Turn IKEA Billy Bookcases Into Stunning Built-In Vinyl Record Storage

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Whether you've been a longtime collector or simply love how they help you achieve a boho-chic living room, there's no denying that vinyl records add both joy and style to a space. The downside, however, is that they can often be tricky — and expensive — to store, with decently sized record player cabinets sometimes costing thousands of dollars. If you only have a handful of records, it's pretty easy to find budget-friendly products that make vinyl storage simple. But if you've been adding to your collection for years, you've probably accumulated a healthy number of records. In this case, you may need to get creative when coming up with clever vinyl record storage solutions that won't break the budget — and that don't involve keeping them in crates on the floor.

Luckily, there's a new TikTok hack that prioritizes storage and style. It involves joining two of IKEA's Billy Bookcases, which cost just $79 each, to create one oversized built-in vinyl cabinet. The reason this works so great is because you get double the shelving — and double the storage. So if your record collection is big enough to fill every shelf, it's an ideal solution. And if it's not, the beauty of this hack is that the extra space can also be filled with books or other stylish décor accents, such as vases of fresh or dried flowers, candles, and small picture frames. Another bonus: Instead of hiding records away in a cabinet with doors, this design lets you proudly display your collection for all to see.

To get started on this vinyl record storage hack, join the two Billy bookcases together by running a wide strip of pine wood down the centre of each case and securing everything with screws. Then, use additional pine planks to build a box for the top of the joined bookcases and finish it with crown molding. For an even more bespoke look, add decorative strip molding along the sides and edges, as well as along the join lines to disguise the fact that it's two separate pieces and not an actual built-in piece.

Next, you'll want to cover up the shelf holes that all Billy bookcases come with, which you can do using half dowel beading — this Nuanchu Decorative Beaded Wood Trim, for example, adds a stylish touch. Then comes the fun part: customizing your storage unit to match your personal style. One way to do this is by lining the back panels of the bookcases with wallpaper. The original TikToker used an eggplant-purple beadboard wallpaper, but the options are endless. You could even go for a patterned peel and stick wallpaper such as this Tempaper & Co. Vintage Check Textured Peel and Stick Wallpaper — one of our favorite designs from HGTV star Jeremiah Brent's wallpaper collection. After that, prime and paint your new vinyl storage unit. You can keep it white or give it a retro vibe with a rustic brown color. Finally, slide in your records, style the remaining shelves with your additional décor pieces, and enjoy your new storage piece.