RS Recommends: The Best Record Crates for Your Vinyl Collection
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As the vinyl boom continues, your own collection is probably expanding. Whether you’re shopping for your first record crate or find yourself in need of additional storage, we’ve rounded up some of the best record crates for safety storing – and displaying – your favorite LPs.
What Are the Best Vinyl Record Crates?
You might have a simple picture in your head when you think of record crates, informed by the no-frills bins at your local record store. However, the best vinyl record crates come in an ever-expanding range of styles, materials, and even shapes. The best record crate for you will depend on the size of your collection and the style of your space.
Related: How to Clean and Care for Your Vinyl Collection
While classic crates will look like simple, wooden boxes, there are decorative crates that mix metals and woods for a modern, artisan look. Other crates get creative and go beyond the traditional cube shape – which is useful when you need more storage than a standard crate allows. Oftentimes, these crates also have other unique design features, such as clear front panels that let you show off your collection’s album art.
Not only does the crate’s shape determine how many records it holds, it also influences where you put it. Classic cube crates often look best on the floor, while rectangular vinyl crates can fit nicely on a media table. As you shop, think about how the crates will fit in with your existing turntable setup.
1. KAIU Vinyl Record Storage Holder
This vinyl record holder turns storage into art. Made with a wooden base and acrylic end panels, it holds up to fifty albums. The clear acrylic panels let you admire the album art in your collection, making it an eye-catching display in any room. The panels rest at an angle, too, so you can comfortably flip through your collection. The unit is rectangular in shape, so it can fit perfectly on a media table, right next to your record player and speakers.
2. X-cosrack Vinyl Storage Crate
While this record crate keeps the classic cube shape, the rest of its design has gotten an artisan upgrade. Made with beautiful dark wood and black-coated steel, it’s as decorative as it is useful. This record crate can hold up to 65 albums though it can also be used to hold magazines, books, newspapers and even towels and blankets. We especially love this crate for its built-in, easy-to-grab handles that help you safely move your records.
3. Artliving Vinyl Record Storage Crate
If you’re looking for a record crate but need a bit more space than the cube design typically allows, consider this storage crate from Artliving. Measuring 15.1 × 16.1 × 12.2 inches, it can hold up to 80 records at a time and is sized to keep your LPs standing — not sliding.
This record crate is made from sturdy bamboo with a warm, rustic finish. The natural tones make it a compatible fit for any style room though it lends itself to mid-century modern decor — perfect for reliving the throwback vinyl era.
4. Warm Stylus Vinyl Record Holder
Classic crates still work for a reason: they’re sturdy, protective, and accessible. This crate is made from thick, varnished plywood and can hold up to 50 records. Its compact cube shape makes it easy to tuck this crate anywhere in your space, and built-in handles let you easily pull it out when it’s time to flip through your collection and find the perfect record.
We like the v-shaped front too, which lets you easily see and sort through all the albums you have in the crate.