Sebring Design Build
A great wine cellar is all about creating a controlled environment. Whether it is located in a sprawling mansion or in a tiny apartment, design options are virtually limitless. However, if temperature and humidity are not controlled properly, your precious wine may not age in the right way.
Our wine cellar ideas roundup showcases some of the most creative designs. If you are thinking of setting up your own wine cellar at home, these design ideas and guidelines should provide some inspiration.
Once you make a decision to build a wine cellar at your home, your first consideration should be maintaining the right conditions all the time. How you do this will depend on the size of the wine cellar and where it is located. A large basement wine cellar will require considerably more work in climate conditioning compared to a small wine cellar. If you opt for a pre-made wine closet or cabinet; chances are that it comes with climate control mechanism already installed, relieving you of most of the burden.
Here are some of the climate control actions you need to take when building a wine cellar:
- Full room insulation to keep temperatures at a steady range. Make sure the insulation is also a good vapor barrier.
- For large wine cellars, a wine cooling system may be necessary. This will also require an adequately sized exhaust room to absorb expelled heat.
- If the location of the wine cellar tends to get too dry, a humidifier will be required.
Once you have the climate control part figured out, you are ready to get started on your wine cellar. Our home wine cellar image round up is a good starting point to help you figure out the design that works best for your needs and budget.
More great information for you to check out at The Wine Cellar Insider.
SIMPLICITY
Sebring Design Build has created a minimalist and orderly wine cellar. The wine selection can be accessed through a stylish glass door. Space is restricted and basic. This is strictly a wine cellar and nothing more. A refrigerator is a good analogy for it.
WINE CLOSET
You’ll find this stylish wine storage space adjacent to the bar. Having glass for a door, the contents of this wine cellar are easily seen from the street. Since there is just a little room on the inside, it gives off the impression of being a wine cellar. Sebring Design Build has done it again with its innovative wine storage solution.
SECRET STASH
This wine cellar is going to blow people’s minds. Amazingly, this underground wine storage is only accessible by a secret passage. This wine cellar has a floor-mounted, see-through door that is sturdy and secure enough to be there. It even boasts sleek, contemporary wooden steps. Sapphire Spaces did an excellent job with this layout.
KITCHEN STORAGE
A wine cellar makes for ingenious use of space just off the kitchen. The basement is not the only possible location for wine storage. That little corner there is perfect for relaxing. Furthermore, the wine cellar has an air of heritage that runs counter to the modern aesthetic of the rest of the house. P.S. Platinum Properties created this design.
WINE ROOM
A bottle of wine and this setting are made for each other. This ultra-chic and cutting-edge wine room gives off an air of sophistication and wealth. The wine rack is ultra-contemporary, giving the illusion that the bottles are floating in the air. Cherry Creek, Inc. created this ultra-contemporary wine cellar.
SPANISH STYLE
Is a wine bar that transports you to the days of the Spanish colonial era what you’re after? This layout for a wine room in Dallas is homey and inviting. This Spanish-inspired wine cellar was decorated in shades of brown and beige. Christy Drew Designs outdid themselves with this one.
WINE BAR
While wine cellars are nothing new, the addition of glasses makes them feel homier. This basement is perfect for hosting parties. This bar’s marble surfaces and built-in drawers provide ample storage for wine-related necessities. Again, Sebring Design Build has produced a masterpiece.
MEDITERRANEAN
In this vast wine cellar and tasting room, you will feel like you have been transported to another world. This wine cellar has all the classic features, from the stone floor to the wooden ceiling and cupboards. Excellent work by Canaday Group! The candlelight in the chandelier gives off a classic vibe.
NARROW CELLAR
There’s a good chance that this wine cellar is only tucked away in a corridor. A wooden wine barrel complements the cellar’s classic atmosphere. Bricks provide an impressively sturdy base for a wine cellar. Although limited space, it has been used effectively—incredible work by KGA Studio Architects, PC.
BARREL SINK
A wine barrel sink is an ingenious addition to any home. With its all-wood construction, the wine cellar restores that classic feel. This traditional wine cellar has been given an expensive air by the addition of lighting inside the wooden cabinets. The barrel sink is the focal point in this wine cellar by Martha O’Hara Interiors.
Wine Cellar Climate Control
Climate control will make or break your wine cellar. Wine is a delicate thing. It tolerates temperature and humidity changes only within a narrow band. If it goes above or below, then the aging process is likely to go awry.
When it comes to temperature, 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) is the accepted sweet spot. A range of 3-4 points above or below this temperature is acceptable. In chemistry, we learn that an increase in temperature increases the rate of reaction. If your wine cellar is too warm, your wine will age too quickly and produce other unwanted reactions. This will damage the quality and taste of the wine. On the other hand, if the conditions are too cool, chemical reactions slow down and your wine ages at a much slower pace.
