Alternative Vinyl Storage Ideas: Ways to Display Records

The first vinyl record can be traced back to the 18th century, using a vibrating diaphragm to record sound waves on paper. Vinyls have come a long way since then, understandably having peaks and troughs in popularity on its way. 

While vinyl records are no longer the listening format of choice for most people, they still exist for a significant audience. Whether it’s nostalgia, novelty, or aesthetic appeal, enthusiasts wear their vinyls as a badge of honour. 

Vinyl records have finally surpassed CD sales for the first time in a staggering 40 years. If you are part of the growing band of advocates for vinyls, and you have a crowd of records scattered around your house - look no further. Try our alternative storage ideas for vinyl records to not only maximise your storage, but also the look and feel of your home.

1. Bookcases 

Everyone has that one room in their house they use for storing everything they don’t want people to see. For most that’s probably where your vinyl records are ‘neatly’ stored away. While this does the job - why not go that one step further and present your vinyls with the attention they deserve?

The simple presence of a vinyl can enhance any room and traverse it elegantly back decades. Presenting them in a way that incorporates them seamlessly into the flow of the room, takes effort and the proper storage means.

Luckily a bookcase is a piece of furniture that can be swiftly blended into the inner workings of any room. You may even already have a bookcase in your home, filled with precious reading material. From now on books are out and vinyls are in!

Depending on the size of the bookcase dictates how many vinyls can be stored inside, but it’s safe to say that most, if not all of your vinyls will have a new resting place. You can also incorporate other items such as bookends, and ornaments to mix it up and structure your shelves.

If you’re wondering which lovely bookcase to add to your home, our Oak Z Shaped Bookcase adds a modern twist on a classic formula. 

2. Look up

Hanging your vinyls from a ledge may be the last place you’d have thought to present your near and dear. However, not constricting yourself to furniture and expanding into the territory of alternate terrain can open your eyes. 

The aim with wall stands, wall frames, and floating shelves is to utilise space that would be otherwise off-limits. Think big, and look up. Structural beams spanning the length of your bedroom finally have a purpose, apart from the obvious of contributing to the structural integrity of your house.

Start with your wall ledges, throw your GCSE results in the bin and demote the photograph of your sister's wedding to the kitchen draw. Make way for the superior wall art, most commonly known as vinyl records. 

While most frames will only visibly show one record, there will almost definitely be room to place a few behind also. Although choosing larger frames, or partaking in the dreaded task of DIY can expand your storage opportunities. Think large picture frames, hollowed-out mirrors, pouches or sleeves, washing line, and pegs.

If you want to go the extra mile, fitting a picture light can help add an element of elegance and class to any vinyl. Your only worry now is which vinyls to proudly hang on your wall for all to see.   

3. Filing Cabinets

A key element of storing vinyls is keeping them vertical or an upright position. This is vital to making sure your vinyls stay in mint condition, as if placed at uneven slants for prolonged periods of time can cause the vinyls to distort. 

This will be a common theme throughout, as you should not only be looking to show off your tremendous collection but also store them with the intention of maintaining their quality. File cabinets while a seemingly odd choice for vinyl storage, are just the organisational companion you need.

Filing cabinets are bought with the intention of storing files and work documents, but not today. On this day filing cabinets are the new vinyl storage method, because why not, right? This is also a perfect opportunity to sift through your vinyls and organise them. 

Have away with digital and think of your filing cabinet as a physical playlist for your music. Here are a few ways you could arrange your records: 

• Alphabetically 
• Artist
• Genre
• Age/era 

You could even organise based on your own personal criteria, go crazy. If you’re struggling to find the perfect office storage solution, try our sturdy and reliable Harewood Oak Filing Cabinet.

4. Blanket Boxes 

Apart from providing a charming home to your blankets and bedsheets, blanket boxes can easily double as storage for your vinyls. While they are meant primarily for the foot of your bed, our oak blanket boxes can make a coherent addition to any room.

Whether you choose the modern or rustic route, blanket boxes are practical, stylish and make any room look  10x cosier. Similar to record storage crates, they allow you to store your vinyls in an upright position which is ideal to maintain the mint condition you expect with vinyls.

Vinyls are susceptible to heat and humidity, so try to keep your friends away from direct sunlight and heat. Standard room temperature is preferential, which is why blanket boxes are the perfect storage solution.

Try our Cotswold Rustic Pine Blanket Box and help your room stand out that little more.

Extra Tips for Vinyl Storage

DIY

DIY can be cost-effective, but also extremely time-consuming as many of you may know. But if you have already invested so much into your vinyl collection, why not invest the proper time and resources into storing them properly.

Doing the design and execution yourself means you are much less restricted in terms of outcomes. Work with different shapes, materials, concepts, textures, and patterns to create your bespoke vinyl storing means.

Think outside the box. Hollow out a coffee table and install a shelf mid-way up the legs, to store vinyls in the base of the table. Transform pallet racks, underbed storage, vintage bar carts, etc. 

Play with colour and contrast

Vinyls have a very distinct and striking appearance. It’s difficult to argue against the aesthetic value of records, nevermind the contrast they can add to a room. Whether you’re looking to make your circular companions the focal point of the room, or create a stark contrast - experimenting is key.

Contrasting isn’t as simple as using black or white, it can be created through conflicting colours, patterns, textures, shapes, etc. So, using bright and vivid vinyl covers can be used to contrast paler and more subtle rooms. While the opposite is also true. 

Play with colour and contrast in your rooms to create the perfect environment to display your vinyls. 

Still looking for storage ideas and inspiration?

Incorporating vinyls into the inner workings of the room isn’t quite straight-forward. So if you’re struggling to find the right storage idea for your home, make your way to our oak living room furniture range and browse our online range today.