Asked on Jun 16, 2017

Camouflage space around new refrigerator? was a large built in fridge

Zanne
by Zanne
Area was built for large built in fridge - recently broke and decided on the economical replacement .
Want to blend the new one in and look like it belongs in this kitchen .
any ideas ???
  22 answers
  • C. D. Scallan C. D. Scallan on Jun 16, 2017

    Absolutely ! Utilize the space with one of these !

    http://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/furniture/diy-space-saving-rolling-kitchen-pantry-5440418

    You can even get a kit to cover it in a faux stainless steel so it won't clash with your new refrigerator . I wish I had room for one . I've been dying to make one lol. Please post pictures ? Cheers!

  • Melinda Rosenberger Melinda Rosenberger on Jun 16, 2017

    Personally I think a wine rack would fill the space nicely without bringing too much attention to the fact it's a filler.

    • Rena Noele Rena Noele on Jun 16, 2017

      It would be too hot for wine above a hot fridge. Maybe a shelf for large items that are only used at holidays or other infrequent use.

  • Mandy Brown Mandy Brown on Jun 16, 2017

    I think C.D. and Melinda both have the right idea. A built-in wine or plate rack above the fridge stained the same color as your cabinets would look like it had always been there. A pull-out spice shelf would fill the space beside the fridge perfectly. Neither project is expensive to make, but would give you extra storage and get rid of the gaping spaces.

  • Sandy Sandy on Jun 16, 2017

    What about getting a door front to match the cabinets. You could maybe out it on a hinge to "open" so you could still put things on top of the refrigerator. Less is best. Don't make it too busy because then it draws attention to the area.

  • Granny Granny on Jun 16, 2017

    You could build a platform for the refrigerator to stand on..this would bring up the top height.

    • See 1 previous
    • Granny Granny on Aug 22, 2018








      I think an appliance dolly could be rolled up a plywood or metal ramp, that reaches your prebuilt box level,by two strong men of course and then pushed over to box area and your frig will be right where you want it just elevated off floor. you might try asking local restaurant supply if they sell lifted boxes to elevate frig. (JUST A THOUGHT)

  • Diane Diane on Jun 16, 2017

    How about an antique-y bread box or a rattan suitcase? You could use them for storage if you wanted.

  • Lynleeben Lynleeben on Jun 16, 2017

    I had the same problem and solved it by building a box that would fit / fill in the space above the fridge. The box was stained on the inside and installed with the opening (top) facing out. Also, a simple molding was added along the edges for a finished look. It became a shelf to display my cookbooks, keeping them within easy reach.

  • Thora Hausler. Thora Hausler. on Jun 16, 2017

    Build a Wine rack to fill the space

  • None None on Jun 16, 2017

    I would trim out the sides and then build a cabinet on top of the fridge. Look like it would be easy to match your existing ones.

  • Ginger the farm gal Ginger the farm gal on Jun 16, 2017

    Basket a big one !

  • TrishR TrishR on Jun 16, 2017

    Did you search to see if someone had already posted something on this? I could've swore that I've seen something on this site, and I believe that they did build a cabinet door and put trim on it to match everything as well as matched stain. It looked great and solved their, and now your, problem with this issue. Good Luck!

  • Vickie Vickie on Jun 17, 2017

    Found some inspiration for my own kitchen here, check it out! http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ideas-for-using-that-awkward-space-above-the-fridge-216370

  • Christina Christina on Jun 17, 2017

    Build a shelf to put some cook books. Safest Cover-up for the empty space.

  • Vivian Vivian on Jun 17, 2017

    Collect metal food containers and store whatever you want to in them. Then arrange them on a shelf or two above the refrigerator.

  • Judywoodruff Judywoodruff on Jun 17, 2017

    We built this above our fridge. Wasn't difficult. We already had the door.

    comment photo
  • Donna F Bratcher Donna F Bratcher on Jun 18, 2017

    Cook book shelf sounds best and find place that sells stainless steel sheets and either do you on measuring or hire them to measure and put up trim for sides of ref

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jun 19, 2017

    If you want to keep it simple, this is what I did when we replaced a microwave and had the same issue. I took a pretty teapot and filled it with faux ivy. I recently added a cut glass sugar bowl and creamer (empty) just because I wanted to display them. It was simple and made my microwave look like it belonged there. BTW, our new fridge (similar to your) was 3/4" too high to fit under the cabinets that were custom built many years ago. We had a carpenter trim it off, but I put a wide basket of ivy and other greens up there just to make it look nice. (The only things in that cupboard are things I rarely use.)


    Just a simple solution that looks nice.

  • Susan Arbogast Cogan Susan Arbogast Cogan on Jun 20, 2017

    I like the idea of making it into a slotted rack to hold your cookie sheets, platters, etc.

  • Tricia Jackson Jones Tricia Jackson Jones on Jul 11, 2017

    To avoid having to match existing cabinets you could use a sign.

  • Jac8611571 Jac8611571 on Aug 22, 2018

    Already beautiful! Leave the sides and have (or make yourself) a wicker basket on top with dark green foliage and lots of it...will look beautiful! Keep a canister of air handy to spray to keep dust off of it once in awhile...it really does look great!

  • Em Em on Dec 10, 2020

    You can have a build to fit slide out piece on rollers to store canned goods on the sides. Tons of ideas on line to build one and some here. It will take up the slack on the side of the fridge. A lot of things for the top.... You could build a boxed in area (with a back) and add some cute kitchen decorations on a two tiered shelf like old coffee pot or something you collect. Personalize it with a saying on the top on wood the width of the opening or a cute wall paper border on the top and shelf on the bottom with a back so you don't see the wall behind.