How To Create A Vinyl Record Wall
A vinyl wall display can take many shapes, and the outcome should be as functional as it is beautiful. From a long-term display to an ongoing rotation of what’s now-playing, or a combination of the two, Record Props provide the flexibility for each method in a unique display that’s easy to use and easy to install. Read on for design ideas and tips on creating a vinyl record wall that is uniquely you.
A photo of the original Record Props wall that started it all, showing a tightly spaced design above the Technics.
Shout out to coolblueweb for sharing this beautiful setup on their office wall – an ode to Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain.
Planning Your Record Wall
Consider a few quick tips when you get started…
The current Record Props HQ record wall
1. Measure your wall space – If you have a wall in mind, grab a tape measure and begin to get a feel for the overall space you have to work with.
2. Estimate the number of records you’d like to hang on the wall – Maybe a dozen? Maybe just one or two? Consider not just the amount of wall space you have, but some added breathing room to avoid your display looking overcrowded.
3. Think about record sizes – The most common vinyl wall displays will include 12” LP records and we love mixing and matching 10” records, 7” or 45’s too – as seen here in our current setup.
4. Sketch a few layouts to consider – Try not to rush right into the installation. Grab a pencil and paper and sketch a rough idea of what you have in mind. You might be surprised at how many different variations you can come up with, even in the smallest of spaces. Bonus points for taking a photo of your space and showing off some photoshop skills to mockup your wall with vinyl record photos.
5. Measure again – at least twice, right? Think about the distance from your nearest wall or ceiling, and your turntable or neighboring artwork. Once you’re ready to get started, take a look at our recommended install specs below.
Recommended MeasurementS & Record Wall Install tips
You’ve made some crucial decisions and you’re getting ready to make this wall a reality. Now it’s time to start getting into the nitty-gritty. The most important consideration is how much breathing room we will include between the album selections on our record wall. Here are a few recommendations when displaying with Record Props.
Our record wall measurement guide includes metric and standard measurement recommendations for your album wall spacing.
For 12” LPs, we like to have a minimum of 16 inches between the center of each mount when displaying records side-by-side. This will leave about four inches between albums, which is enough space to easily handle ongoing rotation and changing vinyl records frequently.
When displaying albums vertically, plan for a minimum of 24 inches (give or take) between the center of the displays above/below one another. Again, this leaves enough breathing room to easily handle your vinyl and change out records frequently. It also makes for an aesthetically pleasing space. Negative space is your friend.
For ten-inch records, subtract four inches for the recommended average measurements. And for 7” records and 45’s, subtract ten inches from the recommended average measurements.
For a visual reference, download our handy measurement guide to help plan your wall design. But don’t worry about exact measurements. It’s not a science. Get creative, have fun, and come up with something that works well for you.
Looking for more inspiration?
Music is an expression of self and we’re giving props to fans and artists by sharing the love around the globe. Whether it’s at home, above our listening station, or a simple display of art in the workplace, it’s so great to see music being shared near and far.
If you’d like more suggestions, contact us anytime to help with your design. And in either case, keep in touch, let us know what’s now playing in your life, and don’t forget to share the results once you’ve created your perfect vinyl record wall.
A beautiful installation created by Ana Martinez for an Easton Park residential development in Austin, TX
A shot of the Give Props installation for Record Store Day 2017 at Cactus Music in Houston, TX featuring unique works on vinyl records by individual artists.
A shrine of records for Taylor Swift shared by @samberato on Instagram.
Record Props founder, Tim DeSilva, appreciating a few favorite vinyl record selections. The medium of vinyl provides the means to celebrate both the musicians and the visual artists behind the creation of every album, past and present.
