What is a Khrushchev refrigerator and how to make it beautifully?

What is it and why was it invented?

The Khrushchev refrigerator is a distinctive feature of the mass development of the 1950s. A built-in cabinet under the windowsill with a ventilation hole on the back wall, thanks to which cold air got inside and in cold weather the invention completely replaced the electric refrigerator.

The main advantage of the refrigerator under the window - saving space. It helps to save usable space in tiny kitchen, while taking up almost no space. Yes, a full-fledged electric refrigerator will not replace a winter refrigerator, but it is perfect for storing food all year round.

The photo shows the same kitchen facades and niches

How can you redo?

If you own an apartment with a Khrushchev refrigerator in a small kitchen, there are several options for using the space under the window. The first and the simplest thing is to leave everything as it is, simply by ennobling the appearance. We will talk about such an improvement in the Khrushchev refrigerator further, first we will consider alternative ways of using the refrigerator.

Make a wardrobe

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The first thing that comes to mind when thinking "What to do instead of a Khrushchev refrigerator?" - wardrobe under the windowsill. The basis for it is already there, it remains to think over the shelves and doors, as well as close up the ventilation hole and insulate the niche under the window.

If you don't want to do the dismantling and redevelopment of the opening yourself, contact the manufacturers of plastic windows. Most likely, they will be able to offer ready-made furniture options "turnkey" - with the removal of old casing, insulation and installation of a clean structure with walls, shelves, doors made of plastic material.

The opening of the refrigerator can be not only swing. One of the popular solutions is sliding doors. In terms of functionality, they practically do not differ from ordinary doors, but they significantly save space, not requiring space to open.

There are also examples not with shelves, but with drawers. This is more ergonomic and convenient, because in order to get an object standing at the far wall, you do not have to bend over or squat down in search of what you need. It is enough to pull out the drawer, pull out the jar or package, push it back.

In the photo is a wardrobe with sliding doors

Install a radiator

The second idea of ​​using a Khrushchev refrigerator is to install a radiator in a niche. The advantages of this method:

• the battery will not take up space in the corner; furniture can be installed in its place;
• the outer wall of the chamber is covered with a decorative screen, which significantly improves the appearance of the kitchen interior.

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It is better to carry out the transfer outside the heating season. During work it is necessary:

1. Dismantle old doors, shelves, trim.
2. Insulate the opening from the outside and from the inside.
3. Finish the pipes to the place where the battery is installed.To prevent open PVC pipes from spoiling the design, lay the grooves inside the brickwork or concrete slab.

If you want to make it (opening) equal to the height of the window sill, make ventilation holes for warm air to escape.

In the photo there is a battery in a niche under the windowsill

Install technique

In order not to suffer with the decoration of the winter refrigerator under the window, put built-in appliances in its place. This could be:

• Refrigerator... Small model with glass or blind door. A convenient option for storing daily used supplies, if the main one is taken out to the next room.
• Freezer... If it is your family's custom to freeze fresh food for storage, and there is not enough compartment volume in the refrigerator, purchase an additional freezer that will solve the problem.
• Washer... The question of placing the laundry assistant in a tiny Khrushchev is always acute. Prefer a narrow model and place it under the windowsill.
• Dishwasher... The vacant opening under the window can open the possibility of placing a built-in dishwasher with a beautiful facade. In the remaining space, you can install a small cabinet for storing detergents.
• Oven... If the niche has already been left, why not use the space under the windowsill to accommodate the oven. The main thing is that the equipment should be electric (not gas!) And fit in size.

Important! For the stable operation of equipment, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions: no low temperatures, gaps for ventilation of cooling or heating devices.

Slots and openings facing the street must be hermetically sealed with polyurethane foam, and thermal insulation must be laid. From the inside, the space is finished with plaster or drywall, so as not to leave bare brick.

In the photo there is a built-in small refrigerator

Remove completely

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The simplest, but not the most practical option is to level the niche with the side walls and decorate it to match the general background. Decorating a Khrushchev refrigerator will allow for a smooth, beautiful wall, but will neutralize the extra storage space.

• To level the level, mount a thin plasterboard partition on metal profiles.
• Drywall needs moisture resistant, capable of withstanding the formation of condensation on the inside.
• In order to prevent low temperatures from entering the apartment, the niche should be carefully insulated from the inside, protected from the cold.
• Outside, they are finished with wallpaper, ceramic tiles, laminate, paint.

Another variant - leave a niche, placing a worktop on top. Then, under the window, an appliance or a wardrobe will easily fit. The second option is to equip the bar counter, thanks to the recess, the legs will have enough space below.

Upgrade your refrigerator

Updating a Khrushchev refrigerator does not always require its complete alteration, it is enough to improve the appearance of the structure so that it fits into the modern design.

Step-by-step instructions for upgrading

4 steps to transform a Khrushchev refrigerator with your own hands:

The first step is to replace the door: instead of the standard wooden one, you should install a metal-plastic one. It consists of a wide profile and a double-glazed window or sandwich panel inside. Like a PVC window, the door reliably protects the apartment from cold air and does not require additional insulation.

Let's move on to the internal content: what exactly will be stored here?

• If the products are not afraid of freezing, insulation is not required.
• For vegetables, pickles and other "capricious" storage conditions, the camera will have to be insulated: seal the ventilation hole with foam or, in the old-fashioned way, lay sisal and cover it with plaster; fix mineral wool or other type of insulation along 3 walls, top and bottom.

Step # 3 - interior decoration.Cover with plasterboard, which is further decorated with mosaics, tiles, PVC panels (saving option).

If the door is glass, use the original tile with a pattern, which creates an interesting contrast in the design of the kitchen. Or install decorative lighting - a colored LED strip will replace a night light and help create a chamber atmosphere.

The last nuance is the installation of shelves or drawers in the Khrushchev refrigerator. This issue should be considered even when installing drywall in order to secure mortgages for future shelves. In a standard Khrushchev, there is only one shelf - in the middle. If there is no need for a large height between the tiers, lay 2 or even 3 horizontal partitions.

In the photo, the plastic finish of the winter refrigerator

Alteration option with laminated chipboard facades, see the video:

Design examples

If you are just wondering what to do with the built-in camera, check out the ideas already implemented - you will probably find among them the one that fits the budget and looks.

• Cupboard... The presence of a niche does not even interfere with the design classic style kitchens: equip it with beautiful glass doors with gold trim, make up the festive dishes and you yourself will be surprised how good an ordinary Khrushchev can look.
• Open shelf... Even after thoroughly insulating the wall, a small niche will remain under the windowsill, allowing you to store cereals or other supplies in beautiful jars. Organize bulk storage, tea area, or set aside this space for bowls and pet food.
• Bar... Glass shelves, mosaic walls, bright blue lighting are ideal conditions for storing wine and other alcohol, along with glasses and other accessories. If the option with alcohol is not considered, the place is suitable for making pickles.
• Drawers... The most convenient way to use the lower tier of the kitchen is a pull-out system. Thanks to the full extension guides, absolutely the entire space of the box will be in front of your eyes and nothing will get lost in the bowels of the Khrushchev. The facades are ordered the same as in the entire headset. The depth can be absolutely any - but keep in mind that custom-made furniture will cost more than a regular modular kitchen.

Now you know how to fit a winter refrigerator into the kitchen interior, modernize it or completely remake it. Do not forget about high-quality insulation - it is the key to a long service life of a new piece of furniture.