IKEA vinyl storage hacks – 7 clever yet inexpensive ways to make your records look good

These IKEA vinyl storage hacks showcase the ideal balance between form and function and offer the inspiration to neatly store your vinyl record collection. 

'If you're a vinyl record lover, part of the joy of collecting this kind of media is putting them on display,' says Luke Arthur Wells, an interior stylist, and DIY blogger. 'During the renaissance of vinyl as a medium, people quickly worked out there are cheap and easy ways to make it look good. IKEA's KALLAX, for example, is the perfect size for vinyl storage, so you'll see some great hacks using this as a base.'

This perfect IKEA hack offers individual shelves that are a glove-like fit for records. And, of course, the finest vinyl collection is nothing without the ability to listen. Take a look at the guide for our top DIY picks.

1. Create a retro look with the IKEA KALLAX

It's no wonder IKEA Kallax hacks are so popular – they're versatile pieces and can be used for bookshelves, bench storage, and display units to name a few. Their cubby holes are also the perfect size for record storage. 

'The records fit so perfectly in the little cubbies,' says Christina of cuddlepill.com. 'We were able to place my partner's record player (he was very excited about this purchase) on top. It was a nice touch to the retro feel we had going with the speakers. The only thing that we weren’t sold on? The fact that everyone knew this was an IKEA piece and that it just kind of looked, you know, basic.'

'Finally, I realized there was a way to make the IKEA Kallax our own,' says Christina. 'I fell in love with the Svea 150 legs at Pretty Pegs – they were the perfect match for our Kallax system and immediately brought it to life.'

2. Make a chic record player unit with IKEA KALLAX 

This designer IKEA hack by Romina Halewat is one to take note of for IKEA record storage. She used the classic IKEA KALLAX to create a multifunctional (and almost retro) statement piece in this Berlin apartment. 'We just added a wooden board on the lower side, and then mid-century table legs,' says Romina. These apart, she added two KALLAX door inserts that reinvented the unit from its original flatpack heritage. 

After curating the records and adding in the speakers, she decorated the shelf in shades of blue 'to match the latest achievement (the vase on the right),' Romina shares.

3. Use an IKEA BILLY bookcase to make a stylish display cabinet

Take a leaf out of Melanie Lissack Interiors' design book and make your vinyl collection part of a larger display by using IKEA Billy bookcase hacks. 'I took the Billy bookcase and gave it a complete overhaul to become a bespoke statement shelving piece,' says Melanie, founder of Melanie Lissack Interiors.

The interior designer added Art Deco-style wall lights down the center of the bookcases and wallpapered the back of the units in a cracked-gold design by Harlequin via Style Library. The unit offers the perfect place to store a vinyl collection as well as books, ceramics, vases, and plants for a design statement.

4. Upgrade an IKEA VITTSJO shelving unit for an ultra-chic vinyl storage hack

This creative and super-stylish IKEA shelving hack found the perfect balance of prettiness and practicality. 'The purpose for our nook: Sit. Relax. Enjoy music,' explains Scott, of yellowbrickhome.com. 'We knew this would be our funny little room to play our records, read a good book, and hang with the pets. To make this happen, we needed a place to stash our vinyl collection, and after painting the room Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal, we finally assembled an IKEA Vittsjo unit that was originally intended for our future kitchen renovation.'

'They’re inexpensive and well made, but because records are heavy, we needed to reinforce the glass shelves they come with for something that can bear the weight,' says Scott.

So he set about reinforcing the lower two shelves with plywood. 'We added wood shelving not only for the warm look it provides but again, to give us enough support for all of our records,' says Scott.

5. Go wall-to-wall with the IKEA KALLAX for a vinyl storage showpiece

Got a vast vinyl collection? Make it the main feature in the room with a wall-to-wall IKEA Kallax hack for a show-stopping living room storage idea. The owner of this cool space, @mugidingdong, says: 'Kallax is a classic choice among vinyl collectors, as the size fits nicely. 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 for the ultimate funky finish.

6. Channel a vintage vibe with old school speakers and IKEA KALLAX

If you don't need a huge amount of space to store your records, this small IKEA vinyl storage hack is ideal. Invest in a 77cm x 77cm IKEA Kallax shelving unit, add mid-century modern legs, and finish with some vintage-inspired styling. The perfect unit for a living room corner. 

'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 of curbly.com. 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.' Simple but effective.

7. Hang your IKEA KALLAX vinyl storage for a unique focal point

OK, not a hack as such, but this is a unique and stylish IKEA office idea and a way of storing your vinyl with an affordable IKEA product. Rather than the usual shelving unit on the floor, try hanging a Kallax on the wall. This way, you'll create a practical solution for your vinyl storage whilst also making a talking-point piece. 

'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 UK & Ireland. 'High up on the wall there is a row of cabinets for things you don’t need daily, like files and bedding. For things you use more often, like records, a wall-hung shelf is a space-saving solution.'