Get ready for a GAME changer! This literally changes my life! Haha, well, maybe it's not too exciting, but this hidden pantry is a great storage alternative that will open up some closet space!!! This kitchen storage is made by creating a slim sliding shelving unit for the space between the wall and the refrigerator. It's amazing what a little wood and paint can do!
Well, if you have a closet that looks like this, you need to make use of that space that you see on the right side next to the fridge…. -Life changed-
supplies:
-4-5 1 x4″ x8 joint board panels
-7 7/16 wooden nails
-Kreg Jig/Kreg screws
-Drills
-opinion
- paint (optional)
-4 2 wheels
tape measure
Wood glue
-nails
- Drawer knob/pull
- a thin board cut to size (not the picture above... I used my left on a faux brick board, but you could use a bead board or something like that)
Step 1: Measure the height and depth of the refrigerator as well as the space you have between the wall and the side of the refrigerator.
Step 2: Use the measurements from Step 1 to cut several pieces of wood. You will need a front and a back board, a top and bottom board and as many shelves as you want. Remember that you will be putting wheels on the bottom of the unit so you should subtract the height of the wheels from the length of the front and back panels. Here are the measurements I took and what I cut accordingly. You can use it as a reference:
My refrigerator measured floor to top at 67 degrees and front to wall depth at 31 degrees. Bearing in mind that the planks were 1 inch thick and I had 2.25 wheels I cut the pieces as follows:
Front & Rear - 2 Pieces 65
Top and bottom - 2 pieces 29″
Shelves - 6 pcs 29″
I also cut each of the 7 wood screws to 29 as well.
Step 3: Prepare the cut pieces in a ladder-like fashion making sure each piece fits together correctly.
Step 4: Use the Kreg Tool to make holes under each shelf as well as under the top and bottom pieces of wood. Put these holes on each end of the pieces. Then screw each shelf and the top and bottom panels in place. I decided to make a variety of shelf sizes to accommodate different dry goods rather than keeping equal spacing. Just make sure each shelf is installed straight by inserting them at the same height on both the front and back panels.
Step 5: Once all the shelves are in place, it's time to cut and prepare the back panel of the shelf. (I used a piece of leftover board from my faux brick wall project) Just cut a rectangle the same size in height and depth as the ladder structure you just made. For example mine was 65 x 31″.
When your piece of board is clipped and ready to go, simply screw it into place on the back of the unit. Pin the plate in place around the perimeter.
Step 6: Now it's time to add the nails! Just get some wood glue and stick each dowel over each shelf an equal distance on each side so that it lays straight For smaller shelves I put 2-2.5 dowels over the shelf and for larger shelves 4-5″. Be sure to let the wood glue dry completely before moving forward.
Step 7: Now simply paint or paint your shelving unit the color of your choice to match your kitchen! I intend to change the colors of my cabinet at some point so I just painted it white to match the fridge.
Step 8: Once the paint has dried, you can add the wheels and handle. Attach 4 castors to the bottom of the rack so that it can roll in and out easily.
Add the handle to the middle of the front panel.
Step 9: Now simply place your pantry next to your fridge (or in the designated area you made it for) and stock it full of your favorite treats and foods!
Look how conservative this thing is! Geesh love it.
You have no idea how much closet space has been freed up! I don't have room in my kitchen to add any free standing unit, so this deceptive little piece is perfect!
I've been fussing through my spices for years! Now I can see them all in front of me! Oh man I can't wait to cook. I showed a close-up so you can see the tile board. You can create a design if you want fun fun when you open the lair also if you want...