There is also another aspect of temperature that can damage the wine and that is variability. Without proper climate control, temperatures in the wine cellar will keep swinging between cold and hot. In many cases, the cork sealing the wine is not 100% airtight. As it expands and contracts with temperature variations, oxygen finds its way inside the bottle. As any wine connoisseur knows, too much wine will damage wine flavors because of over-oxidation.
As for humidity, the slightly damp conditions of a basement are actually good. Slightly high humidity keeps the cork from drying out, which could compromise the quality of the seal. The ideal humidity level is 57%, with an ideal maximum of 70 percent and minimum of 50 percent. If it goes too high the biggest risk is the development of mold in the cork, which could damage the wine. Additionally, it can damage any labels on the wine bottle.
STONE CELLAR
This Eldorado Stone cellar appears to have a small living space on the inside. This is a stunning addition to the house—the likes you do not frequently see. Wow, the beautiful stone cellar is perfect for storing wine. This is a great plan for making your home stand out!
CONTEMPORARY REFUGE
It appears to be where you and your loved ones may get away and enjoy each other’s company. The tall wine racks have plenty of room for a wide variety of bottles because of their many shelves. Even the candle-lit chandelier gets high marks. Incredibly impressive interior design by Jeffrey King Interiors.
COMFY & COZY
Sebring Design Build has done it again: an inviting wine cellar. While sipping your wine, you can kick back, unwind, and forget about the day’s stressors. Or, even better, have a party! This wine cellar is ideal for a romantic evening for two, thanks to the cute table and seats.
TO THE POINT
It’s just a fantastic, standard place to store wine in almost any home—nothing fancy, just a simple wine cellar, with nothing extra. Brown hues throughout the cabinetry give it an antique air. Wow, Charles Ayers Construction, Inc. nailed it with its amazing layout.
Unique Wine Storage Designs for All Homes
Residential wine cellars are stunning, luxurious examples of design craft – and are frequently beyond the scope of many homeowners’ space and budget accommodations. Fortunately, there are plenty of custom wine storage designs out there for houses and wine collections of all sizes.
The following collection of design ideas showcases beautiful examples of wine storage solutions in different areas of the home. Kitchen islands, basement bars, and even closets present unique opportunities for storage. Before you begin your remodeling plans, it’s important to know the basics about keeping wines for the long-term, to help you make smart design choices.
CUSTOM GLASS
This wine cellar is unlike any other because of its distinctive bespoke glass pieces. The blue hue of the lighting in the wine storage area gives the entire room an air of sophistication. Joseph and Curtis Custom Wine Cellars have created an outstanding wine cellar layout.
GRACEFUL DISPLAY
There’s an air of refined elegance in here somehow. The overall effect is one of understated sophistication. The ceiling improves the mood of the entire wine cellar. David Johnston Architects outdid themselves with this elegant wine cellar. Leaving this place would never even cross your mind.
ESCAPE
It gives you the feeling of being somewhere abroad. Everything looks vintage, and the stone foundation makes you feel like you are somewhere outside of your house. The old picture frame also adds up to the foreign vibe of the wine cellar. This is an incredible design again by A-Design By Gustavo Arredondo, Inc.
COZY
The wine cellar is improved by the addition of this comfortable sitting space. You and your pals can do nothing but sit around and drink wine all day. It could even pass for the table at a formal restaurant, but it’s a cellar full of wine. Riviera Bronze Mfg. has created a remarkable and homey wine cellar design.
Proper Wine Storage Tips
No matter what wine storage design you choose, there are some essential basics to consider. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure your bottles are stored properly, which means more enjoyment when you finally pop the cork:
- Keep the temperature stable. Wine doesn’t hold up well to major fluctuations in temperature. The longer you store your wine, the more stable the temperature its environment should be. So if you have a growing collection, and you’re waiting to open that bottle of Barbaresco until at least another five years have passed, then it’s best to choose a wine storage design that isn’t in a space that sees lots of changes in temperature (top of the fridge, we’re looking at you!). If you only keep enough bottles in the house for easy enjoyment, and drink your bottles within a few months after purchase, then temperature fluctuation is less of a concern.
- Keep the temperature cool. When possible, keep your wines stored somewhere within the cool range of 50°F to 59°F. This is often cited as the ideal temperature to store wine, though bottles can certainly withstand exposure to lower and higher temperatures. The essential idea is that heat accelerates the aging process, so as mentioned above, higher temperatures (though not exceeding 68°F) are less of a concern if you are simply buying wine to drink fairly quickly. A dedicated cool space is more important for long-term storage plans.
