The area above the refrigerator in many kitchen designs is filled with cabinets for extra storage. Is it, however, necessary to use the space above your refrigerator for cabinets? Going cabinet-free over the fridge offers benefits and drawbacks to consider when designing your kitchen layout.
Reasons for Removing Over-Fridge Cabinets
- Allows more natural light to enter the kitchen through the windows.
- Gives the impression of openness, high ceilings, and spaciousness.
- Improves access to the top of the refrigerator for cleaning and maintenance.
- Prevents dust and grease buildup on kitchen cabinetry.
- Removes incredibly difficult-to-reach dead space if wall cabinets are too high.
DIY Removal Tips
Do you want to take the cabinet out yourself?
- Turn off the power to the area first. Remove any lighting fixtures or trim from the underside.
- To disconnect the cabinet from the wall, remove the hinge screws or nails. To remove any leftover nails and caulk, use a pry bar. To get a smooth appearance, patch the screw holes and repaint the wall area.
- Finish by applying wood filler and touch-up paint to any remaining cabinet pieces.
- Sand until the surface is smooth. Take care not to harm any existing walls or cabinets in the process.
For safety, have an electrician evaluate the wires and install coverings. Consider employing a professional for overhead demolition to avoid injury or structural damage.
Potential Downsides of No Cabinets Over Fridge
- Lose storage space for large or overflowing items.
- Leaves a space that must be decorated or filled to avoid appearing vacant.
- Alternative cabinetry plans are required to compensate for lost storage.
- Lower cabinets but nothing above may appear imbalanced.
Filling the Space Without Cabinets
- Include an open shelf for cookbooks, decor, and display items.
- Install a flat-screen TV in the kitchen for viewing.
- Use the vertical space to create a photo gallery wall.
- Install a chalkboard for writing grocery lists or messages to family members.
- Suspend low-hanging pendant lights above the refrigerator and adjoining counter.
Alternative Storage Solutions
The lack of a cupboard above the fridge presents storage issues, but there are ways!
- Install a microwave or appliance garage kit to maximize vertical space.
- Pull-out shelf units can be mounted on the wall next to the refrigerator.
- Try wall-mounted pot and pan racks, floating shelves, or corner-mounted racks for open storage.
- Make use of vertical space by placing spice racks or paper towel holders nearby.
- Consider cupboards across from the refrigerator or transportable caddies for products that aren’t needed every day.
- Repurpose spaces such as islands, pantries, and under the sink for overflow storage.
Even without a fridge cabinet, you may find a place for everything with these ingenious alternatives.
Conclusion
While placing cabinets over the refrigerator maximizes storage, leaving them out can result in a lighter, cleaner aesthetic, depending on your style. To avoid losing function, decorate the vacant space imaginatively and compensate with additional storage solutions.
FAQs
The cabinets aren’t terribly useful and may seem like a waste of money, but leave them out of your kitchen and it will likely look unfinished. Added storage space. Our expert opinion: We are of the opinion that an above-fridge cabinet is essential if you want your kitchen to look finished.
Add a shallow shelf for pantry food jars. Store beautiful baking dishes. Add thick shelves for cookbooks.
By creating a short shelf, it becomes the perfect space to store food wrap rolls and plastic storage bags, or any group of small, long boxes that are otherwise hard to keep in order.
The side walls and the top of the refrigerator tend to be warmer than the front doors. This is because of the refrigeration cycle and circulation. Excess heat is released on the top and it is therefore not advised to keep something over the refrigerator.
Source:
- Another Way to Use That Above-Cabinet Space? Hang a Shelf There!
- 12 Things You Should Never Store on Top of the Refrigerator
- Above Fridge Cabinet: How to Make Sure it Fits any Refrigerator Perfectly
- How To Maximize That Awkward Space Above The Fridge
- No cabinet over fridge?
For more kitchen organizing tips, hacks, and advice:
- Creating a Minimalist Kitchen With the 10 Essential Items
- Creative Ways to Organize Your Paper Towel Drawer
- Maximize Space With Clever Above Fridge Storage
- Keep Your Cutting Boards Organized and Within Reach
- 8 Creative Kitchen Curtain Ideas Above The Sink To Add Flair
- How To Organize Your Kitchen Pantry – Step By Step
- How To Organize Kitchen Drawers – Step by Step Guide On Kitchen Drawers Organization
- How To Organize Kitchen Cabinets: A Step By Step Guide To Make a Small Kitchen Look Bigger
- How to Arrange Utensils in Small Kitchen – Ultimate Guide on Kitchen Utensils Organization Ideas