There’s something incredibly satisfying about having a place for everything in your home. If you’re anything like me, clutter can easily throw off your focus, and a disorganized space makes it hard to feel at peace. I like to know that everything, even the things inside the fridge or tucked away in a corner of the kitchen, is where it belongs.
That includes those often-ignored cupboards above the refrigerator. When I was younger, I didn’t pay much attention to keeping things organized. It wasn’t something I thought much about. But my mom, on the other hand, had a real gift for turning our house into what always looked like a real estate listing—clean, neat, and perfectly staged. She taught me a lot of helpful tips and tricks when it came to organizing, and one of those lessons was how to make use of every bit of space—including those tricky little cabinets above the fridge. You know the ones I mean: small, awkward to reach, and often written off as useless.
But if you’ve got them in your kitchen, don’t dismiss them just yet. They may not be huge, but they offer surprising potential if used right. At first, I thought these cupboards weren’t good for much. They’re too high up for everyday items like plates or glasses, and they don’t have the space to store large appliances. But that doesn’t mean they’re not valuable. In fact, they’re perfect for the things you don’t need all the time. One great use is for those kitchen gadgets you only bring out every so often—think waffle makers, mixers, or even that popcorn machine you break out on movie night. Since these items aren’t in your daily rotation, storing them up high keeps them out of the way but still accessible when needed. Canned goods are another great fit for this space.
They last a long time, so it’s not a big deal if you forget about them for a while. I’ve also used this space for baking supplies like flour, sugar, or decorating tools that only get pulled out for weekend projects or holidays. It keeps the rest of my cabinets from getting too crowded, and everything stays neatly tucked away. If you’re a cookbook lover but don’t want to clutter your counter, the cupboard above the fridge is a great solution. I keep my cookbooks organized up there, and it’s always a treat to pull one down when I want to try something new. The same goes for pantry overflow—things like pasta, grains, or even backup jars of spices.
@withmaikiI filmed the process of my over the fridge DIY 🤗 For those who are asking, I got these floating shelves from @wilcondepot.ph ✨
I even installed a small spice rack up there once, and it worked like a charm. Another unexpected use? Storing bulk household items like kitchen towels. My wife loves stocking up when there’s a sale, and we quickly realized we needed a place to keep all those extra towels. That upper cupboard turned out to be the perfect spot. It’s out of sight, but easy enough to reach when needed. And if you have special dishes—fine china or serving platters that only come out for holidays or fancy dinners—storing them above the fridge keeps them safe and out of reach from kids or everyday kitchen chaos. Just remember to be safe when using that space. Always use a sturdy step stool or ladder instead of climbing on a chair, and don’t put anything too heavy or fragile up there. The heat from the refrigerator can affect certain items, so avoid storing things like chocolate or sensitive electronics. But for the right types of items, this space is gold. Have you found a clever way to use the space above your fridge? Whether it’s practical storage or a creative solution, I’d love to hear how you make the most of this overlooked corner of the kitchen. Sometimes, the best storage ideas are hiding in plain sight—you just need to look a little higher.
