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Appliances Design Dilemma

Help my tiny house is too small for huge refrigerator

last year

last modified: last year

I just bought a tiny bungalow and did some remodeling. I did not like the refrigerator that came with the house so I replaced it (see first picture for the old fridge). The issue is that the new refrigerator is HUGE. it fits as far as height and width but it sticks too far out. I don’t mind the side that touches the counter. is the other side that looks odd. the other issue is the wall is not build out and is just a very thin wood piece which makes it look even worse, I feel it won‘t make a huge difference if I bought something smaller. I was thinking of putting some magnetic spice racks to disguise it, honestly did not mind it until people started saying it was huge. should I return it? it was a nightmare to get this in through the tiny doors.

Featured Answer

eld6161

last year

Here’s the thing. Although not ideal, if you indeed need this size fridge, keep it and enjoy everything you can store in it.

I find counter depth is fine when it's just the two of us, but when we host family and friends, the storage is lacking.

At some point you can add a filler and possibly enclose the side, but for now leave it and move on.

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Comments (18)

rainyseason
last year
Go online and look up measurements for counter-depth fridges that appeal to you. Compare the dimensions to what you have— maybe even use painter’s tape to mark out the smaller size on your current fridge. Try to visualize (or use a photo and editing software) how the space would flow and look with a few inches extra space and whether that change would be worth the hassle.
HU-890050294 thanked rainyseason
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
Counter depth is what you needed and that space could be now have to be altered to have a side panel on the one side for sure . If possible return the fridge and get a smaller width and counter depth. If you want to compare go to AJ Madison site . You need narrower and counter depth .
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wdccruise
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Beware the words, "counter depth". For some refrigerators (e.g., GE GBE17HYR) it's the depth of the cabinet excluding the doors and handles. For other refrigerators (e.g., Liebherr CS 1400R) it's the depth of the entire refrigerator. (I don't see why a replacement refrigerator should be narrower; it should fit the opening with any required side air gaps accounted for.)

Regardless of whether you swapped the refrigerator or not, you might improve the appearance by (a) extending the over-refrigerator cabinet to the depth of the adjacent base cabinets and (b) running a floor-to-ceiling, base-cabinet-depth, white panel on either side of the refrigerator to box it in as shown here and here (the second photo has a wall on the right-hand side of the refrigerator; you would have a panel).

-- amateur
ffpalms
last year
I’d search for tall narrow canvas art to attach to the side of the fridge with magnets.
ffpalms
last year
I like your idea of a spice rack for the other side.
HU-890050294
Original Author
last year
Yeah I am going to see how that works out. My renovation budget is gone so building out the side wall might have to wait, still deciding whether to return it or not because it will be an ordeal. 😬
wishiwereintheup
last year
last modified: last year
I'm with @eld6161 . It looks as if the path between the opposite counter and the fridge is nice sized for access to the kitchen. What makes it look odd is that there is a recessed space which is way too small and looks like an oopsie. If there would be no panel on the right, "sticking out" wouldn't be an issue, although a shallow cabinet above would still look odd.

If you need the fridge space, I'd keep it and at a later date remove the cabinet over the fridge and put in a deeper one along with a deeper panel on the right side. It would then have a proper built-in look. Or, you could remove the panel and the cabinet above the fridge. I don't know how a poster or a spice rack would look. You'd probably have to try it to really judge. It might somewhat cover it up or it might call attention to it.
HU-890050294
Original Author
last year
Thank you!
dan1888
last year
last modified: last year
The frig isn't too big. In that location the lower cabinet is too small. You have room to space the cabinet out from the wall with blocking and replace the counter with a new deeper piece.
happyleg
last year
The fridge cannot be flush with the cabinet or you can open the door
Stacey
last year
If you are able to return it, I would get one that fits better. It would drive me crazy. Or crazier.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last year
Fridges that are the same width come in different depths to meet cubic foot specifications. You are definitely looking for a fridge below 20 cubic feet. Most of the SS fridges have black sides. Since your fridge is not built in, I would consider one in white for your space.

https://www.samsung.com/us/home-appliances/refrigerators/3-door-french-door/18-cu--ft--counter-depth-french-door-refrigerator-rf18hfenbww-us/
HU-890050294
Original Author
last year
Thank you! I had not considered getting white but that is a great idea.
Belahn
last year
I don't think it looks too bad. If you need that size for your food, keep it. It is a huge pain to return something like that. It didn't bother you until someone else told you it was wrong.
decoenthusiaste
last year
Notice this skinny shelf holding cookbooks; could that solve the gap issue?
Hamptons Project · More Info
HU-890050294
Original Author
last year
I love the skinny bookshelf!! Thank you and yes I think that could really help.
HU-890050294
Original Author
last year
Belahn, you are absolutely right. I went back to the house today and did not even notice it as I walked past the kitchen. I’ve made it up my mind to keep it. I think there are many creative ways to use that space without the hassle of returning the fridge.
Thank you everyone for your guidance.

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