10 IKEA Vinyl Record Storage Hacks That Will Show Off Your Personal Collection in Style

IKEA's flatpack designs offer an adaptable and affordable way to store vinyl records, so why not test your DIY skills with one of these clever hacks?

close up of ikea shelving unit with records styled on bottom shelf, and decor styled on shelves above
(Image credit: Melanie Lissack Interiors)

IKEA offers a storage solution to suit every need, and your vinyl collection is no exception. Plus, the iconic flatpack design means that most IKEA record storage ideas can be easily DIY-ed and customized to you and your collection (especially as it grows).

The best hacks can be found in a number of the brand's ranges. From the HAVSTA to the BILLY to the KALLAX, the adaptable nature of their units makes it easy to create bespoke record storage that fits virtually every space.

Aesthetically speaking, IKEA hacks open the door for decorative displays too, whether you want a colorful free-standing unit or wall-to-wall shelving with a designated shelf for mixing decks. And the added benefit of an IKEA record storage hack? You can create a convenient strategy to file and organize your vinyl records so you can find the album you want, when you want it.

If you're proud of your wax collection, why hide it away? These IKEA vinyl record storage ideas show you how to showcase it in style (without paying for a custom price tag).

1. Use a Horizontal KALLAX and House Your Decks

A living space with a record shelving unit in an alcove with DJ decks on the tabletop

When placed on its side, the four-shelf KALLAX unit offers a perfectly sized tabletop for mixing decks

(Image credit: James Ringrose)

If you pride yourself on your vinyl collection, there's a high likelihood you know your way around a set of mixing decks. Anyone with basic DJ-ing skills under their belt will want to integrate their decks into their record storage, just as the clever KALLAX hack above has done.

This vinyl storage idea comes courtesy of James Ringrose of Woodrose Carpentry. "The IKEA KALLAX is a vinyl collector's staple storage item, but doesn’t always quite fit into the space," he explains. "When turned on its side, it’s the perfect height for both storing vinyl and housing decks on top. I wanted to give it a premium built-in look to blend in with the living room, which included levelling it off the floor, anchoring it to the walls with angle brackets, and adding an MDF face frame and worktop."

To complete the look, a primer and topcoat were used to sew the whole unit together.

2. Repurpose an IKEA Pot Lid Holder

Sometimes, the best IKEA storage hacks are the simplest. If you'd rather steer clear of power tools and heavy flat-pack furniture, have you ever considered using a piece of basic kitchenware? Perhaps one one of the easiest IKEA record storage hacks, this one repurposes the VARIERA pot lid organizer.

Simple yet effective, we have DIYer Chrystal King (@chrystalking_) to thank for this. "I had a stack of vinyl records that were being stored in a paper bag for months, so I knew it was time to find a proper solution," she explains. "I already had a £5 pot lid holder from IKEA, and one day it just clicked that it might work for vinyl storage. I tried popping the records in, and it took just seconds to transform it into a display piece."

Of course, this isn't the sort of storage solution that will work for your entire collection, but it's a great way to display the favorite you're spinning on repeat. Better yet, it fits perfectly atop a standard-sized record player, so it's perfect for smaller homes. "I love how clean and minimalist it looks, especially with the chrome finish," adds Chrystal. "It’s such a simple way to keep my collection organised while still showing it off."

3. Create Built-In Media Shelving With HAVSTA Units

A close up of a bookshelf with a nook for vinyl storage

IKEA's shelving units fit together like puzzle pieces, allowing you to build and grow your storage with your record collection

(Image credit: Bea Copeland)

If you're surfing Instagram for record storage inspiration, you'll notice that IKEA built-in hacks are a popular choice among the DIY community. The possibilities are endless, but we love storing records within a wider media library to create the perfect room for relaxing.

Bea Copeland (@bea.copeland) had a vision for wall-to-wall shelving in her TV-free living room that would incorporate her books, vinyl, and favorite decor, and built-in shelving was the obvious answer. Using four HAVSTA shelving units and a HAVSTA sideboard for a window shelf, she created bespoke shelving with a designated spot for her record player. The customizable inner shelves can be easily interchanged and switched around as her collection grows, and the units themselves fill her wall perfectly.

