This project was built and designed by Mike from Oregon Makers. It combines elegant wine storage with a practical workspace, specifically designed to accommodate magnum wine bottles in a custom cellar setting.
Magnum bottles hold 1.5 liters—twice the size of a standard bottle—and they require special storage due to their size and weight. Mike’s solution blends angled shelving and a desk surface into one seamless, efficient build that’s both functional and visually striking.
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Planning a Functional Wine Display
The goal of this build was to create a centerpiece for a wine cellar that offers more than just bottle storage. It also includes a workspace area and features that support modern functionality like charging ports.
The core of the design features angled shelving, with each shelf set at a 15-degree tilt. This helps cradle the magnum bottles securely while keeping their labels visible—perfect for both organization and display.
Material Selection and Prep
Mike uses poplar for this build, which offers a nice balance of strength and appearance. Poplar is known for its unique grain variations, with streaks of purple, green, and dark brown that create a naturally decorative surface when finished.
Each board is milled to uniform thickness, and a jig is used to make sure all the cuts stay consistent across multiple shelves. This extra step ensures uniformity, especially when the angles are so critical to both the fit and look of the piece.
Constructing the Angled Shelves
The shelving design relies on clean joinery and precise angles. Mike uses a biscuit joiner set at 15 degrees to create tight, invisible joints between panels. A custom jig holds the wood in place while cutting, allowing him to repeat the same setup for each shelf.
Because these shelves will support heavy bottles, the fit needs to be exact. Each shelf slot is measured and test-fitted to ensure a snug but not overly tight fit.
Integrating a Built-In Desk
The desk section adds both usability and design flair to the wine cellar. In addition to being a flat workspace, it includes a recessed outlet with USB and USB-C ports for powering small devices or charging electronics.
The outlet is installed using a metal remodel box, which is secured in a neatly cut opening in the desktop. It’s placed toward the back of the surface so it’s easily accessible but out of the way during regular use.
Adding Design Details
To elevate the design, a chamfer is added to the front edge of the desk. This subtle angle helps soften the transition between surfaces and adds a bit of visual depth.
Mike carefully marks and cuts the chamfer to avoid disrupting the clean lines of the cabinetry. This level of detail makes a big difference when the desk is installed flush with other furniture or shelves.
Assembly and Glue-Up
Assembly begins by attaching the toe kick to the bottom shelf using pocket screws. This not only supports the structure but adds a furniture-grade look to the lower portion of the unit.
Glue is applied sparingly during the final assembly to minimize squeeze-out. Clamps are used to apply even pressure while parts dry, helping ensure the joints remain aligned.
As the glue cures, Mike cuts the top panel of the desk to its final dimensions. He also installs additional ledgers that support the top and give the piece enough strength to support bottles and accessories.
Final Wiring and Setup
The last step is wiring the desk outlet. Mike drills clean holes for the cord, taking care to avoid splitting the wood. A heavy-duty appliance cord is chosen to provide reliable power without overheating or stressing the connection.
After securing and testing the wiring, the outlet is installed and the build is complete. It’s a subtle but impactful feature that makes the workspace much more functional.
A Thoughtful Addition to Any Cellar
This wine magnum bin and desk combination is a great example of woodworking that balances form and function. The angled shelving secures large bottles while displaying them in a stylish way, and the integrated desk makes it easy to manage a wine collection or entertain guests.
Mike’s build shows that even practical furniture can be customized for a specific space and still look beautiful. The added utility of the charging station and carefully chamfered edges makes this more than just a storage solution—it’s a true centerpiece.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Mike’s channel: