An under stairs wine rack is a clever way to make use of often-overlooked space in your home. This area, tucked away beneath the staircase, can be transformed into functional and stylish storage that protects your wine collection while adding a touch of elegance.
Whether you want a discreet spot for everyday bottles or a display that impresses guests, the right solution maximises space and upgrades your home’s design.
Why Use an Under Stairs Wine Rack?
The space under your stairs is almost always empty, making it ideal for an under-stairs wine rack.
Not only does it make use of otherwise wasted space, but it can also be designed to fit irregular corners or sloped ceilings, maximising storage capacity.
A custom rack can hold dozens of bottles while doubling as a stylish display that complements your home’s décor.
Whether you want it concealed or on show, storing wine under the stairs is a practical, cost-effective solution that keeps bottles at a stable temperature and humidity. For more guidance, read our comprehensive guide on wine storage temperature.
How Much Space Do You Need for an Under Stairs Wine Rack?
There are a few different ways to make use of an under-stairs wine cellar for storing your bottles.
The first is to build a wine storage area using modular or freestanding wine racks. You can buy these models from many places, including our website.
If you’re weighing up different rack styles and layouts, our guide on how to store your wine at home using wine racks covers the key considerations in more detail.
Your collection size will determine whether you need a small, single-rack under stairs wine rack or a larger custom-built setup.
The other option is to find an existing model or built-in wine rack and then build shelves over it.
You can place the shelves further back than you would with an ordinary refrigerator and still use them for storing bottles.
This option is a good one if you have an actual wine rack built in at the bottom of your stairs.
You can add shelves without ruining the look of your home. You can get creative with this idea and build an entire wine cellar or basement under your staircase.
This is a large project that will require some work, but it could be worth it for showing off your collection to guests.
Basic wine racks or small coolers start around £30–£2,500, while bespoke builds with glass doors and advanced climate control can start around £1,000+.
Benefits of an Under Stairs Wine Cellar
An under-stairs wine cellar is more than just storage, it protects your collection while transforming an often-overlooked corner of your home into a striking feature.
Wine is best stored at lower temperatures, and cool, well-maintained bottles taste better over time.
Modern under-stairs wine coolers offer precise temperature control, including two-zone options, so different types of wine can be stored at their ideal conditions.
Shelves are specially designed to keep bottles secure, preventing movement or damage, and coolers come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit any collection.
Unlike a basement cellar, an under-stairs wine cellar keeps your collection within easy reach, making it convenient for daily enjoyment or entertaining guests.
It also adds an element of display and sophistication, turning your wine collection into a stylish design feature. See our guide, are wine racks outdated, to learn more about their design and décor advantages.
Wine, like art or other interior décor, can say a lot about your home and personal taste. A thoughtfully curated collection under the stairs demonstrates your passion for wine and makes sharing it with guests effortless.
Finally, a thoughtfully planned under-stairs wine cellar can even boost your property’s appeal. It’s a premium feature that signals attention to detail and design, potentially increasing value while providing a practical, beautiful solution for wine lovers.
For more inspiration on creating a sophisticated wine space, see our wine cellars for collectors guide.
Installing A Wine Cooler Under the Stairs
There is one small problem that comes with installing a wine rack under your stairs – you don’t have as much control over the temperature as you would with other options.
Of course, we have the solution to the problem in the form of wine coolers. Wine coolers are designed specifically for storing wine bottles at cool temperatures.
These wine coolers come in all shapes and sizes. They have different features depending on your needs so you can find the best model for your needs.
We are sure that you can find the best wine cooler for you in our collection. There are some differences between a standard refrigerator and a dedicated wine cooler.
That’s why you need to invest in a proper cooler. For a start, the shelves in wine coolers are different from your standard fridge shelves.
The shelves are designed for holding and storing wine bottles specifically.
You should have no problem taking bottles out or putting new bottles in without having to move other bottles around.
The shelves keep the bottles firmly in place. One problem with storing bottles in a refrigerator is that they can move around.
That’s not an issue with a wine cooler. Another benefit of choosing a dedicated wine cooler is that it has two-zone temperature control.
This is an interesting feature that lets you choose two different temperatures for the cooler. To learn more about these options, take a look at our guide on single vs dual zone wine fridges.
You have one temperature in the top half and another at the bottom half.
Another issue with wine storage is that different wines require different storage temperatures.
Having this much more precise control over your cooler temperature gives you more options for finding, collecting, and storing wine in the ideal environment. A 2-zone wine cooler means that your unique wines are stored at the perfect temperature.
Installing a wine cooler under the stairs requires careful planning. Measure your space to ensure the cooler fits, allow room for ventilation, and make sure there’s a nearby power outlet.
Freestanding models may need extra floor support, while built-in units require proper airflow and installation according to manufacturer instructions.
If you need more information, see our guide on how to install a wine cooler.
Choosing the Right Wine Cooler for Your Space
Choosing the right wine cooler starts with knowing the size of your collection. The number and type of bottles you have will determine the cooler size and style that fits best under your stairs.
Under-stairs spaces can vary, but many are roomy enough to accommodate a dedicated wine cooler. These units are often more affordable than full wine cellar systems, making them a practical option for stylish, accessible storage.
You don’t have to spend thousands on an expensive system designed for storing wine bottles at extreme temperatures. This system can be made from wood or metal, which makes it very inexpensive too.
We stock a range of Climadiff wine coolers designed specifically for under-stairs installation, including the popular RESERVE185 and RESERVE225 models.
These compact yet stylish coolers make it easy to store your collection safely without sacrificing design.
Finding the right wine cooler to fit under your stairs can be difficult, but not when you can shop our Climadiff collection. We work closely with Climadiff to ensure we have a variety of quality products stocked across our site for customers to purchase.
Customer satisfaction is important to us, and that’s exactly why we spend so much time making sure we have the best, leading brands on our site from various locations across the globe.
Our team is ready to help you choose the perfect wine cooler for your space, ensuring your collection is stored safely, conveniently, and in style.
FAQs
Do I need planning permission for an under stairs wine cellar?
In most cases, creating an under-stairs wine cellar doesn’t require planning permission, as it’s considered an internal alteration. However, if your project involves structural changes, such as removing walls, approval under Building Regulations.
If your property is a listed building or located in a conservation area, stricter rules may apply. It’s always best to check with your local planning office before starting work.
Do I need professional help to build an under stairs wine rack?
This depends on the complexity of your design. Simple shelving or a basic wine rack can usually be installed as a DIY project.
For bespoke builds, or projects involving structural changes or electrical work, hiring a professional can help ensure the result is safe, compliant, and well finished. Your budget and the level of finish you’re aiming for will also influence whether professional installation is worthwhile.
