Help me get my records off the floor

December 12, 2008 3:17 PM

I'm having trouble finding a credenza/shelf that meets the following specifications

I need a shelf that:

a) has enough room for my record player, receiver, and a few records to store upright, so at least two shelves would be nice
b) is fairly low to the ground
c) is affordable (less than $200 or so)
d) isn't from IKEA (long story)

I like this but it seems expensive for something I have to assemble myself. I went to thrift stores but those item are too big and bulky for my smallish apartment--same with what I found on Craigslist. Haven't tried freecycle yet. I'd love any other suggestions before I do.

posted by girlmightlive to home & garden (6 comments total)

Have you tried Target's furniture section? It's pretty cheap, relatively sturdy and doesn't look too bad. It's really difficult to shop for furniture on their website, but most brick and mortar stores have display units. I'm certain I've seen things exactly like your link for around $200.
posted by muddgirl at 3:28 PM on December 12, 2008

I love my Ikea Expedit to store records and my Danish mid-century vinyl record cabinet to hold a few records and my player, receiver, etc. on top. I found the latter at a vintage furniture shop and it was less than $200.

BUT, this site has a two shelf cabinet that can store 270 records, is low to the ground, is $250 (but free shipping) and isn't from Ikea.
posted by bunnie at 4:37 PM on December 12, 2008

It's hard to believe, but WalMart has some really decent looking items in their furniture and their homewares departments.
posted by Newstuffoldstuff at 4:43 PM on December 12, 2008

Do you have a drill and some basic DIY skills?

I made some shelving from some timber and threaded rods. The advantages, at least for me, were:

1. I get to decide shelf height to a stupidly precise degree
2. Shelves are easy to dismantle and move
3. If you want to put a record deck on it, you can alter an individual shelf to get it level even if the floor is not level just by adjusting the nuts on the underside

Just remember to use two nuts and a washer on the underside of the shelf to stop any unwanted movement.
posted by mandal at 1:02 AM on December 13, 2008

I was poking around on this site earlier today, looking at their selection of rugs, and I noticed that they had some good deals on furniture too. They don't have much to choose from in what you're looking for, but this shelf has similar dimensions to the one you like, though the styling is a little different. The price is right, especially with free shipping. Only thing is, it's hard to tell whether the shelves are tall enough for records.
posted by Balonious Assault at 1:13 AM on December 13, 2008

I haven't made up my mind yet, but you've given me more to consider. Thanks for the suggestions.
posted by girlmightlive at 5:48 AM on December 15, 2008