When it comes to designing the ideal home, everyone has different preferences, but one common wish is a spacious kitchen. For many, a kitchen that can accommodate all the essential appliances – from coffee makers to air fryers – is a must for making daily life convenient and efficient. But even if your kitchen is small, clever design choices or a quick scroll through Pinterest can reveal plenty of ways to maximize your space.

One often-overlooked area is the cabinet space above the refrigerator. Although these cabinets may seem difficult to reach, they can be highly practical for storing items that don’t need daily access. Here are some ideas for making the most of that hidden storage area.

1. Storage for Infrequently Used Kitchen Appliances

The cabinets above the fridge are perfect for stowing away kitchen gadgets you don’t use every day. Appliances like blenders, food processors, or waffle makers can be conveniently stored here, freeing up counter space for the essentials you use more frequently.

2. Long-lasting Pantry Items

Canned goods are ideal for this spot since they stay fresh for a long time. Storing cans up high keeps them out of the way and prevents pantry clutter, making it easy to forget they’re there until needed. Plus, they’ll still be perfectly good to use even if you don’t reach for them often.

3. Recipe Books and Cookbooks

If you have a collection of cookbooks that you only pull out for special recipes, the cabinet above the fridge is the perfect home for them. Since many people memorize their favorite recipes, they don’t need regular access to their cookbooks, making this a logical storage choice.

4. Staples and Seasonings

Pantry items that don’t require daily use, like certain spices or baking essentials, can be neatly stored here too. Consider a small spice rack to organize items in this space, keeping your kitchen counters uncluttered while still keeping everything accessible for when you need it.

5. Dish Towels

Bulk packs of kitchen towels can easily take up valuable drawer space. Storing them in the cabinet above the fridge is a practical solution. You can keep a few in a convenient drawer, replenishing from above as needed, and avoid overcrowding your main kitchen storage.

6. Special Occasion Dishes

If you own fine china or cutlery sets reserved for special events, the area above the fridge can be a safe place to store them. Keeping these items out of the reach of children makes this spot especially useful, protecting your valuable dishes while keeping them close enough for those special moments.

For safety, it’s recommended to use a step stool or ladder when reaching for items in these high cabinets. With a bit of planning, this space can become a valuable storage solution that keeps your kitchen organized and efficient.

Don’t forget to share these tips with friends and family who could use some extra storage ideas!