"Maybe IKEA designs it this way, but the fact that the vinyls fit in there felt like a real win; they just fit like a glove," she explains. "This room is really about reading and listening to music. It gets great sunlight in the morning and the afternoon, and I wanted to make it all about non-digital entertainment, and so the vinyl in there was always part of the plan."

4. Add a row of vinyl to an IKEA BILLY bookcase

An IKEA billy bookcase with the back of the shelves painted purple. The shelves are decorated with books, decor, and a row of records along the bottom

Style the BILLY bookcase with a row of records, and add books and decor to complete the look

(Image credit: Melanie Lissack Interiors)

Take a leaf out of this designer's book and make your vinyl collection part of a larger display using an IKEA BILLY bookcase hack. "I took the BILLY bookcase and gave it a complete overhaul to become a bespoke statement shelving piece," says Melanie Lissack, founder of Melanie Lissack Interiors. The result is beautiful built-in storage that maximizes space in her living room.

The single row for record storage is ideal for those with a smaller wax collection, but the shelves can also be adjusted to accommodate more albums over time, too.

For a decorative touch, Melanie also added Art Deco-style wall lights down the center of the bookcases and painted beadboard — which she attached to the back of the units — in a deep purple shade to add depth and character to her shelves.

5. Create a retro look with the IKEA KALLAX

A white toned storage unit that houses records and a speaker

Channel a classic Mid-Century vibe by giving your Scandi flatpack a contemporary twist

(Image credit: www.cuddlepill.com)

It's no wonder IKEA KALLAX hacks are so popular — they're versatile pieces that can be used for bookshelves, bench storage, and display units, to name a few. And of course, their cube shelves are also the perfect size for record storage.

"The records fit so perfectly in the little cubbies," says Christina Noia, lifestyle blogger at Cuddle Pill. "We were able to place my partner's record player on top."

To play into the vintage vibe, Christina went for classic mid-century style speakers to complete the look. "The only thing that we weren’t sold on? The fact that everyone knew this was an IKEA piece and that it looked kind of basic," she explains. So, to give the piece some character, she decided to make the KALLAX her own by adding some legs to raise it off the floor. "I fell in love with the Svea 150 legs at Pretty Pegs," she says. "They were the perfect match for our KALLAX system and immediately brought it to life."

6. Turn the IKEA KALLAX into a Mid-Century style unit

A vinyl storage unit created with Ikea KALLAX

Tapered legs can elevate a KALLAX unit in more ways than one

(Image credit: Romina Halewat / @toujourspaloma)

The beauty of the KALLAX is that there are so many variations available, and you can even harness its modular nature by building it up as you please.

For IKEA record storage hacks, we love the KALLAX in its console form. The tabletop offers the perfect spot for your record player, while the doors can hide unsightly wires and cables, and, what's more, it channels a Mid-Century vibe reminiscent of vinyl's heyday.

Home blogger Romina Halewat (@toujourspaloma) used the classic KALLAX to create a multifunctional statement piece in her Berlin apartment, putting a modern twist on its Mid-Century form. "We just added a wooden board on the lower side, and then tapered table legs," she says.

After curating the records and adding in the speakers, she decorated the shelf in shades of blue to match her vase. With the help of the vinyl shelves on the wall, the vignette makes the perfect media wall idea.

7. Upgrade an IKEA VITTSJO unit

A storage unit in metal holding records, a speaker and books

Make your own mark on IKEA's utilitarian furniture by customizing with wooden shelves

(Image credit: www.yellowbrickhome.com)

IKEA shelving hacks offer the perfect balance of prettiness and practicality, just as this reimagined VITTSJO unit demonstrates. "The purpose of our nook? Sit, relax, and enjoy music," explains DIY blogger Scott Vargo of Yellow Brick Home. "We knew this would be our funny little room to play our records, read a good book, and hang with the pets."

Naturally, Scott decided on an IKEA vinyl record storage hack to display his collection, opting for a contemporary shelving idea. "After painting the room Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal, we finally assembled an IKEA VITTSJO unit that was originally intended for our future kitchen renovation," he explains. "We added wood shelving not only for the warm look it provides, but to give us enough support for all of our records."

