Whether you’re starting your vinyl collection or have a large one already stored, it can be a lot of fun displaying your records as art.
The best way to display your records is in a vinyl record frame with the proper spacing and contrast. This solution is affordable and can be done at home without overspending or complicated installation.
This article will outline various methods of displaying your records alongside the best practices and mistakes to avoid for each solution. You’ll also find affordable product suggestions so you can save your money while you build your display.
Picture Ledges
If you’re not renting an apartment where you can’t make permanent changes, you have the freedom to place picture ledges in just the right arrangement to create your vinyl record gallery. A picture ledge can be bought from your local photo-print shop or a framing shop but will likely cost you more than buying one online.
Welland Floating Ledge (link to Amazon) is perfect for displaying a set of three records as each cover is slightly over 12 inches, and that leaves enough room on the 48-inch ledge to hold three records without making the collection look congested.
You do not need to worry about your experience assembling the furniture as it is easy to install with a 5-star rating on ease of assembly (and 4.5 stars for ease of installation). Furthermore, the product has an overall average rating of 4.5 stars.
The ledge comes in different lengths and can accommodate 7-inch records if you opt for a smaller size. Just keep in mind not to place vinyl records too close to each other as it signifies storage instead of display.
Best Practices for Displaying Your Records on a Ledge
- Always display an odd number of records on every ledge.
- Use contrast by placing records with different complementary colors next to each other.
- Keep one-quarter of the records’ length as free space between two records (a 3-inch gap between 12-inch records).
- If displaying two different sized vinyl covers, make sure to showcase the larger cover in the center with smaller ones on each side.
Don’ts of Displaying Vinyl Records on a Ledge
- Don’t showcase the record without the cover.
- Don’t use this placement if the environment gets dusty.
- Do not place the ledge where direct sunlight can impact the records.
- Do not put multiple copies of the same record next to each other.
Record Frames
If you have only a few records and wish to display them across a wider area than is allowed by a photo ledge, you might be interested in getting your records framed. One of the advantages of framing a record is that you can display its cover using a ledge and get the vinyl itself framed for display separately.
This is perfect for those just starting on their vinyl collection journey. This keeps your costs low and doesn’t pressure you to expand your collection too quickly, only to have enough records to display.
And while one of the main advantages of this method is its cost-effectiveness, you have to frame the records at home to avoid getting overcharged by a professional framer. This is a straightforward process, and the following video does a great job of breaking down the process for a novice:
Top Three Record Frames for Your Vinyls
Vinyl record framing is a tried-and-tested method of showcasing your collection while beautifying your living space. However, this method’s success depends on your selection of frames as much as your eye aesthetics. Below are the best frames you can get to display your records.
MCS Double Groove Record Frame (Black)
This black-border frame allows you to display your vinyl and its cover in a single frame. Ideal for those displaying up to four records in their living space, this frame comes with a beginner-friendly installation and securing mechanism. With a length of 25 inches and a 16.5-inch width, the display has enough negative space to accentuate the record placed within. Click here for details and pricing (link to Amazon).
Jukebox Frame by Creative Picture Frames
If your record cover is white or has lighter colors dominating the artwork, you may want a black background in your frame. This makes the jukebox frame a perfect fit with its dark background and a secure record-and-cover display.
You can place this frame between two white-background frames to create an exciting contrast. With over a hundred reviews, the product is rated at 4.6 stars out of 5.
Golden State Art’s Aluminum Vinyl Frame
Finally, for displaying bare records, we recommend Golden State Art’s frame. Although this is meant for 12-inch records, it gives a great aesthetic effect when you place your 45s in this frame.
A 7-inch record at the center of this frame means enough negative space around. Regardless of which size record you display in it, the frame is affordable and easy to use. That is why it has over 280 reviews with a collective average of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Best Practices for Displaying Vinyl Records in Frames
Keep in mind the following recommendations if you choose to display your collection in record frames. While none of these are must-follow rules, they add to the beauty of the overall display.
- Display an even number of frames.
