Storing Vinyl Records Horizontally

For large collections invest in blank or pre labeled record dividers to make things easier to sort and navigate.

Storing vinyl records horizontally. Over time the vinyl can warp and become misshapen. A strong and sturdy shelf wins the vinyl storage race. Look for shelves with long horizontal rows and short columns about 1 to 2 inches 2 5 to 5 1 cm taller than your largest album size allowing you to store more records. Indeed we see it a lot in movies and magazines.

But for long term storage or for collector s items i would definitely go with the extra protection of a vinyl record bag. Use suitable shelves or crates boxes for vinyl storage. This is where vinyl record storage guidelines part ways from indoor plant care. Which can damage records in just a few minutes.

Vinyl records should be stored in a vertical position to maintain their shape. Storing them horizontally risks having them dish warp from the weight of the records on top. When vinyls are piled high or horizontal in this case it can cause the shelving to collapse like a pack of cards. Pack your records tight enough that they cannot slant or lean but with enough wiggle room to be able to remove individual records.

However horizontal storage is not the best option for vinyl longevity. Store your records in their liners and turn the open end of the liner towards the inside of the sleeve if possible. Unlike your indoor greenery vinyl records should be stored in a relatively dry environment about 35 40 relative humidity or rh. Any warping will change the way a record sound and can make it unplayable.

Vinyl records are most susceptible to ultraviolet light. Keeping a flashy record collection horizontally on a shelf looks cool. Apple boxes and wine cases are okay.