Will the wine racks be used for decoration or storage? If you are constantly adding to your wine collection, you may need a small wine cellar or look at wine racks that can hold everything. On the other hand, if you only purchase wine occasionally, a decorative or modern wine rack may best suit your needs. You’ll have a choice between vertical and horizontal wine racks, so be sure to consider how much space you have before making a purchase.
How many bottles of wine do you generally have on hand? Many wine racks hold between 3-6 bottles of wine, so if you tend to have more bottles than that, you’ll end up with an eyesore of bottles on all open spaces in your kitchen — even after purchasing a wine rack. With a little bit of digging, you can find a wine rack that will hold 12 to 15 bottles of wine, but also keep in mind the counter space that these will take up. More than 20 wine bottles on hand and your best bet is to purchase a portable or built in wine cellar or wine fridge.
Are you looking to display your wine or just house it? If you’re a wine collector or enthusiast, displaying an older or expensive wine will require a different wine rack than someone who buys house wines and just needs a decorative storage unit. Both types of wine racks can be attractive looking, but a display wine rack will allow you to show the wine labels and keep the wine tilted at an optimal level.
How much are you willing to spend on wine storage? Depending on the quality, material, and size, a wine rack can cost you anywhere from $20 to over $100. A handcrafted wood wine rack displays wine bottles nicely but can set you back a few hundred dollars, while a modern looking wine rack can cost between $30-$50. Cheaper versions of wine racks may fit your budget, but you may have a hard time finding one that suits your taste and home decor. A good rule of thumb is to spend as much — or more — on a wine rack as you would spend on a bottle of wine. Do you regularly buy expensive bottles of wine or is your wine budget usually less than $20?
Wine Rack or Wine Cabinet? Wine racks generally sit on a counter, while while cabinets can hold their own in a living room. A wine cabinet or table can also hold wine glasses and can house all of your wine accessories.
What material are you looking for? Wine racks come in a variety of different forms, including wood, glass, iron, and acrylic. Based on your needs, wine collection, and budget, each of these wine racks can fit your needs.