Are You Accidentally Destroying Your Vintage Vinyl Records?

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

Vinyl records were invented in 1930 and sales soared throughout the 1960s and ‘70s. Even in the streaming world, we love them, but do we know about vinyl record storage? Well, proper vinyl record storage. Now that they’re not being made quite as often or as prolifically as they used to in decades past, keeping them safe and functional is key. So we went ahead and rounded up all of the best vinyl record storage on the market. These finds will definitely do the trick.

From a classic crate by none other than Crosley to a midcentury-inspired credenza with slots for up to 60 records, there are a lot of good picks out there. Here’s the thing, though: Even though plastic is one of the toughest materials out there, it isn’t perfect. Its weakness is temperature, and vinyl’s melting point is a whopping 200 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s unlikely that anyone’s storing their records in a space that hot—after all, humans can’t even survive in conditions that hot—but the higher the temperature, the more likely your records will degrade. So start protecting yours.

Plus, if you’ve spent your life amassing a collection, you may as well display it with pride. Plus, unlike your Spotify library, records can be hard to organize. So make it a little easier on yourself and your space by straightening out your collection so that you can enjoy music the way it's meant to be enjoyed.

Vinyl Record Storage Holder

What's the point of having a vinyl record collection if you can't proudly display it? This crack-resistant acrylic vinyl record holder is our top pick because it's minimal in style but offers a ton of space for your music. Think up to 50 12-inch LPs or 7-inch singles. It comes in eight wood finishes, but full disclosure: You can't really see it when it's filled with records.

Wall Mounted Media Cabinet

We love this vinyl record storage because, at first glance, it kind of looks like a music-specific bar cart. "I actually have the bar cart version and I can attest that it is very easy to assemble," Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner says. "I am not a handy person and it took 15 minutes tops to put together." Put your turntable and speakers on the surface and use the bottom 14 slots for vinyl record storage.

Vinyl Record Storage Box, Set of 2

For anyone with a sizable collection, you can't go wrong with a linen, lidded crate that can fit up to 100 records. That may sound like a lot, but any music lover can easily collect that many! Some, in fact, have more. If that's you, opt for the set and snag two crates. Each crate comes with a card slot for organizing by genre and handles for easy lifting.

Asine Vinyl Record Display Stand

Available in oak and charcoal finishes, this display stand is ideal for anyone with a large collection who likes to entertain. It's inspired by midcentury-era design, which makes sense because post-war times is when LPs reigned. Complete with a sliding, slatted door and two top drawers that offer plenty storage for your vinyl record collection and media essentials. The open cabinet, which is outfitted with metal dividers to keep records standing upright, is the best part.

Metal Holder

Sometimes all you need is a simple, minimalistic stand that can perch on the table beside your turntable. At just 12 inches wide, it may look small, but it can hold up to 100 records. Plus, it's easy (and pretty self-explanatory) when it comes to putting it together. It comes with six pieces, eight screws and an Allen wrench. Trust us; you can assemble this record holder in under five minutes.

Vinyl Record Storage Crate

Available in dark and light wood finishes, this crate is one of the best on the list because its walls are made of sturdy chicken wire. It has space for 100 records, but we recommend filling it a little over halfway so that you can easily sift through the LPs without having to pull them all out. One happy reviewer said, "I am extremely happy with this record storage crate. It looks really good and is very well made. I have generic cubes that I have been storing my vinyl in but they are not sturdy and tend to get pushed around or bent. This crate is by far the best vinyl storage box that I own. It's solid and can get bumped into without worrying about my vinyl getting smashed. Will buy more to replace my older crates from this same brand. Overall this is a great product for the money."

Triangle File Holder

You can use this triangular holder, which comes in four finishes, for everything from magazines to vinyl records. There's about an inch and a half of space between each slat, so you can squeeze at least four records in each one. Because it's only seven inches high, you can put it pretty much anywhere.

Record Storage Crate

We may have included a few crates on our list of the best vinyl record storage options, but hear us out: They're small, easy to tuck away, and very portable. Plus, Crosley, which introduced the first car radio, knows a thing or two about music. Place it on the floor to give it that rugged, vintage look.

Cart on Wheels

If you want to be able to bring your collection from room to room, organize them on a rolling cart with wheels. This high-grade steel one is available in four colors, including the bright blue pictured. One reviewer noted, "This is by far the nicest album rack I’ve ever seen — excellent design, extremely sturdy but lightweight, completely portable and space-efficient. Really great looking. But apart from that, the fact that this business managed to make and ship this from a country under attack is astounding — all the more so since it arrived at my door in Spain in just one month, including several days at customs."

Vinyl LP Storage Bench

Opt for three, four, five, six, or seven cubbies to store your record collection, and Long Beach, California-based Pete Deeble Furniture will craft it for you by hand. Did you notice that the top part is a bench complete with a plush, padded leather seat? A reviewer explained, "I love this bench! Pete was fantastic throughout the process—very communicative. The delivery service that he used was also top-notch—the piece arrived well protected and in perfect condition. It’s definitely everything I was hoping it would be. Also, it is cat approved. Thanks, Pete!!"

Concord Audio Rack

Another midcentury modern-inspired piece we couldn't leave off the list? This audio rack that's balanced atop hairpin legs. If you need a styling tip, allow us to help: Place the turntable on the top, the speaker in the open shelf, and your record collection on the bottom shelf, which is designed specifically for LPs. It comes in two finishes, so grab the one that pairs best with your pre-existing furniture and decor. Personally, we love the walnut finish, which feels a bit more 1960s than the oak.

What to Look for in a Vinyl Record Storage Piece

Sadly, records are a thing of the past, but that doesn't mean people don't still listen to them. It just means that, because they're so old, they need to be stored carefully so as not to damage them. They're more fragile than they may seem! So when you're choosing your vinyl record storage, consider a few things"

Size: The number of records will be a determining factor in your choice of storage piece. Some are designed to house only a few and others can fit hundreds. So before you add your favorite one to your cart, consider the number of records you have and use regularly.

Material: Opt for a material that's easy to clean, like wood, acrylic, or metal, because unless you use them everyday, your records will begin to collect dust. Don't worry; that happens, but if you store them in a container that's difficult to clean the dust may damage the LPs.

Style: The aesthetic counts! If your home is modern and minimalist, don't opt for a rustic wooden crate. On the other hand, if your apartment is dark and moody, a glamorous metallic rolling cart won't work. Luckily, there are a lot of options on our list and at least one is bound to work with your space.

What is the maximum temperature to store vinyl records?

Remember, they're not called vinyl for nothing! Records are made of, well, vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride if you want to be fancy. Because of how they're made, they are prone to warping and bending if they're left in temperatures warmer than 200 degrees Fahrenheit (vinyl's melting point). The ideal temperature to store vinyls—especially vintage ones—is between 40°F and 50°F.

What is the best way to store records?

The best way to store records is vertically and in a temperature-controlled space. In other words, don't stack them atop each other like you would a collection of books or leave them in the sun, which can cause them to melt. All of our suggested options are safe for all records old and new.

Why trust us?

The House Beautiful shopping editors are storage experts. From kitchens to closets, we have a thing for keeping collections organized, so when it came to finding vinyl record storage solutions, we were more than up to the task. All of our top picks will keep your records safe and clean.

You Might Also Like

• 15 Home Bar Gifts Every Cocktail Enthusiast Will Appreciate

• 32 Low Light Indoor Plants That Can Survive in the Darkest Corners of Your Home

• These Are the 50 Best Paint Colors for Your Living Room