4 Ways To Make The Most Of The Space On Top Of Your Fridge
If you own a home, rent a home, or even stay in an apartment, you are almost guaranteed to own a refrigerator. With a refrigerator comes extra space for storage on top of it as well as the possibility of cabinet space surrounding it. Usually, this space is too high for many people to reach comfortably; therefore, it goes unused. Or, if by chance it does get used, it's usually a bunch of random items that will possibly never get used again. Instead of hoarding items or not using the space at all, why not turn it into something useful and convenient for the whole family?
Of course, before we get into the ideas of what you can store on top of the refrigerator, there are a few warnings you should consider before doing so. Hvac-buzz warns you to avoid storing heat-generating items and items that can easily fall behind the fridge. These are both fire hazards that can result in a lot of damage to your home. They also warn not to place anything over 45 pounds on top of the fridge as this can cause serious issues. So, with that being said, what exactly can you store up there? While you have plenty of options to choose from, here are the four best ways to make the most of the space on top of your fridge.
1. Use it for food storage
Of course, one of the most obvious ways to make use of the extra space on top of your fridge is to store different types of food up there. Most commonly, cereal and other dried foods can reside on top of the fridge (per Hvac-buzz). However, you can make more use of the space by adding other types of foods as well. Obviously, these must be non-perishable items and foods that you can still easily access. Foods such as fruits and vegetables are the perfect items to place on top of your refrigerator. This will free up some counter space as you will no longer have fruits and veggies spread out across the counters.
Additionally, there are a few ways you can store them up there as well. Of course, you can just place them there and be done. However, if you want to get a bit more organized and create a fresher look, you can opt to invest in some storage containers or baskets. The Container Store has a variety of convenient stackable baskets that you can use to place your food in. Since they stack on top of each other, you can have even more space. They come in many different sizes, so you can personalize your space just how you want it. They also come in two colors: white and gray. You can get these at a low cost, so you won't break the bank but still have the convenience you need.
2. Store less used items
We all have certain things we need in a home that we may not use as often as other things. This is different from room to room, but for kitchens, it usually consists of things such as cookbooks, appliances, or even certain types of dishes. Of course, there are some appliances you regularly use, such as a microwave, but then there are others you may not use for many months, sometimes even years. On the other hand, cookbooks only get used when a recipe is needed, which most likely doesn't happen as often. They then take up space in your cabinets that you could use for items you use more regularly. So, wouldn't you want to get that space back to make your home a bit more convenient?
Consider storing them on top of the fridge. For cookbooks, you could opt to get a small, lightweight bookshelf to have a more clean look. For appliances and dishes, you can just place them on top of the fridge in an organized way. However, Hunker does recommend investing in a rubber material heat-resistant mat. This will keep the breakable appliances or dishes from moving around and vibrating when the fridge opens and closes. At the same time, it can also protect your fridge itself, so it doesn't overheat. Another helpful tip is to keep the items slightly spaced out, so they don't clang together and potentially break as well.
3. Deck it out with decor items
If you have decor all around your home, then this next idea is helpful for you. Likely, you have a theme to your kitchen and don't want to add anything to it that doesn't go perfectly with it. However, you also want to make use of the extra space above your fridge. The simple solution is to add decor items on top of it as well. There are many decor items you can buy at a variety of locations that are super versatile to fit any theme. A simple basic sign or a classic wooden basket will go great with any aesthetic and can be purchased at a low cost.
Additionally, you can decorate it by adding some house plants to it. These can be either real or fake. Fake plants take the least amount of work; you can just place it up there and be done. However, real plants also provide many resourceful benefits. According to Swansons Nursery, a house plant can improve air quality, lower stress and anxiety, reduce any fatigue brought on by other factors, and help improve your mood. Additionally, it can also help increase your focus and productivity and keep your headaches at a minimum. If a live house plant is something you want to go with, then keep in mind they need care as well. Many plants need to be watered daily, and some even need access to sunlight.
4. Convert it into a hide away
Lastly, and stay with us on this, you can use the space on top of your fridge by turning it into a secret hiding spot. This can include several different things and ideas as the possibilities are endless. All you must do is place something large covering any open sides and then place whatever you need to hide behind them. Large items can include decorative items as well as other appliances mentioned previously. As long as it overshadows the item you are trying to keep away from others, then the choice is completely up to you. While it may seem secretive, it's a great way to hide presents, surprises, and any other things you may not want others to particularly know about.
For those with kids during the holiday season, this can be extremely handy. Neighbor took a survey of 1,000 people in the U.S. to see if they failed or successfully hid Christmas presents. Around 50% of parents and guardians hid their presents successfully from their kids while the other 50% obviously failed. While the top of the fridge may not be a common place to hide presents, this could also put you at an advantage as the chances of them searching here are lower than in other places. In addition, it's also a perfect place to hide presents from your spouse as well; after all, they likely snoop just as much, if not more, than the children.