Fridge Cabinet Ideas: How to Make the Most of the Space Above your Refrigerator

Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection

There are areas of the kitchen that can be overlooked. For example, in the rear corner of the pantry or the space right above your fridge. This space above the refrigerator usually goes unnoticed. However, with a proper refrigerator cabinet arrangement, it could become one of the top useful places within your kitchen.

Open shelving for display or a custom refrigerator cabinet that can be used for extra space, you can find many creative ways to make the space useful.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about how Fridge Cabinets are, what Sizes to prefer, the design options, storage solutions, and whether custom cabinets make sense for your space.

Fridge cabinet ideas for maximizing space above the refrigerator — Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection

What is a Fridge Cabinet?

A fridge cabinet could be described as a unit of storage that is placed right over the refrigerator. It's also known as an “above fridge cabinet” or “over refrigerator cabinet”. It is used to fill the gap that exists between the fridge's top and the ceiling or cabinetry.

A cabinet that is placed above the refrigerator instead of making the space unoccupied will provide much-needed storage space while also giving the kitchen a refined, polished look.

Reasons to Choose Above Fridge Cabinet:

Here are some reasons people are choosing over the fridge cabinet:

  • It transforms empty spaces into usable storage.
  • Great for storing things that are not used often in the kitchen.
  • The refrigerator is integrated, gives polished and finished appearance.
  • It is a great way to provide additional storage space for kitchens with small spaces.

A well-designed above refrigerator cabinet is able to do two functions simultaneously - It houses items that you may not have to reach for often and makes the fridge appear like it's there, rather than just sitting in an awkward space.

Standard Dimensions: What You Need to Measure First

Making sure the dimensions are correct is the most crucial step. A fridge that is fitted badly either appears wrong or causes ventilation issues that reduce the lifespan of the appliance.

Dimension

Standard Range

Notes

Cabinet Width

30 to 36 inches

Should match the width of Fridge

Cabinet Height

12 to 18 inches

Depends on Ceiling Height and the top of Fridge

Cabinet Depth

12 to 24 inches

24 inches gives built-in appearance

Side Clearance

0.5 to 0.75 inches each side

Required for ventilation

Top Clearance

Minimum 1 inch

Check manufacturer specs

Ventilation Gap

8 inches Recommended at Top

For Custom Cabinet Enclosures


Above Fridge Cabinet Design Ideas

The style you pick will depend on the cabinetry in your kitchen the ceiling's height and the amount of visual weight you would like to add above your Refrigerator.

1. Cabinet run that Matches

The fridge above is in line with the door's design, style and finish of all other cabinets that are in your kitchen. From some distances, the refrigerator recedes behind the wall, while the kitchen appears to be one seamless, planned space. 

This is especially effective when using Shaker cabinets and painted surfaces. This is the most well-known design we construct at the Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection.

Matching Fridge Cabinet run with Shaker cabinets — Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection

2. Cabinet for Bridges with Panel surrounds

To get the best polished look for the best finish, plan the entire wall of your refrigerator as an entire unit with sides that match, fillers an upper cabinet and crown moulding to tie the whole thing together. 

A fridge panel on every side covers the case that is not finished and lets the fridge rest inside the cabinetry, instead of being placed on top. This method gives a customized, high-end look and is best suited to counter-depth Refrigerators.

Custom Fridge Cabinet — Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection

3. Open Shelving above the Fridge

In lieu of having a cabinet that is closed, Floating Shelves over the Fridge give an airier, more informal look. The open shelves above the refrigerator work great for displaying kitchen decor things like cookbooks, plants or frames of photos. 

This is an excellent option if the ceiling's space is not enough and a full cabinet would be uncomfortable.

Open shelving above the fridge — Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection

4. Glass-Front Cabinet above the Fridge

A closed cabinet that has glass insert doors provides you the storage capacity of an entire cabinet but with the lightness and visual appeal of open shelves. Ideal for displaying dishes or objects that you can make visible but safe from dust.

Glass-front Cabinet above the Refrigerator — Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection

5. A Wine Rack Insert

A Wine Rack placed above the Refrigerator can be a practical and attractive alternative. The bottles are stored horizontally in the proper angle and the rack is able to fill the gap, without appearing as an added feature.

Wine rack insert above the Refrigerator — Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection

Storage Ideas: What Actually Belongs Up There

The area above the refrigerator isn't the best place to store everyday things. The space above the refrigerator is ideal to store kitchen appliances which you seldom use for, such as serving ware for the holidays, large pans and pots or pantry staples in large quantities. 

The cabinets can also serve as a place to store cookbooks, kitchen appliances or other decorative objects that are not needed everyday.

