6+ Above Fridge Top Decoration Ideas

Most people have space above their fridge top. In many households, this space either goes unused, or is used to store things like cereal boxes or alcohol bottles.

This can make the space seem cluttered and not put together. If you have a blank space above your fridge or a space that is not being used as well as it could be, you may be looking for above fridge top decoration ideas.

Read on to get answers to the questions you may have about decorating above a fridge top and to get ideas for decorating above a fridge top and around the high cabinets that surround your fridge.  

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Can You Put Stuff on Top of a Fridge?

Before you even think about decorating the top of a refrigerator, you may wonder if you should place items on top of a fridge. There are no vents on the top of a fridge, and as such, it is fine to place items on top of a fridge as long as they are not too heavy.

Most fridges can support about 50 pounds of weight on the top of them. However, you may want to read your owner’s manual to find out how much weight your fridgetop can hold. 

What Should You Do Before Decorating a Fridge Top? 

Before you start to decorate the top of your refrigerator, there are two important things that you need to do. The first thing is to clean the top of your fridge.

You want to remove any dust or grime that may be present before you place other items on top of the fridge. You can use warm soapy water to clean the fridge.

Once the fridge is clean, you will want to measure how much space you have between your fridge and the ceiling or any cabinets above the fridge. This allows you to select decorations that will fit on your fridge. 

What Do You Put on Top of the Fridge?

Now that you know that you can decorate the top of a refrigerator, you may find yourself wondering what you can put on top of the fridge. There are so many different options you have for decorating the top of a fridge.

You can create extra space for storing kitchen products and goods or you can use decorations that help to add to the aesthetic and design that is currently taking place in your kitchen.

There are many different things that you can add to the top of the fridge based on your specific wants, needs and desired appearance. 

How Can I Decorate My Fridge Top?

The sky is the limit when it comes to decorating a fridge top. However, if you are stumped and not quite sure how to utilize this space, you may be looking for ideas.

Here are six different ways that you can decorate the top of your fridge. 

1. Add Shelves Above the Fridge

One of the ways that you can decorate above the top of your refrigerator is to place above fridge shelves or cabinets. You can purchase custom shelving or cabinet units, or you can purchase ones directly from home improvement or home decor stores.

There are many different options for shelving and cabinetry that can be placed above fridges. Some styles are designed to hold wine bottles, some can hold kitchen gadgets and gizmos, some give you more space to store plates or cups, and some give you a place to store various knick-knacks. 

2. Put Baskets On Top of the Fridge

Another idea for decorating above a fridge is to place baskets above a fridge. Baskets are a great choice for decorating because they help to create a clean look, yet give you a place to store items that you may not otherwise know where to place.

Often times, people match the baskets that they place on top of the fridge to other baskets that they may have on a kitchen counter or visible living room or dining room, to ensure the spaces look cohesive.  

3. Store Your Cookbooks on Top of the Fridge

If you love cookbooks, you may have a wide selection of cookbooks. Figuring out where to store them does not need to be challenging. You can line your cookbooks up so that they look orderly and store them on top of your fridge.

Not only does this help to create a cute kitchen design, it also helps to ensure that your cookbooks are readily available should you need to reach for one while cooking or baking. 

4. Put Decorative Spice Jars on Top of the Fridge

Another item that you may have a lot of is spices. Anyone who cooks often can start to accumulate a wide array of spices. If you are looking to decorate the top of your fridge, and you have a large spice collection, you may consider purchasing decorative spice jars.

Place all of your spices into the decorative spice jars to create a matching and cohesive design, and then place those spice jars on top of your fridge.

Spices are easy to get to when you need to use them, while also adding to the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. 

5. Place a Decorative Serving Tray on the Refrigerator

One of the trends right now when it comes to above fridge decoration ideas is to place a decorative serving tray on top of the refrigerator and then decorate that tray.

Some people place an old tea kettle or water pitcher on the tray, while other people place a vase with flowers on the tray. You can also place candles, pictures, or fancy coffee mugs on the tray to create the design or aesthetic that speaks to you. 

6. Add Greenery With Plants or An Herb Garden

The last idea for decorating the top of your fridge is to add some greenery to the space with plants or an herb garden. You can use real or fake plants, depending on whether you want to water and care for the plants or not.

If you are using real plants, take the time to learn about some of the real plants that can thrive on top of a fridge, including aloe Vera, string of hearts, devil’s ivy, and the snake plant. 

What Do You Put On Top Of a High Cabinet? 

If you have a high cabinet directly above your fridge or to the sides of your fridge, you may also find yourself wondering what you can place on those high cabinets.

Just like with a refrigerator, you can place many different items on top of the cabinets. This includes items you use in the kitchen or decorative items that add style and ambiance to your space.

More FAQs about Above The Fridge Decor Ideas

What should I put above my refrigerator?

You should consider adding decorative baskets for extra storage above your refrigerator if you have open cabinets in that space. Another option is to showcase your beloved cookbooks or use tray dividers to store baking sheets and frequently used items. You can choose to keep this space open or install cabinet doors.

Is it okay to put stuff above the fridge?

It is not advisable to place items above the fridge as it can obstruct the appliance’s ventilation, leading to increased strain on the fridge to maintain cool temperatures. This can pose a potential danger. It is recommended to minimize or remove any clutter above the fridge, particularly if you are using that space to store any items mentioned in the list.

