Solutions for Organizing Around Your Fridge with Cabinets
Having organized storage in your kitchen is key to an efficient cooking and cleaning workflow. The space around your fridge offers prime real estate for extra storage cabinets to keep your kitchen optimized. Installing cabinets flanking your refrigerator or above it can provide places to neatly tuck away all your small appliances, bakeware, spices, cans, and more. With some clever planning and design, you can transform the unused areas adjoining your fridge into functional spaces that complement your kitchen's storage and aesthetics.
From corner lazy susans to specialty pull-out shelves, we'll cover creative ways to integrate cabinetry with your fridge for a cohesive look. Read on for insights into measuring, fitting, and filling that underutilized yet valuable space in your kitchen.
Plan Your Fridge Cabinet Design
The first step is planning your ideal layout and cabinet specifications around your refrigerator. Carefully measure the fridge area and any adjoining walls or corners you want to place cabinets in. Make sure to account for having enough space around the fridge for full range of motion when opening doors. Also measure appliance depths, as you don't want a counter depth fridge conflicting with standard depth cabinets.
Consider the height, width, and depth you need for your storage needs. Full-height cabinets provide maximum space, while customized short cabinets allow for open shelving above. For depth, choose between standard or extended cabinets depending on available room. Take into account adjacent cabinets, windows, or doorways that could limit cabinet size on either side of the fridge.
Once you've planned your measurements, choose cabinet formats that best suit the space. Corner cabinets with either standard or angled designs are great for filling tricky spots. For narrow gaps, vertical cabinets or slim pull-out pantries work well. Mix in some specialty storage like roll-outs, drawer stacks, or multi-level wire baskets to maximize every inch.
Cabinet Height and Design
- Standard cabinet height is 36 inches, but you can customize shorter or taller.
- Maximize full-height for most storage, or try extended height for a built-in look.
- Open shelving above the fridge feels light and airy.
- Glass door cabinets add visibility without sacrificing enclosed storage.
Choosing Durable Cabinet Materials
- Hardwood like oak provides strength, beauty, and value.
- Plywood boxes with oak veneers offer durability at a lower cost.
- Thermofoil and melamine finishes are budget-friendly and very low maintenance.
- Look for moisture-resistant finishes since fridge cabinets see a lot of spills!
Reasons to Install Fridge Side Cabinets
Flanking your refrigerator with cabinetry on one or both sides offers several benefits for your kitchen's storage and workflow. Here are some of the top reasons to consider installing cabinets adjacent to your fridge:
Increase Your Accessible Storage
The prime real estate next to your fridge is often underutilized. Adding cabinets here can give you access to storage space right where you need it most--near food prep zones. Imagine keeping baking sheets, cutting boards, spices, canned goods, and leftovers all within arm's reach.
Create a More Efficient Kitchen Workflow
Locating everyday cooking and serving items near the fridge cuts down on trips back and forth across your kitchen. You'll save time spent searching through distant cabinets. Pull-out shelves and drawer stacks put items right at your fingertips too.
Hide Unsightly Gaps or Plumbing
Fridges often leave awkward gaps on one or both sides that disrupt sightlines. Cabinets offer an easy way to conceal this eyesore. They can also hide messy pipes or mechanicals that would otherwise be exposed.
Add Extra Counters and Surfaces
The cabinet tops adjoining your fridge make the perfect small prep station or extra serving area when entertaining. Just be sure to choose a durable countertop material that can handle hot pots, sharp knives, and more.
Tips for Integrating Fridge and Cabinets
With your fridge cabinet design and layout planned, it's time to look at specifics for visually and functionally integrating your fridge and new cabinetry. Follow these tips for a cohesive look:
Allow Proper Clearance Around Fridge
Leave ample space for your fridge doors to open fully and appliances to be moved or serviced. At minimum, plan for 1 to 2 inches between the refrigerator and surrounding cabinets.
Use Panels or False Fronts to Unify Appearance
Attaching side panels to your refrigerator can give it the same flush, built-in look as the adjoining cabinets. Or attach a matching cabinet false front to just the exposed end.
Continue Countertops Across Adjoining Cabinets
Selecting a countertop that wraps from your existing kitchen counters across your new fridge cabinets creates a streamlined, seamless look.
Include Trim Molding to Smooth Transitions
Add trim strips, panels, or molding along the top and down sides of your refrigerator to help it blend right in with the surrounding cabinetry.
Clever Fridge Cabinet Storage Ideas
Ready to get inspired for storage solutions to install in your new fridge flanking cabinets? Here are some incredibly handy and versatile ways to outfit the interiors:
Store Small Appliances Out of Sight
Keep your air fryer, pressure cooker, blender, mixer, and other electrical cooking gadgets plugged in yet concealed right next to your fridge.
Organize Cooking Oils, Sauces and Spices
Pull-out shelves with divided compartments or turntables are perfect for keeping these essential condiments and seasonings accessible but tidy.
Stash Cookie Sheets, Pans and Bakeware Together
Vertical slots or deep drawers in lower cabinets accommodate everything from baking pans to cooling racks.
Hide Cleaning and Paper Supplies
Keep garbage bags, rolls of paper towels, and cleaners organized neatly behind cabinet doors near where you'll need them.
Maximize Corner Cabinet Space
For the most challenging cabinet areas where walls meet at right angles, there are some excellent storage solutions to eke out every inch of space.
Install Angled Cabinets or Lazy Susans
These specialized cabinet designs are made to fit into corners. Spinning lazy susan shelves bring items front and center.
Opt for Full Extension Drawers
Full extension drawer slides let you access the entire depth of narrow corner drawers without struggling to reach in.
Include Tiered Storage Elements
Vertical dividers, stacked bins, pull-out organizers, or multi-height shelving units make the most of vertical corner space.
Cabinets Flanking Fridge on Both Sides
For a built-in, furniture-like look, consider installing matching cabinets on both sides of your refrigerator. Here are some design tips:
Balance Cabinet Sizes for Workflow
Allow enough room around the fridge for moving appliances in and out. Avoid impeding kitchen routes.
Repeat Cabinet Fronts for Symmetry
Using the same style doors and drawers on both sides promotes visual harmony.
Integrate Matching Counters and Hardware
Tying everything together with continuous countertops and matching knobs strengthens the whole composition.
Align Cabinet Heights Flush with Fridge
Cutting cabinet sides to exactly match the height of your refrigerator makes it look like one unified block.
Complementing Fridge and Cabinet Aesthetics
Beyond function, integrating your fridge with the right cabinets can elevate kitchen style. Combine these elements for designer appeal:
Select a Matching Color and Finish
Choose refrigerator and cabinet colors in the same tone or complementary hues for a refined look.
Coordinate with Overall Kitchen Design
Match cabinet door styles and finish textures with existing kitchen cabinets for cohesion.
Incorporate Glass Doors or Shelves
Glass cabinet inserts maintain visibility, light, and an open feel around the fridge area.
Repeat Decorative Hardware
Use knobs or pulls on the fridge that reflect the same finish and styling as the cabinet hardware.
Installing kitchen cabinets flanking or above your refrigerator is a great way to boost storage and streamline your meal prep workflow. Strategic measuring and planning are key first steps to ensure the cabinets properly integrate with your existing kitchen footprint and fridge. Storage accessories like pull-out shelves and drawers will let you truly maximize the capacity within the cabinets. With a variety of cabinet specs and interior organizing solutions to choose from, you can create a space tailored to your needs. Complementing your fridge with the right surrounding cabinets results in a kitchen that both functions and looks like a well-designed, unified space.