Not sure how to maximize that awkward space above the fridge? You’ve come to the right place! In this post, you’ll find 11 top-of-fridge storage ideas to help you keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free!
Before we jump into the storage ideas, it’s important to mention that randomly placing anything up there might not be ideal. So, let’s first take a look at some items you’ll want to avoid putting on top of the fridge.
Things not to put on top of the fridge
I get it; you’d probably prefer to store everything on top of the fridge to save space, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the best option. Some things just don’t belong up there. For example:
- Heavy Items: If you slam the fridge door shut often enough, you risk heavy items sliding close to the edge or even falling off, which can be a safety hazard for you and your family. Unless you have a kitchen cabinet or open shelving above the fridge, avoid placing heavier items up there at all costs.
- Cleaning Supplies: It might be tempting, but think about the potential risks. If these items leak or spill, you could damage your fridge and contaminate the food inside.
- Breakable Items: Just like heavy items, breakable ones pose a significant danger. Steer clear of glassware or any fragile items on top of the fridge to avoid accidents.
- Items You Frequently Use: Storing items you use often can be cumbersome, especially if your fridge is tall. It can become a hassle to reach for things you need on a daily basis.
- Flammable Items: Absolutely avoid storing anything that is flammable on top of the fridge. Items like lighter fluid, candles, aerosol cans, or cleaning solutions with flammable ingredients can pose a serious fire risk, particularly because the top of the fridge can get warm.
- Electronics: It might be tempting to store your radio, toaster, or other electronic devices up there, but it’s not a good idea. The heat from the fridge can damage these items over time. Additionally, there’s the risk of them falling off the fridge, which can lead to unnecessary accidents.
Now that we have that covered, let’s dive into some top-of-fridge storage ideas!
11 Top of Fridge Storage Ideas
1. Mount a Floating Shelf
If you don’t have built-in shelving above the fridge, mounting a floating shelf with some headspace is a smart choice. It’s also more stable than just placing things on top of the fridge.
You can store cookbooks, baking supplies, decorative bowls, and more on the shelf, which helps create extra storage space.
2. Custom Shelving
Going for custom shelving is another clever way to maximize storage space, especially since it’s, again, safer than simply placing items on top of the refrigerator.
Custom shelving allows you to store things like wine bottles, cookbooks, small appliances, and even decorative items that you want to keep off counters and cabinets.
This not only keeps your kitchen organized but also adds a stylish element to your space.
3. Try Clear Containers or Jars
Clear jars are perfect for creating extra space in a super organized way. You can keep food items like pasta, rice, and other dry goods inside them, and then store the jars in baskets or on the floating shelf to prevent them from easily falling off the fridge.
4. Fruit Basket or Tray
I have a fruit basket tray on my fridge, and it’s quite practical for storing fresh fruits up there while also saving some nice counter space.
Of course, if you’re someone who tends to smash the fridge door closed, it might not be ideal. But usually, the tray is stable enough not to fall down, even then.
5. Use Woven Baskets or Storage Bins
Wicker baskets are another smart way to create extra storage space. You can use them for things you don’t frequently use. Definitely avoid putting heavy items in them to prevent any accidents.
Stick to lighter things instead. Things like pasta, napkins, or other storage items that you want to keep out of sight.
Also, make sure the baskets are stable and have a flat base to keep them from tipping over. This way, you can keep your kitchen organized and safe!
6. Try a Wire Basket
Alternatively, if you prefer to know exactly what’s inside the baskets, then a wire basket is the way to go. You can store items like pasta, rice, snack packs, or even extra containers filled with things you don’t use daily.
7. Cutting Boards
Keep cutting boards on top of your refrigerator to save counter space. You can place them inside a basket or use a mounted rack or vertical stand to store them upright.
Another great idea is to use the cutting board itself as a divider in a basket or bin to organize smaller items. This way, you keep everything tidy while making the most of the space.
8. A Space for Extra Kitchen Towels
Place them in a wire basket or any basket and leave them on top of the fridge to keep kitchen towels accessible and within easy reach.
This not only saves counter space but also makes it simple to grab what you need while cooking!
9. Use the Side of Your Fridge
If things are piling up on top of your fridge, consider using the side of your fridge as well (if you have enough room). Think about hanging a mounted spice rack or using magnetic bins to store small kitchen items.
This is a fantastic solution because it saves space on the counter, frees up space on the fridge, and makes efficient use of vertical space.
10. Install Hooks or Clips
Hooks and clips are also a great way to create extra storage. You can install them on the side of your fridge, for example, and use them to hang kitchen towels, oven mitts, or utensils, which keeps them off the counter and cabinets for easy access.
11. Mount a Paper Towel Holder
Whether you mount it above the fridge or on the side, a paper towel holder can be a practical solution.
Position it in whichever spot is easier to reach, so you can always grab a paper towel without having to run around. This way, it’s always accessible whenever you need it!
Conclusion
I hope these top of fridge storage ideas have given you a good overview of what to store up there. A floating shelf or custom shelving might be your best bet for safety reasons.
Just make sure to avoid placing heavy or breakable items on top to prevent any accidents. Also, ensure that the items you put up there won’t fall off the fridge and aren’t flammable. Keeping these tips in mind will help you maximize your space safely!
This post showed you top-of-fridge storage ideas
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