The open end of a built-in refrigerator or the side of a free-standing model that doesn’t match the color often become a visual problem in the kitchen. When equipment is installed in a niche, but not completely closed, the overall aesthetics of the interior suffers, and the side surface can become dirty faster. Solving the question of how to close a refrigerator on the side requires an integrated approach to the selection of materials and installation methods.
There are several effective ways to mask a technical gap or an open side. You can use decorative panels made of laminated chipboard, order a false wall made of plasterboard, or use specialized furniture plugs. The choice of a specific method depends on the width of the gap, the type of kitchen unit and your skills in working with tools.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options for masking the side surfaces. You will learn which materials are best suited for the damp kitchen environment, how to correctly calculate the size of the panels and avoid common mistakes during installation. A properly designed end will not only improve the appearance, but will also simplify cleaning.
Causes of gaps and open ends
The appearance of free space on the side of the refrigerator compartment is often due to the design features of the kitchen unit. The standard width of the cabinets may not match the dimensions of the purchased equipment, which leads to the formation of gaps. Another reason may be the need to provide ventilation for the compressor, since complete contact with the walls is prohibited by the instructions.
Another common scenario is replacing old equipment with a new model with different dimensions. If the previous refrigerator was narrower, then visible sections of the wall or the ends of adjacent cabinets remain on the sides. In the case of built-in equipment frame of the pencil case it may be assembled with errors, due to which the door or sidewall protrudes beyond the facade.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting masking work, make sure that you do not block the ventilation grilles. Lack of air circulation will lead to overheating of the compressor and shorten the service life of the device.
Some users are faced with the fact that the side wall of the refrigerator has a technical color (often gray or white) and stands out from the color scheme of the kitchen. This is especially true for models that do not involve embedding. Closing such an area becomes a matter of not only functionality, but also design.
Use of decorative panels made of laminated chipboard
The most popular and affordable way to close the side is to install a panel made of laminated chipboard. The material is matched to the color of the facades of the kitchen unit or countertop, which allows you to create a monolithic effect. Laminated chipboard has sufficient rigidity and resistance to mechanical damage.
For installation you will need to purchase a sheet of material, an edge strip for processing the ends and fasteners. It is important to choose a panel with a thickness of at least 16 mm so that it holds its shape and does not sag. The color range of modern materials allows you to imitate the texture of wood, stone or metal.
The panel can be secured in several ways. If the design allows, the panel is screwed to the side wall of the refrigerator through special eyes or double-sided tape with high fixation is used. In case of a gap between the refrigerator and the cabinet, the panel is installed as a spacer or fixed on the guides.
Particular attention should be paid to processing the edges of the panel. The open cut of laminated chipboard can swell from moisture, so the use melamine edge or PVC edging is mandatory. This will not only protect the material, but also give the product a finished, factory-made look.
Installation of a false wall made of plasterboard
If the gap between the refrigerator and the wall or cabinet is large enough, a rational solution would be to erect a light partition. Drywall allows you to create a perfectly flat vertical plane, which can then be painted in any color or covered with wallpaper. This method is often used during major kitchen renovations.
For installation, you will need to assemble a light metal frame from profiles. The structure is attached to the floor and ceiling, as well as to the side wall, if possible. Drywall sheets are cut to size and screwed to the profile with self-tapping screws. It is important to use moisture-resistant plasterboard (GKLV), since there is high humidity in the kitchen.
After installation, the surface is puttied, sanded and painted. The advantage of this method is the ability to integrate lighting or additional shelves into a false wall. However, this method requires more time and construction skills compared to installing a finished panel.
☑️ Checklist for installing drywall
It is worth noting that a plasterboard structure takes up more usable space than a thin panel. Therefore, for narrow kitchens this option may be less preferable. In addition, such a wall is not load-bearing, and it is impossible to hang heavy objects on it without additional reinforcement of the frame.
Ready-made furniture plugs and strips
For small gaps that cannot be eliminated by rearranging the furniture, there are special furniture plugs. These products are narrow strips of plastic or wood that are inserted into a slot. They are often used to mask the space between the cabinet and the wall.
