9 Creative Ways to Utilize the Cabinet Above Your Fridge (That Actually Work)

If you have cabinets positioned above your refrigerator, you know how challenging it can be to access that space.

In this article, we explore smart ideas for organizing that awkward area and answer common questions about making the most of the space above your fridge.

What Can You Store in the Cabinet Above Your Fridge?

The cabinet above your refrigerator is often hard to reach for a couple of reasons:

• Inaccessible Doors: If the cabinet doors are recessed behind the refrigerator, accessing them can be difficult—even for taller individuals. This makes it unwise to store everyday items there.
• Interference from Top Décor: Items placed on top of the fridge might need to be moved to access the cabinet, which can become a tedious routine.

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When planning a kitchen remodel or building your home, consider customizing the cabinet above your fridge. Options like slide-out shelves or adding custom dividers (instead of standard horizontal shelves) can greatly enhance usability.

Below is a list of smart ideas for storing items in that overhead space. By storing the right items in that overhead space, managing your kitchen becomes much easier.

Large Platters & Serving Bowls

Store those oversized platters, serving dishes, and punch bowls that you don’t use daily in the cabinet above your fridge. This is perfect for items that are used occasionally, keeping them out of the way until needed.

Baking Essentials

Install vertical dividers in the cabinet to store baking pans, trays, and cooling racks. Vertical storage prevents items from being stacked too high, making them easier to spot and retrieve. Some dividers even come with a pull-out feature for added convenience.

Carrier Pieces

If you own a cake carrier or an insulated casserole bag that’s too bulky for regular cabinets, storing it above your refrigerator can keep your kitchen uncluttered while keeping these items accessible when needed.

Holiday Dishware

For seasonal decor like special holiday dishes or larger serving pieces, the cabinet above the fridge is ideal. These items, which you might use only once a year (like a unique Halloween bowl or a festive plate for Santa’s milk and cookies), can be stored here neatly without interfering with everyday kitchen storage.

Kitchen Gadgets

Specialty appliances such as a snow cone maker or pasta machine that you rarely use can be tucked away above the fridge. This keeps them out of sight yet readily available when the occasion arises.

Stemware

If you have an extensive collection of stemware that isn’t used daily, this space is perfect for storing them safely until your next gathering. Consider installing custom holders that let you hang glasses upside down by the stems to avoid damage.

For example, check out this top-rated under-cabinet wine glass rack:

Tiered Stands

Large tier stands often take up too much room in conventional cabinets. By placing them in the overhead cabinet, you free up more accessible storage space elsewhere in your kitchen.

Assorted Jars

Many people collect assorted glass jars for future storage or canning projects. Once cleaned and repurposed, these jars can be stored above your refrigerator until you need them. They are perfect for holding small items or for impromptu organization needs.

You never know when you'll need a jar - whether it’s to hold something you're planning to share with a friend or to dispose of something safely. Old jars have a myriad of uses.

Keeping a repurposed jar handy means you won't scramble to find a container or feel guilty about tossing one out.

The space above your refrigerator serves as a perfect spot to stash them until you're ready to put them to use.

Hidden Storage

For those who enjoy keeping a secret stash of snacks, small gifts, or even a little extra cash, the hard-to-reach cabinet above the fridge can serve as a perfect hideaway.

Its awkward placement deters casual snooping, keeping your treasures safe.

Why Are There Cabinets Above the Fridge?

The space above the refrigerator is often utilized with cabinets to fill what would otherwise be a blank wall. This design not only provides additional storage but also creates a cohesive look that aligns with the rest of your kitchen cabinetry.

However, due to the placement and depth of these cabinets, accessing them can sometimes be problematic.

How Big Are These Cabinets?

Typically, the standard depth of overhead cabinets is 12 inches.

This dimension often makes it challenging to access the cabinet doors, as the refrigerator’s protrusion blocks the recessed openings.

In some homes, extra-deep cabinets extend to 24 inches, covering the entire top of the refrigerator. This not only provides additional hidden storage space but also makes the cabinet doors easier to reach.

However, this design prevents you from placing items on top of the fridge, contributing to a cleaner overall look in your kitchen.

Often, you’ll notice side panels with these extended cabinets that form a box around the refrigerator. This style is frequently paired with surround cabinets for a fully customized appearance.

Beyond the cabinet size, it’s important to also consider the spacing between the shelves.

Tips for Accessing Overhead Cabinets

Given that these shelves are positioned high and awkwardly blocked by the protruding refrigerator, you’ll typically need a step stool or a small ladder to access items stored inside.

Nonetheless, you can install hardware to simplify access. While you might still require a stool or ladder for some items, these upgrades help you make better use of the space and clearly see what’s stored.

If you’re in the market for a versatile, folding step stool.

Another method to improve access to your items is by installing hardware that allows the shelves to pull out. This not only extends the shelf past the top of the refrigerator but also lets you easily reach items at the back of the cabinet.

If you enjoy DIY projects, you can modify the cabinets to enhance the accessibility of everything stored inside.

Take a look at this YouTube video to see how one person made his overhead refrigerator cabinet significantly more user-friendly.

And one more interesting video

Should You Remove the Cabinet Above Your Fridge?

There are several reasons you might consider taking out the cabinets above your refrigerator.

First, you may have bought a new refrigerator that doesn’t fit because the cabinets hang too low.

Newer refrigerators are generally taller than older models, so you might face installation issues in an older home. While you can trim the bottom of the cabinet to accommodate the new fridge, removing the cabinet is also an option.

However, this approach means more work. Removing the cabinet leaves an unfinished wall that you’ll need to remodel.

Second, you may prefer an open concept or another style. It’s your space, so the decision is entirely up to you.

If you decide to remove your cabinets, this tutorial might be very helpful.

Alternative Ideas for the Space Above Your Fridge

Fortunately, closed cabinets aren’t the sole option above the refrigerator. Many other alternatives exist. It’s important to ensure you fill the gap with something other than a bare wall to enhance its visual appeal.

Open Storage

Turn the area into an open shelving unit where you can display decorative items or store baskets filled with essentials. This approach creates a lighter, more accessible look.

Bookshelf Display

Another option is to convert the space into a bookshelf. Display your favorite cookbooks or small decorative objects to add a personal touch to your kitchen.

In Conclusion

While the cabinet above the refrigerator might seem awkward and difficult to access, it can be transformed into a highly functional storage area with the right approach. By following these creative ideas, you can make efficient use of every inch of your kitchen space.

Try out these suggestions and let us know your thoughts!