The refrigerator is an integral part of the kitchen space, like a sink or stove. If the kitchen is too small, then the owners face the important question of how to properly place the refrigerator in such a room so that it does not create inconvenience.
The main problem is that a refrigerator, even of a modest size, takes up a large part of the area in the kitchen. In addition, this very dimensional piece of furniture visually reduces the already cramped space of the kitchen.
However, you should not fall into despair. There are several ways to correctly place the refrigerator on small kitchen so that the room remains comfortable and convenient.
Where can I install a refrigerator in a small kitchen - the best options
In one corner of the kitchen- so that the refrigerator does not visually clutter up the room and does not interfere with the household, designers advise installing it in the farthest free corner. This technique will make the refrigerator less noticeable, in addition, it will visually raise the low ceiling.
All large items are best placed against the wall - this also applies to the refrigerator. As a rule, on each, even the most, there is a corner, one of the walls of which goes into working area, and the second is adjacent to the window.
The distance from the window to the walls can be very different, but this place will be the most convenient for placing the refrigerator.
The main thing is that households do not have to constantly stumble over the refrigerator. If you also choose the right dimensions for the size of the room, it will take up quite a bit of space.
If the decision is made to place the refrigerator in the corner, it is recommended to buy its highest and narrowest model.
It is desirable that it be light - white or metallic, then the room will not seem cramped. To save even more space, a microwave oven can be placed directly above the refrigerator in the corner.
Refrigerator installed near the kitchen window- this method of placement is most often chosen when the kitchen has. A separate refrigerator by the window is located not far from the work surface, so it is quite convenient to use it in the process of cooking.
At the same time, it does not clutter up the kitchen and leaves quite a lot on it. free space. It is important to choose high and narrow model, which will need to be pushed as tightly as possible to the wall.
Another option is a small refrigerator by the window, above which is located wall cabinet for storage of dishes or other utensils.
Refrigerator installed near the sink- often there is a rather spacious "dead" zone near the sink, in which nothing stands. It also happens there free corner or niche. You should take a closer look at this place, because the refrigerator installed there can completely transform a small room.
With this layout option, the rest of the space will look lighter and more spacious. To enhance the effect, you can use light furniture and the same finishing materials.
To make it easier to find a place for a refrigerator in a small kitchen area, designers advise getting rid of some bulky and rarely used kitchen appliances- it can be replaced with a more compact one.
For example, you should choose an oven with a steamer function and microwave oven. Massive food processor Easily replaceable with a regular immersion blender. Full dining area you can easily equip it in the living room, and install a light and compact replacement in the kitchen itself.
Refrigerator near front door - This is another fairly popular place to locate the refrigerator. Depending on which one was chosen, either a roomy corner or a flat wall can form there.
Both options are great for installing a refrigerator. The main thing is to correctly combine it with the rest of the furniture, in particular, with a set. In general, designers advise making custom-made furniture for small kitchens.
This approach provides an opportunity to use every square meter more productively, leaving no gap between household appliances and cabinets.
The location of the refrigerator in a niche- this option is one of the most practical and convenient. In the niche, the refrigerator is partially protected from sun rays, household pollution and mechanical influences. It is only necessary to strictly observe the rules for connecting a household appliance, and make sure that nothing prevents the free opening of the doors.
When installing a small refrigerator, you can take up free space above the shelves or cabinets for storing dishes, seasonings, kitchen utensils.
If the niche provided technical documents, is missing, then it is quite possible to equip it yourself, after consulting with the architect. Perhaps such a redevelopment will require coordination with government agencies.
Advice! If there is no air circulation in the niche, the refrigerator may overheat, and this will disrupt it. normal work. As a rule, manufacturers indicate in the instructions minimum dimensions niche required for embedding.
Installation of a refrigerator under the windowsill- this option should be chosen if the kitchen is really very small, and if no more than two people live in the apartment, for whom there is no need to store large stocks of food.
A compact refrigerator can be placed directly under the windowsill, which acts as a dining or desktop. 