- Keep bottles away from intense light. Light, too, can play a big factor in the quality of wine. For wines that will be stored for more than a year, and for bottles of bubbly, it’s best to keep these away from direct, strong sources of light.
- Keep corks moist. When a bottle’s cork dries out, it shrinks and allows oxygen to creep inside. Oxygen is great for letting a wine breathe and develop its flavors, but a wine should be consumed shortly after exposure. Within a few days, oxygen turns even the sturdiest of wines into rancid vinegar. The easiest way to keep corks from drying out is to store bottles on their side.
HIDDEN TREASURES
It appears that there are numerous valuables stashed away in this underground room. The main blue door gives off an air of expensiveness and the appearance of several valuables within. The door’s unique design furthers the cellar’s classic, opulent atmosphere. Renovation Artistry outdid itself with this one.
MASONRY MAGIC
How about an interstellar wine cellar? This area features stunning stonework. The fountain is guaranteed to be a hit by those who see it. There are a lot of corridors in the wine cellar. Wow, Omega Products Int’l. has created a wine cellar with a truly Mansory-like magical design.
SMALL WONDER
The wine cellar makes excellent use of its limited square footage. Despite the confinement, you are not without any essentials. It comes with a large number of drawers for storing all of your wine-related necessities. Eppright Custom Homes really outdid itself with their wine cellar layout, which makes excellent use of all available space.
BUTLER’S PANTRY
The wine in this residence is kept in a lovely butler’s pantry. Those cabinets in navy blue are just gorgeous. The wine cellar’s gray color scheme and the under-cabinet lighting give it an air of extreme opulence. The wine cellar feels all the more abundant thanks to the tiny chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The St. Clair Kitchen & Home team did an amazing job with this layout.
RANCH FUN
Vegas’s wine cellar can be found on a ranch outside the city. There are a lot of quirky details, but the bottle chandelier is sure to be a favorite. The wine room’s bright windows and soothing blue color provide an inviting space perfect for relaxing and enjoying a bottle. Dorn Homes has created a magnificent wine cellar.
WINE ENTHUSIAST
There must be some vino enthusiasts in the neighborhood. The Sapele wood walls and travertine floors in this climate-controlled wine cellar are stunning. The number of wine bottles that can be safely stored here is enormous. Superior Woodcraft, Inc. has created a fantastic product for the wine connoisseur.
Smart Storage: Take Advantage of Unused Spaces
Utilize existing furniture for smart storage: add custom shelving in a kitchen island or a buffet side table. Even the smallest nooks, like spaces between the refrigerator and wall, can be turned into clever wine storage spots. Remember, however, that warmer areas like the kitchen are best for people who aren’t storing wine bottles for the long haul.
The colorful kitchen island pictured here includes an impressive wine rack, while there is still plenty of additional cabinet space for storing china, pantry items, and smaller appliances. A sink built into the island, with easy access to the wine collection, makes this kitchen is a great spot for making drinks and entertaining guests.
Diagonal planks make the most of storage space, and are frequently used in wine cabinet and rack designs. The rack here is flanked by clear fronted cabinets, and the wet bar is complete with sink and beverage cooler. This basement bar design truly stands out thanks to the bright, backlit subway tile.
This elegant design is takes advantage of vertical space, with limited room under a kitchen counter making way for a small collection of wine bottles stored on their side. The crisp white lines of the wine rack are the perfect complement to the marble kitchen countertop.
This kitchen island highlights another example of vertical storage design. Instead of dedicating the entire end space to cookbooks, the island has shelving on either side of the clear fronted cabinets. It simple yet smart design holds up to ten wine bottles.
This basement kitchenette has additional overhead shelving to accommodate a well stocked wine bar. This remodeled interior features a richly hued, traditional cabinet design that feels bright and open. There is also plenty of countertop space for another rack for more storage options.
Sleek Wine Cooler Designs
Wine coolers are a great idea for any true wine lover, keeping bottles at a set temperature to ensure they keep well over time. Some models are dual-zone, meaning that you can store both red and white wines at different temperatures. Consider adding a wine cooler to your kitchen island, wet bar, or even outdoor entertaining area.
This unique wine cooler design is perfectly suited alongside the main refrigerator. The matching stainless steel appliances are the perfect complement to the kitchen’s traditional wood cabinets.
BASEMENT OASIS
Wow, that’d make an excellent wine cellar! The location of the wine cellar can be deduced from the house’s upper floors by following the cellar’s odor down to the basement. This wine cellar sits in the basement and is the epitome of contemporary design. Finney Construction’s masterpiece is highly cutting-edge because of the choice of primary hues.
