Not-Ugly Vinyl Record Storage Options (Beyond the Kallax, Because Brian’s Driving Em Crazy With Records Everywhere)

I have a special affinity for niche posts that address very specific issues. Welcome to the roundup that speaks to my soul! I’m excited to have you here! Let me give you some context: a while back, Em pointed out that Brian’s growing record collection was becoming unmanageable, and the Hendersons needed new storage options.

And let me tell you, I can relate to this problem on a personal level!!! My record collection is massive. Before joining the EHD team, I worked in labels, streaming, and even spent years working on a vinyl startup, so I have hundreds of LPs scattered around my apartment.

But here’s the thing: finding visually appealing ways to store these records is a NIGHTMARE. The default choice for many is the IKEA Kallax, which is sturdy and affordable (I had a whole warehouse furnished with these in my previous job!), but it might not suit every home’s aesthetic. So today, I bring you a selection of stylish vinyl record storage solutions for various decor styles!

Before we dive in, let’s establish some guidelines to assist you in your search:

1. They’re Big: Let’s keep it simple – the average LP is 12.5″ tall by 12.5″ deep. Units with adjustable shelves or open backs are your best bet.
2. They’re Heavy: Based on my experience, it’s best to assume that 50 records weigh about 30 pounds, for the sake of your furniture and flooring. LPs are DENSE. Those 50 records only occupy about 13″ of space, so be mindful of shelving weight limits. Avoid overloading!
3. Store Them Upright: To prevent warping and sleeve damage, keep records as vertical as possible at all times. Also, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight if feasible.
4. Keep it Local: If you prefer mid-century pieces, check out Craigslist/FB Marketplace for vintage items designed for vinyl. If mid-century isn’t your style, I’ve got you covered with recommendations below 🙂 When dealing with larger collections like 300 or 400+, consider reaching out to a local woodworker or one of the Etsy sellers listed below to create a custom storage solution.
5. My Recommendations: Since I often get asked, this is the best turntable for beginners (get it with the built-in preamp), and these are the best speakers to pair with it. This setup is what I use because it’s both visually appealing and has great sound 🙂 (Suitcase turntables are affordable and cute, but models with the speaker attached to the unit and lacking an adjustable arm can harm your records during play.)
6. You Might Get an Etsy Discount: THIS IS KEY! Some of the pieces below are handmade and available on Etsy. Add them to your favorites (or cart) and wait 48 hours – the seller might offer you a discount! I’ve received discounts ranging from 10% to a whopping 55% on the items listed below, saving me a significant amount of money. You can treat yourself to a new record with those savings!

Now that we’re on the same page, let’s get started…

Vinyl Record Storage: Small Size

1. Vinyl Record Storage Holder | 2. Mid-Century Style Record Holder | 3. Minimalist Steel Vinyl Record Stand | 4. Wooden Ball LP Stand | 5. Vinyl Record Display Shelves | 6. Iron Record Storage Rack

If you’re just starting out (with fewer than 50 records), these options are perfect for you. #5 is an excellent entry point – a simple, elegant wall-mounted option for displaying a few albums as decor. For those with a growing collection, I recommend #1 and #2 – both can hold around 50 LPs and can be placed on an existing tabletop, sideboard, or bookshelf. They are compact, and you can easily browse through your records when they are forward-facing, making it much easier to find what you’re looking for compared to searching by spine. While #6 is adorable, remember to avoid direct sunlight and leave some space to ensure your records remain safe and undamaged from weight or pressure.

However, my top picks are #3 and #4 – they are unique, functional, aesthetically pleasing, durable, and easy on the eyes. (#4 might actually be the most beautiful vinyl record storage rack I’ve ever seen – the ball is so tactile, fresh, and dynamic. I’ve added it to my Christmas wishlist 🙂 (Yes, I already have cabinets full of LPs on both coasts, but this would be a perfect way to store a few of our most-played records within easy reach!)

Vinyl Record Storage: Medium Size

Let’s move on to medium-sized options for those with around 100 records! Before we begin, YES, there are full-sized bookshelves included here. However, this doesn’t mean you can fill every shelf with LPs. These are suitable for medium-sized collections only! Pay attention to weight limits (as LPs are thin but heavy) to prevent shelves from bowing or breaking.

1. Hand-Welded Vinyl Storage Cart | 2. Midi Storage Locker | 3. Steel Vinyl Record Crate | 4. Wall-Mounted Record Player Stand with LP Storage | 5. Handcrafted Wood Record Player Stand | 6. Walnut Wall Mount Bookcase

I own a storage piece from the maker of #1 and #3 (now discounted) and can attest to its quality – they offer a wide range of fantastic solutions for collections of all sizes. Each product is handcrafted by a small 6-person team in Ukraine and can be customized in various classic finishes or vibrant colors. You can trust the sturdy steel construction!

I’m particularly enamored with the combined stand-and-storage designs of #4 and #5. I love these, especially for burgeoning collectors. They are sleek, modern, and offer aesthetic improvements over traditional cube storage solutions (trust me – options like these weren’t available even five years ago!).

Now, onto classic furniture pieces: if you opt for this route, keep in mind the sizing and weight of records we discussed earlier (12.5″x12.5″ and ~30 lbs per 50 records, for reference). I’ve used traditional bookshelves and cabinets like #4 and #6 in my home before, and they work well for mixing different media in one place – just ensure you don’t exceed the weight limit of each shelf and securely attach everything to the wall. Vinyl record storage doesn’t have to be too specific – you can incorporate a beautiful furniture piece, as long as it’s the right size!

Vinyl Record Storage: Large Size

Brians Crazy Driving Kallax NotUgly Options Record Records Storage Vinyl