It’s hard to imagine any apartment without a kitchen, and it’s impossible to imagine any kitchen without a refrigerator. However, when purchasing this large item, you should decide in advance where it will be installed and what dimensions are suitable for the chosen location. How to make the refrigerator in the kitchen look organic? Or should you choose an option like a kitchen with a built-in refrigerator? Each of the placement methods will be discussed in this article.
The refrigerator is a functional part of the kitchen interior.
Basic rules for placement in a modern kitchen
Most often, households and house guests gather in the kitchen, and the most frequently used household appliance is, of course, the refrigerator. That is why it is important that its location is convenient for everyone. The unit should not cause inconvenience with its location, and there must be a place for constant opening and closing of the door.
With the right approach, it can become a real decoration of the room, surprising guests and allowing them to gain aesthetic pleasure.
To make the right choice when deciding on the location of the equipment, you need to take into account several parameters:
- size and shape of the room;
- location of areas for washing, processing and storing products - it is important that these parts of the workspace are located at a short distance from each other;
- ceiling height;
- location of windows and their size;
- air temperature in the room;
- location of sockets.
Any hardware store sells devices of various shapes and colors.
Working triangle rule
The rule of the work triangle is to correctly arrange the three main functions of the workspace - cooking, washing and storage. Each of these zones has its own center - respectively, a stove, a sink and a refrigerator. These will be the vertices of the working triangle.
A bright refrigerator in the interior can emphasize the style of the room.
The basic rule is that these points are located at the optimal distance from each other: not too far apart, but not too close. This is important so that moving from one element to another is not difficult and time-consuming, but at the same time the work area is not reduced.
The most convenient option is considered to be the one when the total distance between the points is no more than 6 meters. Ideally, 90 cm from point to point.
A device that fits harmoniously into the interior will delight you and your guests.
Installation rules depending on the pre-selected layout
Layout is one of the key parameters that need to be analyzed before choosing how to install a refrigerator in the kitchen. The layout may include a niche for a refrigerator, or the placement of equipment will depend on the structure of the kitchen unit. One way or another, if you think through the layout yourself, then it is better to determine in advance where exactly each piece of household appliance will be located.
If the layout is already ready, then you can choose one of the options listed below for placing the refrigerator.
What to do if there are two refrigerators (layout ideas)
Where to put the refrigerator in the kitchen if there is more than one? There are many options. Let's look at the most common of them. If the kitchen is large, then both units can be placed directly in the kitchen space. If you cannot boast of large sizes, then you can consider the option of moving one of them to another room.
A good addition is a small decorative element that matches the color of the main device.
Freestanding refrigerator
There are several ways of where and how you can install a refrigerator. Let's consider options when the unit stands alone and does not depend on the ensemble of other household appliances.
A good solution would be a refrigerator that matches the color of the set.
In a niche
Installing a refrigerator in a niche allows you to create the illusion of integrity, which means the appliances will not be conspicuous and disrupt the appearance of the interior. As a rule, the unit is installed in a niche made of plasterboard, which is fixed to metal profiles.
This is a very practical option, since the refrigerator is hidden from exposure to sunlight, dust and other contaminants.
Installation in a corner
This arrangement is perfect if the kitchen is not large in size. Most often, in this case, the refrigerator is placed near the entrance, but at the same time remains close to the sink. If you choose the right model and take careful measurements first, the equipment will fit in line with the headset and will not stand out.
This allows you not only to save space, but also not to violate the integrity of the design.
Refrigerator near the door
This arrangement is convenient, since it does not require much physical effort to sort out shopping bags. At the same time, a certain partition is formed, which at the same time performs the function of zoning. In this case, you can prepare a niche from plasterboard or abandon the door, creating a wide open passage.
This technique will visually make the space more spacious and lighter.
Built into furniture or set
Built-in appliances are becoming more and more popular. It has a large number of advantages. Firstly, it is an aesthetic appearance that does not violate the design idea, but becomes its addition.
On the other hand, such models will cost much more.
Built-in and disguised as a headset
This option has a number of advantages. Firstly, you don’t have to worry about choosing the design of the equipment, since the equipment hidden behind the facade will not be visible, and therefore will not affect the design concept. Secondly, for the same reason, this option is more economical. Another important point is protection from external influences: overheating from nearby units, exposure to sunlight, moisture, dirt, dust, and so on.
The more refined the design of the model, the more expensive it will cost.
Refrigerator under work area
This option is convenient due to its availability. Products in the truest sense of the word will be at hand. The disadvantage of this solution is that it will not be possible to place a full-fledged large refrigerator under the work area.
You will either have to purchase a very compact model, or install a freezer separately in another place.
Under the table top
The nuances are the same as in the previous case, except that access to products will no longer be so “ready-to-hand.” However, for a very small space, this placement method can accommodate everything you need.
Designers recommend installing white refrigeration units in a kitchen with a light, classic interior.
Colored refrigerators in the kitchen interior with photos
The most common colors for refrigerators are white and beige. However, for those who like something brighter, the manufacturers have also prepared several unusual color solutions.
In the assortment of modern stores you can find any shades - from delicate and light to brightly acidic.
The only difficulty will be to ensure that such a bright element is organically combined with other interior items. You can complement bright equipment with small decorative elements in the same color.
