5. Basement Wine Cellar Ideas

The cool, dark environment of the average basement makes it the perfect place to build a wine cellar. Ideally, a wine storage area should stay at a stable temperature, with low light and no vibrations. Below grade is the easiest place to control the specific light, humidity, and temperature levels required for proper wine aging.

Once you designate an area for your basement wine cellar, study the insulation and vapor barriers you need. Even though basements are generally cool, a wine cellar usually requires a cooling system. Check your area for wine cellar design specialists to help you create the perfect basement wine storage room, or watch this video for ideas:

If you have enough basement space, you could integrate a wine tasting table and chairs into your wine cellar. If not, consider adding a tasting room nearby. Unused space under the stairs is a good place to build a small wine cellar. Build wood cubbies and shelving to hold your wine bottles, then add lighting and thermal pane glass doors.

Basement Storage FAQs

What tips should I follow to ensure my basement emergency food supply doesn’t spoil before I can use it?

Following these basement food storage tips can help your emergency rations last longer:

• When storing packaged foods in the basement, always remove cardboard or paper packaging materials. They can get moldy in a damp basement quickly.
• Store everything in airtight or vacuum-sealed packaging.
• Keep dehydrated fruits and vegetables in sealed glass jars.
• Make sure plastic containers and buckets have gasket seals.
• Write the date of storage and the expiration date on each item.
• Rotate canned and perishable items, and use them before they expire.

What’s the best way to store tools in my basement workshop?

While a neatly-arranged pegboard is the most common way to store workshop tools, a damp basement can cause metal tools to rust quickly. If you must hang tools on a pegboard, protect them with a coat of machine oil. This will help them repel moisture. For ideal basement storage for tools, place them in a well-sealed toolbox.