Installing an under counter refrigerator- if the apartment does not live big family, you can safely buy a small refrigerator. It can be perfectly positioned right under the worktop, under the dining table, under the breakfast bar or anywhere else in the kitchen.
As a rule, the height of such a refrigerator does not exceed 50 cm. This model is devoid of a freezer, so it takes up very little space. To store frozen fruits and vegetables, you can purchase a separate freezer and install it outside the kitchen - for example, in the pantry.
Installing a refrigerator in a cabinet- to implement such an idea, it is worth ordering a custom-made kitchen set with the possibility of embedding a refrigerator in it. Myself household appliance should be small or medium in size, then it will fit perfectly into the interior.
This is a great way to save kitchen space as much as possible, make it more ergonomic and functional. The refrigerator can be located in the upper compartment of the cabinet, then you will not need to bend down to it to get certain products.
Refrigerator located on the balcony- this option can become ideal under certain conditions:
- The kitchen room should be as insulated as possible, otherwise it is forbidden to place a refrigerator in it.
- Required good ventilation balcony.
- The loggia itself must be reinforced, and easily withstand the considerable weight of a large refrigerator.
- The refrigerator should not be constantly exposed to direct sunlight.
- It should be remembered that it is forbidden to place sockets on the balcony, so when connecting the refrigerator, you will have to use an extension cord.
Installing a refrigerator in the hallway- this option can be used if it was not possible to find a place in the kitchen, and the existing corridor adjacent to the kitchen is quite spacious for this. It is important to place the refrigerator in such a way that it does not interfere with the movement of family members around the home.
Its door should open freely without bumping into foreign objects. One more appropriate place to install a refrigerator - a small closet or pantry.
How to design a small kitchen with a refrigerator
Equipping a small kitchen, you must be guided, first of all, by the issue of convenience. You can not buy bulky furniture that will clutter up an already cramped room.
In this case, only or the type of layout is ideal. To slightly expand the space, you can combine the kitchen with a balcony.
Furniture for a small kitchen should be chosen depending on the style of the interior. For rooms, the interior of which is made in traditional styles, headsets made of natural wood or chipboard.
The color of such furniture can be white, beige, made in any pastel shades. Setting up a small kitchen modern styles, you should pay attention to furniture made from lightweight synthetic materials.
An abundance of metal, glossy surfaces and glass is welcome - they help to visually enlarge the space.
Concerning household appliances, then its choice depends only on the taste preferences of the owner of the kitchen. In any case, it is better to choose comfortable and practical models that fit perfectly into any style - this also applies to the refrigerator.
For interiors, modern and retro-style household appliances are suitable, for other interiors you can choose modern options refrigerator in white, light gray or metallic.
In the refrigerator, you can simply hide behind the facade of furniture. The ideal solution for a small kitchen there will be a built-in refrigerator of a small size.
Advice! The main rule that should be followed in the process of planning a small kitchen is to give up furniture that you can do without. There is no place for sideboards, chests of drawers, decorative bedside tables and numerous shelves - let it be better to take their place necessary thing like a fridge..
Small kitchen with refrigerator (real photos)
The layout of the kitchen revolves around the refrigerator - no way without it. What if the look doesn't suit you? What if there is no place for it? Is it possible to hide the largest item in the kitchen? Of course, there are at least 7 options that we will talk about.
Let's say you are thinking of making a kitchen in the style of a medieval castle, even cooking food in a fireplace - how does a glossy giant refrigerator fit into the idea? Or the whole kitchen - on the strength of 5 square meters, and the place is definitely needed for dishwasher, hoods, tables, stoves and more. And sometimes you want to hide the refrigerator so as not to look into it once again.
Outside
Take the "culprit" of thoughts to another room. Just think carefully - who will he interfere with noise there, and who will get round-the-clock access to food, will that suit you? A worthy option is a loggia, if all are met specifications. Namely: the room is ventilated, it is warm in winter, moderately humid. Otherwise, the refrigerator will simply stop working. You can try to combine the loggia with the kitchen, if you are not afraid of technical and legal difficulties, or at least make a service window to transfer food directly to the kitchen.
Our opinion:
The redevelopment connecting the kitchen with the loggia will add space and light. But remember that you will have to get consent from all family members and neighbors. If the repair will affect appearance buildings or you need to transfer communications - the task becomes more complicated. Think about whether the game is worth the candle, perhaps just a warmed loggia will suit you as an extra room.
The size
Maybe a mini-fridge will suffice for you? Perhaps you are ready to ditch the freezer or install it separately. This will save space and make it easier to hide the "components". small refrigerator it is quite enough for one not very hungry person, and there is even a place for such a unit even in the bedroom. In any case, before choosing household appliances, you should ask yourself a few important questions.
under the stairs
Hide the refrigerator under the stairs. There is enough space for a niche or a whole pantry. But remember that you need a heat sink. In a deaf niche, the refrigerator overheats easily. Even without additional walls the refrigerator under the stairs is visually lost - the main thing is to remember where it is when you need food.
Closet
If you hide the refrigerator in a closet, then where to hide the closet? Nowhere, if its appearance suits you and fits better into the interior and style of the kitchen than a metal giant. Ready kit kitchen furniture may already include a built-in refrigerator in a cabinet that perfectly matches the color of the entire kitchen. Or you can build a locker to your liking. Please note - the back wall must be with a grate for ventilation.
Disguise
Hide the refrigerator in the most visible place - here unexpected decision. Just disguise it as something else - slate board For example. Imagine how convenient it will be to leave notes and recipes, shopping lists for loved ones, finally solve examples! Now there are paints that create a similar effect on any surface. In addition, you can change its appearance every day if you put colored crayons next to it.
transformation
It's more than just a disguise: the fridge turns... into the Tardis, the vehicle through the universe of the legendary Doctor Who from the British television series, with the help of an adhesive vinyl film. Or your art gallery the best photos. Tastefully selected travel magnets will also turn a boring device into a small museum. Now his appearance causes only joy, and nothing needs to be hidden.
Decor
Decorate your refrigerator so that it looks like a work of art itself. You can do it yourself, or you can use full-sized magnetic panels with amazing effects. So the refrigerator will fit both in the kitchen in the style of pop art, and in the imitation of an old coffee house in Provence. Some models of refrigerators are already sold with designer drawings on them.
In order to decorate the interior of the kitchen beautifully, sometimes you have to sacrifice amenities. For example, the refrigerator is transferred to the hallway. This is quite acceptable, given that in a small kitchen it will only create problems. It's not that hard to walk a couple of steps to bring groceries. However, designers offer several solutions at once where you can install a refrigerator in a small kitchen.
Placement of a refrigerator in a small kitchen
Where can you put in the apartment:
- in the corner opposite from the battery;
- the refrigerator can be built into the corner set, in the center. Here you will have to create a false wall, otherwise the garbage behind the refrigerator is inevitable over time;
- some remove the wall between the kitchen and the room, making a niche, in which case the corridor can be blocked, and a refrigerator can easily enter this niche;
- most interesting and profitable option buy a mini fridge and freezer and install instead of desktops. If desired, they can be disguised as a headset;
- some manage to place a mini refrigerator under the windowsill, which is very large in Khrushchev;
- in three-room Khrushchev there is a pantry next to the kitchen, many people use it as a place for a refrigerator.
In any case, even in the hallway, this item does not interfere at all if you arrange it in style. The refrigerator is quite a universal thing, and looks normal. If you choose stylish self-adhesive film stickers on it, you can even change the design of the hallway.
Why the refrigerator is not always convenient in a small kitchen
Takes a lot usable area, which can be given to dinner table or bar counter. can be heated from the sun near the window or from the battery, if placed nearby. often requires the transfer of plumbing, gas column, stove, if any, or the installation of false walls. There is simply not enough food in a large refrigerator to take up a lot of space. Therefore, either we buy a small and separate freezer, which will be flush with the desktop, or without a twinge of conscience we put it in the corridor.
