One school of thought is that this is an opportunity to add a distinctive flair to the wine cellar by using textured finishes and other fancy wall treatments. I am of the view that that’s silly.

I opted for the simplest solution of all: latex paint. I always use good quality paint, since I have no desire to ever need to repaint the walls again, but even if you buy the top of the line paint, to paint a wine cellar will cost less than $100, so get good paint and don’t worry about it.

As you can see by the picture, it’s painted walls in a neutral shade. I guarantee that this is the most boring picture on this web site, and that’s my point. It’s a painted wall. Nothing fancy, just a wall. Don’t over think it.

The main reason for not getting fancy on the walls is that no-one will ever see the walls. They will be covered with the wine racks, so don’t get fancy. Paint it, and forget it.

One final comment: even latex paint smells, and it needs time to dry. Since a wine cellar is a closed room, there is no place for the smell to go. So, once you have finished painting, use a fan to circulate the air, and keep the door open for a few days to dissipate the smell. Don’t plan on painting one day and installing your racks the next day.