Having a wine cellar can be a dream come true for wine enthusiasts, allowing you to properly store and age your wine collection. However, many think that wine cellars are only for those with expansive homes and big budgets. This is simply not true! With some clever small wine cellar ideas, you can create a functional and organized wine storage space even in a small home or apartment.
In this article, we will explore smart tips and innovative solutions to design a wine cellar to fit small spaces. From converting existing nooks and crannies to custom built-in cabinets, we will cover effective ways to store wine bottles properly without requiring a large dedicated room. With a bit of creativity and the right storage solutions, you can have the wine cellar of your dreams even in limited square footage.
Clever Solutions for Utilizing Existing Spaces
One of the easiest approaches for a small wine cellar is to make use of existing unused areas in your home. Here are some great options to consider:
Repurpose a Closet or Pantry
Do you have an underutilized coat closet or pantry in your home? These small enclosed spaces are ideal for converting into mini wine cellars. Install sturdy wine racking systems on the walls, replace the door with a glass wine cellar door, add appropriate insulation and cooling system – and suddenly you have the perfect spot to store and display your wine bottles in an unused space.
Under Stair Storage
That awkward area under a staircase is prime real estate for a small DIY wine cellar. You can build custom wine storage racks and shelves to perfectly fit the angled space under stairs. Add a wall and door to enclose it, install lighting and cooling, and you can store several dozen bottles hidden away.
Basement Niche
Many basements have unused niches and alcoves, perhaps near the stairs, chimney or under landing. These make for great ready-made small wine cellar spots. Install wine racks, shelves or a cabinet to fully utilize the space, and chill with a wine cooler unit.
Under Counter Cabinet
For kitchens and butler’s pantries, consider using the empty space under counters by installing a wine refrigerator or wine cabinet. This utilizes untapped real estate for convenient wine storage right where it will be opened and served.
Freestanding Furniture Solutions
Another approach is to utilize freestanding furniture pieces specially designed for wine storage:
Wine Credenza
A wine credenza offers elegantly concealed storage with racks behind cabinet doors, mimicking a buffet or sideboard. Position a narrow wine credenza against a wall or in a dining space for accessible bottle storage.
Wine Cabinet
Free-standing wine cabinets come in narrow profiles, some slim enough to fit in a closet or small niche. Opt for solid wood doors with UV protection and interior racks to hold several dozen bottles in a compact furniture piece.
Wine Refrigerator
Compact wine fridges provide temperature controlled storage in a slim freestanding unit. Choose a tall slender fridge or undercounter model to tuck in tightly, holding anywhere from 6 bottles up to over 100.
Wine Wall Cubbies
Wall-mounted wine cubbies act as both storage and display. Install these floating wine ledges on any vertical surface to gain stacks of wine presentation. Perfect for showing off your best bottles!
Built-In Wine Racks and Nooks
For a bespoke look, consider having built-in wine racks, shelving and storage constructed right into your space:
Built-In Cabinet
Reconfigure kitchen cabinets or bookcases to include pull-out racks, drawers and cubbies designed to store wine bottles. Built-in cabinets with glass doors also allow bottles to be displayed.
Custom Wine Wall
Construct the ideal custom wine wall by designing fixed or modular racks that are precisely sized and shaped to perfectly fit your unique space. Display your entire collection beautifully.
Wine Storage Alcove
Tuck a wine storage alcove into unused angular space in your home. Fully customize racks, shelves and layout for keeping bottles properly stored and displayed.
Under Stairs Wine Cellar
Explore building in open racks or an enclosed cabinet under a staircase for dedicated wine storage out of the way.
Cellar Organization Systems
Proper organization is key for a functional small wine cellar. Implement these systems to keep bottles protected and bottles easy to find:
Label Outward Racking
Always store bottles label-out so you can identify your wines at a glance. Well-organized racks keep your collection visible.
Inventory System
Keep an inventory list of your wine cellar – location, quantity, type. This helps you avoid overbuying and always find the bottle you’re looking for.
