Starting a vinyl collection and in need of thoughtful storage ideas? Looking for an upgrade to accommodate your growing collection? This article is for you!
Every vinyl enthusiast knows that the process of collecting records is as much of an art itself as the music the discs hold. While the tastes and methods may vary from collector to collector, the common foundation for a stunning and durable collection is a well-chosen record storage furniture.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
The ideal record storage unit should be able to accomplish 3 things:
(1) work hand-in-hand with proper maintenance practices to protect your records from the elements (click here to find out if you’re cleaning your vinyl records right), because while vinyl records are the most stable physical sound recording format to have been developed to date, excessive exposure to dust, heat and pressure can cause surface noise in playback
(2) still have them be easily accessible for playing, and
(3) complement your living space.
This is why dedicated vinyl record storage units are highly recommended over regular shelves. They come with multiple benefits the latter cannot provide. Firstly, they are designed with the right dimensions for vertical stacking of records, which is crucial because horizontal stacking or even leaned rows can cause warping and ring marks over time. They are also constructed with sufficient solidity to withstand the heavy weight of vinyl collections, that can average 35 pounds per shelf-foot. Additionally, for those music fanatics out there who are passionate about album cover artwork, a record storage furniture needs to be more than just a way to organize their collection. It should also display the album covers, doubling as a décor statement; an embodiment of their favorite tunes and, by extension, themselves.
DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF
With so many criteria to keep mind, it can be exhausting to sift through the multitude of great storage solutions out there and tempting to just fall back on the community’s staple: the IKEA Kallax. While the modest Kallax is indeed very affordable and gets the job done, it may not always be the most accessible, nor the best expression of one’s style.
Luckily, this article has put together a list of 7 good alternative record storage units of varying designs, capacity and price points to help you find your perfect solution to keeping those prized records in tiptop condition, always within your reach and beautifully blended into your humble abode.
Sounds like music to your ears? Let’s dive right in.
1. Hudson Hi-Fi Wall Mount Vinyl Record Display Shelf
Line your walls with your current listens using these simple yet sturdy wall mounted display shelves. Beautifully made with solid steel and finished in durable black satin, the ledges’ floating design gives you easy access to your favorite records for listening while vastly improving your home décor with a clean, crisp and modern look.
Price
$9.45 per shelf
Capacity
1 LP per shelf
Pros
- Easy and quick to install. Fixes to all wall types with provided wall screws.
- Affordable. Also available in discounted four and six pack bundles. Perfect for music enthusiasts looking to buy in larger quantities to display large collections.
- Allows you to easily rearrange your albums at will
Cons
- Limited choice of colors
- Minimal dust protection
What Other People Are Saying
“This shelf works very well and is a very good price. It is very sturdy. It comes with two screws to mount it on the wall. I purchased one to put above my record player to display the album that I am listening too. Great purchase.”
The aforementioned review from Amazon sums up pretty well the general consensus that these shelves are good value for money.
2. Crosley Furniture Everett Modern Record Player Stand
For those who prefer their record collection to be tucked neatly behind doors, this minimalist record player stand is made exclusively for you. Not only are there wire dividers to keep your records organized as well as an accessory shelf within the cabinet, the top of this furniture is also sized perfectly to accommodate most component-style record players, making this an exquisite all-in-one entertainment stand that is sure to impress. Besides the easy access to your treasured music collection, its mid-century modern design finished with gold metal accents provides elegant storage when your records are not in use. Definitely a durable, timeless piece you will enjoy for years to come.
Price
$155.16
Capacity
Approximately 75 albums
Pros
- Reasonably priced for the excellent quality
- Spacious with built in dividers for easy organisation
- Doors provide increased shielding from dust
- Also available as a Media Console perfect for larger collection
Cons
- Only 2 finishes available, Mahogany and Acorn
- Requires some time to assemble
What Other People Are Saying
“This met all of [my] requirements…On arrival and unpacking, I will admit I was a little overwhelmed by the idea of putting this together… It took about 2-3 hours to put it all together, but I wasn’t rushing.”
Buyers generally adore this piece for its beauty and quality. However, for those eager to put it to use quickly, an extra pair of hands might be helpful during assembly.
3. Novogratz Concord Turntable Stand
Take it back in time with the Novogratz Concord turntable stand with drawers. This is a strong, classic product. The medium brown woodgrain laminated particleboard and MDF offers the perfect sturdiness for storing your vinyl record collection while the mid-century inspired black metal hairpin legs add a fun, retro look that pairs well with any interior décor. As a bonus, the double wide stand and 2 sleek, no-handle drawers offer plenty of space to display a record player or any other decorations to your liking and store away knick-knacks. What’s there not to love?
Price
$169.99
Capacity
Up to 60lbs of records
Pros
- Reasonably priced for the excellent quality
- Abundant storage space
- Also available as a single turntable stand perfect for a smaller collection
- Multiple finishes available
Cons
- Two people are recommended for assembly
What Other People Are Saying
“The top of this stand is 34” high, so I can comfortably set up a record to play without leaning down so far”
The surprising part of this piece that impressed many buyers is an often-overlooked aspect of vinyl storage consoles – the height of the furniture. This relatively taller turntable stand offers increased functionality.
