True audiophiles know that there’s nothing like the sound of music on wax, and the best vinyl record storage ensures your favorite records stay safe and scratch-free both on and off the turntable. But once you’ve decided on the perfect record player and tested different speakers for sound quality, you may realize that your beloved albums don’t quite fit on your bookshelves.
If you’re new to collecting LPs, there are a few rules. Never stack, always sleeve, and never ever touch the grooves by hand. Traditionally, a 12 by 12 inch square (except, of course, for your 7-inch singles), records aren’t the easiest to store. Bookshelves are often too short or narrow, and keeping them on the ground often leads to unintentional scratches, warping, and dust build-up. The last thing you want when listening to your favorite song is the record jumping and skipping over the bridge. Luckily, all of our favorite vinyl record storage solutions don’t break any of these care necessities. Whether you’re looking for a simple crate or a full-blown media console that can double as your at-home DJ booth, shop our picks below.
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Best Crate Storage
Simple yet striking, USM has long been an AD favorite for design-minded storage. Their record crate, available in the brand’s signature array of bright hues, can house up to 75 LPs at once. Perforated sides give you just a glimpse of the album art while handles allow for easy portability. The best part? Small feet on each corner keep your collection off the ground.
Best Closed Storage
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Look, we all love showing off that we actually listen to vinyl, but sometimes the visual clutter can be too much. Instead of a shelf display, opt for a closed cabinet to house your beloved records safely. Plus, the top surface is perfectly sized for a record player and a pair of speakers.
For the Minimalist
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Crafted from powder-coated steel, this study stand is perfect for displaying the albums currently on your weekly rotation. The playful color options can suit any design style, while the minimalist form doesn’t distract from the album art.
For a Colorful Option
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Minimal yet playful, this display case is completely modular. The transparent shelves can be adjusted to best suit your needs. Imagine one shelf for LPs, one for 7-inch singles, one for your speakers, and one for your turntable. Organization has never been more fun.
An Elevated Crate
A simple storage bin can quickly take your vinyl collection from disorganized to contained. This woven option, with its reinforced MDF base for extra stability, is a step up from the classic milk crate storage boxes. Chrome handles still allow an element of portability, while the small feet keep your collection off the floor. When it’s no longer needed, this record holder folds flat to save closet space.
Best Open Shelving
Let your favorite album artwork double as wall decor with a pair of record shelves. The curved groove along the middle of these holds your collection steady without the need for a ledge that might block the artwork. Each open shelf can hold three standard LPs, and wall mounting hardware is included.
Most Versatile Storage
The IKEA Kallax system is a versatile storage system for all of your favorite media. Commerce market editor Kate McGregor has a pair of bookshelves placed horizontally in her living room to serve as a combination TV stand, record player station, and bookshelf. “The square compartments (just over 13 inches in size) are perfectly sized for my LPs, even when I insist on an extra plastic sleeve,” she says. ”The dividers serve as a built-in organization tool, and my speakers easily sit on top to keep every element in one place.”
More AD-Approved Picks
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While technically this is a magazine rack, this tiered stand by Kartell is just the right size for LP storage for those with a smaller collection. Keep your favorites nearby in the four different pockets, whether you prefer to sort by genre, artist, or vibe.
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Somewhere between a vinyl frame and a floating shelf, this storage option neatly displays your favorite LPs on the wall. The sturdy wood frame comes in either a walnut or oak finish, with a fairly minimal silhouette.
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For those whose design sensibilities (and music tastes) lean more mid-century, opt for a record stand that boasts the clean lines and pared-back details signature to the decade.
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For the audio novice just getting their record collection started, this minimalist stand can house up to 50 standard albums.
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