- You can sequence frames in a single row or create a grid with multiple columns and rows. Either way, respect symmetry.
- Use the same type of frame on a single wall. While it is tempting to vary frames to add variety, this must be done very carefully as the chances for conveying a mismatch are higher when you use different frames.
- When showcasing a bare record, display its cover separately using one of the other methods.
Don’ts of Displaying Framed Vinyl Records
Certain mistakes can be very costly when you frame and display your records. Here are the ‘don’ts’ to keep in mind:
- Don’t let sunlight hit the glass, even indirectly. Glass can heat up pretty quickly, and heat is the enemy of vinyl. Most vinyl frames now use plexiglass, which makes them safe (though not in direct sunlight).
- Don’t display bare records and covers in different frames. When you display framed records, you have to pick one type of display for each wall. You should either frame and display covers or bare records. The only exception to this is a single frame that showcases both the record and the cover. Otherwise, stick to displaying records only or covers only in frames.
Magazine Racks
If your record collection is relatively larger and you have over twelve records, you may not be able to showcase all of them on a wall. This is where solutions need to be as practical as they are aesthetic.
One of the best methods to cross storage with the display is by using a magazine rack or a newspaper stand as your record holder. This gives you enough room to store records while simultaneously facing the artwork towards the viewer.
Unlike storage crates and bookshelves, this solution doesn’t tuck the artwork between a stack of other records, making it perfect for records accumulated for their aesthetic cover art.
Great Magazine Racks To Use As Vinyl Record Displays
Records have been treated like books when it comes to storage, but when you’re making a style statement out of your collection, you have to be selective of the racks you use. Here are the two best options.
mDesign Decorative Metal Magazine Rack
Use this rack to hold up to two 7-inch vinyl records. Ideally, placing this around a divider in an open plan would allow art from both records to be viewed as guests can walk on either side of the rack. You can also place four to six records in the rack if you don’t mind hiding the art.
Many hobbyists lean on racks to store most of their records while displaying the one they want to be most prominent. This is usually a signed copy or a rare record. While this isn’t the best rack to showcase a 12-inch record given that the rack itself is barely twelve inches wide, over 3,700 reviews and ratings back its quality making it a reliable option for your 45s.
Simmer Stone Magazine Holder
This organizer is the perfect match between storage and display as it allows you to store nine records with just enough space that the artwork is not buried by the sandwiching records. It is advisable to keep records with complementary colors in this organizer and have the ones you want most prominently displayed be in the front and back.
You can also have a 7-inch record in the first and the last slot, which would lend more visibility to the 12-inch records in the second slot and the second-last one.
Best Practices of Displaying Records in a Magazine Rack
Most of the aesthetic value in your display is determined by your collection and the rack you choose. However, a few additional touches can further elevate the presentation.
- Make sure the rack matches your décor. Using a magazine rack that doesn’t fit in with the rest of your room can look odd.
- Add at least one more method of displaying your collection. Whether there are vinyls framed by the wall next to the rack or even a cover on a ledge nearby, you make a strong statement using a diverse approach to displaying your records.
The Don’ts of Displaying Records in a Magazine Rack
Since this method is primarily for storage, using it to display vinyl records can be tricky. This is why there are several ‘must avoid’ practices to consider. The following is not an exhaustive list but covers the key things to remember:
- Do not cramp a lot of records in a single magazine rack.
- Keep the rack out of reach of children and away from the ground if you have pets.
- Don’t add records to the rack randomly; make sure the colors make sense.
- Don’t place the rack next to shoes or books. Both combinations miscommunicate the importance of your collection.
See 7 Best Ways To Store Vinyl Record Albums
Magnets
Many minimalists do not like the bulky frames and prominent magazine racks when they want to display their records without taking attention away from the artwork. If you’re such a purist, we recommend using small magnets to stick your records to the wall. Here are the steps to follow to display your vinyl records using magnets:
- Attach a metal strip to the wall using super glue or a glue gun.
- Once the metal is attached to the wall, take your record cover and remove the vinyl from it. Gently set the vinyl on a surface where it won’t get damaged.
- Open the record sleeve and place a magnet on the inside, so the back of the record cover is sandwiched between the metal and the magnet.
- Carefully place the record back into the sleeve.
- Repeat the step with multiple records till you have the desirable collection on display.
A word of caution: This advice is regarding vinyl records only. Please do not use this method with PVC records as they will get demagnetized when brought near a magnet.
Best Magnets for an Invisible Display of Vinyl Records
Magnets are unlike most other options explored in this piece: they are invisible to the beholder. That is why, instead of curating a list of magnets to choose from, we have singled out a flat magnet pack.
House Again Magnet Squares are strong enough to hold your records provided you use enough pieces. Aside from having over 2,700 reviews, the product is also very affordable. Its collective global rating stands at 4.3 stars out of 5.
Best Practices for Using Magnets To Display Your Records
- Use flat magnets and metal sheets to avoid unevenness in your display.
- Use multiple magnets if the record is not secure.
- Since there is no distinct frame showcasing each record, make sure the record cover color isn’t the same as the wall it is displayed on.
Don’ts of Displaying Your Records With Magnets
- Only use this method with vinyl records.
- Do not use this method in humid environments. Humidity can damage the record sleeve when it’s out in the open.
- This isn’t the ideal way of displaying records in areas that get windy. Strictly use in dry and cold environments.
Bookends
If you want to showcase your record collection while simultaneously signaling openness for thinking outside the box, it is advisable to use bookends for displaying your record collection. Of course, bookends on their own cannot display a collection unless they’re on a shelf or a tabletop. Therefore you have to opt for one of the two options in conjunction with the book ends.
There are no rights and wrongs in displaying your records on a shelf or a table with the support of a bookend. However, you must keep in mind that if done without forethought, the otherwise artistic statement falls flat and starts looking more like a bootstrap display option. To make sure you convey that using bookends was a stylistic choice, not a need, you have to select the right designs.
Best Bookends for Displaying Your Vinyl
The only way you can go wrong with bookend selection is by opting for designs that incorporate a book motif. Whether the design features reading mannequins, bookshelves, or words like “read,” you end up signaling that you used a bookend lying around in your house instead of getting intentional about displaying your collection. Here are some of the designs that will make the opposite impression and elevate your display:
- Vinnie Vinyl Bookends – Make a statement by opting for bookends fashioned in the image of a bare record. This signals that you made the conscious decision to opt for a display method instead of relying on a random bookend lying around in your house.
- MROCO Decorative Bookend – Allow the metallic shine of these bookends to bring out the beauty in darker record covers in your collection. The image of two mannequins holding your records in place makes aesthetic sense.
- Hummingbirds Decorative Bookend – Ideal for the love songs and romance records in your collection. This minimal bookend lets you showcase more of your records’ cover art while employing a sleek yet nature-inspired motif of the hummingbird.
Best Practices for Using Bookends To Display Your Records
Since this method is all about breaking the rules, most best practices have to do with practicality and feasibility and not style.
- Make sure the bookend takes minimal space but is dense enough to support large records.
- A bookend must contrast the color of the first record, so the cover art is visible.
- Get bookends that can support twice as many records as you have. That’s because your record collection will expand, and the accessibility of this display method will make it your favorite.
- Display the collection on eye-level or around it.
The Don’ts of Displaying Your Records With a Bookend
While showcasing your collection supported by bookends is an affordable solution, it has its drawbacks. Please keep the following in mind:
- Don’t use this method in humid environments.
- Do not place your records on a table if you have kids or pets. Use bookends and a shelf to display the records out of their reach.
- Don’t place too many records on a single book end’s support as this can topple it over and make a mess.
Final Thoughts
Vinyl records have transcended practical play requirements and have become an art-driven hobby. Collectors like to get their hands on valuable records and showcase them in a manner that expresses their inner audiophile while beautifying their living space.
To do this, you should use an intentional mix of multiple displays, including vinyl frames, book ledges, and even magnets, so you can make a diverse statement while keeping your vinyls secure and accessible.