4. KAIU Vinyl Record Storage Holder
KAIU’s patent-pending space saving design features a solid wood base completed with shatterproof clear acrylic end plates that is perfectly angled to allow vinyl enthusiasts to experience that cathartic flipping through of records like in the record store whenever they’re choosing one to listen to. Besides the delightful addition of the tactile element, this shelf also enhances the visual aspect of your music experience by allowing you to showcase the album art of your favorite record collection proudly upon a retro, minimalist pedestal.
Price
$29.95
Capacity
50 12” LPs or 7” Singles
Pros
- Doubles as gorgeous décor
- Keeps records upright and secure to prevent warping
- Easy to assemble
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Can be insufficient and so not ideal for those who wish to store a lot of double albums, box sets, gatefold LPs and the like
What Other People Are Saying
“It looks fantastic and I am impressed” – Vinyl enthusiast and youtuber Gregory Short
While some buyers on amazon are disappointed with the capacity of this piece to store wider albums, many are also inclined to repurchase for additional storage because of its visually-appealing design.
5. Umbra Zina Magazine Rack & Record Holder
With its iconic playful hexagonal shape, Zina is a thoughtful, modern multipurpose rack designed to display your favorite albums or magazines in a way that creates visual interest in any space while keeping the records protected and organized. Made of metal wire with a titanium finish, this versatile architectural piece is an attractive vinyl record storage solution that is both convenient and compelling.
Price
$48.50
Capacity
20 records
Pros
- Can be wall mounted or freestanding
- Comes complete with mounting hardware
Cons
- Leans towards the pricey side
- Only fits around 10-15 records if you want to leave some room for comfortable flipping
What Other People Are Saying
“This is a perfectly modern record holder! I love that so much of the record is exposed and there are multiple surfaces supporting the record on the bottom that prevent it from getting damaged. I have one sitting on a shelf and the other mounted on a wall. ”
This product seems to appeal to many of the younger collectors. One of the highest rated products, buyers sought after this rack for its eccentric design and sheer versatility.
6. Way Basics Extra Large Storage Cube
Designed for vinyl records and uniquely crafted from sustainable paperboard, these simple, no-nonsense shelving units are strong and durable yet surprisingly versatile. Especially for those who see their collection growing over time, these stackable modular units are not only cost-effective and space-saving, multiple cubes can also be combined to form an endless array of configurations such as stacked ladder design or L-shapes to meet your needs and complement the surroundings of your home. This is a fitting storage solution for the lifelong music lover.
Price
$26.24
Capacity
65-70 record albums per storage cube
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy, tool-free assembly
- A wide range of trendy finishes to choose from, including Natural, Espresso, Black, White and Grey
Cons
- The panels, while sturdy themselves, are designed to be held together with the provided adhesive tape strips, the adhesiveness of which tend to wear off over time.
What Other People Are Saying
“These things are lightweight and the records fit in them perfectly. The only thing you need to know is the 3M tape does not work very well…If you buy these for your records assembl[e] with gorilla glue or other superglue.”
Some find this piece too fragile while others have discovered that the problem is actually easily solvable by switching out the provided adhesive tape for wood glue or any stronger glue during assembly. This provides the additional reinforcement needed.
7. Art Vinyl Play & Display Vinyl Record Display Frame
Decorate your living space with your favorite vinyl records as art with these design-conscious 12″ album frames. Unlike traditional album frames, this ingenious patented display system flips open easily, enabling you to switch out your display or play the records without having to remove the frame from the wall. Coupled with its elegant, contemporary look, this storage unit offers you the best of both functionality and style.
Price
$48 per frame
Capacity
1 LP per frame
Pros
- Fits albums of various sizes including singles, full LP’s, double and triple albums
- Offers dust protection and even UV protection to keep your records from sun fading while on the wall
- Easy to install
Cons
- The frame and window panel are both made of plastic, though high quality and durable
- Limited choice of colors
- Very pricey. Also available in slightly discounted three pack bundles. Unfortunately, there are no other manufacturers currently offering good alternatives to this frame. Hence, this suits buyers with very small collections and are committed to investing a little more to ensure that their valuable pieces are well-protected and beautifully displayed.
What Other People Are Saying
“I’ve used it so much that it’s well worth it personally….After 2 years, it still hold up well.”
It is generally agreed that the material of the piece is not worth the high price, but many have also found that the ingenious design and the convenience it brings eventually makes up for it.
CONCLUSION
Your music collection has come so far to be uniquely you, why should your storage be anything less? When it comes to vinyl record storage furniture, it is safe to say that practical, stylish and accessible options do exist, and the good news is, they are only a few clicks away. So what are you waiting for? Go and make that display you’ve always wanted yours today.
