Perhaps the sign that you’re becoming a proper vinyl collector is when you make the executive decision to find the best vinyl record storage. After all, we want to keep our precious records safe and sound. If your collection is growing, you’re going to need ample space for what you have – and beyond that, too. For many of us, vinyl storage is the opportunity to show off our collection.
For your collection to truly make a statement, keeping your precious discs in tip-top shape take more than just an ultrasonic record cleaner. When looked after and stored correctly, vinyl records can last for decades, which is a comforting thought. If not stored correctly, your records can get warped and distorted, which can totally ruin the unmistakable sound of your vinyl-friendly speakers.
Best vinyl record storage at a glance:
• Best multimedia cabinet: Chicago Multimedia Cabinet – View Offer at Wayfair
• Great for a growing collection: Charles Jacobs Vinyl Record Box Unit – View Offer on Amazon UK
• Display your records: Vinyl Addict Record Store in Rosewood – View Offer at Gear4Music
Lovers of music have cherished their precious records since the invention of the gramophone in the 19th century. Vinyl records fast became a popular medium, with many households owning a vinyl record player to spin their favourite tracks. Soon after, vinyl became overshadowed by cassettes and CDs – but, they had not been forgotten by audiophiles. Following a resurgence, vinyl tech has evolved far from turntable stereo amps – to compact players with Bluetooth capabilities.
Unlike CDs and cassettes, vinyl records are pretty heard-wearing and could see you through for a while. Importantly, the way you handle, care for and store your vinyl impacts its longevity. Things like heat, humidity and pressure and a big no-no. Our advice: don’t cram your vinyl records into the nearest space on your shelves. On that note, let’s find you some record storage solutions with the best vinyl record storage.
Best multimedia cabinet
www.wayfair.co.uk
Consider the Chicago Multimedia Cabinet from Trent Austin. It's a high-quality and stylish multimedia cabinet, perfect for those with a growing collection. Offering adjustable storage space and a modern design, this storage comes flat-packed and ready for you to assemble wherever. Sturdy, spacious and modern.
Pros
- Sturdy MDF construction
- Spacious interior for storage
- Adjustable shelving
Cons
- Some assembly required
- May not be suited to TVs
For bedside listening
www.wayfair.co.uk
Versatile and a little more affordable, this Vinyl Record Multimedia Storage Rack provides listening to fans of vinyl. Though a little small - and may not be able to house your larger turntable, this storage has four strong cubbies, perfect for keeping your vinyl records upright and away from any warping. For smaller collections, why not pick this solution?
Pros
- Great value for the price
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Not as stylish as others
- Some shelves are flimsy
Great for a growing collection
The Charles Jacobs Vinyl Record Box Unit comes in three sizes, all stackable and ideal for collections that grow. Not only do customers praise the easy-as-pie assembly, but they love how perfectly simple it looks and holds their records with care. Simple, yet sturdy and affordable. This stackable storage solution is one of our favourites.
Pros
- Different sizes are stackable
- Quick and easy to assemble
- Versatile and simple design
Cons
- The design is rather plain
Holds up to 50 records
Made from MDF, the Yaheetech Vinyl LP Storage Box Case is all-good for the storage of a small collection. This space-saving and durable option has two lockable latches and two keys for dual security, protecting up to 50 12-inch records. With a handle on top, you can carry your collection in one hand. Robust, water-resistant and light, it's a versatile case.
Pros
- Adjustable dividers for sorting
- Lightweight and portable
- Lockable latches for security
Cons
- Not as stylish as other options
- Some users have reported that the latches can be difficult to open
Stylish and portable
www.gear4music.com
Or, consider the Sefour Vinyl Carry Box in Rosewood for a portable record solution. It's made from high-quality MDF in a charming Rosewood finish, which is mid-century to the max. It could make an ideal addition to your home. Thanks to the handle, it can be moved around easily and you can even stack or extra storage space. Hurrah.
Pros
- Easy to move with a carry handle
- Stylish and versatile storage
- High-strength MDF construction
Cons
- Not as well-suited for larger collections
- Perhaps not enough dividers
Separate your collection
www.gear4music.com
Mighty, this Zomo VS-Box 200/2 in Black comes equipped to handle between 400 to 600 of your precious records. For serious collectors, this unit offers separate compartments, so it's super easy for you to split and categorise records by genre. Whatever you like. Though it comes flat-packed, the assembly is said to be fairly simple. Overall, this is a great addition to any big collection, blending style and practicality. Plus, it's a bargain. What's not to love?
Pros
- Stores between 400-600 records
- Separate records into four compartments
- A perfect blend of style and practicality
Cons
- This larger unit may not fit in your home
Holds your turntable and amp
www.gear4music.com
Vintage design meets new-age with this Sefour DC360 Record Collector Unit in Rosewood. Ideal for budding collectors with a growing medium to large collection, this storage solution is iconic and versatile. With room for an amp and turntable, the DC360 features cable ports to hide any cables for a cleaner appearance. Keeping your records in place with metal bars, this unit is one of our favourites. It's good value, stylish and practical.
Pros
- Stylish mid-century rosewood finish
- Sturdy construction with metal frame
- Includes cable port for hiding cables
Cons
- This larger unit will take up a lot of room
- Assembly isn't specific
Display your records
www.gear4music.com
For those of us who like to show off our collection, the Vinyl Addict Record Store in Rosewood is stylish, if not a little extravagant. It's an elegant solution to your growing collection, with space for up to 500 12-inch records. Contemporary with a mid-century flair, this storage is sectioned for easy arrangement and accessibility. It's easy to assemble, too.