8. Go wall-to-wall for a storage showpiece

A long and low storage unit made with IKEA products, holding vinyl records

Maximize space for your record storage by stretching your units from wall to wall.

(Image credit: @mugidingdong)

Got a vast vinyl collection? Make it the main feature with a wall-to-wall IKEA KALLAX hack for a show-stopping living room storage idea. The mastermind behind the space above, Aga Mugidingdong (@mugidingdong), wanted an eclectic storage space to showcase their impressive collection. Not only does it add a statement focal point to the room, but the rows of cubbies offer a great way to sort vinyl records by date, genre, or artist.

"KALLAX is a classic choice among vinyl collectors, as the size fits nicely," Aga says. "We added the legs so that we can clean it more easily, plus it looks nicer, too."

And why stop there? Create a music poster gallery wall idea above your IKEA record storage hack for the ultimate funky finish.

9. Channel a vintage vibe with the KALLAX

A tall, white storage unit holding records, two vintage style speakers

The mini four-cube KALLAX makes a cute vignette for a small vinyl collection.

(Image credit: curbly.com)

If you don't need a huge amount of space to store your records, this small IKEA record storage hack is ideal. Invest in the four-cube KALLAX unit from IKEA, add mid-century modern legs, and finish with some vintage-inspired styling. The result? The perfect unit record storage idea for a small space.

"We needed a record stand for an old broken record player my partner found at a garage sale and had been tinkering with all summer long," says Alicia Lacy, DIYer and lifestyle blogger at Curbly. "Using an IKEA Kallax shelving unit and a set of Pretty Pegs legs, we created a record stand that’s made up of simple lines and a little mid-century character." This simple but effective hack is the perfect self-contained storage, and the retro-style speakers really complete the look.

10. Hang a KALLAX unit for a unique focal point

A wall-hung storage unit holding records

Free up the floor and take to the wall for practical record storage

(Image credit: IKEA)

To free up floor space, why not mount your shelving to the wall for a simple yet practical record storage hack? The IKEA office idea above offers a great way of storing your vinyl using a KALLAX unit hung above a storage cabinet, imbuing the workspace with some playful personality.

"This is a smart, small yet airy studio with an industrial feel, where making use of height frees up floor space," says Grant Robertson, interior design leader at IKEA. The small vinyl selection, neatly arranged in the wall shelving, becomes a practical solution for record storage, but also makes a talking-point piece. Style your record player below and let the soundtrack to your workday commence.

FAQs

What is the Best IKEA Storage for Vinyls?

If you want an IKEA vinyl record storage idea that proudly displays your records, consider the KALLAX unit. The cubes are the perfect size for storing records, holding up to 90 records in each opening, and it offers ample space to style record player stands on the top surface, too.

"It's the perfect size for vinyl storage, so you'll see some great hacks using this as a base," says Luke Arthur Wells, an interior stylist and DIY blogger who specializes in IKEA hacks.

Can Ikea Besta hold records?

While we don't have an example to share just yet (we're working on it!), the BESTA unit is another piece that's perfect for your IKEA record storage ideas.

The unit is 14.5" deep (an average record is 12.5" x 12.5"), which means they'll fit comfortably on the shelves.

Does IKEA have vinyl record storage?

While IKEA doesn't advertise that any of their furniture is designed specifically as record storage, incidentally, they have plenty of pieces that work for exactly this purpose, which we've shared above.



Whatever IKEA record storage hack you choose, the brand offers a number of options to find a style that suits your space (and collection!), which are all easily DIY-able.

But once you've worked out where you're going to store them, make sure to read up on the biggest vinyl organization mistakes to ensure you know how to store them.

Contributing Writer

Ruth Doherty is a lifestyle journalist based in London. An experienced freelance digital writer and editor, she is known for covering everything from travel and interiors to fashion and beauty. She regularly contributes to Livingetc, Ideal Home and Homes & Gardens, as well as titles like Prima and Red. Outside of work, her biggest loves are endless cups of tea, almond croissants, shopping for clothes she doesn’t need, and booking holidays she does.

With contributions from