Small Wine Cellars, Big Impact: How a Townhome Closet Became a 350-Bottle Showpiece
The Magic of a Modest Space
You know that quiet moment at the end of a long day—when you walk through the door, kick off your shoes, and crave something that’s just for you?
For one Las Vegas homeowner, that moment now includes a pause by a softly lit small wine cellar—built into what used to be a basic coat closet beside the garage. Where jackets once hung, rows of carefully curated bottles now rest in a perfectly chilled, beautifully designed space. It’s a transformation that delights every time the lights flick on.
This project by Custom Wine Cellars proves that luxury doesn’t need square footage. With vision, craftsmanship, and smart use of space, even the most overlooked corner of your home can become a showpiece—one that’s personal, practical, and deeply satisfying.
Even small wine cellars can make a bold statement. This under-the-stairs transformation combines sleek black metal racks, warm lighting, and seamless flooring—proving that limited space doesn’t mean limited luxury.
This compact cellar was built on the main floor of a Las Vegas townhome, beside the garage. A modest, under-the-stairs coat closet was completely transformed into a 350+ bottle residential wine cellar, housing both standard and magnum-sized bottles.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Bottle capacity: 350+ bottles
- Cooling unit: CellarPro VSI ducted system
- Racks: Black metal wall-mounted racks + custom wood accent rack
- Lighting: Recessed lights + strip lighting
- Flooring: Seamless with rest of home
- Door: Wood-framed with dual-paned glass and bottom seal
- Designed for Both Form and Function
“With a project this compact, every element has to pull its weight—including the door. We made sure to use dual-paned glass for insulation and added a bottom seal to keep the cool air locked in. It’s one of those little touches that helps the entire cellar perform like a high-end room, even in a small footprint.”
Modern design meets smart storage—this sleek example of small wine cellars uses vertical black metal racks and strategic lighting to turn a simple closet into a showpiece collection space.
From Studs to Showpiece
The project began with a full demolition down to the studs. Our team installed electrical, added closed-cell foam insulation (4–6 inches thick), and finished the walls with plywood, mudsand, greenboard, texture, and paint. The result? A fully climate-controlled space set to a steady 55°F using a discreet CellarPro VSI ducted cooling unit hidden beneath the stairs.
According to Steve, “Building under the stairs is like playing 3D Tetris with wine racks and ductwork. Every angle is a surprise, and every inch counts. But that’s what makes it fun—there’s something really satisfying about turning a space most people ignore into a total showstopper.”
Smart Racking Solutions
Upon entering the home wine cellar:
- To the left, wall-mounted double-deep black racks maximize storage for standard 750ml bottles.
- To the right, single-deep black racks provide balance and visual rhythm.
- A low custom wooden rack breaks up the modern metal look with a warm, organic feel—and holds magnum-sized bottles with ease. (Want to see another amazing wine cellar with custom wooden shelves? Check this out!)
Seamless Lighting and Flooring
- Recessed lighting softly illuminates the collection without glare.
- Strip lighting on the ceiling highlights the contours of the racks.
- And the flooring matches the rest of the home, making the cellar feel like a natural extension—not an addition.
Small wine cellars can still showcase big collections. This thoughtful display pairs angled wooden racks with boxed storage and horizontal label-forward shelving—proof that even compact spaces can highlight every bottle with style.
“Lighting is where the magic happens. You can have the best racking in the world, but if it’s lit like a broom closet, no one’s impressed. For this cellar, we used recessed lights and hidden strips to give it that soft, gallery glow. It’s like the bottles are on stage—and they deserve it.” — Steve P.
Why This Cellar Stands Out
- Space Efficiency: Smart layout, high bottle capacity
- Seamless Design: Flooring and finishes match the home
- Thermal Control: Professional insulation + cooling for 55°F
- Visual Appeal: Mix of black metal and wood creates elegance
Your Space Could Be Next!
This project shows what’s possible when great design meets smart use of space. Whether it’s a coat closet, a nook under your stairs, a modern basement wine cellar, or a forgotten corner, Custom Wine Cellars Las Vegas can help you create something truly special.
✅ Ready to Build Your Own Hidden Gem ✅
Turn an unused corner into something extraordinary. Whether it’s a closet, a nook under the stairs, or a blank wall with potential, we specialize in designing small wine cellars that feel anything but small.
