Refrigerated Wine Cellars: Get The Ultimate Small Space Wine Storage Solution Ideas from this Home

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A full-sized single glass door helps keep the cold air inside this refrigerated wine cellar.

A refrigerated wine cellar under the stairs provides the perfect environment for preserving your wine, ensuring that each bottle is at its peak flavor when you’re ready to indulge. It also adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your home, making it a statement feature that reflects your refined taste. Whether you’re a seasoned wine collector or a casual enthusiast, a wine cellar under the stairs is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the finer things in life.

With a dedicated space to store and showcase your wine collection, you can easily access and enjoy your favorite bottles whenever you please. If you’re in the market for refrigerated wine cellars under the stairs, check out this wine cellar project that the Coastal Custom Wine Cellars did in a beautiful home!

Overview of this Spectacular Refrigerated Wine Cellar

The Coastal Custom Wine Cellars team was hired to create a stylish but practical storage solution for a wine collection. Since the owner had a tall staircase with an unused space underneath, he decided to use it to display and store his precious collection. As you step into the hallway, you are instantly greeted by a frameless glass door that leads to the small wine closet. A cool and humid environment primarily brought about by the split-system cooling unit envelopes anyone who enters, while reclaimed barrel flooring will give you that classic and welcoming feel. The wine racks inside this staircase wine cellar are all custom-made from wood, which gives this wine cellar a definitive character.

This wine cellar’s modern refrigeration system and contemporary design makes it a timeless addition to the home.

When making wine cellars, it is essential to consider the dimensions of the space where the cellar will be constructed. The size of the cellar will determine the amount of wine that can be stored and the type of wine racks that can be used. For example, if the space is small and irregularly shaped, modular wine racks and a ductless split system cooling unit may be the best option. On the other hand, if the space is larger and more uniform in shape, custom-built wine racks and a ducted cooling system may be more appropriate.

Custom Wooden Wine Racks for a Stunning Display

This modern wine cellar under the stairs storage is truly a one-of-a-kind creation, featuring a diverse range of wine racking systems. Each type of rack adds its own unique touch of sophistication, luxury, and elegance to the space. The diamond bin racks, in particular, are a standout feature, crafted from beautifully stained and lacquered Alder wood. These custom wine cellar under-the-stair racks can hold up to 300 wine bottles including 9 magnums and 12 champagnes, providing the perfect spot to age your favorite wines.

This wooden wine rack was custom designed only for this compact wine cellar. You have the option to buy modular wine racks and stack them as your wine collection grows. However, for compact, funky-shaped wine cellars, getting custom wine racks is the best option. For one, you can see that we were able to maximize the storage capacity of the main wall, by allowing the rack to follow the slope of the staircase. We were able to build the racks from floor to ceiling, wasting no wall space at all. Every part of this custom wine rack was assembled on site and it only took a short time to set the entire thing up.

LED Technology for Safe and Stylish Wine Cellar Lighting

To light up this quaint wine cellar, the team installed a light wall at the back of the main wooden rack. An acrylic LED light wall is made of an LED light panel sandwiched between two translucent acrylic boards. Even when the lights are off, you can’t see the LED bulbs through the acrylic surface. When you turn them on, a stunning, luxurious glow is created that’s enough to make the entire wine display visible and the wine labels readable.

LED strip lights were also used in the horizontal wine racks near the glass window, and above the wooden wine rack. LED lights are more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan, resulting in lower energy bills and reduced maintenance costs over time. The most relevant benefit of LED lights, though, is that they do not emit harmful UV rays as much as the typical halogen or fluorescent lights. Too much UV can damage wine labels and affect the flavor and quality of the wine over time. By incorporating LED lights into this small wine cellar, we were able to create a well-lit, energy-efficient, and protected environment for our client’s wine collection.

Keeping Wines in Top Condition with a Powerful Wine Cellar Insulation and Cooling System

To maintain the humidity and temperature inside the cellar, Steve and his team had to install closed-cell spray foam insulation on the wall cavities and the WhisperKOOL Platinum Split-System 400. The WhisperKOOL 400 is a remarkable ductless unit that has revolutionized wine cellar cooling. It is an ideal choice for wine cellars as it provides both cooling and humidity control.  It also has a sleek and modern design, making it a great addition to any wine cellar. We installed the unit before closing the wall and bringing in the racks.

Designed for quiet and efficient operation, it guarantees a tranquil environment for your prized collection. Equipped with an advanced electronic control system, this split system ensures precise temperature regulation. It features a liquid-temperature-measuring bottle probe, allowing for accurate monitoring and maintenance of the perfect wine storage conditions.

With its convenient 2-speed fan switch, you have the power to adjust the BTU/h capacity according to your specific needs. Whether you want to provide a gentle breeze or ramp up the cooling power, this unit has you covered. Furthermore, the WhisperKOOL Mini Platinum Split System offers versatility in thermostat options. You can choose between the standard and 24V thermostat, providing flexibility to suit your preferences. Since an exterior housing was available for this kind of cooling system (at additional cost), the owner decided to get one so we can effortlessly place the condensing unit outside the house. This feature expands installation possibilities and allows for optimal space utilization within your cellar.

One of the standout features of this system is the impressive 55ºF temperature differential it provides between the cellar and condensing unit air intake temperature. This ensures efficient cooling performance, maintaining a consistent and ideal climate for your wines. Included with the WhisperKOOL Mini Platinum Split System is the KDT Digital Controller/Thermostat, complete with a 50-ft. cable. This innovative controller offers precise temperature management and easy accessibility, putting you in complete control of your wine cellar environment.

With the WhisperKOOL Mini Platinum Split System, you can enjoy whisper-quiet operation, exceptional cooling performance, and the peace of mind that comes with optimal wine preservation. Elevate your wine cellar experience with this remarkable cooling solution.

The use of reclaimed wine barrels for the flooring of this refrigerated wine cellar enhances its rustic appeal.

The Right Insulation and Sealing for Refrigerated Wine Cellars

The insulation helps to maintain a consistent temperature inside the cellar, while the vapor barrier prevents moisture from seeping into the walls and causing damage to the wine. Among the many types of insulation in the market, spray foam is highly recommended for wine cellars because it can creep into tiny holes and cracks, and it already has vapor barrier capabilities. You wouldn’t need to install a separate vapor barrier for this.

The team had to tear down the walls, including the under side of the stairs to install spray foam insulation. It was important to maintain the support holding the staircase, for the safety of the workers and the clients. Along with this, we also had to implement strict safety procedures in every step of the construction process.

Since the owner wanted to integrate glass into the design, the team used ¾” single-paned, tempered glass panels for both the display window and the door. In some cases, double-paned glass is used, infused with argon in between. If you work with a wine cellar specialist like Coastal Custom Wine Cellars, we can help you determine how much glass you’ll need to ensure that condensation will not happen.

Make the Most of Your Space With a Refrigerated Wine Cellar Under the Stairs!

If you’re a wine lover with limited space at home, consider the space under your stairway for your wine cellar. We customize any wine cellar according to your preferences, and we’re here to find the right solutions for your needs!

Coastal Custom Wine Cellars is a premier wine cellar company specializing in designing and building unique and luxurious wine cellars. Whether it’s a residential or commercial project, Coastal Custom Wine Cellars can provide the perfect balance of function and aesthetic appeal.

If you want to create a unique refrigerated wine cellar that is both beautiful and functional, contact Coastal Custom Wine Cellars today and schedule a consultation!

Your dream wine cellar is just a phone call away at +1 (949) 200 – 8134.

The color theme of this refrigerated wine cellar resonated with the interiors of the rest of the house.