A wine rack can add class and style to almost any room in the house. Not only are these structures stylish, but they are functional as well. Users can display and store bottles of wine and other items, use freestanding racks as a countertops or wine serving stations, or even save space by mounting the rack on a wall and freeing up valuable surface space. There are many DIY wine rack plans out there, and choosing one depends on many variables.
How to Choose a Wine Rack Plan
Anyone who maps new shopping trends for wine racks can see that there are literally hundreds of wine rack plans available from custom designed plans to complicated versions copied from popular models to basic formats. Wine connoisseurs, or even beginner oenophiles need to take many facts into consideration when purchasing a wine rack plan.
The first thing to consider is when doing a wine rack search is what style or design will best suit the space. Homeowners with little space to spare may want to look for a space saving model that can be mounted on a wall or placed in a corner. Those with a particular décor may want to choose a wine rack design that matches the design of the room it will be placed in. And those with ample space to fill may want to consider a wine cabinet style or counter top wine rack that can double as a storage unit or serving station.
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Secondly, when looking for DIY kits for wine racks it is important to take into account the skill level that is required to build the rack. Some rack kits are straightforward and basic and can be followed by anyone with adequate drive and motivation to learn, while others are quite complicated and require advanced woodworking skills. In addition, in order to build even a simple wine rack, there are some basic tools that will be required.
Furthermore, storage needs come into play when choosing a wine rack plan. Those who only plan to store a few bottles at a time can benefit from a small model, while serious collectors may want to think about a modular rack that can be added onto once the collection of bottles grows.
Finally, before purchasing a wine rack plan, it is important to read the plans carefully. Make sure there is enough information to adequately complete the job. A good quality plan should have clear and easy to read text instructions, and a combination of pictures, diagrams and/or drawings. If the plan is confusing, chances are the actual building process will be difficult and frustrating.
Different Types of Wine Rack Plans
- Wall Mounted Wine Racks. This style of plan is good for those who want to make the most of the space in their home, as they can be mounted on the wall, saving valuable floor and counter space. In addition, designs are usually straightforward and easy, making this style of rack a great choice for beginner or amateur woodworkers. Popular models include those with diamond style storage slots, cabinets with glass doors, and those that store bottles as well as glasses and decanters.
- Countertop and Tabletop Wine Racks. For those with space to spare, a countertop wine rack can create extra storage space for wine bottles, wine accessories, and miscellaneous items, and can serve a dual function as a wine service station. Popular versions include models with wheels, cabinet style doors and ornate carvings and or materials. In addition, a tabletop rack can be incorporated into a kitchen island or existing structure to save on space.
- Modular Wine Racks. These are wine racks that can be used on their own to store up to 10 bottles, and they can be added onto either horizontally or vertically over time. They are often stackable, and thus, feature locking mechanisms or grooved notches for placing additional racks. This type of rack is great for oenophiles that foresee their wine collection growing over time.
- Single Bottle Holders. Technically, a single bottle holder is not really a rack so to speak of, but it can be included in the genre as they perform a similar function, just on a much smaller scale. These wine holders are used to hold a single bottle at a time, so they are good for meals where wine is being served. The style possibilities are endless, ranging from simple wooden holders to ornate iron designs to modern and contemporary models.
- Centerpiece Wine Racks. Essentially, these racks are made to be the centerpiece of a room, and so are often designed with high quality materials like glass, iron or wood. They are typically roomy and solid, with storage space for glasses, bottles and perhaps even drawers for cocktail napkins, plates or cutlery. Another name for this style of wine rack is the baker’s rack.
- Cellar Storage Racks. Anyone planning to build a dedicated wine cellar will need storage racks so the bottles can be safely stored for long periods of time. The complexity of a cellar wine rack plan depends on the sophistication of the cellar. If it is simply for storing wine, all that is needed are simple, solid racks that will support a large number of bottles. If it is meant to function as a cellar as well as sitting room or den, builders may want to consider temperature controlled storage rack units with sealed doors.
With good wine rack plans, as well as the proper tools, measurements, determination or drive, anyone can build an attractive, stylish and functional wine rack for their home.