Record Collection Storage: Furniture, crates and shelving
Posted on October 26 2020
I get a lot of email and Instagram requests for help finding the best vinyl storage furniture. While I am always happy to share my list, I thought I'd make it even easier for those on the hunt to get my favorite resources for storage. While Ikea has price-point that is hard to resist for many of us, the durability and ecological impact of their products isn't great, and if you consider that your collection may already be worth several hundred, or several thousand dollars, it is absolutely worthwhile to look at other options that will serve you longer and help protect your collection for years and decades to come.
In our home, we have an Atocha Design Record Stand (photo above) that houses about 1/3 of our collection, and a out-of-production metal and wood shelving unit by French brand, Ligne Roset (photo below). This piece holds 2/3 of our collection, and is over 20 years old. It is strong and well-made and I have not found something similar to recommend.
Below
Large box stores Ikea, Urban Outfitters, CB2, West Elm also make record storage furniture, but most of the wood they use is MDF, particle board with veneer or Ikea-similar materials- designed to ship easily, not to last or handle the weight of records for years.
Atocha Design
I own Atocha furniture, and have been overwhelmingly happy with the quality- we will keep this furniture forever. Many of my clients are also Atocha clients, as our products play nicely together. Atocha Furniture can accomodate all sizes of collections, from medium to massive.
I own Atocha furniture, and have been overwhelmingly happy with the quality- we will keep this furniture forever. Many of my clients are also Atocha clients, as our products play nicely together. Atocha Furniture can accomodate all sizes of collections, from medium to massive.
In addition to vertical storage, Atocha makes a wide variety of cabinet and closed-door pieces. We make custom record dividers sizes to fit their products as well.
Vintage mid century furniture
If you have the time and energy to invest in the hunt, vintage furniture can be perfect for small- to medium sized collections. Many sideboards and credenzas were designed for records, and built to last. Craigslist, thrift stores and consignment shops are a great place to start, and from a sustainability and budget perspective, this can often be a win-win! High-quality furniture, even used will last a lifetime if it is made well and taken care of.
If you have the time and energy to invest in the hunt, vintage furniture can be perfect for small- to medium sized collections. Many sideboards and credenzas were designed for records, and built to last. Craigslist, thrift stores and consignment shops are a great place to start, and from a sustainability and budget perspective, this can often be a win-win! High-quality furniture, even used will last a lifetime if it is made well and taken care of.
Custom furniture makers
Cabinet makers in your area might be able to make something custom for you- many of my clients go this route with built-ins and custom-made furniture that can be tailored to your space.
Cabinet makers in your area might be able to make something custom for you- many of my clients go this route with built-ins and custom-made furniture that can be tailored to your space.
Symbol Audio
Symbol makes a variety of furniture options, and many of my clients love Symbol. Symbol furniture is great for small to medium-sized collections.
Symbol makes a variety of furniture options, and many of my clients love Symbol. Symbol furniture is great for small to medium-sized collections.
Detroit-based Floyd has released a modular shelving unit that can accommodate records in a few different configurations. Their products are well-made and classic. Be sure to read all measurements carefully and look at weight limits, as not every configuration is ideal for records on every shelf.
Wall shelving, modular options:
Two excellent, smaller scale options for smaller collections:
This is a husband and wife team of makers that I really truly love! WAAM makes small-scale wood options and their milk crates are durable and retro- I own several that I use in my home and studio.
Simple Wood Goods
This Ohio maker has a line of modular, stackable crates in a variety of colors and finishes, which are great for small homes and apartment dwellers. I own a few of these crates that we now use exclusively in our studio.
This Ohio maker has a line of modular, stackable crates in a variety of colors and finishes, which are great for small homes and apartment dwellers. I own a few of these crates that we now use exclusively in our studio.