The plugs can be telescopic, that is, sliding, which allows them to be adjusted to a gap width of 2 to 10 cm. Installation of such elements is extremely simple and does not require the use of complex tools. It is enough to measure the required length, cut off the excess and fix the bar.
Plastic options are easier to clean, they are not afraid of water and household chemicals. Wooden planks look more noble, but require more careful maintenance. When choosing a plug, pay attention to the color and texture so that it is in harmony with the rest of the kitchen.
Where to buy special plugs?
Similar elements are often sold in large construction hypermarkets in the furniture fittings department. Also, a wide range is presented in online stores specializing in components for wardrobes and kitchen sets. You should search for "end cap", "wall strip" or "gap filler".
It is important to understand that the cap is a cosmetic solution. It blocks the view, but does not create a full-fledged wall. If your goal is to hide the contents of the shelf or create support, this method will not work. However, for visually eliminating the gap, this is the fastest solution.
Comparison of materials for masking
The choice of material depends on the budget, desired appearance and functional requirements. To make your decision easier, we have prepared a comparison table of the main options. It will help you weigh all the pros and cons before purchasing.
| Material | Difficulty of installation | Moisture resistance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDSP panel | Low | Average | Budget |
| Drywall | High | High (GKLV) | Medium |
| Plastic plug | Minimum | High | Low |
| Solid wood | Average | Low (requires processing) | High |
As can be seen from the table, laminated chipboard is the “golden mean” in terms of price and quality ratio. Drywall wins in versatility, but loses in labor intensity. Plastic is good for narrow gaps, but does not solve the problem of large open surfaces.
When choosing, you should also consider the load on the structure. If you plan to lean heavy objects against the side or lean on it, the thin plastic cap won't hold up. In such cases, a rigid panel or a permanent partition is required.
Instructions for installing the side panel
The process of installing a decorative panel requires precision and accuracy. Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the surface of the refrigerator: degrease it with an alcohol solution for better adhesion of glue or tape. Dust and grease significantly reduce adhesion.
Mark the panel according to the dimensions of the side wall. If the panel is higher than necessary, it can be cut with a jigsaw. Be sure to leave a few centimeters from the top and bottom edges to provide ventilation, if required by your refrigerator model.
For fastening, use special adhesives for plastic and metal or powerful double-sided tape (for example, 3M VHB). Apply adhesive around the perimeter and in the center of the panel, then press it firmly to the body. The time for complete polymerization of the glue can be from 12 to 24 hours.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use ordinary stationery tape or Moment glue in its pure form - they may not withstand the weight of the panel or damage the refrigerator cover during dismantling.
After installation, check whether the panel interferes with the opening of the refrigerator door. The gap should be minimal, but not interfere with the operation of the mechanisms. If the panel is installed correctly, it will look like an extension of the furniture set.
Care for decorative elements
A closed side panel requires regular maintenance, especially if it is in the cooking area. Grease, dust and splashes may settle on the surface. To clean laminated chipboard and plastic panels, use a soft damp cloth and neutral detergents.
Avoid using abrasive sponges and aggressive chemicals containing chlorine or strong solvents. They may damage the laminate or paint. Plasterboard structures painted with washable paint can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth, but they should not be rubbed.
Regularly check the condition of the fasteners. Over time, vibration from a running compressor can loosen the lock. If you notice that the panel has begun to wobble, immediately tighten the fasteners or renew the adhesive layer.
Is it possible to glue the panel to a working refrigerator?
Technically it is possible, but not recommended. Vibration from a running compressor can prevent the adhesive from setting properly. It is best to carry out installation with the appliance unplugged from the network, at least while the adhesive composition dries.
How to cover the end if the refrigerator is in the middle of the kitchen?
In this case, use a double-sided panel or two separate sheets secured on both sides. Often in such situations, the refrigerator is hidden in a special cabinet or used decorative screens that are not rigidly attached to the body.
Is it necessary to remove the factory film from the side before gluing the panel?
No, you do not need to remove the protective film from the new refrigerator before installing the decorative cover. It serves as additional protection for the case. The panel is attached on top of it.