Cheap ways to pimp up your fridge

The functional and important fridge is not the most attractive of appliances. Even when brand new, it is this great metal hulking mass in your kitchen. Not the most attractive appliance yet it will be the first thing most people notice.

Well, it does not have to be. Fridges can be a feature. Sadly, they are generally not.

Unless your fridge is really new, it is probably looking a bit tired already. Fridges are normally one of the biggest objects in the kitchen and they stand out. People will notice a shabby fridge instantly and even if the rest of the kitchen looks great, the fridge will bring the whole room down.

It’s not surprising that they start to look a bit grubby and beat up after a while. Scratches, scuffs, and dents will soon be evident. On most fridges, fingerprints are a constant problem. The fridge is also the most used appliance in the kitchen. The whole family is constantly in and out, opening and closing the doors.

People try all sorts of things to pimp up their fridge and give it a new look. Some work better than others. Some are relatively easy while others take a huge amount of effort. Cost is also a big factor with many ideas.

Let’s take a look at some of the ideas people try with their fridges and you can decide which will work best in your home

Paint the fridge

To many people, this sounds like a simple and inexpensive way to make a fridge look like new again. Think again. Firstly, there is a lot more work that goes into it than many imagine. To start the process, you have to sand the entire fridge down and then wash it carefully and dry it. Next, you need to cover the hinges, handles, seals and anywhere else you do not want the paint to go, with tape.

You will need to get the correct paint. The wrong paint or a cheap paint will chip and peel within days. To get a proper finish that will last some time, you would need to apply 3 coats, allowing them to dry in-between.

While you can get a reasonable look initially, a painted fridge will start to chip and peel after some time.

Price range: $30 to $150+ (includes sandpaper, depends on the size of the fridge, the quality of paint and number of coats)

Chalkboard paint

Another trendy idea is to paint the fridge with chalkboard paint. This seems like a good idea at first but often just looks scruffy and tacky. You would have to invest in really good quality chalkboard paint otherwise it will start to rub off when you wash it and the same painting process as above would apply.

It is impossible to clean perfectly and the more it is used, the more it will remain dirty. There is always chalk dust left behind. It is a no-win situation because clean too lightly and it remains dirty, clean too vigorously and the paint will come off. You will just have to accept the fact that is will always look dirty.

If applied correctly and well maintained, it can be a quirky way to pimp up your fridge. Just don’t expect the paint to last for years.

And you can use the chalk board magnet and save yourself time and nerves, because it is really easy to clean

Price range: $30 to $150+ (includes sandpaper, depends on size of fridge, quality of paint and the number of coats)

Contact paper

Many people turn to contact paper to brighten an older fridge up. Again, this is often trickier than you think. When applying to a flat surface like the inside of a drawer or a book, it is fairly easy. Those are also small surfaces. A fridge is a large area, often with a curve to it. It is very challenging to get an even quality finish.

The biggest problem is bubbles. The contact is very sticky so you cannot simply peel it back and try again. It is not easy to cover a fridge without getting bubbles. These will make the surface uneven and unappealing.

Another issue is that if it gets damaged over time and you want to change it or remove the contact paper, this is extremely difficult. It does not come off easily.

Also, look at the cost very carefully. One roll of paper is normally not that large. You will probably need quite a few rolls to cover a fridge. Each roll can set you back a fair amount so they will add up quickly.

Price range: $40 to $180 (depending on quality and size of fridge)

Wallpaper

Wallpaper can be easier to apply than contact paper and, if you get the removable type, it can be removed. It will take quite a bit of time to get it perfect. You will need to cut the edges very carefully and take your time applying the wallpaper.

Although there are some modern designs available, finding a good one might be difficult. Ensure you get a top quality wallpaper that can be washed otherwise it will not last very long.

Price range:

Vinyl Stickers

Vinyl stickers are slightly easier to apply. They are easy to clean and normally last fairly well. You can buy readymade designs or have them custom made. Bubbles are the major problem with stickers and it is practically impossible to apply the sticker without getting bubbles.  The bubbles will ruin the effect of the stickers and make it look ugly.

Removing the vinyl sticker will entail cleaning all the glue off the fridge which can be a difficult and time-consuming task.

While they are an effective way to pimp up a fridge, they can be pricey.

Price range: $60 to $200 (depending on size, quality and design)

Magnets

One of the easiest and fastest ways to give a fridge an instant facelift is through magnetic fridge skins. These are made to fit the exact dimensions of your fridge and can be applied in seconds. You can choose from a range of amazing designs or have your own design custom made to your requirements.

They are printed on a tough elastic material that fits your fridge like a glove. They use a cold laminate coating to make them durable and easy to keep clean. Years down the line they will still be looking great and the color will not fade.

What is best about this easy to use option is that is it super affordable. When compared to the cost of many of the other options, this fast and effective way to pimp your fridge is a great choice.

Price range: $55 to $139 (depending on size)

Decoupage

Some people have tried to decoupage a fridge. This is a labor of love and will take a very long time and probably end up costing a lot of money.  It is also unlikely to last very long with such a high use appliance.

Price range: $30 to $200 (depending on size and materials used)

Wood

A more recent trend is to use wood that is adhered to the fridge for a shabby chic look. This is time-consuming, expensive and will only suit some kitchens. It is also not easy to change or remove. It will make cleaning more of a challenge too.

Price range: $40 to $300 (depending on size and materials used)