A bright refrigerator will definitely become a highlight of the design and will not go unnoticed by family guests.
Red, black, gold, silver and others
A very large number of brands are ready to offer refrigerators in bright colors. You can even find entire collections, so you can easily find matching appliances for a bright refrigerator. However, it is not at all necessary to combine two household appliances in the same color.
Light kitchen design with accent red refrigerator.
How does the color of a refrigerator affect its location?
The colors that are used in interior design determine the mood of the room, and therefore the mood of the people who are present in it. If you want your kitchen to be filled with an atmosphere of lightness and calm, it is better to choose a refrigerator in turquoise, mint, pastel or soft pink shades. If the space should charge you with energy and vigor for the whole day, then you can safely choose models of rich colors, for example, bright red or dark green.
In general, experts recommend relying on personal preferences, since first of all, the color should be pleasant.
Alternative places to install the refrigerator if it does not fit in the kitchen
Most often, you have to resort to alternative solutions when there is very little space in the kitchen, and you don’t want to give up any pieces of furniture or appliances. In this situation, you can consider placing the refrigerator outside the kitchen walls. The big advantage of this solution is saving space, but on the other hand, using the refrigerator is no longer so convenient, because every time you have to leave the room and go to another place to buy groceries.
The refrigerator should be located in an accessible and convenient place.
Refrigerator installed in the hallway
In small apartments it happens that there is no room for even a small refrigerator in the kitchen. Most often, the closest space is the corridor. This is where the refrigerator is often installed if there is not enough space in the kitchen. If the refrigerator was originally located in the kitchen, and there was a need to move it into the hallway, then first you need to remove the door so that it does not interfere with the transfer process.
Most apartments have small kitchens, so in order not to clutter up a lot of space, the device should be chosen in small sizes.
In some homes, the size of the kitchen simply does not allow installing even a small refrigerator in it. In this case, it is taken to the nearest room - most often to the corridor. If there is a connecting door between the living room and kitchen, you can install it in the next room.
It is only important to remember that the refrigerator should not stand close to the wall; it is important to leave some free space so as not to disturb the air exchange processes.
Additional information: This arrangement is rather a necessary measure, when there are absolutely no options left, and is suitable as a last resort. This is due to the fact that it is completely inconvenient to go to the corridor for groceries every time.
Is it possible to move a bulky unit onto the balcony?
Moving the refrigerator onto the balcony is not possible in every case. The fact is that the refrigerator does not tolerate both heat and cold in the space very well, this directly affects its performance characteristics. Most often, only residents of the south of the country can bring such a unit onto the balcony, because it is practically impossible to find cold weather there. But you should also be afraid of overheating.
If the temperature outside is above 30 degrees, then the refrigerator located on the balcony will quickly fail.
However, there are models of a special climate class - they are not afraid of the cold. The same can be said about refrigerators equipped with a no frost system. But even in the case of such models, it is important that the balcony is insulated and protected from moisture using a ventilation system. Equipment must also be hidden from sunlight.
A few more solutions for a small kitchen (Khrushchev, studio kitchen, etc.)
Sometimes owners of a small kitchen place refrigerators in other rooms, but if this is not possible, you should try these options:
- Order in advance (or change the existing) kitchen set with a niche for the refrigerator;
- Give up the stove, replacing it with a multicooker/steamer/microwave;
- Replace a conventional stove with a built-in one, and install a refrigerator in its place;
- Instead of a regular refrigerator, buy a tabletop one (mini-fridge 50-60 cm) and place it under the table;
- The above corner solution.
From all the above tips, we can conclude that placing a refrigerator in the kitchen is not the easiest thing. Of course, there is no one general instruction for everyone, so try to balance all parameters as best as possible, take into account the aesthetic characteristics of objects, consult with specialists and rely on the experience of professionals.
Built-in refrigerator in a glossy kitchen
Built-in metal refrigerator in a small kitchen
White refrigerator at the entrance to the kitchen
Where to install the refrigerator is definitely not worth it
Despite the wide variety of options for where you can place a refrigerator in an apartment, there are still a number of locations that are definitely not suitable.
If you have already decided on the appearance of the kitchen and all you have to do is “fit” the refrigerator harmoniously, then it is important to pay attention to the facades.
- You should definitely not install the refrigerator close to a stove or heating radiators. Thermal exposure negatively affects the operation of equipment.
- Do not place the refrigerator near a window, as direct sunlight can heat the cabinet.
- A room that is too humid is not the place for such equipment. We are talking about humidity above 80%.
Which refrigerator should you choose?
If you haven't bought a refrigerator yet, don't rush. Consider the layout and design of your kitchen when choosing appliances. For example, a large refrigerator is definitely not suitable for a Khrushchev apartment. It is also important to observe the color scheme. If you want everything to look aesthetically pleasing, there is the option of turning your refrigerator into an art object.
When purchasing, consider the following questions:
- Will the refrigerator be a built-in model or an overall design object?
- How much will the “convenient” option cost me?
Fortunately, now manufacturers offer us a diverse range of models for both large and small rooms; colored refrigerators are increasingly appearing on the market, which solves design problems. Therefore, there is something for everyone, even in the inexpensive price range.
Orange built-in refrigerators in a spacious kitchen
