The Rolling Stones are still touring, Bruce Springsteen looks better than ever, and Oasis are back together.
Vinyl records are no longer just a collector’s item, they’re our primary means of enjoying music. Life is good.
For many music fans, the concept of physical records being a trendy piece of home décor is repugnant. Collecting vinyl is a lifestyle, one that stems from a childhood spent crate-digging for deep cuts and soulful sounds.
Like expensive jewellery or first-edition books, both vintage and brand-new vinyl must be properly cared to keep them preserved. For true obsessives, that means investing in anti-static record sleeves and safe and sturdy storage.
What’s the proper way to store vinyl?
Never stack your records. This can damage the vinyl and lead to irreparable warping. Instead, store records vertically in crates, boxes or shelves. Collectors can also prevent subtle warping by ensuring records don’t lean heavily on one another. On shelves, a set of bookends will do the trick. In crates that aren’t yet full, place new records interchangeably on opposite ends.
What’s the deal with anti-static sleeves?
Like old CDs and DVDs, records can suffer from static build-up. Devotees who care about their collection should invest in a decent record-cleaning kit – including an anti-static brush, cleaning solution and a microfibre cloth.
Before and after each play, clean your records before popping them into an anti-static sleeve to keep those sounds extra smooth, and to prevent the need for regular maintenance. If your records are placed by a sunny window, UV-resistant sleeves will also help prevent sun damage and bleaching.
As for storage ideas, we’ve curated a selection of the most practical and stylish solutions for your growing vinyl collection.
Shop the edit below
modul Turntable and Records Table, Walnut
Perfect for displaying your record player in pride of place while keeping your favourite vinyl organised, we love the fact that this deep walnut unit is equipped with a push-closure cupboard for keeping unseemly wires and hi-fi accessories hidden away.
Buy now £149.99, Gear4Music
Areglo Metal & Mango Wood Cage Storage Column
Sleek, stylish and subtly industrial, we can imagine this wooden and metal storage column in a dedicated record shop. The top of the unit doubles-up as a display shelf, so you can pop a plant or a chic lamp on it to really complete your interior aesthetic. Record collection growing faster than anticipated? Two or three of these units would look impressive lined up against a wall.
Buy now £108.50, La Redoute
Presley Boho Sustainable Solid Wood Record Storage
Invest in a versatile piece of home décor that also doubles up as some sturdy vinyl storage with the help of Lockford Woodworking via Etsy.
Crafted with sustainably sourced pine, opt for a pre-made option or get in touch with the company for a bespoke unit which fits your space perfectly. Choose from an array of finishes including dramatic onyx or perfectly aged antique before opting for your preferred colour of steel hairpin legs.
Buy now £120.00, Etsy
Spincare Vinyl Record Storage Crate
Purveyors of the finest record care accessories, Spincare is certainly a trustworthy brand when it comes to vinyl storage. Designed for the easiest possibly assembly, the crate is made from 12mm thick premium bamboo wood with a light varnish for a natural finish. It’s capable of storing singles, doubles and boxsets, and can store up to 80 single LPs at a time.
Buy now £37.95, Amazon
Vinyl Storage Record Shelf
Perfect for students and smaller spaces, this simple but effective record shelf is suited to those with portable, retro-style suitcase records players. It can hold up to 60 LPs at a time and has an additional shelf for all your record-cleaning accessories.
Buy now £59.00, Urban Outfitters
Wooden Vinyl Record Flip Rack
An art piece in itself, this flip rack is made from premium oak and hand-sanded for a bespoke finish. Designed for easy browsing without damaging your favourite tracks, it can hold up to 40 LPs and makes an inspired gift for the music lover in your life.
Buy now £41.21, Etsy
R/D Vinyl Record Storage Cabinet
For those with a collection so big that they could open their own record shop, we highly recommend investing in this effortlessly cool and extra-large storage cabinet. Made in Los Angeles and ready to ship worldwide, each drawer holds about 75-100 LPs comfortably, and the unit is offered in over 20 different finishes to suit your personal style.
Buy now £2254.31, Etsy
Vinyl holder Qube 2
Embrace the ‘unexpected red’ interior trend and invest in this bright and beautiful metal storage unit for all your favourite albums. Despite having just two shelves, the Qube can hold up to 180 LPs. If red isn’t quite your thing, it’s also offered in white, silver and black.
Buy now £219.18, Etsy
Vinyl LP Record Storage Case – Silver
Real record obsessives with priceless collector’s items should keep those special LPs under lock and key. This handy, tour-ready storage case will keep your most prized possessions protected from wear, tear and sun damage while preventing grubby paws from touching them.
Buy now £30.00, B&Q
