Just for the record — vinyl is back!
With vinyl record sales reaching $1 billion for the first time since 1986, it’s clear — vinyl is back and people can’t get enough. Whether you’ve just started collecting or you’ve been collecting your favorite artists on vinyl for years, it’s important to know how to display vinyl records in your apartment.
First things first, no need to hire a professional — figuring out how to display vinyl records is a perfect DIY project. And all you need is a vision and your record collection to get started. Just get creative and crafty with these 11 expert tips on how to display vinyl records.
1. Take over an entire wall
“Covering an entire wall in vinyl records is a great way for a music lover to make a bold statement in their space, but it’s important to do it right so that you don’t damage the records or the wall,” says DIY’er Angela Rathbun of Blue i Style.
By just using Command Picture Hanging Strips, Rathbun turned the closet under her basement stairs into a fun and funky music-themed playroom for her two young sons and she covered the slanted ceiling in more than 100 vintage 45s. With the hanging strips, Rathbun was able to create her vinyl feature wall in record time — while ensuring that when the time comes to update the space, she’ll be able to remove all of the records completely damage-free.
To see the step-by-step tutorial, check out her blog.
2. Get your records off the ground
When figuring out how to display your vinyl, opt to keep your records off the ground. By hanging or having your record collections on shelves, you’ll keep your records safe from potential water damage and wear and tear from pets or kids. Since vinyl is more expensive than buying a CD or simply just relying on a streaming music service, keeping your collection off the ground will preserve it longer.
3. Decide between frames or stands
“A collage wall of framed album covers is a unique and interesting way to display your favorite album art. Ion Acrylics’ modern floating frames are specifically made to size to house a 12″ standard LP. Pick your favorites or focus on a theme such as a particular artist, year or art style,” says Ionacrylics.
“Or, if you are going for a modern look, Ion Acrylics’ crystal clear tabletop stand is practically an art piece in itself and a place to proudly display your collection. Part of the fun of albums is perusing through a stack and admiring the cover art. The stand can hold up to 50 albums and provides ample room to flip through your collection.”
4. Showcase your favorite musicians
“One of the best things about buying vinyl is not only are you getting great music, but you are also investing in a piece of art,” says Bill from Record Head. “Instead of spending money on wall décor, pick up some album frames and display your records instead. Not only are you saving the artwork from being lost on the shelf, but you can also showcase some of your favorite artists.”
5. Pick up record album wall mounts
“My favorite tip for displaying vinyl records in your home is to use record album wall mounts,” says Bill Gibstat from the Man Cave Expert. “Wall mounts allow you to display the album art while also giving you easy access to the record when you want to listen. Rotate your favorite album covers to continuously update the look of your room.”
6. Hit up secondhand stores
“Curating a themed selection of records is an affordable way to add a personalized high-impact design element to your space. Hunt for secondhand records at thrift stores, garage sales, or online to create a collection of album art based on your personal style or design theme,” says Megan Housekeeper from Mid-century Millennial. “If you love classic films, you can display your favorite film soundtracks, if you are creating a monochrome space you can display records with album art in your color scheme or even feature a selection of local artists from your home city.”
7. Evoke emotion with musical memories
“Building an art wall is about evoking emotion. There is no better way to connect with memories than displaying your favorite LP albums as art,” says Hudson Hi-Fi. “Our displays feature different variations and materials to meet all interior aesthetics. Use any of the shelves by Hudson Hi-Fi to create custom art installations around your living space or workspace.”
8. Get creative on your walls
“Creatively use your wall space to see your collection (or some of it). Whether you want to show off a few records or your entire collection, Record Roots recommends opting for a tabletop display system or a record display frame. If your collection has hundreds or thousands of records you might not want to display them all. You could choose to display your latest purchases. Or the ones on your current listening rotation. Or you can change on a weekly basis to update the decor!” says Felix Kenchington of Record Roots.
9. Remember that vinyl is an experience
Photo courtesy of Well Made
“Vinyl is a tactile experience, which is why we recommend the ‘manual playlist.’ In other words — place your album sleeve on display for all to see, so the artwork can add to the listening experience,” says Well Made framing in Chicago.
10. Let your vinyl cover art face forward
“The WAXRAX motto is, ‘live with your vinyl records, don’t hide them in boxes.’ In our audio console, album cover art faces forward like a record store — adding personal style to the room with every disc you spin,” says David Stanavich, owner and designer of WAXRAX inc.
11. Keep your vinyl records accessible
“There are a number of ways to display your vinyl records. The biggest factor when selecting what works best for your space is accessibility. Displaying your albums is part of the experience but you still want listen to them. Hanging an album holder above your turntable is a great way to display what is playing while you enjoy,” says Coty, the owner of GOOD TASTE Records.
Hey Mr. DJ, put a record on!
No matter your vinyl collection size or your musical preference, how to display vinyl records in your apartment entirely relies on your own specific tastes. May these apartment-friendly decor tips help you create new music memories!
Source: rent.com