You know much of the world has moved on to CDs or iPods, but you've got a record collection you really want to keep. Here are some options on how to store them.
When this question gets asked, you can always count on someone recommending the EXPEDIT bookcase from IKEA. But there are certainly plenty of other options, in two basic categories: boxes and shelving.
Boxes and Cases
The most basic answer might be simple cardboard boxes. This one holds 50 LPs.
A step up would be an archival-quality box. This one holds 33 records.
Bags Unlimited also sells basic cardboard boxes, archival boxes, and plastic corrugated boxes made from "acid-free, waterproof and vermin-resistant material."
For a greener option, this box (which holds 45 LPs) is made from recycled fiberboard.
Crosley makes this record carrier case, which holds 30+ records.
And Eurolite makes a case that comes in a variety of colors - plus this camouflage option. Update on March 3, 2009: This looks like the case from Odyssey Innovative Designs.
Shelving
Crosley makes this storage stand.
Boltz makes steel furniture, including some shelving designed for LPs.
This LP rack from Musicdirect has steel-reinforced 3/4” MDF shelves - and you can add on an additional shelf.
The Billy Bags LP storage rack can be made to fit your needs; you can specify the number of shelves and the dimensions.
These DUAL record cabinets come in three sizes; this largest one holds 900 LPs. They are hand crafted from maple plywood and are faced with maple hardwood. Update on April 2, 2008: This product is no longer listed on the company's web site.
The modular RACKIT system can accommodate as many LPs as you have.
Tony's Woodshop provides another modular option, with these custom made storage boxes designed for LPs.
Room & Board has a lovely media center that's just the right size for LPs. Here's a picture of how someone has used it for a record collection.
Update on September 12, 2008: I've found three more options worth a look!
Update on March 3, 2009: I've found a number of other interesting options!
Credits: About half of the original suggestions came from Steve Hoffman Music Forums, Metafilter, and Apartment Therapy: Chicago. First photo from Beautification Syndrome / Chris Ibsen.
Related Post:
But Those Old LPs and Cassette Tapes Might Be Worth Something!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Storing the Vinyl Record Collection: What to Do with the LPs
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
21 comments:
I can totally vouch for those fabulous white cardboard boxes with lids from the 2buds.
I bought 10 of these about four years ago to stash my husband's "beloved" (but never actually played lately) vinyl collection.
I rationalized that the stacks were better containerized than strewn everywhere...and these boxes totally did the trick.
We have since moved TWICE, both long-distance. The boxes have stood up wonderfully to repeated loading, stacking, and unloading.
Best of all, entire months go by when I don't even to think of (dust, trip over, be annoyed by) the "priceless" record collection, now neatly containerized.
Arlene, thanks so much for your comment. There's nothing like hearing from someone who's actually used the product - and successfully! The right containers can really make things so much better, as your story illustrates.
Fantastic resource, thx!
Will somebody please tell Crosby to drop that price by half? I would buy them by gross!
You're very welcome, Record Nerd!
And yes, it sure would be nice if the Crosley box wasn't $59.95.
Jeri,
for so many years I have not been happy about how I kept my vinyl records...yes I still listen to them once in a while. But it was difficult to flip through them the way there were kept on 2 large shelves. So there comes the January subject on LP/Vinyl in your 4 blog that made me think and consider and re-think. Finally I bought one of the shelves from the Swedish furniture store :). And guess what: it's so much easier now to go thru them, the new shelve has even some more capacity that I can use. The small beginning of optimizing LP/Vinyl storage has lead to more activitities of optimizing in the new and old shelve (including getting rid of some things that I really don't need anymore).
Thanks for your very helpful tips Best regards from Germany ...
Gerd, I'm so happy to know this was useful to you. Thank you for writing!
Jeri, this is an excellent resource! I'm sure I'm going to go with something from the blog. I'm very interested in the DUAL rolling shelves, but the link is dead. I found the link in another search and it was dead there as well. Do you think they are out of business?
Thanks,
Music moves...
Brian, I'm so glad you found it useful! And thank you for letting me know about the link.
DUAL is still in business, but they no longer show that product on their web site.
My company sells a LP bin style cabinet for storing and displaying a LP collection.
Check it out here
www.lpstoragesolutions.com
Thanks, John - I'm always glad to know about more options.
All the other storage ideas for LPs are like bookshelves. I wanted to have a storage cabinet that would allow you to browse through your collection like in a record store. When i researced the design i always found myself at your site. After reviewing your finds for storing LPs i decided to have the LPBIN manufactured for everyone to enjoy. Thanks!
Great article Jeri!
Lots of options here, thanks for the hard work - Johnny
You're very welcome, Johnny - thanks for commenting!
Hey that picture you have is of me drinking a beer in front of a shelf unit I had made for my vinyl (when I lived in Brooklyn)?!
Chris, it sure is! I hope you're happy with how I used it.
It's a wonderful picture; thanks for putting it up on Flickr with a Creative Commons license. (I did credit you and link back to you.)
I am trying to get more informationon the Crosley Brown Carrying case. Do you know when the website (link that is provided) will be up and running? Or can you give me some information on them? Cost, etc..
Thank you.
Teresa
Teresa, the Crosley web site was up - they just changed the URL for the page with the carrying case. I just updated the blog post to show the new URL.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!
SarahSE, you are very welcome!
Great Stuff !
Am designing/building furniture, and have been looking around for insperation, regarding "The Perfect Vinyl Furniture", and now i have been convinced.
I need to make my own version of the "Displar Rack Versions", but of course, not clumsy and rinky-dink looking ... Or how about a Vinyl filing cabinet with horizontally sliding, individual vinyl trays, for max. protection.
Anonymous, I'm so glad you've found some inspiration here!
Post a Comment