Indulge in some nostalgia.
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As a nostalgia-seeking design editor who has rewatched Mad Men more times than I can count, I have a thing for retro fridges. They're big, often finished in a pastel hue, and typically require legitimate upper body strength to open and close them, which are just a few reasons why I have such a fondness for them. The sad truth, though, is that retro fridges aren't as common as sleek, futuristic, chrome units or those that blend in with the rest of the cabinetry. So, consider this my official call to bring back the retro fridges of a more stylish time (read: the 1960s).
I'm not the only one who admires the aesthetic of appliances from decades past, either. Interior designer Nina Lichtenstein has a soft spot as well. "Equal parts nostalgic and design-forward, these statement appliances—à la Smeg, Big Chill, and other throwback-inspired brands—bring personality into a space where so much of modern design leans toward minimalism and seamless integration," she explains. "Unlike built-in refrigerators that disappear behind cabinetry, a retro-style fridge insists on being seen. And somehow, it works. In fact, it steals the show."
If you find yourself agreeing with her, keep reading because we have plenty of retro-style fridges that will upgrade your kitchen in all the right ways.
Retro fridges are still beloved today because of their playful color palettes. You just don't see a robin's egg blue fridge in a lot of kitchens these days, which is why this iio fridge is such a standout.
Complete with a pretty sizable freezer down below, it has that vintage-inspired feel, with curved edges and slender shape, but it functions like the brand-new fridge it is. One of the best elements of this piece, though, actually has nothing to do with the fridge itself, but rather what comes with it, including a $50 haul-away charge, a 10-day delivery guarantee, a two-year protection plan, and installation.
"This is more than a fridge—it’s a conversation starter," Lichtenstein notes. "A wink at the past. A glossy pop of color or a curvy nod to post-war optimism that brings levity and warmth to the heart of the home. The soft contours, chrome detailing, and playful palette evoke the midcentury American kitchen, but reimagined for modern living."
| Dimensions | 23" W x 24.5" D x 73.3" H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 8 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | 7 |
| Energy Star | Yes |
The thing about true authentic retro fridges is that they're horrible for the environment due to using so much energy. Retro-inspired fridges, on the other hand, are much more eco-conscious, making them good options for kitchens in need of some charisma.
This one, from Unique Appliances, is Energy Star-certified, comes in seven colors, and is ADA-compliant. It's finished in a smudge-resistant high gloss that makes it look like it came right out of the 1950s (in the best way). "So happy with our classic refrigerator—I wish it was a little larger, but I sure know what I need when checking for my grocery list," one reviewer says. "It's just my husband and me, and we live in a 100-year-old home! Very satisfied with the product, and delivery was excellent."
| Dimensions | 21.6" W x 24.2" D x 63.8" H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 7 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Four |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Technically, this beverage cooler is a fridge, so we're adding it to our list as the most affordable pick. Whether you use it to store soda, beer, or even skincare, you'll begin to rely on it because it's so cute and quite useful.
"I've had this mini fridge tucked under my PC desk, and I use it mainly for makeup storage," one reviewer said. "It's just the right size. I can fit all my skincare products, makeup palettes, and even some brushes in there. The consistent temperature ensures that my makeup stays fresh and ready to use."
| Dimensions | 15"W x 11"D x 14.5"H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 0.15 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | 0 |
| Energy Star | No |
When we think of a retro-inspired refrigerator, Smeg definitely comes to mind. This one, the classic, if you will, comes in seven shades, including robin's egg blue, bright yellow, and mint green. Our personal favorite, however, is the iconic Union Jack. Did we mention there's also a similar version, but instead of the British symbol, it's the American flag. This fridge is also made in Italy, so you already know it includes a wine rack. As is the case with most big-ticket goodies from Williams-Sonoma, you can enjoy free white glove delivery to the room of your choice.
| Dimensions | 23.66" W x 30.25" D x 60.25" H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 9.2 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Four |
| Energy Star | Yes |
This refrigerator is a minimalist masterpiece complete with two full-width slide-out glass shelves, a full-width crisper, and a six-can dispenser for beer, juice, or anything else you drink on the regular. On the functional side of things, this find features an adjustable thermostat control, interior light, space-saving flat back design, and leveling legs. One of the five-star reviews says, "So we recently put a shade area off our pool deck. We live on a pleasure farm and went rustic. This fit perfect. Freezer has freeze pops for kids and adults then fridge has juice pouches water and adult beverages. It will come in for the winter as extra fridge during holidays! We love it"
| Dimensions | 20.3" D x 19.3" W x 42.9" H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 4.5 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Four |
| Energy Star | No |
While most retro fridges are on the smaller side, Big Chill offers a more standard-size option. This two-door top-freezer refrigerator is nearly double the size of the two-door Smeg at 20.5 cubic feet. It comes in an array of bold colors, and for an added $400 fee, you can choose from dozens of other custom colors. The best part? If you're not into the glossy finish, opt for a matte one.
