The Cool DIY That Gives An Ordinary Fridge A Beautiful Vintage Look

Vintage and vintage-look fridges are having a moment in modern kitchens, where you will often spot a beautiful candy-colored SMEG or vintage-style Frigidaire anchoring designer and influencer layouts. These refrigerators, however, can be expensive to buy new, and replacing an older unit might not be in your budget in the years to come. An ingenious budget-friendly hack to instantly customize your kitchen by making a new fridge look vintage may be found in clever rolls of peel and stick vinyl created specifically for refrigerators. Options like LaCheery Contact Paper for Appliances come in an abundance of shades, with the self-adhesive rolls priced in the $10 to $30 range. Once installed, a vinyl wrap will give your ordinary fridge a new lease on life and make it perfectly match your decor, whether you are re-creating a fully styled vintage design or just trying unique kitchen color combinations to liven up an unsightly appliance and a boring space.

While available in multiple colors like dreamy pastels and bright primary hues, you can also find vinyl in more subdued and traditional shades, including white, black, and metallics like faux stainless steel and copper. Patterns and sticker-like novelty appliques are also available. The vinyl is durable and easily washable to prevent dirt buildup. This is not only a great way to refresh your old refrigerator with a classic look, but it's perfect for rental kitchens where you are stuck with a boring appliance that may not meet your decor needs.

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the fridge's exterior with soapy water or rubbing alcohol to eliminate grime and sticky spots. Remove the handles, hardware, and any raised appliques on the door. Taking the doors off at the hinges can also make the process easier. Start with a big sheet of vinyl draped over the top and sides of the appliance, removing the sticky backing as you go and using a scraper or spatula to smooth out bubbles or creases. Working with a large span is a tough solo job, so enlist a friend. You could apply smaller pieces if working alone, but the seams may be visible where they meet. Use a hair dryer or heat gun to smooth persistent wrinkles, or loosen the adhesive to adjust the vinyl. Trim any excess with an X-acto knife. Once you have smoothed the vinyl over the top and sides, move onto the doors, wrapping the vinyl around the edge.

Keep in mind that, if your fridge has a surface texture, this could appear through the vinyl. This can give a copper or faux stainless fridge a charming mottled look. A patterned wrap may make the texture less visible. Certain fridge parts, like handles, bottom grates, and hardware will not be easy to wrap, so use a similarly colored spray paint on these metal or plastic parts to give them a new look. You can also outfit your fridge with new handles and hardware that fits your aesthetic. Then, use this same smart design trick to give your oven a new look on a budget for a matching kitchen.