How to Achieve the Look of a Counter-Depth Fridge Without Buying a New Unit

A popular look in modern kitchens is the counter-depth fridge, which lines up the front of your refrigerator with the edge of your cabinets and countertops, providing a clean, flush look.

The front of a counter-depth fridge lines up almost evenly with the face of your cabinets.

If you’re planning on doing a kitchen remodel and are limited on space or budget (counter-depth fridges often cost more than normal-depth versions), or are just looking to find a way to make your existing full depth refrigerator appear more flush with your existing cabinets and countertops, there is another option. A great way to achieve that look without investing in a more expensive and smaller shallow depth unit is to simply recess the back wall that your refrigerator sits against.

Before: The fridge juts out into the kitchen’s free space.

Taking the wall back just a few inches will prevent your refrigerator from impeding the flow of traffic in a small kitchen, and will allow you just enough added depth to achieve that almost flush look without sacrificing interior fridge space or breaking the bank.

The drywall and studs removed from directly behind the fridge.

The recess finished and surrounded with cabinets.

If this is an option you’d like to explore, there are some things you’ll need to keep in mind. Although recessing your wall will give you the option of a more flush look, unfortunately it isn’t always possible for everyone. There are a few potential obstacles that would prevent you from using this method:

If the refrigerator is against an exterior wall.
The wall is load-bearing or has structural posts
There’s plumbing or duct work behind the wall

Another thing you’ll need to consider when deciding to recess the back wall is that you may need to relocate an electrical outlet or fridge water supply if they are routed through that wall. But if your wall allows it and you don’t mind putting in a little work, this is a great DIY way to get a sleeker look to your kitchen.