IDEAS FOR USING THAT AWKWARD SPACE ABOVE THE FRIDGE
- Use it for plants and baskets for storage.
- Build one long shelf over the fridge & pantry.
- Add rustic wood shelves.
- Add a shallow shelf for pantry food jars.
- Store beautiful baking dishes.
- Add thick shelves for cookbooks.
How do you fill gaps between appliances?
Use a silicone material if there is any height difference between your stovetop and the counter. Silicone is more flexible and will fit the form better. Use stainless steel gap covers to match a metal stove-top seamlessly.
What happens if not enough space around fridge?
Fridges need some breathing space around them to let heat dissipate. If you don’t allow enough space, the fridge will have to work harder to stay cool, which could shorten its lifespan and will definitely cost you more in electricity bills.
Do I need to leave a gap around my fridge?
To get the best performance from your refrigerator there should be space for ventilation on all sides. This will allow for cool air to be drawn towards your fridge, taking away waste heat in the process and helping reduce power consumption.
How to design around a refrigerator?
Pick large-scale decor for the room to help make the refrigerator blend. One large picture on a wall rather than several small ones, one large bowl on the table or counter-top rather than a small grouping of bowls, or a large clock or other item on the wall all act as a balance to the size of the refrigerator.
How much clearance do you need next to a fridge?
Measure the Ventilation Space
Air must be able to circulate around the box to help the refrigerator run efficiently, avoid overheating and last its full life span. The refrigerator will need minimum clearances of 2-inches from the back wall, 1-inch from the upper cabinet and 1/8-inch on either side of the fridge.
Do you need counter space next to fridge?
Guidelines recommend 15” of space on either one or both sides of the refrigerator, 15” above an under-counter refrigerator, or if that is not possible, to have 15” of landing space no more than 48” in front of the refrigerator. Here we see the landing space in front of the refrigerator as well as beside it.
Can I build a cabinet around my fridge?
Fridge cabinets can make a kitchen look custom and finished. They are also great options for ending cabinetry and creating a balanced kitchen cabinetry layout. The good news is you can build your own fridge cabinet without spending a ton of time or money. We do it all the time.
Can you make a regular fridge look built-in?
Install a False Wall
Nudge the cabinets forward. A false wall behind these pantry cabinets makes the freestanding refrigerator look like a built-in.
Can any fridge be paneled?
You can purchase a panel ready version of just about any type of refrigerator on the market, including the popular side by side or French door options. Added features such as a water and ice dispenser will also add to the cost, as much as $1,300 more.
Can a freestanding refrigerator be built-in?
As the name implies, these refrigerators are not meant to be integrated and therefore, improper installation can impact their longevity, warranty, and become a potential hazard, damaging the unit and/or the surrounding area.
Can you make a normal fridge integrated?
Individual fridges and freezers sit snugly beneath a counter, which is great for kitchens that would rather maximise worktop space. These can be easily integrated by adding a false cupboard door in front of the appliance.
Can you make refrigerator look built-in?
Install a False Wall
Nudge the cabinets forward. A false wall behind these pantry cabinets makes the freestanding refrigerator look like a built-in. The sleek, modular design matches the kitchen’s contemporary style.
Can you change the face of a refrigerator?
These days, many refrigerators and dishwashers are configured with trim pieces that hold decorative face panels. With a simple call or visit to the manufacturer’s Web site, you can purchase replacement panels that are easy to install and will change the appearance of your appliance without much fuss.
Can you build in a freestanding refrigerator?
Another way to “build in” your freestanding refrigerator is to actually build it into the wall, rather than cabinets. If your kitchen plan will allow it, this is probably the easiest and most cost-effective way to get the look, because you can make the opening the exact width and depth you require.
Can you put a freestanding mini fridge in a cabinet?
More specifically, you cannot put a fridge into a normal, unmodified cupboard – it will not work! Without proper ventilation, heat will build up around the unit, leading to decreased performance and eventual failure.
What is the difference between a built-in and a freestanding refrigerator?
Built-in fridges are generally taller than freestanding models, although they are limited to cabinet depth (24”) so they can be installed seamlessly flush with kitchen cabinetry. They come in many different sizes and can be as wide as 48”.
DO built-in refrigerators need air space around them?
Refrigerators need to breathe. If they are entirely boxed in, then there’s not much room for ventilation. When you measure the space for the refrigerator, and compare it to the size of the refrigerator, leave at least 1 inch of extra room for the back and the top of the refrigerator.
How do I hide my free standing fridge?
Perhaps the most common way to hide a refrigerator is to go for an integrated one with kitchen unit doors attached. Integrated appliances are specially created to be housed inside cabinetry, with enhanced ventilation and insulation so the workings don’t get too hot.
Can I convert my fridge to an integrated fridge?
Yes, we have had ordinary fridges and freezers fitted into ikea units in our past two kitchens. You need to buy the appliance carcasses as they are strengthened. The only thing I will say is that it has worked because they are stacked in a really tall cabinet.