Despite the advent of digital music, some of us have a hard time letting go of vinyl records. That’s understandable. After all, they are such a huge part of our growing-up years. Plus, the covers are just too beautiful they actually double as works of art.
If you want to be able to listen to your vinyl records and, at the same time, put the covers up for display, this project is for you. It’s built in such a way that you get easy access to the record itself through a slot.
The cover sleeves could serve as wall decors. It has a minimalist design that most homeowners would appreciate.
Contents
Crafting a Vinyl Record Frame
Materials
- Aluminum brazing rod
- Aluminum channel
Tools
- Gas torch kit
- Cabinet saw
- Angle gauge
- Miter saw
- Orbital sander
- Claps
- Eye protection
Instructions
Step 1: Design and Measurements
- Measure the vinyl record cover: Typically, a standard vinyl record cover measures about 12.375 inches square. Add a small margin for ease of insertion, planning your frame to be around 12.5 inches on each side.
- Design the frame: Decide on the thickness of the aluminum channel you prefer for the frame. A one-inch-wide channel is commonly used for a balanced look.
Step 2: Cutting the Aluminum Channel
- Set up your miter saw: Attach the appropriate blade for cutting aluminum. Ensure your miter saw is set to cut at 45-degree angles for the corners of the frame.
- Measure and mark the channel: Using the angle gauge, measure and mark your aluminum channel to the determined lengths, considering 45-degree cuts at each end.
- Cut the channel: Cut the aluminum channel at the marked measurements. You’ll need four pieces for a complete frame.
Step 3: Sanding the Edges
- Smooth the edges: Use the orbital sander to smooth out any rough edges from the cuts. This step is crucial to ensure your frame looks polished and professional.
Step 4: Assembling the Frame
- Set up your workspace: Lay out the cut pieces on a flat surface and arrange them to form a square frame, ensuring the corners meet cleanly.
- Clamp the corners: Use clamps to hold the corners in place securely. This will prevent any movement while brazing.
- Wear eye protection: Before you start brazing, make sure to wear eye protection to safeguard against any sparks or debris.
Step 5: Brazing the Joints
- Heat the joints: Using the gas torch kit, heat the joints where the aluminum pieces meet. The metal should be hot enough to melt the brazing rod.
- Apply the brazing rod: Touch the brazing rod to the heated joint. The rod will melt and flow into the joint, bonding the pieces together. Repeat this for all four corners.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Final sanding: Once the brazing has cooled, use the orbital sander again to smooth the joints and ensure a uniform finish across the frame.
- Clean the frame: To get rid of any leftovers from the sanding and brazing operations, wipe off the frame.
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox.
Learn how to make this DIY vinyl record frame by watching the video below.
Innovative Uses for Vinyl Record Frames in Home Decor
Vinyl record frames offer a unique blend of nostalgia and modern decor, making them an exceptional choice for interior design enthusiasts. As vinyl records make a comeback, their artistic covers provide a creative medium for home decoration.
Below are some innovative ways to incorporate vinyl record frames into your home decor, ensuring they serve both aesthetic and practical purposes.
Create a Feature Wall
A feature wall adorned with vinyl record frames can transform a simple room into a captivating space. Choose album covers that complement the room’s color scheme or theme. For example, a series of classic rock album covers can enhance a retro-styled living room, while jazz albums might suit a more sophisticated, minimalist area. Vinyl record frames arranged in a grid or an asymmetric pattern can serve as a striking visual centerpiece.
Enhance a Music Room
For music enthusiasts, vinyl record frames are perfect for decorating a music room or studio. Display your favorite albums in vinyl record frames along the walls. This not only showcases your musical taste but also inspires creativity and adds a personal touch to the space where you play music or relax with your favorite tunes.
Theme-Based Decor
Vinyl record frames can be used to create theme-based decor in any room. For instance, a children’s room could feature vinyl record frames with album covers from classic children’s movies or educational content. In a home theater, frames could display soundtracks from iconic films, adding to the cinematic experience.
