipe/DIY Content Creator

Nov 21, 2013 @ 1:55 PM MST

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Mug Trees Hip2Save

I’m a huge fan of thrift stores and repurposing my finds. You can score some awesome things without spending a ton of money and it can be a really fun “sport”. One item you always see lots of are these storage “trees” intended for storing coffee mugs. Here are two other ways to utilize them in your home.

before and after mug tree Hip2Save

They are great for organizing bracelets and necklaces. Above is a general example of the before and after effect of taking a dark wood color mug tree and spraying it white (and yes, the before mug tree is not identical to the after mug tree as I forgot to grab my camera and get the before shots – woops!). So for just a few dollars (the cost of the used mug tree and paint), I have a fun way to organize jewelry!

Mug Tree used to organize bracelets

Here is the one in my craft area that holds some ribbon, twine, and tape.

Repurpose a mug tree for tape & ribbon Hip2Save

Do you like to repurpose thrift store items too? What would you organize with a mug tree?

Join The Discussion

onlinements 14

Jenn November 21, 2013 at 2:01 pm MST

Brilliant! I’m doing it with a small hand towel holder, but I like this better!

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Katie November 21, 2013 at 2:11 pm MST

Super cute idea! But did anyone else notice that the before and after pics are actually not of the same item? Spray paint can’t change the shape of the wood.

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holly November 21, 2013 at 2:13 pm MST

I did notice! That’s some STROOONG paint.

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mel November 21, 2013 at 2:17 pm MST

Meee too! What caught me was the length of the “arms” and thought maybe she cut them down. but yeah, the shapes are totally different!

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Lina (Hip's Modern Martha) November 21, 2013 at 2:22 pm MST

“LOL! I forgot to say that I failed at the before pictures of my exact mug tree! Here’s one with the same exact dark wood finish you’ll see at garage sales and thrift stores 🙂

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Diana November 21, 2013 at 2:22 pm MST

AWESOME IDEA!!!

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Misty Nicole Overstreet November 21, 2013 at 2:27 pm MST

I did this as well, and recently made a few shelves for my scentsy display out of stained shipping palettes, and made an awesome headboard out of two antique shutters from New Orleans!

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Lina (Hip's Modern Martha) November 21, 2013 at 2:37 pm MST

Oh I love those ideas! I’ve been looking out for some shutters! 🙂

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Catie November 21, 2013 at 2:49 pm MST

Great idea! I have an old mug tree I’m not using for anything–great way to reuse!!

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Stacey November 21, 2013 at 3:10 pm MST

Love this…I was just looking at a MUG tree in my closet. I was going to throw it out last week, but SOOOOOO gland I didn’t! It will be repurposed for my ribbon. 😉 especially since Christmas is right around the corner.

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Crystal November 21, 2013 at 3:37 pm MST

Supper cute Idea

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Karen November 21, 2013 at 4:12 pm MST

i’ve been on the lookout for a used mug tree. i think depending on the style/size of the one it could make a great ‘base’ to hang advent calendar parcels/stockings/ornos/etc.

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Erin D. July 10, 2014 at 10:24 am MST

Love this idea for bracelets!! My favorite repurposed piece is an intricately carved wooden chair back that has carved wooden dowels added to it at bottom. It hold necklaces. 🙂

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JERRY FOX August 31, 2014 at 12:27 am MST

MY MOM JUST GOT A MUG TREE FROM A THRIFT STORE AND IS USING IT TO HANG HER MANY WATCHES SHE HAS ABOUT 2-3 WATCHES ON EACH ARM OF THE MUG TREE.

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