Why is it better in the hallway
How less furniture in the kitchen, the easier cleaning. If you squeeze the refrigerator in there, then it will be difficult to move it away if something falls. In addition, a lot depends on the doors, they can greatly interfere when opening. You can’t put a refrigerator next to heating devices: a stove, a radiator, and in the sun, there are not many places left to squeeze it in. Do you need a large refrigerator in the kitchen, that is the question, and is it not easier to put it where it brings the least problems.
The refrigerator is one of the vertices of the working triangle “stocks-washing-cooking”, which means that the convenience of the kitchen and even the cooking time largely depend on its placement. Yes, and the dimensions of the unit are so large that one way or another it is necessary to plan the place and the way it is arranged with all care, especially if the kitchen is small. In this material, we will tell you where it is best to install a refrigerator, how to plan the design of a small kitchen with a refrigerator, how to organically fit it into the interior, and what planning decisions you should not make.
13 principles for placing a refrigerator in the kitchen
1. The refrigerator should not “break” the working triangle
The main principle that should be followed when choosing a place for a refrigerator is the rule of the working triangle, which we have already mentioned.
The work triangle is the area of the most activity in the kitchen, which includes three vertices: the storage area (refrigerator and cabinet with supplies), the cooking area (stove), and the washing area. To make the kitchen as comfortable as possible, all these zones should form a triangle, ideally an isosceles one. At the same time, they should be in reasonable proximity to each other (no more than 200-180 cm), and on the way from one point to another there should be no obstacles in the form of, say, a table or a bar counter. If you break this rule by placing the refrigerator too far from the sink and stove, the triangle will break and during cooking / serving, the cook will have to run back and forth with food on hand, wasting extra time and effort.
Options for building a working triangle with the main types of kitchen layouts
Of course, in practice, it is not always possible to observe the rule of the working triangle in planning a kitchen, however, this should be strived for.
4. Convenient places to install a refrigerator - in the corner or near the door / at the entrance to the kitchen
The location of the refrigerator in the corner will save space, and the large unit will not look so bulky here.
Placing a refrigerator near the door, firstly, will be convenient for unloading food packages, and secondly, it zones the space due to the formation of an additional “partition”. With this layout, the refrigerator can be built into a drywall niche or the door can be dismantled, creating a wide and open portal that visually lightens the space.
5. Sometimes a refrigerator can fit into a niche formed when moving a doorway
In this case, the entrance to the kitchen is laid, and a new opening is arranged in the partition between the kitchen and the living room. Often this technique can be applied in small kitchens in Khrushchev and some other typical houses.
Refrigerator in a niche in a redesigned kitchen in Khrushchev
6. The depth of the refrigerator must match the depth of the headset
So the unit will not break the straight line of kitchen furniture, and the interior will visually look orderly. This tip is especially true for freestanding refrigerators and small kitchens.
7. If possible, the refrigerator should be built into the headset
The built-in refrigerator saves precious centimeters and allows you to create a uniformity of all kitchen surfaces, due to which the space is visually lightened and enlarged, and the interior seems neat.
Built-in refrigerator in a small kitchen in Khrushchev
In addition, built-in appliances are much easier to keep clean - just wipe the facades and the camera itself. A free-standing unit requires cleaning of the upper part, the space behind the back and around the walls.
- Embedding a refrigerator is especially desirable not only for small kitchens, but also classic style kitchens , rustic and ethnic style.
Built-in refrigerator in the interior of the kitchen classical style in stalinka
8. For a small kitchen, you should choose compact models
For example, a narrow but high model (only 40-55 cm wide and up to 180 cm high), a mini-fridge that can be placed/embedded under the countertop, or just a small unit (for example, 120 l).
- And of course, it is desirable that the refrigerator in a small kitchen be built-in.
Below are photo examples of equipment in mini format.