| Dimensions | 33.1" W x 28.26" D x 68.5" H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 20.5 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Three |
| Energy Star | Yes |
Sometimes all you need is a mini fridge, and we'd suggest this one, from Winia. It comes in five fun colors and two sizes to fit a variety of spaces and styles. Inside, it features bright LED lighting and adjustable glass shelves. You'll be surprised to learn how much you can fit in here. "The fridge came extremely quickly in a perfect condition, carefully packaged, and cute. I didn't adjust the temperature. I like a clear plastic shelf above the fresh produce drawer because I can see and remember what I have. Funny thing, I feel like I have more food now than when we had a 20 cu ft fridge," one reviewer says.
| Dimensions | 20"W x18.5"D x 31.5"H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 3.2 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Two |
| Energy Star | No |
The great thing about ordering anything—especially a large appliance—from The Home Depot is that you can enlist a local pro to help with delivery and installation. Plus, the customer service from The Home Depot is pretty impeccable. Back to the fridge, though: It's Energy Star-certified, available in seven hues, and includes an adjustable thermostat. One reviewer says, "It's exactly what I wanted and more. It's just me, so there is plenty of room for my food in there. It doesn’t have all the fancy things you see in modern fridges, but this is so incredibly perfect that you wouldn’t miss any of it. I would highly recommend if you are looking to add a little flare to your kitchen and can afford to downsize the square footage."
| Dimensions | 21.6" W x 24.2" D x 71.2" H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 8.7 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Four |
| Energy Star | No |
Another mini fridge that makes the cut is this Frigidaire find. It's pretty basic, but it does everything you'll need, including keeping your goodies cold. It includes an easily removable and adjustable shelf, an adjustable thermostat, and a two-liter door basket. One of the nearly 8,000 five-star reviews says, "Never thought I'd love a fridge as much as this! I needed a new fridge for my office at work. It was delivered directly to my office by the Amazon driver. No dings or dents! It arrived within two days of ordering. If you like the color pink like me, treat yourself and get this cute retro fridge. It makes me smile every time I look at it."
| Dimensions | 22" W x 20" D x 35" H |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 3.2 cubic feet |
| Number of Shelves | Two |
| Energy Star | No |
We are going to say right off the bat that none of the products in our shopping guide are retro in the literal sense. As you'll learn, authentic retro appliances, including fridges, are not very safe (and they're extremely expensive in terms of energy consumption). We are focusing on retro-style fridges instead, as they boast the look and feel of a vintage fridge and the benefits of a contemporary appliance. That said, here are a few things to keep an eye on if you're considering adding one to your cart.
Size: You may think a fridge is like a mattress in that there are standardized sizes to fit all kitchens, but alas, fridges can come in any shape and size the manufacturer wants, so before adding one to your cart and expecting it to fit, definitely do some measuring first. All of the fridges on our list above adhere to a different set of dimensions. There's no rule when it comes to dimensions, so feel free to get any size you think will accomplish your fridge needs and fit in your space.
Number of Shelves: This is a big one. Without shelves, a fridge is just a tall, empty void. Shelves make for smart food storage, maximizing the internal cubic feet to give you the most bang for your buck. If you are someone who likes to eat at home (and therefore always have a stocked fridge), definitely opt for a fridge with at least three shelves plus door shelves.
Freezer: You may not think you need a freezer until you're dying for an iced coffee, ice cream, or anything else that needs to be stored below freezing. Luckily, most of the full-size fridges on our list are equipped with a freezer (either underneath or beside the fridge), but several do not, so if it's important that you have ice on hand, don't opt out of a freezer.
Generally speaking, no. Older refrigerators operate differently than current models. For instance, fridges from a few decades ago used gases to cool down the inside, which may lead to accidental fires or contaminated food. The United States Department of Energy also recommends replacing these types of appliances every 12 or so years.
What's more, the American Appliance Repair recommends giving your fridge a maintenance check every three months. All of this to say that older fridges (10 or more years) are not the safest option. If you like to live life on the edge and are still considering snagging a vintage fridge for your home, know that it will be one of the most power-consuming things in your home.
Yes, vintage fridges can use up to five times more electricity than new, high-efficiency ones that are popular today. If you're in the market for a fridge that recalls an older era, you may want to opt for a contemporary one with an older look. That way, you can enjoy the design without any of the drawbacks of an actual vintage appliance. Plus, if you've ever had to deal with rewiring a vintage light fixture for a new house, you already know how dangerous incorporating older pieces into a contemporary space is. If you are cautious about energy consumption, you may want to consider snapping up an Energy Star fridge. Energy Star is a government program that was established by the EPA in 1992. Its sole purpose is to identify appliances that are energy-efficient so that consumers can save on energy bills.
The shopping team at House Beautiful can't resist a well-designed kitchen. I love finding the right dining tables, cabinetry, and even hardware to make the heart of the home shine just as much as every other space. I understand the significant investment in appliances—especially refrigerators—so I recognize the importance of investing in quality pieces that you will genuinely love. Not only have we done extensive product research into the most aesthetically pleasing fridges that will last for years to come, but we detailed all of the need-to-know specs so that you can make an educated purchase. All of this is to say that when it comes to any type of shopping recommendation, you can trust that we only offer up the best picks.
We also chatted with an expert on the subject, interior designer Nina Lichtenstein, who operates her eponymous design firm out of Upstate, New York.
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