A Closet Converted into a Custom Wine Cellar by Expert Russian Hill Contractors

Wine Closet Conversion Custom Wine Cellar
The team added a single reveal row with LED ribbon lights to make the wine closet design a little dramatic.

Converting a wine closet into a functional wine storage structure can be an overwhelming task without the help of an expert builder. Cellar conversion projects must be performed by combining correct knowledge about wine storage needs, skills in building an effective storage room, and creativity in creating an aesthetically appealing structure. Recently, Custom Wine Cellars San Francisco completed a conversion project wherein a closet was renovated and turned into a wine room.

Custom Wine Cellars San Francisco Completed a Closet Conversion Project

Wine Closet Conversion 3D Design
In any wine cellar conversion project, we always start with concept designs in 3D.

Custom Wine Cellars San Francisco has built numerous wine storage structures in California. Our team of professional builders has consistently provided clients with high quality services by meeting all of their design and construction requirements.

Recently, a client contacted us for help. He enjoyed collecting various kinds of wines. He wanted to have a storage room where he could keep, manage, and display his most prized bottles. The client already had a location in mind for the construction of his storage space. He had an old closet in his house that he wanted renovated and transformed into a refrigerated wine cellar.

Conceptualizing the Residential Wine Closet Design

Before any construction activity commenced, the contractors sat down with the client to discuss the details of the cellar design. Thorough planning is an essential factor because through it, we can provide our clients with their individual aesthetic and functional requirements.

The dimensions of the wine closet were considered in the planning. The room was 7 feet wide and 5 feet deep. The ceiling was 9 feet high. To ensure that the available space was efficiently maximized, our team of expert builders suggested the use of different wine racking combinations. The client also wanted to store bottles of varying sizes. The use of assorted types of wooden wine racks allowed our specialists to meet the client’s storage needs while maintaining aesthetic value. The final design that we conceptualized was a cellar that could hold a maximum of 812 wine bottles.

The Unique Styles and Features of the Selected Wine Racking Systems

The owner, with the recommendations of our team, chose a unique selection of racks for his wine cellar. The assortment of shelves and racking systems made the storage structure look more interesting.

New Wine Racking in Converted Wine Closet
An assortment of wine racking styles were incorporated in this converted wine cellar.
High Reveal Display Row

One feature, for example, was the elegant high reveal display row that ran through the entire length of the cellar. This type of rack was chosen by the client so that he can showcase a few of his wines at a 15-degree angle. The design allows more convenience in browsing the labels and identifying the bottles. Moreover, this slightly tilted configuration of the racks helps keep the corks moist, which is important because air can enter and oxidize the wines if the corks dry up and shrink.

Beautiful Custom Wooden Racks Closet Conversion
Do you see how beautiful the brown colors are in this custom wooden wine rack?
Rectangular Storage Bins

Right below the high reveal display row, the builders installed a different type of racking system – rectangular bins. This kind of racking is built for the bulk storage of wine cases. The client wanted rectangular storage bins included because they can help him organize his collection by grouping bottles according to type, variety, and size.

Solid Arched Tabletop
Wine Closet Design Conversion With Solid Countertop
This wine closet design features an custom solid arch above the decanting area.

The focal point of this distinct custom wine cellar is its front wall racking. Our expert builders constructed a solid arch tabletop and installed a puck light right above it. To accentuate the feature, the client added a framed piece of gorgeous artwork. The cellar owner loved the tabletop because it was a convenient area for decanting and pouring wine. Furthermore, the client can place wine bottles, as well as stemware glasses, on the tabletop.

Individual Bottle Openings and Diamond Bins

Above the solid arch, the builders installed individual bottle opening racks, which were meant for storing standard 750ml wines. Below the tabletop, the team set up solid diamond bin cases. Diamond bins are ideal for bulk storage. The owner wanted these bins included because he wanted a space where wines of the same type can be stored on top of each other, while allowing adequate air to flow across the bottles.

Wine Closet Design With Custom Wooden Wine Racks
In this wine closet design, they had individual storage racks above the arched table top.
Lattice Diamond Bins in Wine Closet Design
Another space-saver in this wine closet design are the diamond bins for bulk storage.
Wine Rack Standard Sized Storage in Wine Closet Design
This wine closet was converted to include the classic standard storage compartments.

The Type of Wood Used for the Wine Racks

The client, together with our wine cellar design consultants, decided to use Premium Redwood as material for the racks. This type of wood is a popular choice among wine storage builders. Besides its natural aesthetics, it is also known for its high resistance to decay and mildew, which makes it an ideal product for humid environments, such as wine cellars.

Premium Redwood has natural reddish hues that develop into deeper and more pronounced tones as the wood ages. To enhance the material’s color, our team applied a dark walnut stain to the racks. The client was very happy with the racking because it accentuated the overall style of his wine cellar.

Self-Contained Wine Cellar Refrigeration System Installed

New Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling System
These are the grills for the air supply and return flow of this wine cellar.

The ideal storage temperature of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity of 60% to 70% should be maintained inside the wine cellar. To achieve this climate controlled condition, the client had an HVAC technician install a cellar cooling unit in his wine room.

A self-contained, fully ducted, ¼ ton refrigeration system was mounted in the attic above the cellar ceiling. The equipment was placed on a platform with a drain pan underneath it.

Installation of a Beautiful Wine Cellar Door

Converted Wine Cellar Glass Door for Small Closets
They went for a barolo door with glass in the center as an entryway to this converted wine closet.

A wine cellar entryway is the first thing that a person will see before getting to the goods. The client in this closet conversion project had his cellar door designed by our specialists to match the general style of his wine room. Our team of builders made sure that his entryway was not only elegantly designed, but also properly built.

An ideal cellar door will keep a wine room tightly sealed, so that cool air is prevented from escaping and warm air is kept from entering. The client, together with our team of builders, chose a dual pane Barolo glass for this closet wine cellar. Our experts installed weather stripping on all of the door’s sides and placed a threshold at its base.

The dual pane glass allows the client to view the contents of his wine cellar without having to open the door. This benefits his collection because the frequent opening of the wine cellar door can negatively affect the temperature and humidity balance inside the room, which can consequently damage the wines.

Planning to have a room in your Russian Hill house renovated and turned into a wine cellar? Consult a wine storage expert today! Call us at +1 (415) 4487656!

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