How do you hide a kitchen fridge so it looks chic but is still functional? This is the tried-and-tested method designers swear by

One of the largest appliances in your space, you might be wondering how to hide a kitchen fridge. Stood loud and proud in your kitchen, it can quickly become an eyesore, perhaps even throw your design altogether.

You can't get rid of your fridge altogether – it's an essential that a kitchen simply can't function without. However, there are ways to hide your fridge so it becomes a seamless feature in your kitchen ideas.

And who better to ask for advice than the designers who have seen it all? Here, experts share their favorite way to hide a kitchen fridge, and there's a clear winner with how it's done.

What's the best way to hide a kitchen fridge?

Hiding a kitchen fridge isn't the easiest task. It's a large appliance that takes up a substantial amount of space, and it still needs to be easily accessible when cooking. So, what's the best way to hide it without creating a dysfunctional kitchen layout?

'The best way to hide a kitchen fridge is by ordering a panel-ready model. Then the cabinet maker builds the doors to create a seamless look with the surrounding cabinetry,' says interior designer Tama Bell.

'The beauty is that the refrigerator can be hidden and there is not a visual contrast that will pull the eye to look at a big, stainless steel box,' she adds, creating a more seamless kitchen design.

However, if you want something that is more bespoke for your kitchen, custom kitchen cabinets hiding your fridge will give you more flexibility in your design. 'My favorite way to disguise a fridge is to integrate it seamlessly into the cabinetry using custom paneling,' says Guillaume Coutheillas, founder of frenchCALIFORNIA.

'By matching the fridge panels to the surrounding cabinetry, it becomes virtually invisible and creates a clean, cohesive look. For a more modern approach, I also love using reflective or matte-finish panels that blend into the kitchen's design palette without drawing attention.'

Although this approach might sound better suited to contemporary spaces, it works wonders in traditional kitchens too, as long as you choose the right design style.

'A hidden refrigerator is a real showstopper. When enclosed by bespoke cabinetry, the appliance blends in beautifully with the rest of the kitchen, resulting in a more cohesive look. This is especially beneficial for more traditional spaces where a sleek, stainless-steel refrigerator might look out of place,' says Tom Howley, creative design director at Tom Howley Kitchens.

But a fridge hidden within the cabinetry isn't the best option for every space. In these cases, there are some great alternatives to consider that offer the same aesthetic benefits without requiring bespoke cabinetry.

'Another creative solution is incorporating the fridge behind bi-fold or sliding doors, so it appears as part of a pantry or storage wall,' says Guillaume. Or, if you have space inside a larger pantry, slotting your fridge in it will not only hide it away, but it makes sense to have it in the main food area of your kitchen.

In a similar vein, if you have a back or dirty kitchen, it's the perfect place to hide your fridge. 'A back kitchen is a larger, more functional space that can accommodate food prep, storage, and sometimes even appliances like a second oven or refrigerator,' explains interior designer Becky Shea.

Hiding a kitchen fridge is easier than you might think, it's simply a case of finding the right method for you. In most spaces, hiding a fridge behind cabinetry will be the best solution – and the one favored by designers.

So, if you were wondering how to hide a kitchen fridge, these design ideas courtesy of experts are tried-and-tested methods that work in any space. It's all about creating a cohesive, refined space, so choose a hidden spot that works best for your kitchen and the way you use it.