DIY Wall Mounted Vinyl Storage: Beginner Guide

Hey there, music lover! Ready to show off your vinyl collection and free up some floor space? IKEA shelves are great, but sometimes you need something a little more you, right? Building your own wall mounted vinyl storage is totally achievable, even if you’re just starting out with DIY projects. The concept of floating shelves offers a sleek, modern look, and with a few basic tools, like a level from Stanley Black & Decker, you can create a display that’s both functional and stylish. Imagine transforming your listening room into a curated gallery showcasing your favorite records – let’s get started!

Let’s Get Those Vinyls on the Wall! A Beginner’s Guide to DIY Wall Mounted Vinyl Storage

Okay, so you’re ready to ditch the milk crates and overflowing shelves and give your vinyl collection the stylish home it deserves? Awesome! Wall-mounted vinyl storage is a fantastic way to showcase your records, save space, and add a personal touch to your room. This guide is all about making that happen, even if you’re a complete beginner. We’ll break it down step-by-step, so don’t worry – you got this!

First, let’s think about how this guide can best help you on your DIY adventure. We’re going to walk through the whole process in a way that makes sense and sets you up for success.

Here’s the plan:

1. Why Wall Mounted Vinyl Storage? The Perks! We’ll kick things off by chatting about why wall-mounting your vinyl is such a great idea in the first place. Think aesthetics, space-saving, and more!

2. Planning Your Project: Size, Style, and Location. Time to get your thinking cap on! This is where you’ll decide how big your storage unit will be, what style you’re going for, and where in your room it’ll live. Crucial stuff!

3. Gathering Your Supplies: What You’ll Need. A detailed checklist of all the materials and tools you’ll need to bring your vision to life. No surprises here!

4. Building Your Wall Mounted Vinyl Storage: Step-by-Step. The heart of the guide! Clear, easy-to-follow instructions with plenty of guidance to ensure you’re on the right track. We will cover multiple popular methods that are easy to build like use of floating shelfs, wooden crates, and ledge style shelving.

5. Installation: Mounting Your Creation. Safe and secure installation is key. We’ll cover the basics of finding studs, using anchors, and making sure your vinyl storage isn’t going anywhere!

6. Styling Your Vinyl Display: The Finishing Touches. Now for the fun part! Tips and ideas for arranging your records, adding accessories, and making your wall-mounted display a true reflection of your personality.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these sections:

1. Why Wall Mounted Vinyl Storage? The Perks!

• Visual Appeal: Elevating your vinyl collection transforms it from clutter to curated art. Think of your albums as canvases, and your wall as the gallery.
• Space Saving: Floor space is precious! Wall mounting frees up valuable room for dancing, furniture, or whatever your heart desires.
• Easy Access: No more digging through stacks! Having your vinyl within easy reach makes listening a breeze.
• Protection: Keeping your records off the floor protects them from dust, moisture, and accidental damage (pet paws, curious toddlers, etc.).
• Conversation Starter: A stylish vinyl display is a guaranteed conversation starter. Prepare for compliments!

2. Planning Your Project: Size, Style, and Location

Before you even touch a saw, ask yourself these questions:

• How many records do you need to store? (This dictates the size of your storage unit.)
• What’s your budget? (This will influence your material choices.)
• What’s your personal style? (Rustic, modern, minimalist? Let your personality shine!)
• Where in your room will it go? (Consider sunlight, accessibility, and wall space.)
• How will you mount this? (Do you know how to find a stud or are you comfortable using drywall anchors?)

Style Ideas:

Style	Description	Materials
Minimalist	Clean lines, simple shapes, focus on functionality.	Light wood, metal brackets
Rustic	Distressed wood, reclaimed materials, vintage vibes.	Pallet wood, barn wood
Industrial	Metal pipes, exposed hardware, raw materials.	Pipe fittings, wood planks
Mid-Century	Tapered legs, warm wood tones, geometric shapes.	Walnut veneer, wood legs
Modern	Clean lines, sleek surfaces, emphasis on symmetry or asymmetry	Acrylic, metal, painted wood

3. Gathering Your Supplies: What You’ll Need

This will vary slightly depending on your chosen design, but here’s a general list:

• Wood (or other materials): Choose your lumber based on your budget and style. Pine is affordable and easy to work with.
• Fasteners: Screws, nails, and/or wood glue.
• Measuring Tools: Tape measure, level, square.
• Cutting Tools: Saw (hand saw, circular saw, miter saw – whatever you’re comfortable with).
• Sanding Tools: Sandpaper (various grits), sanding block.
• Finishing Supplies: Stain, paint, varnish (optional, but recommended for protection and aesthetics).
• Safety Gear: Safety glasses, dust mask, ear protection.
• Wall Mounting Hardware: Stud finder, drill, screws, wall anchors (if necessary).

4. Building Your Wall Mounted Vinyl Storage: Step-by-Step

Now for the nitty-gritty! This section will provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for building your chosen design.
Remember to take your time, measure twice, and cut once.

Let’s consider the following example design.
Floating Shelves for a Beginner:

1. Cut your wood to the desired length and width. Floating shelves are very common and use a single or multiple wood pieces
2. Sand all surfaces smooth. Use a medium-grit sandpaper first, then a fine-grit for a super smooth finish.
3. Apply finish. Stain, paint, or varnish – let your creativity run wild! Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the finish to dry completely between coats.
4. Attach the mounting brackets. Carefully position and attach the brackets to the back of the shelf using screws.
5. Mount to the wall – Follow steps in section 5 to mount to a wall

5. Installation: Mounting Your Creation

• Find the Studs: Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall. Studs are the vertical framing members that provide the strongest support.
• Mark the Locations: Mark the stud locations with a pencil.
• Drill Pilot Holes: Drill pilot holes through the mounting brackets and into the studs.
• Attach with Screws: Securely attach the vinyl storage unit to the wall using screws.
• If No Studs: If you can’t find studs where you need them, use wall anchors. Choose anchors that are rated for the weight of your storage unit and your vinyl collection. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the anchors.
• Level Check: Double-check that your storage unit is level before fully tightening the screws.

6. Styling Your Vinyl Display: The Finishing Touches

• Arrange Your Records: Play around with different arrangements. Group by genre, color, or artist. Consider leaving some space for visual breathing room.
• Add Accessories: Incorporate small plants, picture frames, or other decorative items to personalize your display.
• Consider Lighting: A well-placed lamp or string lights can add a warm and inviting glow.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid cramming too many records into your storage unit. Allow some space for easy browsing.
• Change it Up: Don’t be afraid to rearrange your display periodically to keep things fresh and interesting.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this beginner’s guide gives you the confidence to tackle your own DIY wall mounted vinyl storage project. It might take a weekend, and a little patience, but imagine how awesome it’ll be to finally have your record collection beautifully displayed and easily accessible. Happy building!