23 ways to frame your record album covers

Many Retro Renovation readers like to collect and display vintage LPs — we looked at eight ways that readers are displaying vintage album covers in this story. Hanging album art is an instant and affordable way to turn a blank wall into a swingin’ scene — as well as display your collection. The only thing harder than tying to decide which albums are wall-worthy, is figuring out a way to hang them that fits your style and budget. That’s why I’ve searched far and wide to bring you 23 ways to frame your album covers — including both store bought frames at a variety of price points and DIY ideas. With so many options available — you’ll be sure to find a solution that fits your needs and your decorating style.

Specialty Record Frames

If you like to use your records as well as display them as art then Play and display frames from Art Vinyl available on Amazon (affiliate link) (above) are a great option. The frames come in black or white, fold down to allow easy access to the album, are designed to compensate for various thicknesses of records and have a quick release system so you can change the record without having to remove the whole frame from the wall. All of these extras do come with a price tag — so this option might be out of range for those wanting to display large collections.

Above: More budget friendly record frames that allow easy access are the vinyl record frames from Records on Walls. Starting at $8.99 (price goes down for bulk orders), these only frame the top and bottom of the record instead of all four sides and do not have a protective glass or acrylic cover. These frames also are able to display thicker or gatefold albums with ease. They are made of high quality plastic (in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada). If you don’t mind the look of these frames, this would be a great option for those looking to create a large — and easily accessible — wall display of records on the cheap(ish).

Bags Unlimited has a variety of options to hang records (above) including matted LP frames, picture disc encapsulation frame kits, album jacket frames, jacket & record matted LP frames and circular frames. These options do not allow for easy access to the records — although several designs do offer a variety of ways to display the record and/or the jacket — which many other frames do not allow.

Another company that offers a variety of framing options for records is Frame My Record. They have wood record frames in four finishes for $19 each, frames with mats (in 18 color options) for $45, LP gatefold frames for $49 (or with mat for $79), and several option for framing both the album art and record together. These frames are also made in the USA.

Above: If you are looking for a “frameless” record album frame — try The Groovey Art Frame — a clear, acrylic frame that hangs on the wall with one nail. Albums slide right in — allowing for easy access, or to quickly change up your album arrangement. These frames are sized to fit most single LP covers including gatefolds and most double record sets and are made in the USA. Offered in 3 packs ($45 + shipping), 6 packs ($84 + shipping) or 10 packs ($130 + shipping).

Rock Art Picture Show says the Smithsonian used their record album frames (above). These black acrylic frames have a slightly wider bottom for a different look from most plain black record frames. These frames do not use clips that press on records, but instead allow records to be easily slid into the frames. The frames were invented by a record collector with the mission to safely display records and sell for $16.95 each (or less for bulk orders).

Basic record frames

I easily found quite a few options today for a basic, no frills frame for your vintage album covers. Many of these options come in money-saving multipacks, which are great for people wanting an inexpensive way to frame a large number of records. The down sides to these frames are the lack of easy access (if you play as well as display your collection), and I’m unsure of the quality of these options. It is probably best to try to find the frames in a store to asses the quality versus price for yourself. Frames can be found at:

• Walmart — pack of 6 black record album frames for $38
• Michael’s — pack of 3 LP frames (remember to use the weekly 40% off coupon if these are not already on sale)
• Urban Outfitters has album frames in five colors 2/$20
• Hobby Lobby has a black wood record album frame for $14.99
• JoAnn Fabrics has a multipurpose record album cover frame that retails for $9.99

Inexpensive DIY options

• Use L screws to hang records on a wall via lifehacker
• Hang vinyl records using plastic tile trim via instructables (there are also people who use wood trim and other materials in the comments section)
• Hang records with wood molding and picture wire via Analog Apartment

Frame your furniture

Last, if you don’t have the wall space to display your records — why not consider combining an Ikea Expedit shelf with Rekordit™ frames  [above — alas, the shop now seems to be defunct (2019)] to create a good looking way to mix record storage and display. The frames are pricey — $78 for two — but if you are a serious record collector, this might be just what you need to hide the bulk of your collection behind the album art of a few of your favorites.

No matter what your budget or style is — surely one of these record display systems will be just the thing you’ve been searching for to display a few special records — or even your entire collection — in your own unique way.