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I rotate between three, sometimes four mugs, and yes, they do all have different purposes. I’ve Kondo’d my wardrobe, junk drawers (yes, plural), and even my phone contacts, but I refuse to pare down my mug collection and I insist you do the same.
As Marie Kondo’s fame has increased, thanks to the release of her Netflix show, decluttering has become a major topic of conversation in circles both private and public. Unnecessary items were the enemy, it seemed—at least, to the people who misinterpreted Kondo’s philosophy as something that advocates for strict minimalism. Here’s where we run into the mug problem: A lot of people own a lot of mugs. Is this clutter? Yes. Does mass mug ownership run counter to Kondo’s teachings? Absolutely not.
Mugs, for many, aren’t just a piece of dinnerware—they’re collectible items that often can become amassed almost by accident. Like snow globes or shot glasses, they’re picked up on vacation. They’re common gifts for family, friends, and acquaintances. They’re largely affordable and come in such a diverse range of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns that makes it so easy to justify purchasing yet another one. To put it simply, mugs—more often than not—do spark joy.
As soon as I stumble out of bed in the morning, I brew a cup of pour-over coffee and pour it into a Boleslawiec ceramic mug. At night, when I want a large cup of mint or kava tea, I’ll opt for a massive dark-blue hand-glazed option. When I’m feeling funny, I’ll drink out of my novelty mug that reads “I Don’t Work Here,” usually as I work my way through a big to-do list. Each and every mug I own is my precise cup of tea (pun absolutely intended). Why would I stop with just one?
Are you refusing to Kondo your mug collection too? Add to it with our favorites below.
If you can’t resist a good matching moment, might I suggest getting a set of mugs in the sale color as your dinnerware set?
A bit of textural intrigue makes this low-profile cup extra special, and who can resist an extra-wide handle?
The irregular glaze of these wood-fired mugs lends them an artistic appeal.
A cup of coffee, paired with a couple of evil eyes, feels like the best good luck charm for a successful morning.
East Fork’s earthy, hand-glazed mugs are perfectly ergonomic—just the thing for when you want to hold your cup of tea in both hands as you stare wistfully out the window.
The looped handle of Jan Schachter’s mug makes an everyday object feel like a work of art.
Offered in playful colors and finishes, these mugs by Studio Arhoj lend a sense of whimsy to your favorite hot beverage.
The angular lines of these simple black mugs are a minimalist’s dream.
Who says you need a handle? Recreation Center’s Bauhaus-inspired tumbler might just become your favorite vessel for your morning coffee.
The removable bamboo base of these mugs is the perfect place to rest a steeped tea bag after your drink is perfectly brewed.
More kitchenware: I Only Cook With These Three Knives