Wine Cellar Under the Stairs: Turning an Unused Space into an Exceptional Wine Cellar
A triangular space—often left unused, sometimes turned into a broom closet—the area under the stairs offers a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to store and display their bottles. However, there are a few challenges to overcome, such as varying heights, ventilation, and thermal insulation. Here’s how EuroCave transforms this challenging space into a true wine cellar.
Why is the space under the stairs an ideal location?
The space under the stairs is typically located in a central area of the house, sheltered from direct light and extreme temperature fluctuations. Its interior location ensures a stable ambient temperature. Above all, it offers a unique opportunity for design: creating a wine cellar under the stairs transforms a few square meters of otherwise wasted space into a distinctive, elegant, and functional room.
Three main design approaches coexist:
- The enclosed, glass-walled cellar, like a climate-controlled display case.
- The open pantry, with wooden or metal storage units but no dedicated air conditioning.
- The mixed-use space, which combines an enclosed, air-conditioned area with an outdoor service window.
Technical constraints to anticipate
There are four key considerations to keep in mind regarding the space under the stairs before starting the project.
1. Adjustable height
The staircase’s slope creates a space with decreasing ceiling height. A custom layout maximizes storage: lower shelves at the back, tall drawers at the front, and shelves for wooden crates in the areas that can still be used.
2. Thermal Insulation
To maintain a constant temperature of 12 °C, you must insulate the walls, floor, and interior ceiling of the stairwell, and install a weatherproof door—ideally a double-glazed, UV-resistant glass door. Without insulation, no air conditioner will be able to maintain the set temperature over the long term.
3. Ventilation
An air-conditioned wine cellar must be able to vent the heat generated by the system. The EuroCave Inoa wine cellar air conditioner is installed high up or in a drop ceiling and expels the hot air into a well-ventilated adjacent room (laundry room, pantry, or attached garage).
4. Access and Lighting
Consider the door opening mechanism (swing, sliding, pivot) and automatic lighting to make service easier. A motion sensor with warm-toned LEDs creates a spectacular effect every time the door opens.
Custom Solution: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Staircase
The space under the stairs is almost always a unique situation. No standard wine cellar will perfectly match your space, ceiling heights, or desired finishes. That’s exactly where our custom wine cellar design service comes into play.
Our team assesses your space on-site, creates a 3D floor plan, selects the appropriate climate control system (Inoa or Split), designs storage solutions made of solid wood or metal, and installs the entire system as a turnkey solution. The result: a wine cellar perfectly tailored to your home, capable of holding anywhere from 100 to over 1,000 bottles depending on the available space, and a space that becomes a major aesthetic asset to your home.
Attention to detail: aesthetics and quiet operation
In a room where people dine and converse, silence is essential. EuroCave wine coolers feature a Vibration Damper system and a quiet compression mechanism designed for use in living spaces. In terms of aesthetics: UV-protective glass, amber LED lighting, optional Black Piano or Stainless finishes, and flush-mounted or integrated handles. The result is a piece of furniture, not an appliance.
Projects Under Stairs in Switzerland
Every staircase is unique. Here are a few recent projects designed and installed by our teams in French-speaking Switzerland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum clearance under the stairs needed to set up a wine cellar?
Installation is technically feasible for spaces ranging from approximately 90 cm at the lowest point to 1.80 m at the highest point. Below these dimensions, installation is still possible but limited to storing bottles on their sides without direct access (wooden crates, deep racks). Our team will assess your exact space during the technical visit.
Is an air conditioner really necessary for a basement under the stairs?
Not necessarily. If the staircase leads to a naturally cool and stable basement, air conditioning may not be necessary. In most cases (where the staircase is in a heated living area), a EuroCave Inoa cellar air conditioner is essential to maintain a temperature of 12 °C and the target humidity level.
How much does it cost to convert the space under the stairs into a storage area?
The budget depends on the size, insulation, type of climate control, storage solutions, and finishes selected. Projects generally start at a few thousand francs for the simplest designs and can reach significant budgets for high-end, custom-built glass wine cellars. A detailed estimate is provided following a site visit.
Can a standard wine cooler be installed under a staircase?
This is possible if there is sufficient headroom under the stairs and proper ventilation is ensured. The storage unit should be freestanding or, better yet, built-in, depending on the layout. However, in most cases, a custom-built solution makes better use of the available space and results in a more aesthetically pleasing finish.
How long does it take to design and build a storage space under the stairs?
On average, allow 6 to 12 weeks from the site visit through the approval of the 3D design to final installation. Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the project (glazing, special finishes, custom wood storage solutions) and the availability of the construction site.
Need personalized advice?
Our consultants are here to help you with all your projects:
—whether you’re choosing a wine cellar, planning the layout, integrating it into your space, or looking for a custom solution.
