The vinyl record domination of physical media was made complete in 2023, when LP records famously outsold CDs for the first time since 1987. There are endless reasons why consumers today prefer vinyl when it comes to physical music, from the familiar warmth of the audio quality to the physical ritual of placing a record and needle. I think the biggest advantage of vinyl over CDs (and quite honestly digital) is the physicality of the object. Opening a fragile jewel-cased CD is simply less of an occasion than owning a record and pulling it from the sleeve, getting a tense of track length from the grooves, and exploring what booklets or photos the artist may have chosen to include. The size of a 12 inch record and its requirement for upright storage means unique requirements over more compact forms of media, another appealing draw for vinyl lovers as it gives you a real opportunity to integrate your collection into your interior design.
Your vinyl record storage and turntable can be a beautiful focal point in your home that showcases your taste. Latest trends might indicate that the only possible way to store vinyl records would be Ikea’s Kallax unit (formerly the Expedit), which is admittedly perfectly suited as a vinyl record holder and media console shelf for your turntable. For those looking for something a little more unique and appropriate for a maximalist, vintage or antique inspired space, we can seek inspiration from history. Phonograph records have been around since the late 19th century, long before the Kallax or familiar mid-century modern storage and display solutions. Looking back through the decades we can get a real sense of how records have been stored, displayed and enjoyed for generations.
Victorian Vibes to Mid Century Sleek
Let’s rewind to the early days of physical music media. When records first made their debut in the 1890’s, storage solutions were simple yet functional. Shellac discs, the predecessors to vinyl records, were typically stored in wooden crates or shelves, resembling bookcases. These early storage units were designed for practicality rather than aesthetics, serving the sole purpose of organizing and protecting fragile new technology. As records became more popular, accessible and collections grew, so did the need for more sophisticated storage solutions. Enter the iconic record cabinet. By the early 20th century, record cabinets became a staple in many households, offering a stylish way to store and display vinyl collections. By mid-century we see the development if the iconic modern sleek design, with angled legs, tapered edges, and sliding doors.
They were not only practical but also served as statement pieces of furniture in living rooms and entertainment areas, drawing attention to the collection and actual turntable unit as a focal point on the level of a television or piece of artwork. Turntable design at this point was integrated with popular furniture and design trends, the iconic 1970’s Linn Sondek LP12 in particular is a very mid-century design and a beautiful piece of equipment. The 1950’s Dansette record players would inspire a whole new generation of record stands. Dansette turntables were compact and stylish, with their vibrant colors, chrome accents and built in speakers making them a favorite among music lovers of the era. They also sported the prototypical hairpin legs that have come to characterize midcentury modern design, inspiring the classic vinyl record storage cabinet look. Imagine adding a retro flair to your living space with a refurbished or replica Dansette-legged display stand, complete with your modern vinyl record collection.
Consoles and Credenzas: A Focal Point
The 1960’s and 70’s also saw the rise of the record console – and all-in-one piece of furniture with a built in record player and storage cabinet. These consoles often featured sleek wood finishes, built-in speakers and intricate detailing, making them an intentional design focal point. While console stereos fell out of favor with the advent of more compact audio systems, they are now experiencing a resurgence in popularity among vintage enthusiasts as a decor piece. Finding vintage record consoles with operational turntables is a challenge, but if you’re up for a little DIY work, replacing them with a newer system would win you a gorgeous, functional piece to last for several more decades.
Throughout the mid-20th century, innovative storage solutions emerged to accommodate the more sizable collection of the average enthusiast. One example is the “record credenza,” a long, low-profile cabinet designed specifically for storing records. These credenzas often featured a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets, providing ample storage space. Credenzas vary from clean lines and minimalist design to beautifully ornate chests, making them a perfect option for showcasing your vinyl collection no matter what the style of your home may be. With some shelf repositioning, a newer built TV stand or entertainment centre could easily be repurposed as a record credenza, a perfect bridge between old and new.
The Milk Crate Revival
It didn’t take long for people to realize that plastic milk crates were exactly the right size for LP record storage. These sturdy crates, usually made of tough plastic, are perfect for stacking your vinyl collection in a way that’s easy to access and move around. You can stack them up any which way you like, and they’re super easy to customize – paint them, slap on some stickers, or leave them as is for that authentic retro feel. Notoriously, crate producers were forced to alter the dimensions of genuine milk crates after they were constantly stolen to be repurposed for record storage. Luckily, a lot of brands online today make reproduction milk crates for that vintage feel without having to resort to petty crime. Whether you’re setting up a standalone storage spot or incorporating them into a larger shelving setup, milk crate storage brings a laid-back charm to your vinyl collection.
For those with a penchant for DIY projects, wood crates offer a charming and customizable storage solution for vinyl records. Wooden crates, originally used for shipping and storage, have become a popular choice among vinyl enthusiasts seeking a rustic and nostalgic way to organize their collections. Whether repurposed from old fruit crates or handmade from reclaimed wood, DIY crates add a lot of character and warmth to your space.
Modern Revival: Wall-Mounted Shelves and Hi-Fi Consoles
In the 1980s and 1990s, as compact discs rose to prominence, vinyl records fell out of fashion, relegated to dusty attics. Except for the most passionate audiophiles, physical media lost its place in a living space display. But as the digital age gave way to a renewed appreciation for analog experiences, vinyl experienced a renaissance unlike any other. Collectors and enthusiasts began to seek out hi-fi consoles and turntables while manufacturers developed new, modern designs for modern, minimalist homes. With new equipment came new design preferences and needs for the average consumer, and by the 2010’s we see the proliferation of the ubiquitous square-box Ikea units.
For a more modern look without relying on Ikea’s Kallax, wall-mounted record shelves offer a practical and space-saving way to display your beloved vinyl. These shelves, often made from wood or metal, can be easily mounted to any wall, providing a sleek and minimalist backdrop for your favorite records. Arranging them facing outward incorporates the album covers into your home design, and allows you to switch your records around and modify the colors and energy of your space depending on your mood.
Creating Your Listening Haven
Integrating your record collection into your interior design is a perfect opportunity to create a dedicated listening space. Setting up a cozy corner with a decent audio setup, comfortable seating and a good headset is a dream for most music fans, with a long history in interior design going back decades. Incorporating a little antique or vintage flair into these spaces would only add to the warmth and depth of the analog audio experience. From antique credenzas and cabinets to milk crates, there’s a record storage solution to suit every taste and style. Instead of feeling restricted to the same variation of square box shelves, seasoned collectors and those just starting to fall in love with LPs can draw inspiration from a wealth of historic trends and choose record storage options that work best for their space, no matter their style.
