Is your kitchen refrigerator sticking out too far? If so, you’re not alone. This common problem may seem daunting, but with the right tools and strategies, you’ll be able to hide that sneaky fridge of yours in no time. Here are a few tips on tucking away that protruding appliance and achieving a more aesthetically pleasurable look for your kitchen space.
Hiding your fridge can be achieved in a few simple steps. Firstly, you’ll need to assess the location of your refrigerator and determine how much space it is sticking out. This will give you an idea of what solution would work best for your situation.
In this blog post, we will explore different methods on how to hide fridge sticking out: using cabinets, a built-in panel, and a pull-out pantry. Keep reading!
What Will You Need?
Before getting started, here’s a list of items you may need depending on the method you choose to hide your fridge:
- Measuring tape
- Screwdriver
- Shims (if using cabinets)
- Wood screws (if using a built-in panel)
- Pull-out pantry kit (if using a pull-out pantry)
Now that you have all the necessary tools let’s dive into the three methods to hide fridge sticking out.
10 Easy Steps on How to Hide Fridge Sticking Out:
Step 1: Measure the Space
Using a measuring tape, determine how much space your refrigerator is sticking out. This measurement will be instrumental in choosing which method to use and ensuring you have the appropriate supplies to complete the project. Additionally, measure the height and width of your refrigerator. These measurements will be required regardless of the solution you choose, as they will help you select the right size for your cabinets, built-in panels, or pull-out pantry.
Step 2: Choose Your Method
Based on the measurements and your preference, decide which method will work best for your situation: cabinets, a built-in panel, or a pull-out pantry. Cabinets can add extra storage space and look aesthetically pleasing, a built-in panel can give a sleek, seamless look to your kitchen, and a pull-out pantry can provide easy access to groceries while also hiding the protruding fridge. There is no right or wrong method, so choose one that suits your needs and style.
Step 3: Prepare the Materials
After you’ve chosen the method, it’s time to prepare all the necessary materials. If you’re using cabinets, find ones that match the style and color of your kitchen. They should be the same height and slightly deeper than your fridge.
If you’ve decided on a built-in panel, purchase a panel that matches your kitchen cabinets and fits the dimensions of the fridge. For a pull-out pantry, you’ll need a kit that is the right size for the space beside your fridge. Remember to have all your tools at hand – the screwdriver, shims (for the cabinets), wood screws (for the built-in panel), or the pantry kit. Preparation is key for a smooth process of hiding your fridge sticking out.
Step 4: Install Your Solution
Once you have your materials ready, it’s time to install your chosen solution. If you’re using cabinets, place them next to your fridge, ensuring they align with the other cabinets in your kitchen. You may need to use shims underneath to adjust the height. If you’ve selected a built-in panel, attach it to the side of your fridge using wood screws, ensuring it aligns with your current cabinetry. For those who chose a pull-out pantry, follow the instructions for assembly and installation in the kit. Always remember to measure twice and cut once to avoid any errors.
Step 5: Make Necessary Adjustments
After the installation, look at your kitchen from various angles. Check if the fridge is still protruding or if the new addition looks out of place. If necessary, make some adjustments. This could involve moving the cabinets, adjusting the built-in panel, or repositioning the pull-out pantry. This step ensures that the fridge is well-hidden and the kitchen’s overall look is harmonious and pleasing to the eye.
Step 6: Final Touches
The final step is all about perfecting your efforts. This may involve adding matching handles to the cabinets or the pull-out pantry to ensure they blend seamlessly with your existing kitchen decor. If you’ve used a panel, consider adding a finishing trim to the edges for a polished look. Ensure the fridge doors open without obstruction and all items are easily accessible. Remember to clean the area after completing the work.
Step 7: Maintenance
Maintaining your newly hidden fridge is essential for ensuring its longevity and functionality. Regardless of the method you choose – cabinets, built-in panel, or pull-out pantry – regular cleaning and check-ups are crucial. For cabinets and pull-out pantry, ensure the doors open smoothly and the shelves are securely fixed. If you’ve used a built-in panel, see that it’s sturdy and securely attached to the fridge. Always ensure the refrigerator’s ventilation isn’t blocked and that it’s running at optimal temperature.