Rotating Stock
Use a rotating stock method where newer bottles go to the back while older bottles are brought forward. This ensures proper aging of your wine.
Temperature Zones
Divide your cellar into temperature zones if storing both reds and whites. Colder zones nearer the cooling system can hold whites and champagne.
Cellar Conditioning Tips
Proper temperature, humidity and ventilation controls are key for a functional small wine cellar:
Wine Refrigerator
A compact wine refrigerator unit offers precise temperature control for small spaces. Choose a thermoelectric or compressor fridge based on quantity of bottles.
Cooling System
For custom built cabinets, install a specialized cooling unit made for wine to keep the interior at ideal 55°F. Ductless split units work well for small wine rooms.
Humidifier
Use a humidifier to maintain the humidity level between 50-80%, preventing corks from drying out.
Air Circulation
Allow for proper air circulation so there are no molds or “off” odors. Passive racks or internally installed fans can improve airflow.
Lighting
Use low wattage LED lighting on dimmers. Limit light exposure to avoid spoiling your wine. UV film on glass doors also helps block harmful light.
Decor Touches
Add finishing touches like these to give your small wine cellar personality and flair:
Name Your Cellar
Personalize your wine sanctuary by naming it after yourself, your street, or even your favorite Bordeaux or Tuscan winery. Add it on a plaque, sign or engraving.
Artwork
Decorate blank walls with wine-inspired art – like vineyard scene paintings, old wine advertisements or prints of grapes and vines.
Tasting Table
Have a small bistro table and stools on hand so you can conduct in-house wine tastings.
Cigar Cabinet
Because wine and cigars pair so nicely, add a temperature-controlled cigar humidor cabinet. Your cellar can now store fine wines and fine cigars!
Stemware Rack
Display beautiful wine glasses on an open metal stemware rack conveniently inside your cellar for when it’s time to uncork and enjoy your bottles.
FAQs about Small Wine Cellars:
What is the smallest size wine cellar I can build?
A wine cellar can be as small as a cabinet holding just six bottles! Utilize awkward narrow spaces like under stairs, in a closet or even under kitchen counters. Mini wine fridges also work perfectly for tight spaces.
How many wine bottles can I store in a small cellar?
It depends on the exact size and layout, but a DIY small wine cellar of 25 cubic feet can comfortably hold about 250 standard 750ml bottles stored on racking. A ready-made wine refrigerator can store anywhere from 6 bottles up to over 100.
What should the temperature be in a small wine cellar?
Ideally, the temperature should be maintained at 55°F with good air circulation and 50-80% humidity. Mini wine refrigerators allow precise digital temperature control. For custom small cellars, install a thermoelectric cooling unit made specifically for wine storage spaces.
Can I build a wine cellar in an apartment?
Absolutely! With some creativity, you can design a fully functional mini wine cellar even in an apartment using unused spaces like closets, under stairs, or under the kitchen counter. Freestanding options like wine cabinets and refrigerators are also perfect for apartments with limited space.
How much does a small wine cellar cost?
A DIY small wine cellar can be completed for under $1,000 in many cases. Utilizing existing space saves construction costs. Ready-made wine fridges and cabinets range from a few hundred dollars for smaller units to several thousand for large museum-quality cabinetry. Custom built cabinetry depends on materials and complexity.
What kind of racking should I install in a small wine cellar?
Practical metal racking systems or modular racks work best to maximize every inch. Solid wood racking can also be built in. Store bottles horizontally when possible, keeping labels outward. Securely fasten all racks to the walls and floor.
Conclusion
You don’t need a giant cellar room to properly store your fine wine collection. With some smart space planning and creative small wine cellar ideas, you can DIY or install compact, functional and organized wine storage even in the smallest homes or apartments. Use unused nooks, underutilized spaces and freestanding wine furniture to design your own bespoke mini wine cellar. Add in proper racking, temperature and humidity controls and decor to complete your petite wine haven. Cheers!