Space and Layout
Utilizing the space under your stairs requires planning and some creativity. Under stairs wine cellars conform to the shape of the stairs, making use of an angular spaces that would otherwise be wasted. Custom curved wine racks can maximize storage in these irregularly shaped spaces, allowing for efficient use of every inch.
Temperature Regulation
Temperature regulation is critical for any wine cellar. To ensure proper conditions:
- Ideally, the wine cellar is away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain a consistent temperature between 45°F and 65°F.
- Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and promote air circulation.
Effective wine storage solutions include wine racks that allow bottles to be placed horizontally, which helps with visibility and label reading. Custom shelving can maximize wine storage in a space and accommodate various wine bottle sizes and styles. Consider these aspects to maximize functionality and aesthetic appeal in your under stairs wine cellar.
Wine Cellar Design Styles
When designing an under stairs wine cellar, choosing a style that complements your home and personal taste is essential. Vintage Cellars showcases a variety of design categories that can inspire your project:

Modern Wine Cellar Ideas
Modern wine cellars emphasize clean lines, simplicity, and functionality. They often feature sleek materials such as metal and glass, with minimalist shelving and neutral color palettes. This style suits homes seeking a streamlined, sophisticated wine storage solution that blends seamlessly with contemporary interiors.

Traditional Wine Cellar Ideas
Traditional wine cellars focus on classic materials like rich woods and ornate detailing. They create a warm, inviting atmosphere with handcrafted wooden wine racks and cabinetry. This style is perfect for those who appreciate timeless elegance and a cozy, old-world charm in their wine storage.

Glass Enclosed Wine Cellar Ideas
Glass enclosed wine cellars use transparent walls and doors to showcase the wine collection as a centerpiece. This style enhances visibility and adds a luxurious, open feel to the space. Incorporating LED lighting and climate-controlled glass enclosures helps protect the wine while making a striking visual statement.

Wine Wall Wine Cellar Ideas
Wine walls are a unique design that integrates wine storage into a prominent wall feature. Using custom racks, these walls can display a large collection while serving as an artistic focal point. This design is ideal for those who want to combine storage with impactful interior design.

Contemporary Wine Cellar Ideas
Contemporary wine cellars blend modern and traditional elements, often incorporating innovative materials and bold accents. This style embraces creativity with unique shapes, mixed textures, and statement lighting, offering a dynamic and stylish wine storage solution.
By selecting a design style from these categories, you can tailor your under stairs wine cellar to reflect your personality and complement your home's aesthetic while maximizing the functionality of the space.
Wine Cellar Materials
Material choices play a significant role in the overall look and durability of your under stairs wine cellar. Selecting quality materials that complement your chosen design style ensures longevity and visual appeal. For a rustic look, natural woods and reclaimed materials add warmth and authenticity, while minimalist or modern designs may incorporate metal, glass, and sleek finishes.
There are many options for materials used in wine cellars, allowing you to tailor the space to your taste and functional needs. Common materials include:
- Wood: Traditional and versatile, wood offers warmth and can be crafted into custom wine racks and cabinetry. Different wood types and finishes can create rustic, classic, or contemporary looks.
- Metal: Metals such as stainless steel, wrought iron, or textured metals provide a modern, industrial edge and can be used for racks, shelving, or accents.
- Glass: Glass walls or doors add openness and visibility, showcasing your collection while protecting it from dust and UV light.
- Stone and Slate: Natural stone, slate, or ceramic tiles can be used for flooring or accent walls, adding texture and a timeless, elegant feel.
- Fabric: Though less common, fabric elements can be incorporated for decorative purposes, such as upholstered seating or wall treatments to enhance acoustics and ambiance.
- Acrylic and Cables: Acrylic racks and cable systems offer sleek, minimalist storage solutions that maximize space and provide a contemporary aesthetic.
Combining these materials thoughtfully can create contrast and visual interest, such as mixing wood with metal accents or pairing glass with stone elements. The right material selection helps create a cohesive and inviting wine storage space that fits seamlessly into your home.
Wine Cellar Budget
Budgeting is a crucial aspect of planning an under stairs wine cellar. Start by assessing the available space and layout under your stairs. Accurate measurements are essential to ensure the chosen wine cellar fits perfectly without compromising functionality or aesthetics.
Under the stairs cellars are usually priced similarly to regular square rooms; however, they often feature a full glass front, adding a striking visual element. Mechanical installation is more challenging in these spaces because finding a location for the cooling system can be difficult. Specifically, mounting a cooling unit on a sloped ceiling is not possible, requiring careful planning to accommodate climate control equipment effectively.
Choosing the Right Custom Wine Cellar Contractor
Building a wine cellar is a major construction project that goes beyond typical home renovations. It involves specialized knowledge and skills to ensure proper insulation, climate control, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal. Because of these complexities, it is important to work with a contractor who has extensive experience and expertise specifically in custom wine cellar construction.















Vintage Cellars is the industry leading custom wine cellar designer and builder. When selecting a custom wine cellar builder, consider the following qualifications that set Vintage Cellars apart:
- Award-winning custom wine cellar building contractor in business since 1990
- General contractor focused exclusively on building custom wine cellars
- Member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Recognized by other industry experts, contractors, and publications
- Hundreds of 5-star customer reviews
- Thousands of custom wine cellars designed and built across the USA
- Diverse portfolio showcasing different types, sizes, and styles of wine cellars
Choosing a contractor with these credentials ensures your wine cellar project will be handled with professionalism, skill, and attention to detail, resulting in a beautiful and functional wine storage space that meets your needs and exceeds expectations.
Choose a design and materials that match your home’s interior and budget. Whether you prefer a modern, rustic, or minimalist style, selecting appropriate materials and finishes can help manage costs. Investing in a quality wine cellar can add value to your home and provide a dedicated space for your wine collection.
Feel free to call us at 1.866.963.4726 or contact us online if you have any questions, and one of our wine storage experts will be glad to help you.
Wine Cellar Installation
Installation involves careful planning and professional help. A good contractor will ensure your wine cellar includes proper insulation, climate control, and lighting to maintain optimal conditions for your wine. LED lighting is a great choice as it avoids heat damage to your wine collection.
You wine cellar will need proper ventilation and temperature control systems to keep your wine stored at ideal temperatures between 45°F and 65°F. Proper installation will help keep on-going cooling costs down. At the same time, you want to make sure the wine cellar is functional and protects your collection, while at the same time, remaining visually appealing to enhance your home.