Do you own any vinyl records from back in the day? If yes, some of them are likely to bring back happy memories from that time, and there is no doubt that many stories can be shared from that era. These memories and stories should not be simply confined to spend even more time hidden away in a box in a room such as the garage or the attic; they deserve to be shared with others so that they can also enjoy them. A great way of doing so is by framing the records.
Framing Vinyl Records – How to Get It Right (Without Ruining Them)
First things first: if you are framing a record, I am going to assume it actually means something to you. Maybe it’s the album you played repeatedly in your twenties. Maybe it’s the one that you were able to get signed. Maybe it’s just the artwork that really stands out and impresses you.
Whatever the reason, please don’t just stick it in a cheap clip frame. It needs something of a higher quality to match just how special the item is to you.
Decide What You are Actually Framing
This sounds obvious, but it’s often where people go wrong.
Are you framing:
• Just the sleeve?
• The vinyl itself?
• Both together?
• A signed copy?
If it’s a valuable or signed record, my honest advice? Frame the sleeve and keep the vinyl stored safely elsewhere. Records are sensitive to heat and pressure. Once it’s behind glass and sitting in sunlight, you are asking for warping.
If it’s purely decorative and you have got a spare copy, then fine, we can work with that.
The Best Frame Style for Vinyl
You have basically got three good options:
1. A deep box frame
2. A purpose-built vinyl display frame
3. A custom-made frame
Box Frames (Best Overall Option)
A deep box frame (sometimes called a shadow box) gives the record and sleeve space to breathe. It stops everything from being squashed flat and looks properly intentional.
You can mount the sleeve at the back and float the vinyl slightly in front. It adds depth. It looks clean. And it doesn’t feel like you have just improvised.
Go for a simple black, white or natural wood frame. Let the album artwork do the talking.
Purpose-Made Vinyl Frames
These are handy if you like swapping records out regularly. Some of them open from the front, so you don’t have to take the whole thing off the wall every time.
They are convenient, but they can look a bit “retail display” if you are not careful. They are completely fine for a music room. Maybe less so for a living room where you are likely to want something a bit more polished.
Custom Framing
If the record is signed or genuinely valuable, custom framing is worth every penny.
A proper framer will:
• Use acid-free mounts
• Use UV-protective glazing
• Mount everything without damaging it
• Advise on spacing and layout
It is the difference between preserving something and slowly destroying it.
A Few Things You Really Shouldn’t Ignore
1. Sunlight
Vinyl warps and sleeves can fade. It is, therefore, best to keep framed records away from direct sunlight. It’s not dramatic. It just happens slowly, and then one day you notice.
2. Don’t glue anything
I know it’s tempting. Don’t do it. Mount properly or not at all.
3. Think about the room
Framing three punk albums in ornate gold frames? Probably not the vibe. Match the frame to the artwork and the space.
Minimal frame = modern look.
Wood frame = warmer, more classic feel.
Black frame = safe and timeless.
One Last Thing
If you are framing records because you love music, lean into that. Make it a feature wall. Group them in a grid. Mix them with gig photos or concert tickets. Done well, it looks curated rather than random.
A properly framed vinyl record looks far better than it has any right to. It turns something functional into proper wall art. Just frame it in a way that respects it. If you are going to put your favourite album on the wall, you should definitely do it properly.