Step 8: Evaluate and Enjoy
Now that you have successfully hidden your fridge that was sticking out and ensured its proper maintenance take a moment to evaluate your work. Walk around your kitchen, look at it from different angles, and ensure everything is exactly the way you want it. Make any minor adjustments if necessary. Once you are satisfied with your work, it’s time to enjoy your streamlined kitchen. Invite your friends, cook a meal together, and bask in their compliments on your ingenious solution for hiding your fridge sticking out.
Step 9: Share Your Success
Now that you’ve successfully hidden your protruding fridge and are enjoying your revamped kitchen, it’s time to spread the word about your success. Share your experience with friends and family. You can post before and after pictures on social media or share tips on a DIY blog. You never know; your unique solution may inspire others who are dealing with the same issue of a fridge sticking out in their kitchen. Sharing not only brings satisfaction but also helps build a community of DIY enthusiasts.
Step 10: Reflect on the Process
After sharing your success and receiving feedback, take some time to reflect on the process. Consider what worked well and what could have been done differently. Did the chosen method effectively hide your fridge?
Was the process less challenging than you initially thought, or did you encounter unexpected difficulties? Reflection is an important part of any DIY project, as it helps you to learn from the experience and improve for future home improvement tasks. Appreciate the skills you’ve acquired during this project – from planning and measuring to installation and adjustments.
By following these steps, you can successfully hide your fridge sticking out in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Use a Cabinet Panel: Installing a cabinet panel on its sides is one effective way to hide a fridge that sticks out. This gives a streamlined look, making the fridge look like a built-in part of the kitchen.
- Color Coordination: You can also consider painting your fridge in the same color as your kitchen walls. This will help it blend in better, making it less conspicuous.
- Decorative Coverings: Think about using decorative coverings like wallpaper or vinyl decals. They can help hide the fridge’s protruding parts and add a touch of style to your kitchen.
- Strategically Place Furniture: You can hide a sticking-out fridge by strategically placing furniture around it. For instance, a tall pantry cabinet on one side can camouflage the fridge.
- Install a Sliding Door: If the layout of your kitchen allows it, installing a sliding door to cover the fridge can be another effective solution. Not only does this hide the fridge, it also adds a unique design element to your kitchen.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can easily hide a fridge that sticks out and achieve a seamless look in your kitchen.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Ignoring the Ventilation: While hiding the fridge is important, ensure that the fridge’s ventilation is not obstructed. Poor ventilation can lead to overheating and decrease the efficiency of the fridge.
- Using Flammable Materials: Avoid using flammable materials like wallpaper or decals near the fridge. The heat produced by the fridge can pose a fire hazard.
- Obstructing the Door: Make sure that whatever method you use to hide the fridge does not obstruct its door. You need to access the fridge regularly; any obstruction could be inconvenient.
- Mismatched Styles: While color coordination and decorative coverings can hide the fridge, avoid using patterns or colors that clash with the rest of your kitchen’s decor. This might draw more attention to the fridge.
- Overcrowding the Space: If you’re hiding the fridge with furniture, avoid overcrowding the space. Too many pieces can make the kitchen look cluttered and smaller than it is.
Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure that you not only hide the fridge but also maintain a functional and visually appealing kitchen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, not all kitchens have perfectly proportioned cabinets and appliances. Finding ways to keep the fridge from sticking out can be challenging for the rest of us. By adding in custom shelves and utilizing extra drawers to take up cabinet space, you can create a cohesive look that isn’t just aesthetically pleasing – but also super functional. Don’t forget that camouflaging your refrigerator with artwork or wallpaper is also an option. Furthermore, investing in a full-size counter-depth refrigerator may also be right.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative. You’d be surprised how creative solutions can Substantially decrease the time it takes to hide your fridge’s sticking out features! All it takes is some planning and dedication to ensure all aspects of your kitchen come together cohesively.
With the tips on how to hide fridge sticking out, you now have the resources to make your kitchen look as perfect as ever before, hiding any permanent “problems” like fridge fridges sticking out. Now go on ahead – and start creating!
