I Put a 6-Tier Bookshelf on My Fridge, and It Tripled the Storage

My kitchen has a pretty ridiculous lack of storage. I have two cabinets for dishes and two cabinets for food, and that’s it. No pantry, no extra shelving — just a gal with a dream of organizing her non-perishables in a confined space. I try to keep my kitchen cabinets tidy, but admittedly they tend to end up in chaos every few days.

I’ve been looking for a renter-friendly small-kitchen storage solution that’s smart, effective, and actually looks good, and I was thrilled to find it in this game-changing hack here on Apartment Therapy involving a narrow bookshelf on the side of the fridge. I only wish I’d found it sooner! 

In the original video, content creator Alissa Steinbrugge shows how a bookshelf can increase kitchen storage in a snap. She puts adhesive magnetic strips behind a 5-tier bookshelf before attaching it to the side of her fridge, creating a handy storage area for smaller items like chic bottles of oil, decor, and cookbooks. 

After seeing the video, I realized I could replace my rolling shelf and magnetic rod with a bookshelf to increase storage and make better use of dead space. I got a 6-tier bookshelf from Wayfair that came together in less than an hour, then put strong adhesive magnetic strips on the back and placed it on the side of my fridge. And all I can say is … WOW! I’m so happy with how the bookshelf looks and, more importantly, how well it works in my space. Instead of rummaging through my cabinets and hoping I find what I need, I have a clear line of sight and can easily grab what I’m looking for.

This brilliant hack works so well because it maximizes vertical space along the side of the fridge, which is generally otherwise unused. The bookshelf creates extra storage for more items without eating up your existing space — and if your kitchen is anything like mine, that’s a huge win.

With its deep shelves and vertical design, a bookcase creates extra storage out of thin air. In an overlooked spot like this, it optimizes storage potential without adding unnecessary clutter. Plus, it frees up much-needed space elsewhere! Instead of rooting around in my tiny cabinets for items, I can put my snacks, baking essentials, pantry goods, and more on the designated shelves, and use the previously crowded cabinets for other things. 

If this storage hack is doable in your home, I highly recommend giving it a shot to increase storage space without sacrificing functionality. While I love it in my kitchen, before you add a bookshelf to yours, make sure to evaluate the following:

• Your fridge’s dimensions: Measure the height and width of your fridge (a few times), and any space between the fridge and the neighboring door or wall, so you know the right height, width, and depth measurements for the bookshelf before ordering.
• Your fridge’s location: The bookcase I bought is on the deeper side, which works well for my kitchen because I have plenty of space between the fridge and the doorway to the next room. If you don’t have much space available, look for a shallower bookcase, like the one in the video. 
• Safety risks: While the magnetic strips hold the bookcase in place well, you can’t drill it into the fridge like you could a wall, for maximum stability. I don’t have kids, my dog doesn’t counter-surf, and my kitchen floor is pretty level, so I feel comfortable with just the magnets to keep it secure. Consider your circumstances and evaluate if this hack is safe for your home before trying it, or find a more secure way to attach it. Additionally, be careful not to add too much weight to the shelves.