Pros
- Two-tier design for easy browsing
- Holds up to 500 12-inch records
- Sturdy with MDF and metal frame
Cons
- Should be kept in a permanently shaded area
Budget-friendly solution
Tested
Fire-branded with the iconic Crosley logo, this lightweight Crosley Wood LP Storage Crate gives plenty of room to fill it with precious LPs. With the ability to hold between 40 to 75 records, this solid-wood solution is best for smaller collections. Easy to assemble and tuck away, this crate rocks. Rustic, wooden and iconic.
Pros
- Good value storage crate
- Holds between 40 to 75 LPs
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- May not hold up to 70 LPs
- Simple design
Best for 7” vinyl records
hmv.com
For EPs and singles, why not use the Vinyl Tonic 7-inch Storage Case in Black. The case can hold up to 35 7-inch records and comes with a sturdy shaped handle for easy transportation. Made from aluminium, steel and wood, with reinforced corners for added durability, the case is a fabulous piece of kit for storing your precious EPs and singles. Plus, it has a front latch to keep then safe and secure; not to mention the free microfibre cloth for cleaning.
Pros
- Stylish design with a sturdy handle
- Tough, sturdy and durable
- Front latch keeps records safe
Cons
- Only suitable for smaller 7-inch collections
Recommended
www.gear4music.com
The Sefour Storage Tower, Mid-Century in Rosewood has been meticulously crafted to hold a collection of up to 550 vinyl records. Perfect for vinyl collectors, it features sleek chrome bars that elegantly secure your record boxes, ensuring their stability. It adds a touch of style but also serves a practical purpose by granting easy access to the lower records, offering the perfect home for your treasured vinyl collection.
Customer Review: "Beautifully made, reasonably priced cabinet delivered on time. Easy to use website."
Pros
- Holds up to 550 vinyl records
- Stylish as well as functional
- Perfect for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts
Cons
- Out of stock, available to preorder
Buyer’s guide
There are some important factors to consider when shopping for the best vinyl record storage:
Size of Collection – will come into play when opting for a storage solution. Make sure to buy some storage that suits your collection best, perhaps sizing up for collections that tend to grow.
Style – may be an important factor for you. Luckily, there are plenty of types to suit all décor, from mid-century modern-inspired pieces, ideal for the Lenco LS-100 Turntable, or something modern.
Space – in your home will influence the solution you opt for. If you’re looking for something space-saving, consider a full-fledged cabinet or console table, ideal for some bookcase speakers.
Material – should be considered. You should grab storage that is durable, but smooth; ideally, this should be made from wood or plastic. Metal may work for smaller collections, too.
Spacing – is important to ensuring records are kept safe and secure. It’s best to find storage that has shelves and divisions to balance out any pressure, as well as sturdy enough to support vinyl well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How best to store vinyl records
Thanks to retailer Norman Records, we have some sage advice on how to store vinyl records. Once cleaned and popped back into the outer sleeves, what is next for your discs? We’ve written a guide on fostering an optimum environment for your vinyl babies:
Natural Elements
Heat – can affect our beloved records. As a general rule of thumb, keep them away from any heat sources, such as radiators and sunlight. “A room temperature of 15°C to 25°C is optimal,” they add, providing that you haven’t got an issue with damp.
Light – will damage your vinyl records within a few minutes. Though we want our collection out on display, try storing them in permanent shade, says Norman Records – as “minimal exposure to all kinds of light is best, with no exposure at all to direct or intense light.”
Humidity – is another factor to steer clear of. As Norman Records says: “vinyl records should be stored in a dry environment (about 35-40% relative humidity).” Though it is quite unlikely that you would, don’t set up shop in the bathroom or kitchen.
More To Consider
Pressure – may be the most important factor for storing your records correctly. Overall, Norman Records says that keeping your records upright, with “minimal force pressing against them” will relieve your records from any sleeve damage and warping.
This can be avoided by stacking your vinyl records vertically (only) and never on top of one another. It’s tempting to cram them together, says Norman Records. Ideally, you want “enough space to easily flip through them.” Resist the urge to store the records tightly together, for sure.
Visibility – prevents us from forgetting about our collection. So, Norman Records have taken a stand against storing vinyl records in the loft or cellars, as they won’t receive the care and attention they require. Plus, where’s the fun in a collection you can’t access?
Vibration – can affect the structural integrity of our records, says Norman Records. Actually, the brand recommends keeping your records “a reasonable distance from speakers, washers, dryers”. This may sound a little odd, given the speaker’s role in listening to your collection.
Size Matters – says Norman Records – as similar diameters should be stored together, and differing sizes should be kept apart. As mentioned earlier, pressure is a big factor in housing vinyl and popping different sizes in one another may cause warping in the 10- and 12-inch records.
How to build the best vinyl record storage
If you’re looking to conquer the world of DIY and manufacture your own, then why not? This way, you can personalise and create a storage solution around your needs, requirements and collection size. For this, we have a few tips for before, during and after:
Firstly, determine the number of records you wish to store and space in your room. Then, you will be able to decide on the dimensions and capacity of your storage unit as such. Precise measurements are essential since the records shouldn’t feel too cramped in their new homes.
For this, consider plywood or MDF for a budget-friendly base. Remember to grab some wood stain and glue for assembly. Most importantly, test and adjust the structure for stability. After all, you don’t want your new storage collapsing and your precious collection sprawling out on the floor.
Sow The Land’s DIY Minimal Record Shelf is customisable and straightforward:
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for What's the Best, an all-rounder when it comes to the home and our wellness. When she’s not at her desk, she’s practising yoga, collecting vinyl records and tending to her houseplants.
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