Unplggd reader Milly wrote in with this decor-friendly before and after project, dealing with their collection of LPs in a way that : This is a before-and-after shot of my husband's creative solution to displaying album art on our record shelf (IKEA Expedit 4x2 + 2x2). I thought the "lines" looked ugly so I asked him to do something about it. He simply pushed all the records back by about 2-3", and since the shelves are about 15" deep, they don't overhang the rear! The idea here is to leave the last album played from that cube out on display, so the artwork will be constantly changing.
My husband has a small fetish/obsession with long play vinyl records. His collection started with a small inheritance from his Great-Uncle, then expanded with some crates from my BFF's husband. Add some choice selections from the Salvation Army, including a stereo version of Herb Alpert's Whipped Cream and Other Delights for a $1.00. Personally, rather enjoy looking at the art more than the lines. Right?
So after thinking of all kinds of ways to display the art (think fabric hanging with pockets for each album sleeve and various ways of fastening it), Hubby went over to the IKEA Expedit took out some pieces out, and VOILA!
What do you think, Unplggd readers? And how do you store and display your records in your home?
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The sides look better ... when stacked clean they make a nice visual pattern. The covers would look nice but they'd really need to be flush. The stacked stereo equipment, TV and mess of junk on top of the unit including a toy racer(?!) looks gaudy and dorm-room. I'd hide the receiver somehow, get ahold of a nicer and more minimal turntable and wall mount the TV.
I like the "after". You can always switch out album covers over time for a little variety.
I have a very similar tv, record, bookcase set up. I have mine alphabetized and sideways so they are easier to find (I have about 400) but I do display some of my books and 45 records this way.
If you do decide to tackle the cords it is pretty easy with ikea hooks and a cable zipper from Staples. It is a quick Sunday afternoon project and also pretty fun.
hooks - http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20031374
cable zipper - http://www.staples.com/Staples-Cable-Zipper/product_633146
like the before. Show's depth, breadth, variety, and easier to snag albums.
also, stacking the turntable on top of another piece of equipment is a huge no-no
You know... I really like this and since I actually use the same piece of furniture to store my Burt Baccarat collection, I will try this out. My shelving unit is exposed on both sides, so this will be a very nice improvement in the look. Good Feng Shui practice *typically* dictates that there be relatively few lines in any visible surface and that edges of books and other items be concealed to avoid poison arrows and such, so yah- LUVS IT:)
We have a very similar shelf for our collection except it is a very dark wood, one piece, and has 8 shelves. I see the positive side of having the album art showing... But I like to have the spines' showing personally. Maybe I'm a music snob but we didn't spend obscene amounts of time and $$ on a collection, only to hide it :)
Duran duran!