Small refrigerator built under the oven
Small freestanding refrigerator by the window
Embedding a mini-fridge under the countertop is as easy as, say, a washing machine, a large dishwasher, or a cupboard with shelves. For those who live alone or with a couple, this is a great solution.
9. If the kitchen is very small, then the refrigerator can be moved to an adjoining room or corridor
The main thing is that the design of the refrigerator echoes in color and style with other interior elements, such as curtains, an apron or headset facades. It is also important to understand that a "designer" refrigerator involves a discreet kitchen interior, without an abundance of colorful and elegant details.
Those who want to think over the design to the smallest detail own kitchen, the problem is well known when even the most beautiful refrigerator does not fit into the interior. It either stands in bulk among neat lockers, or it stands out for its modernity against the backdrop of retro style ... A refrigerator built into a cabinet solves all aesthetic problems at the same time.
Features and Benefits
A few decades ago, they tried to put the refrigerator in the most prominent place in the kitchen - simply because not everyone had it. And today we hide them away from our eyes for the sake of beauty.
And although the built-in appliances are extremely fashionable and status, they are not suitable for everyone. Refrigerator in the cabinet:
- invisible;
- silent;
- much more economical than a conventional refrigerator, tk. it is additionally thermally insulated by the cabinet walls.
At the same time, it is quite expensive, less roomy than usual, and rarely has additional functions– e.g. control of buttons on the door, a zone for “fresh” products, etc. This option is not suitable for those who have a large family, which means that you have to store a lot of food and constantly cook.
The concept of "built-in" applies not only to those refrigerators that "live" in kitchen cabinets. This also includes office options refrigerators, mini-bars and even small refrigerators for cars.
Built-in refrigerators are the most different sizes- You can choose the right one based on your own needs and lifestyle. They may not have one or two freezers, or they may not have one at all. The design of such equipment is not being worked out: the most important thing for such a device is internal organization and its electrical safety.
Installation options
Most important rule: first we choose a refrigerator, and only then we order a cabinet. Not a single qualified craftsman will undertake the installation of built-in appliances in furniture that was purchased without measurements.
Some owners, wanting to save money, try to build an ordinary refrigerator into the closet. You don't need to do this:
- In this case, the cabinet will have to be made without a bottom, because. an ordinary refrigerator is placed on the floor. Taking into account the fact that rear wall the cabinet will also not be (because other important parts of the refrigerator are located behind), you will get a flimsy construction of three boards. It can fall at any time and will swing when the door is opened.
- Even the slimmest solo refrigerator will need a huge closet. Compared to other cabinets, the headset will stand out in size. "Deception" will be revealed.
- If you really don’t want to spend money on a built-in model, you can hide an ordinary refrigerator in a closet. However, it must be without top cover for free access air. And the door should be designed for repeated opening.
- It is very important to consider the ergonomics of the future refrigerator. If the hostess is short, you should not buy a tall cabinet that will be difficult to open. According to experts, optimal height- 1.7 meters including the freezer.
So, having decided on the model of the refrigerator, you need to choose a place for it. Here the rules are the same as for simple devices.You need to put it away from the stove and other heating appliances.. The place under the cabinet should be perfectly flat. It is very important that the door, together with the cabinet front, opens easily and completely - a place must be provided for this.
Most often, the refrigerator in the closet is placed on the edge of the headset - angular or straight. It is the highest point in the interior, and the rest of the "drawing" goes at the level of the belt. However, there are others interesting options layouts.
In particular, the refrigerator can be hidden in a cupboard under working surface. For this purpose, two small units, up to 80 cm high, are usually purchased and placed next to each other. You can divide them thematically, for example, on the right side - meat and dairy products, on the left - fruits and vegetables. It looks original, very unusual and allows you to avoid a difference in height in the interior. Of course, there will be little space for storing food. In addition, to get something, every time you have to bend over or squat.