CONTEMPORARY COOL
Plus, this wine cellar is almost made for unwinding with those colorful seats. Every bottle of wine in this cellar appears safely tucked away in the wine cabinet. You may kick back and relax in this living room-style wine cellar with a glass of wine. Cable Wine Systems has come up with outstanding products.
OPEN CONTEMPORARY
This wine cellar features a comfortable seating space and open racks for storing wine. You and your loved ones can admire yourself in the enormous mirror while sipping wine. The wine bottles hover in midair, giving off an air of sophistication befitting a high-end wine cellar. This is an amazing wine cellar by Design By Lisa.
BRICKS & BARRELS
The barrels are a hit as a wine storage option. It’s safe to say that any wine lover would approve of the rockwork that went into building this cellar. The antique bulbs give the wine cellar a classic feel. Palmer Interior Design nailed it with this one.
Location
The basement is one of the most common places to locate a wine cellar. It provides a large space to set up a decently sized wine cellar and is fairly easy to maintain in terms of temperature and humidity. Unlike other rooms in the house, the basement does not experience much variation in both temperature and humidity.
If you do not have a basement or it is being used for some other purpose, look for a corner of your house that is not in the direct line of sunlight or draft. One increasingly common and creative idea is to set up a mini-cellar under the stairs. Often enclosed by glass, under-the-stairs wine cellars can look quite dramatic especially when you plan the lighting properly. If you have a pantry with no windows, that would also make an ideal location for a wine cellar. If you have bar area, you can set up a small wine storage cabinet behind the bar.
Generally, the location depends on the size and design of your home. Wherever you decide to locate it, make sure you are able to control the conditions so as to maintain the integrity of the wine.
Storage
Once you have decided on location, you need to figure out what kind of storage you are going to use. Most people opt for wine racks. Wine racks come in a wide range of styles and some companies even offer custom made options.
Even in a small wine cellar, racks can take up surprisingly little space, allowing you to store a significant number of bottles in a limited area. Most wine racks are made from wood though you will come across other made from metal. Make sure you choose the right size. Some racks are small enough to be set down just about anywhere in the house. Others will take up an entire room. For really vast storage, such as one consisting of hundreds or thousands of bottles, consider getting custom wine racks that perfectly match your needs. One other thing to be careful about when buying wine racks is the size of the opening. Some bottles such as Magnum and champagne bottles require large openings.
If you need smaller wine storage, there are many options beyond a wine rack. You can have a wine refrigerator small enough for 50 bottles or a bigger one for a couple hundred bottles or more. Another option is a walk-in vault. These vaults are mini-cellars complete with built-in storage and climate control. Other storage options include wine cabinets and wine lockers.
Design and Lighting
Design is an essential part of wine cellars. After all, the collection is a point of great pride for its owner. The design needs to reflect that. When designing a wine cellar, consider working with a contractor to decide on these design elements.
Many wine enthusiasts opt for hardwood flooring to match the wooden wine racks on the walls. Others opt for stone flooring to contrast with the wood racks and create a vintage style. Glass is also a popular material especially for enclosing smaller under-the-stairs wine cellars.
One of the most important aspects of the design is the lighting. There are two things to consider when deciding what kind of lighting to install. One is of course the style. Do you want a warm darker feel or a brighter futuristic vibe? A good idea is to install lights that can change color to reflect the current mood. The second issue is heat. Halogen or incandescent bulbs should never be used because they emit too much heat, which is bad for the wine. LEDs are the best. You can choose from puck lights, strip LEDs or track lights depending on the style you are going for.
Try to highlight specific areas such as wine racks and any other interesting displays. You can also have an assortment of overhead lights providing general illumination.
Bonus Tips
Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:
- Select a strong door that is insulated to protect the wine cellar climate. If you want a glass door, make sure it has exterior-grade insulation and should be double-paned. Ideally, a wine cellar should not have windows. If they are present, they should be as properly insulated as the door.
- For flooring, most materials including wood, tile, vinyl and marble are acceptable. The only no-no is carpet. It will develop mold and mildew because of the high humidity levels.
- For a large wine cellar, consider adding a tasting center. This often consists of a table and chairs. Add more seating space if you plan on holding tasting events often.
- Don’t forget about security. Always keep the door to the wine cellar locked to prevent any unauthorized individual from going inside. For really big collections, install a monitoring alarm system as well as cameras.
Setting up a wine cellar is no easy task. There are so many components to work on including storage, climate control, design and security. But if you love your wine, there is no end to the enjoyment after the wine cellar is complete. It becomes a personal sanctuary where you can relax, be happy and admire your priceless collection.
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