You want to build a wine cellar, or maybe you already have one, and you’re thinking about how to fill it (with more than your wine collection, that is). Wine cellars are more than the racks you put inside, and of course you will needs racks, because bottles of wine should be stored at a 15 degree angle to make sure the cork doesn’t dry out. But did you know that some modern wine cellars also have tables inside that can serve as a tasting station? Or, in some homes, the wine cellar is where dinners begin and end. How fun, to select a bottle of wine out of your collection in front of the people who will enjoy it.
A wine table is similar to any other table in your home. However, remember, if your wine cellar is climate controlled, it will be approximately 55 degrees in the cellar. You will probably not want to sit around your table while you casually drink your wine. You may use it to sit a case on when unpacking your wines. You may use it to sit your bottles on when selecting which wine to drink. When you pick a wine table, look for the same features as you would any other table. The table should be a comfortable height, size, and the material of your table should be sturdy and match the rest of the décor. It should hold up well in a high humidity. A wine table is not the place to splurge on bells and whistles. You don’t want your table to overwhelm the room.

Your table should compliment your racks, which should be easy, as most racks come in materials that tables also come in. If you are going with a modern look, then pick a wood or metal table that will look good next to metal racks. Pairing furniture in your wine cellar is as much art as it is science, and like pairing a good wine with a good meal, you should think about what you’re doing before starting out.

Another furniture element to consider is installing a ladder, if your racks are high enough to warrant a ladder. Not only can a ladder make reaching those hard-to-reach bottles easy, but it can probably roll out of the way when not in use, leaving plenty of room to move around it. Dragging a chair in each time you want to reach those top shelves isn’t really an option, nor should it be an option. Think about your current and future wine collection needs when designing your custom wine cellar, and when deciding how to furnish it.
Make sure the ladder will roll well on the flooring you pick for your cellar. Use a solid wood or tile floor when installing a ladder. Pick the layout that will work and look the best for you. Remember, no two wine cellars are the same. Yours should reflect you and your collection.

The furniture you use inside your wine cellar will depend on how large your wine cellar is as well as how many racks you have for wine. Keep in mind that your cellar should not only accommodate your current collection but also grow with you. Furniture may get in the way of such growth, so make sure that you choose items that will work with your future needs. No matter the direction you go, your decisions should be right for you and your needs.

Filed Under: wine cellar