An additional place for storing food (canned food, jam, etc.) can be equipped under the windowsill. In many old houses in the kitchens there are special niches, which were popularly called the “Khrushchev refrigerator”. This is a fairly large recess in the wall with shelves. Technological openings are adapted in it, which allow maintaining a cool temperature there: in winter, you can even freeze dumplings. In the 50s and 60s, this allowed many people who did not have refrigerators to store perishable food without using electricity at all.
Many owners are now walling them up to keep the apartment warmer. However, if you put new doors (similar to plastic windows) and close mounting foam extra slots, you get a wonderful additional built-in refrigerator. Sometimes the doors are made transparent - the look of jars of jam or pickled cucumbers creates a special comfort.
Technical nuances
Install built-in appliances should only be a highly qualified master! If the device breaks due to a makeshift installation, warranty repairs will most likely not be possible. However, even those who will call the master to the house need to know a number of technical details.
The cabinet for the refrigerator should stand perfectly level and stable.. And most importantly, it must provide the unit with unhindered air access to cool the heating elements. For this it is done:
- No back wall.
- With holes in the back and side walls.
- With a margin in width and height.
- With a podium for the installation of a ventilation grille.
In addition to air intake holes, holes for wires must be provided in the box.
It is also important to understand the types of fastening of the facade to the refrigerator door. Built-in appliances have on the front surface special mounts. Most often there are two types of fasteners - like guides and articulated.
The mechanism with guides, as it were, “hangs” the facade on the refrigerator door and when opened, they slide relative to each other. With this fastening, there are gaps between the doors where debris can accumulate. In addition, the door can only be opened at an angle of up to 90°.. But it is ideal if the cabinet door itself is heavy enough, because. the load is distributed over several places.
Hinge fastening tightly connects one door to another. There are no gaps with this connection option and the door opens literally wide open. However, for a heavy facade (for example, from an array), hinges are not suitable.
Ideally at the design stage kitchen set and the choice of equipment, it is worth consulting with the installation wizard. The specialist will be able to match your design desires and technical capabilities refrigerator.
Models
The range of household appliances stores is huge. To better navigate this variety, here are a few examples of built-in refrigerators in different price categories.
Atlant XM 4307-000
One of the most popular and inexpensive models of Belarusian production. Two-chamber refrigerator (two doors: refrigerator and freezer), the volume of usable area is 234 liters. Its height is 178 cm, width - 54. Inside the refrigerator compartment, everything is quite simple: 3 glass shelves, a compartment for vegetables / fruits, 4 plastic shelves on the door. Defrosts automatically (drip system).
Freezer inside has 3 plastic crate, defrosted manually.
Mechanical control of the refrigerator. No additional devices or bells and whistles: an egg stand, ice molds - that's the whole set.
For safety, it can keep cold for 16 hours if there is a power outage. The manufacturer gives a 3 year warranty.
According to reviews, this is one of the most acceptable options in its price category. It works very quietly, which is great for a kitchen-living room. There is a positive experience of embedding it in Ikea furniture. Of the minuses that all buyers note - in order to defrost it, you need to turn it off from the outlet. For embedded technology, this is a significant drawback.
According to reviews, this is one of the most acceptable options in its price category. It works very quietly, which is great for a kitchen-living room. There is a positive experience of embedding it in Ikea furniture. Of the minuses that all buyers note - in order to defrost it, you need to turn it off from the outlet. For embedded technology, this is a significant drawback.
Beko CBI 7771
Two-chamber refrigerator, country of origin - Turkey. In terms of usable area - a little more than the previous one: 242 liters. Has an antibacterial coating. refrigerators compartment equipped with three glass shelves and a “freshness zone”. Defrost by drip system. The freezer with three shelves is equipped with the No Frost system. Height 177 cm. Operated mechanically. 13 hours of autonomous cold maintenance.
According to customer reviews, this model is quite reliable, but not too roomy - products for a week can hardly fit. Also of the minuses is the lack of a zone for storing fruits and vegetables. No Frost in the freezer speaks in favor of the model.
