DIY Easy Storage Shelf (For The Side Of My Fridge)!

Need a little extra storage in your kitchen? Make use of that empty space beside your refrigerator by building an easy DIY storage shelf. It’s perfect for organizing cutting boards, wine bottles, and all those miscellaneous kitchen items that never seem to have a home. Best of all, you can knock this project out in one weekend or less!

When I renovated our small kitchen (you can check out the full makeover here), I wanted to find a way to use the empty space on the side of my fridge. In a tiny kitchen, every bit of space is valuable, and adding extra storage is a major win. That’s what gave me the idea to create an easy DIY storage shelf for storing cutting boards, wine bottles, and a few other kitchen items that needed a home. Here’s how I made it!

How To Build An Easy Storage Shelf

Want to see this build in action? Check it out on here (+ make sure to subscribe to my channel)!

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Materials + Tools

Tools

Circular Saw or Table Saw
Pocket Hole Jig
Miter Saw (optional)
Router + Rabbeting Bit
Drill + Driver
Brad Nailer
Sander
Stud Finder (optional for hanging shelf)
Painting/Staining Supplies
Wood Clamps
Tape Measure
Safety Glasses

Materials

Cut List + Plans

For a full cut list and dimensions for this project, check out my printable plans!

Build The Frame

Step 1: First, I built my shelf frame by attaching the top and bottom pieces to the sides with pocket hole screws and wood glue.

Step 2: Next, I routed a channel along the inner edge of the shelf to fit the 1/4″ plywood panel later in the process.

Add The Shelves

Step 3: Once the frame was finised, I ripped the shelf pieces 1/4″ thinner to account for the back panel. Then, I attached the shelving pieces to the frame with wood glue and pocket hole screws.

Step 4: Next, I added the decorative 1×2 boards with pocket hole screws and wood glue from the backside of the boards.

Add The Back Panel

Step 5: Then it was time to cut and add the back panel to the shelf using brad nails. For this project, and many others, it’s a good idea to pre-stain your board before attaching it.

Add Stain + Finish

Step 6: I finished the shelf with stain and poly to get the look I wanted.

Install Shelf

Step 7: The last step was to install the shelf on the side of the fridge. If you’re also planning to build this same shelf you’ll want to attach it to the side panel if you install it on the side of the fridge. If you’re leaving it freestanding make sure you attach it to the wall to avoid tipping.