Wine Room? Wishful Thinking? Not Anymore.
Every wine lover has had that moment when they’ve settled into a comfy spot with their shimmering glass of red/white/rosé (it’s your moment, you pick), and they think to themself, “If only I had my own wine cellar." Wishful thinking? Maybe not. Historically, wine cellars began in the underground caves of European cities to keep wines consistently cool and protected from sunlight. These days, an unfinished basement, a lower-level walkout, or even an unused room or closet or pantry can be converted into a beautiful, tech savvy storage space for your favorite fermented beverage. If your head is spinning with excitement at the possibility of your very own wine room, here are some things to consider.
Storage Strategies When Remodeling
When it comes to wine storage, the possibilities are endless. A quick Pinterest/Google search will show you countless options. Some of the most popular being,
- Racks
- Shelves
- *Traditional – horizontal
- *Geometric (wide range of options including x-shaped, diamond, chevron, cube, etc.)
- Peg Board Style
- Drawers
- Open Face Crates
Cabinetry is also something to consider. Some homeowners prefer storage beyond a beautiful, functional space for their wine collection. Cabinetry may be needed in order to house wine glasses, corkscrews, decanters, ice buckets, and other accessories. It also gives you the ability to personalize your space a bit further in terms of the color scheme or general design aesthetics of the room.
Cooling Optimization For Your Wine Room
The optimal climate for wine storage is a temperature of 55-58 degrees, and a 55%-75% humidity. In order to create this climate inside of a home, a cooling unit needs to be installed. There are a few different options you will need to consider based on your home’s unique remodeling needs. The most common options are as follows:
- Through the Wall Units – Least expensive; best for small cellars; take up space; and do not control humidity.
- Ductless Units – Middle grade; good for larger rooms but still takes up space and does not control humidity.
- Ducted Units – Most expensive but the best for larger rooms needing humidity control. These systems work like traditional AC units, are quiet and do not take up valuable space.
Lighting Fixtures To Elevate The Space
Lighting is a very important component in a wine room due to both temperature control and the ambiance. It is vital to use low-heat light sources so as not to overheat the wine you are trying to keep cool. Lighting can also go a long way in creating the mood you are trying to capture within your space.
Lighting options that help to enhance the look of your wine room can include,
- Ceiling Lights
- LED Display Lights (dimmable options available)
- Accent Lights
- Backlighting
- Chandeliers or Pendant Lighting
Design Choices For Your Wine Room
Lastly, when all the major components have been addressed, it’s always fun to think about the “pretty” parts. In todays’ decorating industry, the design options are limitless. Modern looks might include glass doors, black or chrome racks and finishes, and ceiling lights that brighten the space. Whereas rustic, old-world designs might include elements of wood, brick, and steel with hanging lights that give the impression of a candlelit space.
Whatever your vision, Ability Remodeling is here to make your wine room dream a reality! Reach out to our team today to get started.