We’ve all been there—standing in the kitchen, staring at a cupboard above the fridge and wondering: What exactly is this space for? Often, these cupboards seem like an afterthought, wedged between the fridge and the ceiling. They are a peculiar feature in many kitchens, typically small, awkward to reach, and usually filled with items that are hard to organize.
If you’ve ever found yourself struggling with how to make the most out of this oddly-shaped space, you’re not alone. Turns out, those cupboards have a specific purpose—and knowing how to use them efficiently can unlock your kitchen’s true potential!
In this article, we’re going to dive into the real purpose behind those cupboards above your fridge and how you can use them to maximize storage, organization, and functionality. So, if you’ve ever wondered what these spaces are truly for, keep reading. You might be surprised!
Why Do These Cupboards Even Exist?
Before we get into how to use these cupboard spaces, let’s first take a look at why they even exist in the first place. If you’re like many people, you might have questioned why a cupboard is placed above a fridge in the first place—after all, it’s typically a spot that’s hard to reach, and the space is often so narrow!
The reason these cupboards are designed above the fridge is pretty simple: space efficiency. Kitchens are often designed to maximize storage, and this high cabinet is a way to use every inch of available space. Since it’s above the fridge, it’s not typically in the way of normal kitchen activity but can still provide extra storage for items that you don’t use every day.
Now that we know why these cupboards exist, let’s dive into what they’re used for. You might be surprised to learn that there are plenty of clever ways to make the most of this space!
1. Storing Items You Don’t Use Often
One of the best uses for the cupboard above the fridge is to store items that you don’t reach for on a daily basis. Think of it as a high-up pantry for the things you only need occasionally. Some great examples include:
- Holiday or special event supplies: Things like party decorations, holiday dinnerware, or extra wine glasses can easily be stored up there and out of sight until you need them.
- Large serving platters or trays: If you entertain often, you likely have a few larger platters, trays, or serving bowls that are bulky and take up valuable cupboard space. The cupboard above the fridge is an ideal place to store these items until you need them for a dinner party or special occasion.
- Extra stockpile: You know those extra cans of soup or bags of rice you bought on sale? These larger items that aren’t part of your regular kitchen rotation can be stored in the overhead cupboard to keep your kitchen uncluttered.
2. Bulk Storage of Non-Perishable Food
If you’re someone who buys in bulk, you know how much pantry space is needed to store large quantities of dry goods. The cupboard above your fridge is an excellent place to store non-perishable food items that you don’t need immediate access to, such as:
- Cereal, pasta, and rice: You can store these dry staples up top in airtight containers to keep them fresh.
- Spare canned goods: Extra cans of beans, vegetables, or tomato sauce can go up there until you run out of what’s in your pantry.
- Baking supplies: Large bags of flour, sugar, and other bulk baking supplies that aren’t in regular use can find a home in these cupboards.
By storing these bulk items above the fridge, you free up space in your regular pantry for items you use every day, keeping your kitchen organized.
3. Cookbooks and Recipe Binders
If you love to cook or bake but have a growing collection of cookbooks or recipe binders, the cupboard above the fridge is the perfect spot to keep them. These books and binders can be bulky and take up valuable counter space. Storing them in the cupboard allows you to keep them handy without taking up any other prime kitchen real estate.
You can also store old recipe cards, cooking magazines, or even some of those inherited cookbooks that are more sentimental than practical in this cupboard. It keeps your kitchen clutter-free and your favorite recipes neatly tucked away.
4. Cleaning Supplies
While many people store cleaning supplies under the sink, the cupboard above the fridge can also be a great place to store less frequently used cleaning items. This includes:
- Large bottles of cleaning supplies: If you buy your cleaning supplies in bulk, you can store them here to free up space under the sink for more frequently used items.
- Seasonal cleaning products: Products like air fresheners, fabric softeners, or specialty cleaners can be stored here until you need them.
- Extra sponges, cloths, or mop heads: Keep backup cleaning supplies organized and out of sight in this often-overlooked storage spot.
5. Storing Kitchen Appliances or Gadgets You Don’t Use Daily
Many people have small kitchen appliances that they don’t use every day—things like stand mixers, bread makers, or juicers. These bulky gadgets can take up valuable counter space, so storing them above the fridge is a smart move. Just make sure to place them in protective bins or containers to avoid dust buildup.
- Blenders, food processors, or mixers: If you don’t use these items often but want to keep them handy, the cupboard above the fridge is a great place to store them.
- Coffee machines or grinders: If you only drink coffee on weekends or don’t need your coffee maker every day, storing it in this high cupboard can free up counter space and make your kitchen look tidier.
6. Storing Pet Supplies
Do you have a furry friend? The cupboard above your fridge could be the perfect place to store your pet’s food, toys, or accessories. It keeps these items out of sight but still accessible when you need them. You can store:
- Dog or cat food: If you buy pet food in bulk, you can keep it up there to free up pantry space.
- Pet toys and accessories: Leashes, collars, extra bedding, and grooming tools can be tucked away in this cupboard.
- Treats and snacks: Pet treats can go up there until it’s time for a snack or training session.
7. Seasonal Items
Another great use for the cupboard above your fridge is storing items that you only need seasonally. This might include things like:
- Summer or winter kitchen tools: If you have special items like ice cream makers, roasting pans, or slow cookers that only come out during specific seasons, store them up top when they’re not in use.
- Seasonal decor: If you enjoy decorating your home for the holidays, the cupboard above the fridge is an excellent spot for storing seasonal items like table runners, candles, or festive tableware.
How to Organize the Cupboard Above Your Fridge
Once you’ve figured out what to store in the cupboard above your fridge, it’s important to organize it properly. Here are a few tips to keep things neat and accessible:
- Use baskets or bins: This will help group similar items together and prevent things from getting lost in the back.
- Label everything: Labeling bins or containers will help you quickly find what you need and make it easier to put things back where they belong.
- Consider step stools or ladders: If you’re on the shorter side or find the cupboard difficult to reach, investing in a small step stool or ladder will make accessing the items easier.
Conclusion: Maximizing the Use of Cupboards Above Your Fridge
Those seemingly awkward cupboards above your fridge are not just an inconvenient, unused space. With a little creativity and organization, they can become a valuable area for storing items you don’t use every day. From non-perishable food to cleaning supplies, seasonal items, and pet products, these cupboards can be a game-changer for maximizing your kitchen storage.
So, the next time you find yourself wondering what those cupboards are for, remember: they’re the perfect place to store things that need to be tucked away, but still easily accessible when you need them. Take advantage of this high-up storage and transform your kitchen into a more functional and organized space. Happy organizing!
