Wine Fridges Don't Have To Be Ugly: How To Choose A More Aesthetic Option

Wine enthusiasts are no strangers to the dilemmas of a wine fridge: On one side, they keep your wine cool and crisp, ready for drinking at any moment. On the other, less glamorous side, they often come in designs that are arguably not very aesthetic. And if you've been in the market for a wine fridge — a kitchen appliance known to help with resale value — you've probably noticed that most online roundups of "best wine fridges" feature models in cold black or chrome finishes that can completely throw off the vibe of your carefully curated kitchen. Not all hope is lost, though, because there are aesthetic wine fridges out there; you just have to know what to look for and what will work best in your space (think stand-alone vs. built-in).

The first, and potentially most important, decision you have to make when searching for an aesthetically pleasing wine fridge is whether you want a built-in cooler or a stand-alone unit, because placement will heavily influence how it looks in your space. If you're considering a built-in option, you'll need one that blends seamlessly with or complements your cabinetry (and a front-venting model to prevent overheating inside the cabinet). If you'd prefer a stand-alone model, though, the design matters slightly more because it will act as its own focal point in the room. And if that's your first pick, consider incorporating your wine fridge into a more intentional wine bar area so it feels like an intentional design choice rather than just a random appliance sitting in the corner of the room. 

Once you've decided on the type of wine fridge you want for your space, the fun part begins: shopping for one that's not only aesthetically pleasing but also matches your style. For example, if your decor leans rustic farmhouse, a wine fridge built into a natural wood cabinet would be a perfect fit. Opt for a larger cabinet or console with space for the built-in cooler, as well as separate storage for other spirits and glasses to create that designated wet bar feel.

If your style leans more Art Deco, however, go for a wine fridge with fluted glass, a staple design detail of the era. This Rocco design, for example, even features a top surface that doubles as a bar cart where you could store your vintage-inspired wine glasses and bar cart decor. On the other hand, for retro-leaning aesthetics, just like retro SMEG fridges have become popular again in recent years, retro-feeling wine fridges have also gained popularity. A unit like this one from Create, for instance, is a stylish way to bring a little kitsch to your kitchen. No matter what style you choose, be sure to add some art, decor, and even open shelving around the wine fridge (if you have the wall space) to make the area feel thoughtfully curated and enhance the overall aesthetic.