Can you keep plants on top of fridge?

Plants can be kept on top of the fridge, but it is important to consider the specific qualities of the fridge and the needs of the plants. Older refrigerators may have warm tops, and some fridges release warm air, which can negatively affect certain plants. Therefore, it is important to choose plants that can tolerate the heat and increased airflow in this location.

How to build over the fridge cabinet?

To build an over the fridge cabinet, start by measuring the space above your fridge. Next, cut the plywood pieces and create grooves for the back panel. Mark the position of the center divider. Then, assemble the cabinet box. Finally, install the cabinet above the fridge.

How can I decorate the top of my refrigerator?

You can decorate the top of your refrigerator by adding a touch of personal style to your kitchen. A small vase of flowers or a charming woven basket filled with goodies can be the perfect finishing touch to make this space feel special and unique.

Do you need space on top of fridge?

It is necessary to provide space on top of the refrigerator for proper ventilation. When measuring the area for the fridge, ensure that there is at least an additional 1 inch of room left for both the back and top of the appliance.

How can I make my free standing refrigerator look good?

To make your free-standing refrigerator look aesthetically pleasing, you can enhance its appearance by constructing a cabinetry wall around it. By designing the cabinetry with varying depths, you can achieve a visually striking effect that mimics the look of a built-in refrigerator. This transformation will elevate the basic appliance into a captivating focal point, while also providing ample storage space in its surroundings.

What is an overlay refrigerator?

An overlay refrigerator is a type of built-in fridge that features custom panels on the front, designed to perfectly match the surrounding cabinets. Its traditional style and discreet appearance often make it difficult for people to recognize it as an appliance until they notice its large size.

How do you fill a gap above a refrigerator and cabinet?

To fill the gap above a refrigerator and cabinet, if the side gap measures less than 1/4 inches, adhesive brackets will be used to mount the side trim. These adhesive strips, manufactured by 3M, are highly durable. To install, simply peel off the protective film from the adhesive strip and firmly press the side trim into position.

Should there be a gap at the top of a fridge?

There should be a gap at the top of a fridge to ensure proper airflow. It is recommended to have a minimum of one-half inch to one inch of clearance on top of the unit. Additionally, it is important to allow between one to two inches of space at the rear of the refrigerator for adequate rear clearance and airflow.

What is a fridge spacer?

A fridge spacer is a component of the ventilation grid that can be found at the bottom of your refrigerator. Positioned at the very bottom, this grate enables the circulation of air around the cooling system.

How do you fill a large gap between stove and countertop?

To fill a large gap between the stove and countertop, you can cut plastic tubing to the appropriate size and insert it into the gap. Alternatively, you may opt for a silicone stove or counter gap cover, which can be purchased online or at a hardware store.

Does a fridge need ventilation?

A fridge requires ventilation to ensure proper functioning. This is especially important for integrated fridges, which need vents for this purpose. To allow for adequate airflow, a minimum of 200cm2 of ventilation should be provided at both the top and bottom of the cabinetry.

Why do you need a gap around a fridge?

The reason a gap is necessary around a fridge is to ensure optimal performance by allowing ventilation on all sides.

What are cabinet filler strips?

Cabinet filler strips are strips of wood used to fill gaps between cabinets and other objects, typically placed between cabinets and the wall. These strips are necessary because even though a wall may appear straight, it is often not perfectly even.

What is cabinet filler?

Cabinet filler is a piece of finished wood that is used to fill gaps or openings between cabinets or between a cabinet and any obstruction. This is done to ensure that the doors or drawers of the cabinet can function properly without any hindrance.

How do you dress up a refrigerator?

To dress up a refrigerator, you can apply decals, wrap it, display a collection, cover it with chalkboard adhesive, decorate it with magnets and stickers, pay homage to a favorite magazine, or display a photo album.

How do you make a refrigerator look built in?

To make a refrigerator appear built-in, you can enclose it with cabinets and/or panels that match the surrounding cabinetry. Opt for a finish or trim kit that complements the overall design. The advantage of this approach is that it doesn’t involve any demolition, making it a relatively simple and cost-effective solution.

How do you style a fridge in a living room?

To style a fridge in a living room, one option is to position it beside a sofa and cover the top with a piece of plywood or similar material. This allows the fridge to serve as a convenient side table or worktop for drinks and magazines, while remaining easily accessible.

How to make decorations for a refrigerator?

To make decorations for a refrigerator, you can create a simple fridge magnet by purchasing a small surface such as a glass marble or wood circle, decorating it to your liking, and then attaching a magnet to it using glue. This collection offers various straightforward projects like this.

Should be kept at the top of a refrigerator?

The top shelf of a refrigerator should be utilized for storing food that is ready to eat, such as dairy products like yogurt and cheese, as well as any pre-prepared food or leftovers that do not require reheating before serving.

How do you hide a refrigerator that sticks out?

To hide a refrigerator that sticks out, it is important to have a counter depth fridge instead of a standard depth one. Additionally, if you don’t already have them, recessed plumbing and electrical fixtures should be installed in the wall behind the fridge. Lastly, “end panels” can be installed to conceal the case of the refrigerator.