As a professional organizer, I’ve seen countless kitchens where a golden opportunity for organized storage is missed: the space above the refrigerator!
Whether you have an open area on top of the fridge or those often-neglected cabinets above the fridge, this is prime real estate just waiting to be maximized.
Let’s dive into some fantastic top of fridge storage ideas to transform that unused zone into a functional storage superstar.
Making the Most of an Open Top of Fridge Area
If you’ve got an open area above your fridge, you might be thinking, “What can I possibly put up there that won’t look cluttered?”
The answer, my friends, is all about smart containment when it comes to on top of fridge storage.
Think beyond just stacking random items on top of the fridge. Instead, use the power of containers like baskets and open-top bins.
These are your best friends for creating an organized and visually appealing top of fridge organizer system.
Here are some above fridge storage ideas for open spaces:
- Snack Central: This is a fantastic spot for snacks and munchies.
Designate attractive, sturdy baskets for items like candy and big bags of chips.
This keeps them out of primary pantry space but easily accessible, especially if you’re a taller household or have a step stool handy!
Storing these items up high keeps them out of reach the grasp children, so it can help curb their access to the snacks.
For candy and smaller bags of chips, be sure to put them into a basket so they don’t get lost and forgotten about. - Breakfast Boosters: Those bulky boxes of cereal and large tubs of protein powder can take up a surprising amount of cupboard real estate.
Relocate them to open-top bins or basket above the fridge to streamline the visuals here and make the zone more pleasing to your eye.
Another bonus is that not only does it free up space below, but it also creates a dedicated “breakfast zone.” - Party Prep & Entertaining: If you frequently host, this area is perfect for stashing party supplies like extra paper plates, napkins, or even lightweight serving trays that you don’t use daily.
- Wine and Liquor Bottles: Corral bottles of wine and large containers of alcoholic beverages in a sturdy above fridge storage rack.
The Best Containers for on Top of Fridge Storage
Choose baskets and bins that complement your kitchen’s aesthetic.
Plastic resin, wicker, wire, or even canvas bins can add a touch of style while keeping everything neatly contained.
Beyond the container material, the next factor in choosing a storage container really depends on the shape of the container itself.
Look for bins, baskets and containers with straight sides, versus angled walls.
This will allow the items to fit into the bin and stand upright and will overall make better use of the space.
And remember, putting things on top of fridge means they might get a little dusty, so opt for items that are easy to wipe down or are in their original packaging.
Not as Good Options for top of refrigerator Storage Containers
I generally recommend staying clear of using top of fridge storage boxes for this area.
This is because the items stored inside aren’t accessible unless you pull the entire container down.
It doesn’t make sense to keep items in a closed lidded storage box for most items since you’ll first need to lift the lid and then reach inside the container to get the item.
In practice, you’ll need to bring the box down to access the contents, which isn’t practical for every day use items.
One exception is party supplies, where the party plates, napkins and disposable utensils all can live in the same storage box and stay tucked away in the container on top of the fridge until they’re needed.
The occasional use nature of these items makes sense to store away from dust and kitchen grime in a closed container situation.
Unlocking the Potential of Over the Refrigerator Storage
Now, let’s talk about those often-underutilized cabinets on top of fridge and their potential to hold kitchen items.
Above fridge cabinets can be tricky because of their height and sometimes awkward depth, but they are absolutely invaluable for storing those less-frequently used items.
Don’t let them stay empty because you’re not sure how to take advantage of the above the fridge storage potential.
Here are some ideas for what to put in the cabinets above your refrigerator:
Small Kitchen Appliances: This is the perfect home for that bread maker you use once a month, the fondue pot, or your special occasion ice cream maker.
Keep them easily retrievable by placing them in individual, clearly labeled bins or even their original boxes.
A word of caution: Don’t store heavy appliances like a Kitchen Aid mixer in this top of fridge storage area.
It’s simply too hard to safely get out of the cabinet.
Serving Ware & Holiday Dishes: Do you have beautiful platters, large serving bowls, or your grandmother’s special holiday dishes that only see the light of day a few times a year?
These above fridge storage cabinets are their ideal home.
Stack them carefully, perhaps with felt dish protectors in between each one to protect against scratches, chips and nicks.
Bakeware: Do you have a collection of muffin tins, specialty cake pans, and cookie sheets that don’t fit neatly into lower cabinets?
Or that you don’t use every day?
Stand them on end in an adjustable cabinet organizer or use vertical dividers within the top of fridge cabinets to keep them from becoming a leaning tower of bakeware.
This ensures they’re within reach, but not in the way.
This post has more ideas on organizing baking supplies.
Big bags of chips: Do you have big bags of chips and snacks to organize?
Storing the bags of snacks on their side on a lower shelf of the top of fridge kitchen cabinet puts them out of the way but readily accessible.
Keep a step stool on hand to more easily access the items stored above the refrigerator.
Over to you!
No matter your kitchen layout, the top of fridge storage area is brimming with potential for organized storage.
Both the space on top of the fridge as well as the over the refrigerator storage cabinets are great places to store items that you use infrequently, but need relatively easy access to.
With a little planning and the right storage solutions, you can transform the space into an organized, functional, and even stylish part of your kitchen.
Just about anyone can tackle this DIY top of fridge storage project in an hour or less, so stop putting things on top of fridges and start using the space effectively.
Using the top of the fridge for storage doesn’t have to make the space look cluttered or disorganized when you follow these tips.
Now that you know top of fridge storage ideas, why not learn how to organize your fridge itself?
Happy organizing!
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