Seasonal Displays
Use vinyl record frames to celebrate different seasons or holidays. Swap out album covers in the frames to reflect seasonal themes, such as bright and colorful covers for spring or spooky ones for Halloween. This flexible decor strategy keeps your home looking fresh and seasonally appropriate without much effort.
DIY Clock Wall Art
Turn a vinyl record frame into a functional piece of art by integrating a clock mechanism. Choose a visually striking album cover, fit the clock hands and motor behind the frame, and you have a unique, custom clock that continues the musical theme. It’s an excellent way to repurpose vinyl records and frames into something both beautiful and useful.
Personalized Photo Frames
Transform vinyl record frames into personalized photo frames. Replace the album covers with your favorite photographs, especially those captured at concerts or significant musical events. This approach allows you to blend personal memories with the vintage charm of vinyl frames, creating a deeply personal piece of decor.
Artistic Collages
Use vinyl record frames to create artistic collages that incorporate more than just album covers. Combine ticket stubs, concert wristbands, and other music-related memorabilia with the album artwork to craft a visual story of your musical journey. This can serve as a conversation starter and a unique piece of art in your home.
Educational Displays
For those with children or a passion for teaching, vinyl record frames can be used to create educational displays. Frame albums that have historical significance in the music industry to foster educational discussions about different music eras, genres, and influential artists. It’s an excellent way to decorate a study area or library at home.
Room Divider Screens
Create a room divider screen using multiple vinyl record frames. This can be particularly striking in larger spaces or studios, where you can use the frames as modular panels to divide areas while also displaying your collection. This functional decor element adds an artistic touch while providing practical use.
Ceiling Hanging Decor
Convert vinyl record frames into ceiling hanging decor for an unconventional display. Suspend them at different heights using sturdy transparent fishing lines. This method can turn your ceiling into a gallery of floating music art, ideal for music rooms or casual living spaces where you want to add an element of surprise and creativity.
Vinyl record frames are versatile tools in interior design, capable of bringing both visual appeal and a personal touch to any living space. Whether you’re aiming for a retro vibe or a contemporary look, these frames can be adapted to meet various decorative needs.
Maintaining and Protecting Your Vinyl Record Frames
Maintaining and protecting your vinyl record frames is crucial for preserving their appearance and ensuring they continue to showcase your favorite albums effectively. With the right care, these frames can keep your cherished vinyl covers looking pristine and vibrant for years.
Here are some essential tips to help you maintain and protect your vinyl record frames.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is vital to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on your frame. Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface of the frame and the glass or acrylic cover. If you encounter stubborn spots or fingerprints, use a small amount of glass cleaner sprayed onto the cloth, not directly on the frame, to avoid any moisture seeping into the artwork.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
To prevent fading of the album covers displayed in your vinyl record frames, it’s important to avoid placing them in direct sunlight. UV rays can cause the colors to fade over time, reducing the visual appeal of your display. Consider hanging your vinyl record frames in areas that receive indirect sunlight or use UV-protective glass to safeguard the artwork.
Humidity and Temperature Control
Maintain a stable environment around your vinyl frames to protect them from warping or other damage. High humidity can lead to moisture buildup, which might warp the frame or the album cover.
Similarly, extreme temperature changes can cause materials to expand and contract, potentially damaging the frame. Keeping your room at a consistent, moderate temperature and using a dehumidifier can help prevent these issues.
Your vinyl record frames will look great and display your cherished vinyl covers as colorful works of art in your house if you follow these easy care and protection advice.
Conclusion
Crafting your own vinyl record frames allows you to display cherished album covers as works of art, adding a personalized touch to your home decor. With the right materials and tools, anyone can create a durable and stylish frame that protects and showcases their favorite records. This DIY project is not only a practical way to preserve your vinyl, but it also infuses your living space with a sense of musical history and personal style.
We have more creative ways to display your belongings. Check out our DIY medal display rack!
