You can also repurpose metal shelves and furniture for media storage.
With a media storage unit you can organize your media by type (CD, DVD) and archive older formats, such as vinyl albums and cassettes, until you are able to transfer them to newer formats. A media storage unit can also have several applications in terms of where it's placed. You can use it in a home media room, home office and even where you work to organize and simplify access to any format you need at any time.
Instructions
1. Determine the primary types of media you want to store. Go through your collection of various media types (CDs, DVDs, albums and cassettes). Measure how much space you will need to organize each type of format.
2. Select a style for your media storage unit. You can consider an "open" look that uses glass to complement a contemporary room, allowing you to display your media library. Alternatively, consider a storage unit style with doors to keep your media library out of sight.
3. Measure the space where the storage unit will go. Use a tall design for a room where you have limited wall space but lots of media to store. Go for a long and expansive look in a room where you might have more wall space, such as in a living room or dedicated media or entertainment area.
4. Determine the type of materials you want to frame the unit. Consider laminated particleboard in white or black to form the bottom, back and sides for a unit that will house a large collection of CDs and DVDs. Make shelves of lighter weight materials or glass if your collection of media is small or you want your collection to be visible. Use heavier weight shelves and multiple shelf supports for those "can't let go" vinyl albums. Allow at least 8 inches between shelves for comfortable retrieval of CDs and DVDs, and 14 inches for vinyl albums.
5. Have the wood and/or glass materials for shelves cut to the specifications for your unit. Use metal side strips and clips to provide the support for shelves. Drill the shelf support strips onto the side panels for the unit, between 1 and 2 inches from the ends of the shelving panels. Add a thin line of wood glue to the exposed edges if you are using particle board to strengthen the bond between panels. Use wood screws to join the panels together. Allow time for the glue to thoroughly dry so the panels are properly adhered and joined together.
6. Add hinges to the unit if you are going to close it off with exterior cabinet doors. Consider chrome-finished, vertical handles for a contemporary look or use "press and open" magnets for sleek and clean doors with no visible handles.
Tags: storage unit, your media, media storage unit, vinyl albums, your collection, albums cassettes, media library