April 30, 2024
Uncategorized
Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas
Have you ever looked at the space above your refrigerator and wondered what the best way to utilize it is? Many homeowners leave this area as empty dead space, but there are actually lots of great above refrigerator cabinet ideas for maximizing storage!
When we did a full kitchen remodel at our company
Fineline Kitchens Inc, one of the homeowners was unsure what to do with the space above their fridge. They knew they wanted more storage but weren’t finding the right solution in pre-made cabinets above refrigerator.
That’s when we came up with the idea of a custom built-in above refrigerator cabinet just for them. They loved how it turned out and it really finished off that area of the kitchen. Now we get lots of questions about above refrigerator cabinet storage ideas, so I wanted to share some of our favorites.
1. Open Shelving for Decor
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20740%20493%22%20width%3D%22740%22%20height%3D%22493%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22740%22%20height%3D%22493%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
One really nice above refrigerator cabinet idea is to leave it as open shelving and use it to display kitchen decor items, cookbooks, plants, or framed photos. Open shelving has a very airy and stylish look. Make sure to add some subtle lighting so your displayed items really stand out after dark too. You can see an example of this style on the our service page where we used vertical wood slats on the sides and top of our open cabinet above refrigerator.
2. Wine Rack Storage Above Refrigerator Cabinet
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20712%20949%22%20width%3D%22712%22%20height%3D%22949%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22712%22%20height%3D%22949%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
A super functional above refrigerator cabinet idea is to install a wine rack. This is a great use of the vertical space. Make sure to choose a wine rack style that has ventilation slots to allow air flow so your wine bottles don’t get too hot being above the fridge. You can find simple wood wine racks or more decorative metal ones. Be sure to measure your space so you get a rack that fits perfectly.
3. Bakeware and Pan Organization
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20777%20602%22%20width%3D%22777%22%20height%3D%22602%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22777%22%20height%3D%22602%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
If you bake a lot, cluttered bakeware can take over your cabinets quickly. A cabinet above refrigerator is a perfect place to corral all those sheet pans, baking dishes, and cooling racks. Consider
adding dividers like the ones used in drawer organizers to keep similar items grouped together. You could even label the sections to stay organized. Slide-out shelves or baskets on glides make items easy to access.
4. Spice Storage
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20751%20563%22%20width%3D%22751%22%20height%3D%22563%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22751%22%20height%3D%22563%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Spice organization is another great use for an above refrigerator cabinet. Small drawers, tiered shelves, or a lazy susan style turntable can keep your spices corralled and easy to see. Be sure to add small labels to identify everything. The vertical space is perfect for standing spice bottles upright. Bonus – it keeps your spices away from heat and moisture from the fridge.
5. Coffee Station Above Refrigerator Cabinet
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20550%20771%22%20width%3D%22550%22%20height%3D%22771%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22550%22%20height%3D%22771%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
If you enjoy gourmet coffee drinks at home, a mini coffee station cabinet above refrigerator is such a nice idea. Include a coffee bean storage container, small appliance charging station, mugs, creamers, and sweeteners. Add a small countertop on the cabinet for easy access. String lights along the back of the cabinet to set a cozy mood too.
6. Utensil Organizer
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%201024%201024%22%20width%3D%221024%22%20height%3D%221024%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%221024%22%20height%3D%221024%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Keeping utensils organized is challenging with limited drawer space. An above refrigerator cabinet is perfect to corral all those wooden spoons, spatulas, tongs, etc. Consider adding a tiered utensil caddy, hooks for hanging tools, or small drawers. Label sections so everything has a place. Bonus points if you make it double as attractive open display storage too.
7. Small Appliance Garage
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20832%20859%22%20width%3D%22832%22%20height%3D%22859%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22832%22%20height%3D%22859%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
If certain small appliances like a blender, waffle maker, or coffee maker only get used occasionally, a dedicated cabinet above refrigerator keeps them neatly stored but still accessible. Be sure to add power outlets inside for convenient cord storage too. Dividers or shelves keep items separated. This is a nice alternative to having appliances cluttering up your main counter space.
