10 Discreet Ways To Hide A Refrigerator In Plain Sight

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While they are necessary kitchen appliances, fridges are not always pleasing to the eye. For starters, most models only come in white, black, or stainless steel. While there's nothing inherently wrong with these basic colors, they don't exactly lend themselves well to the unique kitchen color combinations that are popular today. Moreover, fridges tend to be bulky. They often jut out past cabinets or sit on an empty wall, disrupting the cohesion of the room. While your choice in refrigerator models and placement may be limited, there are a handful of ways to make your fridge less of an eyesore.

Whether you opt for DIYs that will give your fridge a built-in look or want to get creative with vinyl and paint, hiding your fridge in plain sight may be easier than you think. The goal with any of these methods is to help your fridge look less like an out-of-place appliance and more like an intentional, well-designed part of your kitchen — all while keeping its contents easily accessible. Options range from full renovations to simple projects that can be completed over a weekend. So, regardless of your available time, budget, and skill level, there's a fridge hiding technique that's right for you.

One of the most effective ways to hide your fridge in plain sight is to have it blend in with your kitchen cabinets. If it fits your budget, you can purchase a panel-ready refrigerator that can be fitted with custom pieces that look just like cabinet doors. Alternatively, there are some DIY methods to add cabinet panels to your existing fridge. Either way, you can opt to match your existing cabinets for a seamless integrated look, or get a little creative and make your "fridge cabinet" more of a statement piece.

If the sides of your refrigerator are exposed, consider covering them with a DIY chalkboard. In addition to helping conceal the fridge, this method provides a practical place to track to-dos and grocery lists. Youtuber @Consideritalljoyhome uses contact paper, chalk paint, craft wood, and Command strips to create a custom framed chalkboard on the side of her fridge. If you're feeling ambitious, try covering the front of the fridge as well to conceal it even further.

As the name implies, a fridge surround is a custom structure that surrounds your fridge. Its purpose is to (mostly) conceal a free-standing fridge and make it look more like a built-in appliance. The surround covers the sides and tops of your fridge, leaving the front open for easy access. While a surround does not conceal as much as a full fridge cabinet, it is typically easier and more affordable to DIY. For a more cohesive look, paint both the surround and the fridge the same color.

Covering your fridge with peel-and-stick vinyl is an affordable and approachable way to make your fridge less of an obvious eyesore. While this method does not completely hide the fridge, choosing the right vinyl color can help it blend in more effectively. For example, if your cupboards are green, choose a vinyl wrap that is the same shade.

Painting a fridge may feel unconventional, but when done correctly, it can look surprisingly seamless. To give the illusion of a built-in, concealed fridge, you can sand down the sides, then prime and paint your appliance in the same color as your existing cabinets. If you want to take the look to the next level, use lightweight, painted boards with magnets attached to them to create a wood frame that outlines the side of your fridge. The final result is a sort of board and batten look.

Creating a gallery of small framed photos can help trick the eye into seeing the fridge as part of the wall. To accomplish this DIY, simply thrift a handful of small frames, hot glue strong magnets to the back of them, and fill them with your favorite photos. To further conceal the fridge, consider painting it or wrapping it in vinyl first so that the color matches your cabinets.

If the layout of your kitchen allows, you can install a bifold, sliding, or barn door to conceal your fridge. Simply paint the door in the same color as your existing cabinetry to make it look like a normal kitchen pantry. If you're choosing this option, keep in mind that proper ventilation is critical, and you'll want to make sure there is ample space around your fridge and the door frame to allow for airflow. You'll likely want to consult a professional for this to be certain you're not creating a fire hazard.

Similar to installing a door to conceal your fridge, you can also hide it by storing it inside your existing pantry. This works only if the pantry is large enough and equipped with appropriate hardware. You'll need to keep the same concerns about proper ventilation in mind, but having your cold food storage incorporated with your dry food storage just makes sense.

Adding a custom shelf to the side of your fridge accomplishes two things: it helps partially conceal your fridge and adds some extra kitchen storage. This is an excellent option for those in small kitchens where storage may be limited. There are all kinds of DIY methods to explore that will help you build shelves of varying sizes to meet your specific needs. As with most of the ideas on this list, pairing the shelf idea with a painted fridge or a vinyl-covered fridge will add to the hidden aspect.

Covering the side of your fridge with beadboard and trim, attached with a strong adhesive, helps it blend in perfectly with the walls. If that sounds like too much effort, or you live in a rental where you can't glue actual wood to your fridge, you can also buy beadboard-style wallpaper for your fridge. This Livelynine Beadboard Peel and Stick Wallpaper, for example, has a realistic wood look and is easy to remove if you make a mistake.