This TikTok DIY Repurposes An Old Drum Kit Into The Perfect Vinyl Records Storage

Whether you collect vinyl records or just have a few favorites around the house, there's no denying they can provide great decor as well as their intended purpose of playing music. However, it can be tricky finding a place to store these, and while shelves are always a great way to show them off, it's easy to run out of space. If you're stuck between keeping them in crates or boxes where no one can see them, or over stuffing shelves and surfaces, a new TikTok trend might give you the ideal way to display your vinyl. By repurposing an old drum set, you can create unique storage that is both functional and stylish. All you have to do is remove the drumheads from the shell to transform a bass drum into a record shelf that can be placed anywhere in your home.

The first thing you want to do is source a drum, which might take some creative shopping. You will only need one of the larger drums, also known as the bass drum, so if you happen to find one of these separate of the whole drum kit you can save yourself some money. Places you could find a drum or drum set include Facebook, thrift and secondhand stores, music stores like Guitar Center, or off online sites like eBay. 

As a great way to turn a thrifted find into record storage, this hack combines all the elements of music into one clever unit. Your finished product will depend on the condition your drum is in (for example, did it come on its original stands or do you need to add some). People who have made this DIY have added different elements to make it work, which range from slim legs to prop it up, to attaching a tabletop shelf using a record player. Securing the legs if you plan to add your own may require drilling, otherwise you could prop the drum upright and place small wood blocks on either side to keep it from getting shifted if the original stands aren't attached.

You want to source a drum key, which you can find online or at a music store. This will help you remove the drumhead, or the material that covers the front and back of the bass. Using the key, start taking off the lugs, which hold the frame and the drumhead together. Once you've loosened and removed these, the drumhead will pull off and you have the empty shell or cylinder portion that will make up your shelf.

Instead of a retro wood record table top that needs tools and expertise to attach, you could also just secure a piece of plywood to the top and place a single record display shelf. If you can find a table that fits over the bass drum, create a unit with different levels for extra storage. This will add more visual interest to your drum and allow you to match the theme even more if you prefer. Make sure you paint or stain the plywood so it doesn't come off as unfinished with the setup. Cut it down to the size you need so it doesn't overwhelm the base.

Decorating your drum is half the fun. You can paint it, add stickers from your favorite bands, or even decoupage it. Alternatively, you could put your scratched and thrifted vinyl to use by cutting them up for embellishments. Make sure to do any painting, sanding, or staining after you've removed the drumhead and secured your base or added any upgrades. The vinyl shelf itself will vary; this is completely up to you and what works for your collection.