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7 best record storage

Find a smart and stylish way to organise and store your vinyl collection

Jochan Embley
Wednesday 14 October 2015 13:15 BST

The vinyl revival is showing no signs of faltering. Last November, vinyl album sales surpassed the one million mark for the first time since the Nineties and, little over a month ago, Tesco announced plans to become the first UK supermarket to stock LPs.

The upsurge in popularity has created a new generation of vinyl junkies, who are now finding out that records aren't quite as easy to store as iPods. But no matter, as we have rounded up the best storage options to keep your collections in check — combining strength, style and practicality.

There are plenty of options out there — modular storage, which can be expanded at the same rate as your collection, is popular, while single pieces of furniture also provide ample storage and are great additions to any room. Most on our list are designed for 12-inch LPs, but there's also an option for those with a hefty 7-inch stockpile.

1. Kallax: £150, ikea.com

When Ikea discontinued its Expedit shelves, an unofficial favourite of record collectors, there was widespread panic — but this was soon allayed by the release of a updated version, Kallax, which built upon the original’s simplicity and durability. This model, perfect for those with tonnes of vinyl, has 25 units, but you can buy fewer.

Buy now

2. Black Record Stand: £75, urbanoutfitters.com

This stripped back, iron stand allows you to keep all your kit in one place — record player on top, records on the bottom. There’s a second shelf in the middle if you need somewhere to put your amp, too.

Buy now

3. Zomo VSBox 7” Vinyl Record Storage Box 200: £46.99, juno.co.uk

One for the proud 7-inch hoarder here, as this storage box is specifically designed to store smaller records. Made of sturdy MDF and finished nicely, it can hold up to around 240 separate vinyls — if that’s still not enough, they’re easily stackable.

Buy now

4. Vinyl Storage Unit — Tobacco Walnut: £99, sefour.com

Actually getting to your records after they’ve all been stacked up can be a challenge, but not so with this cabinet, which has a curved design, making it easy to remove LPs even if they’re at the bottom. You’ll be able to store around 300 records with covers on (and around 500 without) or insert boxes using the chrome support bars.

Buy now

5. Personalised Record Storage Crate: £34.95, plantabox.co.uk

This apple crate is made from sustainably-sourced pine and comes in 10 different colours. You can add a personalised message (up to 48 characters across two lines) on the side of the box, and for an extra £9.95 you can add wheels, which saves having to lug it around every time it needs moving.

Buy now

6. Glorious Record Box Advanced 110 Vinyl Record Storage: £30, audioaffair.co.uk

Simple and well-constructed, the main benefit of this box is accessibility — the open top and curved sides mean it is easy to flick through records. It is probably large enough to hold around 100 records, depending on how thick your covers are.

Buy now

7. Solid Sapele Wood LP Record Holder: £50, esty.com

This handmade record holder, crafted in West Yorkshire, is simple and effective, holding up to 50 records (although it works best with a few less, meaning you can flick through them at ease). Made from sapele wood, similar to mahogany, it's finished in Danish oil, giving it an attractive, satin look.

Buy now

Verdict

It may seem the obvious choice, but we can't look much further than Ikea's Kallax. An established favourite, it is versatile and perfectly fit for purpose. If you are looking for a great gift for a vinyl fan, then we'd recommend Plantabox's personalised offering.

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