8. Recipe Box Filing System
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20650%20945%22%20width%3D%22650%22%20height%3D%22945%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22650%22%20height%3D%22945%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Do you have a collection of recipes you’ve been meaning to organize? A cabinet above refrigerator provides the perfect spot. Add file folders labeled by category like “Soups”, “Breads”, “Holiday”. Slide-out drawers make recipes easily accessible when cooking. You could even laminate favorite recipes to add visual appeal and protect them over time.
9. Towel Bar and Roll Storage
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20730%201024%22%20width%3D%22730%22%20height%3D%221024%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22730%22%20height%3D%221024%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Kitchen towels and paper towels can take up lots of cabinet real estate. An above refrigerator cabinet with a towel bar and roll storage keeps them within easy reach while cooking and cleaning up. Consider adding dividers between rolls to maximize space usage. Bonus points if you add a small shelf or drawer below for hand towels.
10. Small Electronics Charging Station
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20734%20634%22%20width%3D%22734%22%20height%3D%22634%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22734%22%20height%3D%22634%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
If you have devices like headphones, Fitbits, or Bluetooth speakers that need regular charging, a dedicated cabinet above refrigerator charging station keeps cords organized and devices within reach. Add power strips, cord wraps, and small shelves divided for each item. Keep everything charged and clutter-free with this solution.
When planning your own cabinet above refrigerator, be sure to accurately measure the space and your refrigerator dimensions. Allow at least 2-3 inches of clearance above and on the sides for ventilation and door opening. Consider whether you want closed cabinetry for a cleaner look or open shelving for display. Add task or accent lighting if needed. Then get creative with dividers, bins, baskets and other organizers to fully utilize the
vertical space!
Benefits of a Cabinet Above Refrigerator
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20831%20554%22%20width%3D%22831%22%20height%3D%22554%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22831%22%20height%3D%22554%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
There are some great benefits to installing a cabinet above refrigerator rather than leaving the space empty. It provides much needed extra storage for your kitchen items in an area that would otherwise go unused.
Custom built-in above refrigerator cabinets also have a polished finished look that makes the kitchen feel more put together. Rather than your fridge sticking out on its own, it becomes seamlessly incorporated into the overall cabinetry design. A built-in cabinet ideas above refrigerator helps utilize every square inch of your kitchen space efficiently.
Considerations for a Good Idea to Remove Kitchen Cabinet Above Refrigerator
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20500%20700%22%20width%3D%22500%22%20height%3D%22700%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22500%22%20height%3D%22700%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
If you currently have an existing kitchen cabinet above refrigerator but want more design flexibility, it can be a good idea to remove kitchen cabinet above refrigerator. Just be sure to consider how its removal will impact your storage needs and kitchen layout.
You may need additional cabinetry elsewhere to make up for the lost space. It’s also important to patch and finish the wall space where the cabinet was removed. A fresh coat of paint is usually all that’s needed to make the area blend in seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen.
Tips for Choosing the Best Ideas for Cabinet Above Refrigerator
![Maximizing Storage with Above Refrigerator Cabinet Ideas](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20728%20546%22%20width%3D%22728%22%20height%3D%22546%22%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%3E%3Crect%20width%3D%22728%22%20height%3D%22546%22%20fill%3D%22transparent%22%2F%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
When choosing the style and features of your new ideas for cabinet above refrigerator, consider how it will be used. Will you need closed cabinetry for maximum storage? Or open shelving for display? Think about what types of items you’ll store – bakeware, small appliances, towels, etc.
This will help determine the best organizers to include like shelves, drawers, or racks. Also consider task lighting, electrical outlets, and your kitchen’s design aesthetic. We’re happy to help you browse cabinet above refrigerator options at
Fineline Kitchens Inc that are perfect for your individual needs and space.
Final Thought
A custom above refrigerator cabinet is a great way to maximize unused space and keep your kitchen organized. But it’s also a nice update if you decide to remove an existing kitchen cabinet above refrigerator. While pre-built options work, custom sizes allow perfect fits for odd spaces. We’d love to help you design the perfect storage solution for your kitchen at our company Fineline Kitchens Inc. Just give us a call to discuss your project!