Here's how you consider what you want to put inside an above-fridge cabinet:

Top items for above-fridge storage:

  • Festive pieces for the season include Christmas platters, serving bowls large enough for large parties and cake stands
  • The baking sheet is large, as are the muffin pans and roasting pans that don't fit on the shelves of standard shelving
  • Cookbooks that you use frequently, not daily
  • Small appliances that are utilized seasonally including waffle irons, extra blenders and bread machines

What should you avoid storing there:

  • Everything you use daily
  • Heavy or fragile items that are a challenge to move safely
  • Items that must be kept cool or dry

Pros and Cons of Having a Fridge Cabinet

Before committing to an above fridge cabinet, here is an honest look at both sides.

Pros:

  • Converts vertical space into storage that is functional
  • Gives you a unique look and feel that enhances the perception of quality of the kitchen in general
  • Eliminates the awkwardness in appearance of a fridge sitting under an empty space
  • Increases the storage capacity without affecting the footprint of the kitchen
  • Enhances the property's resale appeal. Built-in cabinets read as a top-quality finish.

Cons:

  • High places can be uncomfortable for users who are shorter.
  • Tight cabinet openings may not fit future Refrigerator models.
  • Poor clearance can affect refrigerator performance.
  • The standard cabinets might not be able to fit in the right space.

Custom Cabinetry Considerations for Above Fridge Cabinets

Pre-fabricated cabinets that are standard don't always can fit above the fridge space in a neat manner. The exact width of the space is dependent on the ceiling's height and the refrigerator's model, as well as the size of your adjacent cabinets. It can be different for each kitchen.

Make a plan for the space prior to purchasing anything. The dimensions of your refrigerator, as well as Ventilation clearances, door swings and cabinet size all have to fit together.

At Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection, every cabinet above the fridge that we build is constructed using precise field measurements. We consider:

  • Pace: Measure the gap between the ceiling/soffit and refrigerator.
  • Ventilation: Check the refrigerator model’s clearance requirements.
  • Door clearance: Ensure the cabinet door opens fully without hitting nearby fixtures.
  • Style: Match existing cabinet doors, finishes, and hardware.
  • Crown moulding: Add moulding for a seamless, built-in look.

Why Fridge Cabinets are Especially Valuable in Small Kitchens

The area over the fridge is among the few places in which storage space can be incorporated without taking up counter or floor space, which makes it extremely useful in smaller layouts.

  • Maximize space by converting the space above the refrigerator into a practical storage space.
  • Reduce the amount of clutter by storing seldom used kitchen appliances in a safe place away from sight.
  • Reduce counter space by putting bulky items into the refrigerator cabinet.
  • Create a seamless design by matching the refrigerator cabinet to your Kitchen cabinetry.
  • Increase the organization of your kitchen by giving each square inch of your kitchen an important purpose.

In Galley kitchens or Apartment kitchens, as well as old homes located in Western North Carolina where original kitchen footprints were not huge the above refrigerator cabinet is usually among the top-performing features we put in.

Ready to Make that Space Above Your Fridge Work

A well-designed Fridge Cabinet can transform an inconvenient opening into one the best useful storage solutions you can bring in your kitchen, without affecting the floor plan or countertops.

If you're looking for a sleek closed cabinet that is a perfect match to the cabinetry you already have or a built-in panel which makes your refrigerator disappear into the wall or an open shelving to give an open and casual look, the best design begins with precise measurements and a clear understanding of what you'll need to keep.

At Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection, our team has created and constructed above fridge cabinets for homeowners throughout Mills River, Asheville, Hendersonville and Western North Carolina. Each project is designed to suit the specific space that is not adjusted to fit a standard-sized box.

Visit Blue Ridge Cabinet Connection to schedule a free consultation or discuss your kitchen layout with our design team. That gap above your refrigerator has been empty long enough.

FAQs

Q1. How to utilize space above a fridge?

A. Use the space above your fridge for storing rarely used appliances, cookware, serving dishes, or pantry items in an overhead cabinet.

Q2. What are some good cabinet ideas for above my refrigerator?

A. Choose an overhead cabinet with adjustable shelves, matching finishes and enough depth to store larger kitchen items neatly.

Q3. How do I make my fridge look like a cabinet?

A. Install matching cabinetry around and above the refrigerator to create a built-in appearance that blends seamlessly with your kitchen design.

Q4. What are some creative ideas for a fridge cabinet surround?

A. Consider full-height side panels, an overhead cabinet, open shelving or matching trim to create a stylish and cohesive refrigerator surround.

Q5. What is the recommended size for a cabinet above a refrigerator?

A. Cabinet size depends on your refrigerator and kitchen layout, but allow proper clearance, ventilation and comfortable access when planning dimensions.

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