Turn A Thrifted Find Into The Perfect Vinyl Record Storage

If you like wandering the aisles of thrift stores, you might've passed by an old magazine rack and not given it a second glance. Although it was once a popular item, people nowadays scroll their phones more than they flip through printed magazines. It's probably why you don't see one sitting next to your neighbor's La-Z-Boy anymore. But before you label one of these racks as useless, they can actually be upcycled into an amazing storage container for records. Music lovers who collect vinyl are typically passionate about their collection, so they need the perfect place to keep and display it. Turns out, a magazine rack is just the right size for the job.

It's not the only way to repurpose an old magazine rack around the home, either. Every rack is different, as they come in a variety of materials and designs, but they're all extremely versatile because of their storage compartments. They're oftentimes made of metal, wood, or fabric. Some magazine racks are simple, while others feature more intricate details that add to their uniqueness. For decades you could find them in living rooms, so perhaps they're a home décor trend begging for a comeback. Yet, instead of displaying your magazines, grab your favorite records and see how nicely they fit inside.

You can typically pick up a magazine rack for under $10 at a thrift store. Even vintage ones can be sold for just a few bucks, so it's a steal if you're using it as a vinyl storage piece. The slots work great for holding album covers, which are just over 12 inches in length and height. There are even ways you could customize a magazine rack, too.

A magazine rack doesn't necessarily need any changing, since the albums are what give it the most character. But you can also take one up a notch with a DIY project. Start by getting the rack all cleaned up with a cloth and a mixture of water and a little bit of dish soap. Then, wipe it dry. If it's made of wood, you could sand it until it's smooth before giving it a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that works well with your home décor, and it'll be a storage container you proudly display. You could even stencil a name, lyric, or logo onto the wood — or use decoupage to add some musical flair.

Another home décor idea you can DIY on a budget is to use a magazine rack to hold the actual record player itself. Some of them feature a tabletop that sits above the rack. If your player fits the size, it's an excellent way to show them both off in one combined piece. You can even grab an extra magazine rack or two to help store a bigger collection. Simply place them all together, along with your record player, to create the ultimate vintage music station.