Finding the perfect spot for your wine fridge isn’t just about making it fit somewhere in your home. You want to think about how you’ll use it, how it looks, and most importantly, how well it can keep your wines at the right temperature.
If you’re planning to add a wine fridge, you may have already spied our inspiration gallery. But despite all the gorgeous pics, you could still be left wondering where to put a wine fridge? Let us share with you all the designer tips and tricks about the best spots for both function and style.
Related article: Gorgeous wine storage inspo gallery: We’ll drink to that!
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Understanding your space and needs
To find the perfect spot, consider the golden rule of design: form follows function. What does that mean? In simple terms, it’s about prioritising function (aka your practical needs) before form (aesthetics).
So before deciding on a location, you should first think about how you’ll use your wine fridge.
Do you want easy access when cooking?
Are you looking to show off your collection to guests?
Or do you need a practical spot to store your wines?
Your answers will help guide where you put your at-home wine fridges.
Best locations for your wine fridge
The kitchen
The kitchen is often the most practical place for a wine fridge. When you’re cooking and entertaining, having drinks within reach makes serving more effortless.
Most popular locations in a kitchen:
- Below the benchtop: many wine fridges are designed to be the perfect height of a base cabinet. So when designing a new kitchen or renovating an existing one, reserving a space below the benchtop works exceptionally well. It achieves a clean and streamlined look, and prioritises convenience.
- In a pantry: if you have a walk-in pantry, you can create a dedicated wine storage area without taking up precious kitchen space. Gina did this in her butler’s pantry.
- End of a counter run: a standalone appliance can make the awkward space at the end of your kitchen counter purposeful.
The dining room
Putting your wine fridge in the dining room makes sense if you enjoy formal dining and want your wines near where you’ll serve them.
Consider these dining spots locations:
- built into a buffet or sideboard
- as part of a bar set up along one wall
- in a corner nook with a serving surface above it.
Living areas
A wine fridge in your living room or family room can be a great addition, especially if you often have guests over.
Some good spots include:
- as part of an entertainment centre
- in a dedicated bar area
- built into custom cabinetry
- near the conversation area for easy access during gatherings.
Places to avoid
Knowing where to put your wine fridge is just as important as knowing where not to put it.
Avoid putting a wine fridge in these locations:
- The garage: temperature swings are too extreme and can harm your wine
- Next to your regular fridge: the heat from your refrigerator can make your wine fridge work harder
- Direct sunlight: UV rays and heat can affect both the wine and the fridge’s performance
- Near heat sources: stay away from ovens, radiators, and heating vents.
Technical considerations when choosing spots for wine fridge
When choosing your spot, remember these practical points.
Ventilation
Your wine fridge needs room to breathe. Most units vent from the front but check your model’s requirements.
Usually, you’ll need:
- at least 5cm of space at the back
- about 1cm on each side
- some clearance at the top if it’s built-in.
Power access
Make sure you have a proper electrical outlet nearby. Avoid using extension cords, as they can be unsafe for appliances.
If you’re doing a built-in installation, you might need an electrician to add an outlet.
Temperature stability
Choose a spot where the room temperature stays relatively steady. Big temperature swings make your wine fridge work harder and use more energy.
Interior design tips
Your wine fridge can add to your home’s look when placed thoughtfully.
Here are some simple ways to make it look great:
Lighting
- Add some LED strips around your wine fridge to show off your bottles
- Use under-cabinet lighting if your wine fridge sits below the cabinets
- Put a small lamp nearby to create a warm glow around the area.
Seamless coordination
- Try to match your wine fridge finish with your other kitchen appliances
- Pick handles and hardware that go with your existing cabinet fixtures
- If you’re getting a new wine fridge, look for one that matches your kitchen style.
Creating a serving area
- Keep a small tray near your wine fridge for glasses and bottle openers
- Add a shelf above or next to it for storing glassware
- Leave some counter space nearby for opening and pouring wine.
Making it practical
- Make sure you can walk around easily when the door is open
- Keep the top clear if you want to use it as a serving surface
- Check that you can easily reach all the shelves in your wine fridge.
Our final tip, you don’t need fancy additions to make your wine fridge look good. Sometimes, the SIMPLEST setup works best as long as it’s neat and works well with your space.
Making your final decision
When you’ve narrowed down your options, ask yourself:
Can I easily get to the wine when I need it?
Does this location make sense for how I use wine in my home?
Will the fridge fit properly and have good ventilation?
Does it look good in the space?
We hope this article helped you decide where to put a wine fridge. Remember, the perfect spot combines practical needs with your home’s style. Don’t rush the decision — take time to imagine how you’ll use it in different locations before settling on the best spot for you. With good planning, your wine fridge can be both a practical appliance and an attractive addition to your home.
