If you want to learn how to draw a coffee cup, this calm step by step drawing lesson is a great place to start. We will build a simple mug shape using easy curves, then add steam and a sweet little detail. This easy drawing tutorial is made for drawing for beginners.
What You Will Need
- Pencil
- Eraser
- Black pen or marker (optional for outlining)
- Coloring tools (colored pencils, crayons, or markers)
Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!
- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
10 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Draw the Rim Oval
Start with a wide, flat oval near the upper middle of the page. Keep the ends slightly narrower and the middle gently rounded, like the opening of a cup.
Pro Tip: A flatter oval helps the cup feel steady and realistic.
Step 2: Add the Inner Rim and Cup Body
Draw a smaller oval inside the first one to show the rim thickness. Then pull two curved sides down from the outer oval, letting them bulge slightly before rounding into a soft bottom.
Pro Tip: Keep both side curves similar so the cup looks balanced.
Step 3: Add the Steam Lines
Above the inner rim, add three wavy lines rising upward. Keep each line gently curved and slightly different in height, with the middle one a bit taller to suggest warm steam.
Pro Tip: Avoid perfectly straight steam lines; soft curves look more real.
Step 4: Add a Heart on the Cup
Draw a small heart in the center of the cup body, keeping both sides even. Let the bottom point line up with the cup’s middle so it feels like a printed logo.
Pro Tip: Keep the heart small so there is space around it.
Step 5: Draw the Inner Handle Curve First
On the right side, draw one curved line that leaves the cup near the upper middle and returns near the lower middle to form the handle opening. Keep this inner curve slim for now, like a bean-shaped arc.
Pro Tip: Keep the inner curve close to the cup so the outer curve fits nicely later.
Step 6: Complete the Outer Handle Outline
Add a larger curved line around the outside of the handle to finish a full “C” shape. Let the top and bottom ends meet the cup edge smoothly so the handle feels sturdy.
Pro Tip: Keep the spacing between the two handle lines even for a clean thickness.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Coffee cups are often made from ceramic because it holds heat well.
- The oval rim you drew helps the cup look three-dimensional, like you can see inside.
- Steam lines are a simple drawing trick to show something is warm.
Pin it now, Draw later!
You now have a clear coffee cup drawing with a rim, steam, a heart, and a finished handle. If you want to color it, try light gray shading along one side of the cup and a slightly darker shadow under the rim to help it look round. A common beginner mistake is making the rim oval too pointy, so keep it softly rounded. Take your time, try drawing it again a little taller or wider, and then explore more step by step drawing ideas for practice.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Coffee Cup Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the coffee cup look more 3D?
Add a gentle shadow on one side and keep the rim oval smooth and even.
Why does my handle look uneven?
Try matching the distance between the inner and outer handle curves all the way around.
How can I draw the coffee inside the cup?
Lightly shade the inside oval and leave a small white highlight near the edge.
