Whether empty or full, we feel obligated to do something profound with our wine bottles. They just look so classy that we don’t want to throw them away! Plus, they don’t exactly fit well on most shelves or in standard kitchen storage spaces. Here are seven ideas that have achieved some success in dealing with this problem:
1. Counter-Top racks: The first option when deciding how to display your used or unused wine bottles, is to employ your existing display surfaces. For most of us, the most ample space in this category is the kitchen counter. If simply setting a few along the backsplash looks cluttered or takes up too much space, consider several different options of counter-top wine racks to suit your kitchen theme.
2. Shelves and Window Sills: If the natural kitchen storage is too full for your bottles to accentuate, then move to your other natural, though unused surfaces. Many kitchens have cabinets that do not fully reach the ceiling. The benefit of these sorts of cabinets is that they offer a great décor level that wreaths the room.
When I have seen bottles displayed as decoration, they are usually lining the tops of cabinets. Don’t over-do this however, or your kitchen will look like a reckless shrine to Dionysus (unless, of course, that’s what you’re going for!). Another great option is the window sill. If you have windows with broad sills that are covered with curtains rather than blinds (in any room), these can be ideal spots to stand a few empty bottles. Try to be feng shui about it, and avoid absolute symmetry and excessive patterns which make the attempted decoration look forced or awkward. I would not recommend storing unopened bottles on window sills, however (for hopefully obvious reasons). Try to store your wine out of direct sunlight!
3. Wine Cabinets/racks: Stand alone wine racks are the most elegant way to display wine bottles, especially if you have the space. In my own home, I have a great granite-topped wood rack with casters, a fruit basket and slide-out drawer that sits in an otherwise useless small space beside the entryway to the kitchen. There are more immaculate examples, however.
4. Hanging Racks: If the space is simply not available, then move to the walls! Walls are surprisingly the most underutilized storage spaces for how fun they can be!
5. Multi-purpose furniture: Now we get to the more interesting options! If you simply don’t have the space to implement any of the above wine rack options, then try to consolidate! Consider regular furniture that contains built-in wine storage. There are dozens of options here, the most popular being the dining table/wine rack combo, the wine rack coffee table, or end table. These fit into your room’s normal accommodations and even bring the love of wine into every area of the house!
6. Vases: I have seen dozens of wine bottle vases that really wowed me. Whether you simply stick a flower in the mouth of the bottle, or you try glass cutting/slumping/staining techniques to turn your bottles into designer vases, your bottles can sit proudly on top of the dinner table, nightstand, bathroom counter, porch, or garden.
7. Get Wild: Maybe you don’t want a civilized option. Maybe your goal is to do something crazy and turn your home or room into a creative celebration of good times!
Ethan S. writes on behalf of Design55 a UK-based designer furniture shop with a wide selection of wine related Design55 Homewares.
