If You Have These Cupboards Above Your Fridge, You Better Know What They’re Actually For

It’s the mysterious kitchen space we all have but rarely understand — those awkward, hard-to-reach cupboards above the refrigerator. For many, they’re just where old serving trays or unused kitchen gadgets go to die. For others, they’re completely empty, abandoned because… well, what are they really for?

If you’ve ever stood on your tiptoes, peered into that dark abyss above your fridge, and wondered, “What am I supposed to do with this?” — you’re not alone. But here’s the thing:

👉 That space isn’t just for random clutter — it actually has a purpose.

Let’s break it down and talk about how to reclaim that overlooked spot in your kitchen and use it the right way.

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🧱 Why That Cupboard Exists in the First Place

Architecturally, the space above the fridge is part of a larger kitchen design principle: maximize vertical storage.

Since refrigerators are tall and usually placed against a wall, designers added cabinets above to make use of the empty vertical space. But because fridges vary in height, this cabinet is often deeper, higher, and harder to access than others — making it tricky to use efficiently.

But that doesn’t mean it should go to waste.

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🥫 What That Cabinet Isn’t For

Before we get into clever uses, let’s talk about what this cupboard should not be used for:

• Everyday items: If you can’t reach it without a step stool, don’t store your daily coffee mugs or cereal up there.

• Heavy appliances: That old crockpot you never use? Sure. But don’t store anything too heavy unless you’re prepared to wrestle it down from overhead.

• Unsealed pantry items: The top of your fridge gets warm. Storing food up there (even in the cabinet) can lead to spoilage or pest issues.

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✅ What It’s Actually Perfect For

This high cupboard is ideal for infrequently used but still valuable kitchen items. Think of it like the "once-in-a-while" drawer of your kitchen.

Here are the best things to store there:

1. Holiday or Special Occasion Serveware

• Platters, big bowls, decorative trays — the stuff you only use for Thanksgiving or family gatherings.

2. Extra Paper Goods

• Paper towels, napkins, plastic utensils, or party supplies you don’t need often but want to keep in stock.

3. Cookbooks or Recipe Cards

• If you’re not flipping through them weekly, that cabinet is a safe, dust-free spot.

4. Kitchen Overflow Storage

• Extra Tupperware lids, baking pans, or kitchen tools you only use occasionally.

5. Backstock Pantry Items

• Canned goods or sealed items you’ve bought in bulk — just be mindful of the heat from the fridge.

6. Vases or Decorative Pieces

• You know those tall vases and oddly-shaped items that don’t fit anywhere else? Up they go.

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🧠 Pro Tips for Making the Most of That Space

Now that you know what to store, here’s how to actually make it work:

🪜 1. Keep a Foldable Step Stool Nearby

Don’t climb on countertops. A small step stool stored near the kitchen or even clipped to a pantry door will make accessing this cabinet safer and easier.

📦 2. Use Bins or Baskets

Group items by type and label your bins. That way, you can pull down a basket instead of digging around blindly.

🧼 3. Line the Shelves

Add a non-slip liner to protect the surface and keep things in place.

📆 4. Do a Seasonal Rotation

Switch out items seasonally — for example, swap grilling gear in during the summer and cookie cutters for winter.

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✨ Bonus Idea: Turn It Into a Hidden Charging Station

If you’re remodeling or tech-savvy, some homeowners have started converting the cabinet above the fridge into a charging and storage station — complete with USB outlets and a place to hide extra cords, batteries, or even a Wi-Fi router. Genius!

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Final Thoughts

Those upper cupboards above the fridge? They’re not useless — they’re just misunderstood.

Once you rethink their purpose and get a little strategic, they become a prime storage spot for the things you don’t need often, but definitely don’t want to toss. With a few baskets, a stool, and some smart planning, you can turn that "dead zone" into some of the most functional square footage in your kitchen.

So next time you look up at that forgotten cupboard, don’t sigh — organize.