This Creative DIY Project Puts Your Scratched Or Thrifted Vinyl Records To Good Use

Streaming your music may be the easiest option these days, but that doesn't mean you should throw out your vintage vinyl records or ignore the ones at the thrift shop. They're made of polyvinyl chloride, a long-lasting type of plastic that is also used in plumbing, and it can last over 100 years. But despite their strength, the discs are easily scratched and can crack, leaving them unable to be played. Instead of tossing them, try one of several fun ways to upcycle your old vinyl records as home decor, including hanging them to create a gallery wall and creating floating shelves out of them.

To make the shelves, you'll need those old vinyl records, whether you have them already or thrift them. The idea is to heat the vinyl slightly to bend it into an L shape. Use an iron to heat up the record, bend it to the shape you want, and hang it on your wall. Use L-shaped hooks to further secure them in place if you plan to put semi-heavy items onto the vinyl, and grab a drill to make holes. Get any paint, decoupage, or craft supplies to decorate the records if you want.

To get started, heat up the vinyl record so it's flexible enough to bend without breaking. You can do this either by placing parchment paper on the vinyl and using an iron on top or with a heat blower gun. Then, bend the vinyl record to the shape you want. To make a shelf, you'll want to bend it straight across to create a 90-degree angle where one side sits along the wall and the other sticks out perpendicular to the wall. Getting a straight line is easier if you press the heated vinyl against a book, counter edge, or another straight object. It's necessary to note that heating up vinyl records can release harmful, cancer-causing chemicals like dioxins and furans into the air. Upcycling them keeps them out of landfills, but still proceed with caution when slightly melting the material, even if just for a few minutes.

Once the record is in your desired shape, you can customize it with paint, stickers, or decoupage. Then, drill some holes on the side that will go against the wall, and nail or screw it into the wall. If you want the shelves to hold heavier things, like books, use L-shaped shelf brackets to secure the shelf in place. Then, put the items on the shelf and enjoy! If you have more LPs, you can upcycle scratched vinyl records and make funky flower pots, or steer clear of melting them and explore fun ways to organize and display your vinyl collection as-is.