Dorm Storage Solutions - Fridge and Microwave Organization

Written By J Jo

Creative Dorm Storage Solutions to Double as Mini Fridge and Microwave Storage and Nightstand

Cabinets and storage solutions that dress up or hide dorm appliances are in high demand, but are not always budget-friendly or possible without a handy craftsman who can build a custom unit. We’ve searched high and low for creative solutions to achieve an organized, practical and beautiful storage unit to house your dorm mini fridge and microwave with store-bought pieces that won’t break the bank.

(Be sure to check your dorm room and appliance dimensions before buying.)

ClosetMaid Solutions - No Cutting or Painting Required

  • Use two (2) ClosetMaid 3-cube storage organizers as bookends with a 48-inch wide ClosetMaid top shelf bridged across the top.

  • Secure the top shelf to the cube units with command strips after making just enough room for your fridge in the center.

  • Depending on the width of your fridge appliance, the top shelf may have an inch or two gap on each end as shown in the inspiration piece. Not a bad compromise to get the look for less and no sawing or painting required.

  • At just over 44 inches tall, this storage solution doubles as a shared nightstand when used between lofted beds.

  • Add cube storage baskets or leave shelves open. Basket options:

  • Splitting costs with roommate is made easy with each roomie keeping a cube unit at move out.

  • Additional options for tall storage units to combine with a top shelf bridge to create a similar look.

    • LAATOOREE 5-Tier Narrow Bookshelf, Wood 4 Cube Slim Bookcase - Details: 14.57"W x 51.18"H x 11.42"D

Better Homes & Gardens + Lowe’s Lumber Supplies Solutions - Cutting top shelf and touchup paint required
(Inspiration photos and measurements provided by University of Tennessee mom Jenny Jordan)

  • Use two (2) Better Homes & Gardens 3-cube storage organizers and add the Lowe’s exclusive RELIABILT panel board across the top. Ask Lowe’s to cut the top shelf panel to your desired width that accounts for your specific fridge width plus the width of the two 3-cube units. Our inspiration top piece was cut to 53 inches wide allowing 20-inch space for fridge width (the University of Tennessee stacked appliance dimensions).

    • Better Homes and Gardens 3-cube Storage Organizer (x2) - Details: 16.42”W x 43.35”H x 15.35”D - Need two!

    • Lowe’s Exclusive RELIABILT Panel Board - Details: 3/4-in H x 16-in D x 6-ft W Primed Tight Knot- Paint Grade Pine Board (0.75”H x 72”W x 16”D)  (Ask Lowe’s to cut width to 53 inches wide or your specified width to fit your appliance in the center) - Also grab white touch up paint for raw sides!

  • Secure the top shelf to the cube units with command strips after making just enough room for your fridge in the center.

  • Add cube storage baskets or leave shelves open. Baskets options:

Other appliance storage and organizational options (be sure to check your dimensions before buying):

The Ultimate Splurge
If budget is less of a concern, splurge on the ultimate Judd Accent Cabinet that hides your stacked mini fridge and microwave appliances behind beautifully detailed doors plus offers convenient shelves for pantry items.

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J Jo
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