There’s something so satisfying about a home where everything has its proper place. Personally, I find it nearly impossible to concentrate when my surroundings are cluttered or when items feel like they’re out of order. And yes, this sense of order definitely extends all the way to what’s inside my fridge.
That wasn’t always true, though. When I was younger, tidiness wasn’t really on my radar. If my childhood home looked neat and picture-perfect, it wasn’t because of me. I owe that entirely to my mother, who always kept the house spotless — like it could have been featured in a real estate brochure at any moment.
She also passed along countless household tips and tricks, including one I’ve come to really appreciate: how to make the most of those small, often-overlooked cupboards you sometimes find above the refrigerator. You know the ones I mean? The little cabinets so high up that they feel almost useless. If you’ve got them in your kitchen, here are some clever ways you might want to put them to work.
Making Sense of That Awkward Space
At first glance, those tiny cupboards don’t seem all that practical. They’re too small to store large items, and putting plates or everyday mugs up there just doesn’t make sense — who wants to drag out a stool every time they need a cup of coffee?
So what can you actually do with them? Quite a lot, it turns out.
Smart Storage Ideas for Above-the-Fridge Cupboards
1. Kitchen gadgets you don’t use every day
These cupboards aren’t the place for items you need constantly, but they’re perfect for appliances that only see occasional use. Think waffle makers, blenders, slow cookers, or food processors — the kinds of things you haul out once in a while but don’t want cluttering your countertops.
2. Canned goods and baking supplies
Canned foods last for ages, which makes them ideal for stashing away in a hard-to-reach spot. You can also store baking essentials there — flour, sugar, cocoa powder, or sprinkles you might only reach for on weekends or during the holidays.
3. Cookbooks
If you’ve got a small collection of cookbooks but don’t want them taking up counter space, that high cupboard can double as a neat little home library. They’ll stay clean, tucked away, and ready for when you need inspiration.
4. Pantry extras and spices
Similar to canned goods, non-perishable pantry items work well in these cupboards. You might even keep a small spice rack up there for the blends and seasonings you don’t grab on a daily basis.
5. Kitchen towels and paper goods
If you or your family likes to stock up on kitchen towels, napkins, or paper products in bulk, those upper cabinets are a great place to store the extras until you need them.
6. Fine china or “special occasion” dishes
That set of fancy plates or silverware you reserve for holidays and dinner parties? The above-fridge cabinet can be the perfect storage spot. Plus, it keeps those delicate items out of reach of children.
A Few Safety Reminders
Before you start hauling things up there, keep a few safety tips in mind. Always use a sturdy stool or step ladder when accessing those cupboards, and avoid storing anything too heavy — you don’t want to risk dropping it.
And remember: refrigerators generate heat, so it’s not the best place to store items that are sensitive to temperature changes, like certain oils, chocolates, or perishables.
👉 Those little cupboards above the fridge might seem useless at first, but with a little creativity, they can become some of the most practical storage in your kitchen.