Buzz
Microwaves are often considered a kitchen essential, yet their bulkiness can pose a challenge in terms of space management. Discover effective strategies for hiding your microwave when it's not in use.
Methods
Finding a Concealed Spot
Utilize a spare cabinet space above the kitchen counter. If your upper kitchen cabinets can accommodate your microwave's size, consider placing it inside one of them. This way, the appliance remains hidden from view when the cabinet door is closed.
- Ensure the chosen cabinet has access to an electrical outlet.
- Verify that there's enough clearance for the microwave door for easy access when needed.
Conceal the microwave discreetly within your pantry. If there's extra space in your pantry, consider relocating the microwave there. Just ensure there's convenient access to an electrical outlet before moving it!
- Place it on a shelf accessible to everyone in the family, considering varying heights.
Position it on a lower shelf or cabinet beneath a kitchen counter. Utilize a lower cabinet with doors to hide the microwave completely. Even if your lower shelves are exposed, this spot still integrates the microwave well with the cabinetry.
- Microwaves placed below eye level tend to be less noticeable.
Conceal the microwave within an island's interior. Utilize the lower shelf space of your kitchen island for the microwave. Opt for the side facing inward if your island lacks cabinet doors for the lower shelves, keeping the microwave hidden from view.
- Placing it on the side facing outward is also an option, albeit slightly more visible.
Place it on an exposed upper shelf for a seamless appearance. If your enclosed upper cabinets can't accommodate the microwave, consider placing it on one of the exposed upper shelves. While not entirely hidden, it blends well with the cabinetry, minimizing its visibility.
- Preferably, choose an upper shelf facing inward toward the kitchen, such as a side wall shelf.
Position it atop your refrigerator for a cohesive look. Although still visible, placing the microwave atop the fridge creates a cohesive appearance, blending it seamlessly with the fridge. If the microwave matches the fridge's color, it further camouflages its presence.
- Even if the colors don't match, this placement creates a more unified look compared to placing it on the counter.
Review your microwave's manual for ventilation requirements before relocating it. Proper ventilation is crucial for many microwaves to function efficiently. While some microwaves have built-in ventilation, others may require additional back or side ventilation. Refer to the manual for detailed instructions before moving your microwave.
Customizing Your Kitchen Space
Install an appliance garage with sliding track doors as a countertop solution. An appliance garage allows you to keep your microwave on the countertop beneath the cabinets while concealing it with sliding doors when not in use.
- You can purchase sliding track doors for appliance garages at most hardware stores.
- Ensure the door models match the existing cabinetry for a cohesive look.
Create a sliding shelf if you have extra drawer space. Utilize tall drawer spaces by adding a sliding shelf to hide your microwave. Alternatively, consider installing a sliding shelf in one of the lower cabinets in your kitchen.
- Measure the area beforehand, then either build or order a sliding shelf to fit the space.
- Mount the sliding brackets to the sides of the cabinet area to install the shelf securely.
Conceal the microwave behind a lift-up door above your oven. The space above the oven is ideal for positioning your microwave. If you have open shelving above your oven, consider placing the microwave in that space and installing a simple lift-up door to conceal it.
Consider installing an appliance pantry to conceal your microwave and small appliances. While this may require significant construction work, it can be a worthwhile solution if you have multiple appliances you wish to hide. If you're not experienced in carpentry, consulting a remodeling company for assistance may be beneficial.
