Yes, CD storage ideas are still going strong, even though the CDs themselves seem to have gone down in history. So many of us have lovingly built collections, sourcing rare finds and live releases, and it seems a shame to get rid of them. But how do you style those bulky pieces when space at home is always limited? And when displaying them in a plastic display can seem a little… dated?
That’s the problem with CDs. We’re so about the best surround sound systems these days that this nod to the past might seem a little… embarrassing.
But organizing your music collection can extend the life of your favorite albums and make them easily accessible. While streaming music from Spotify or Amazon Music using the best smart speakers can be convenient, not all of us are ready to give up our CD collections after all.
So if you’re not quite ready to sell your CD collection, take a moment to organize your music at home. Keep them handy and you can dance to your favorite album anytime.
6 CD Storage Ideas to Organize Your Music Collection
(Image credit: The Painted Furniture Company)
If you want your interior to stay clean and clutter-free, storing your CD collection behind closed doors is the perfect solution. A custom piece such as this large Blake dresser from The Painted Furniture Company (pictured above) can work well because it can be tailored to your measurements.
Keeping the CDs themselves behind closed doors creates a more calming feeling than seeing rows of them on display. A dresser like this mixes open niches and closed storage space so you can choose what to display and what to hide. Store CDs, books, DVDs, art and everything else in style – this could also be perfect for vinyl storage.
2. Brighten up your screen
(Image credit: Neatsmith)
Instead of hiding your collection behind closed doors, showcasing it – literally with mood lighting – can make a stylish statement. It can also bring out the beauty of the media unit – be it wood or glass, for example.
“When choosing a media cabinet, we recommend using LEDs in the shelves to illuminate the contents,” says Philipp Nagel, director of Neatsmith. “You can choose from a variety of understated and contemporary materials such as wood or glass doors which come in a beautiful variety of colors and effects to complement a room. Choosing a finish such as dark oak or walnut for your unit creates a dramatic look when combined with inset LEDs Or if you’re looking to keep the room light and bright, shaded oak is a great choice.
3. Choose a specially designed CD storage cabinet
(Image credit: Wayfair CD Multimedia Cabinet)
If you have a particularly large CD collection and want to add to it, choose a storage unit designed for CD storage. You can find a variety of CD storage units online to suit contemporary or modern setups with optimally sized racks for CDs and DVDs. Amazon offers a wide range of CD storage units, as do companies such as Ikea. Speaking of which, many of the Ikea vinyl storage hacks we talked about earlier could also be used for CDs.
We think a piece like this Wayfair CD Media Cabinet works well. It is available in glossy white and black finishes. If you plan to color code your CD collection like you would a book collection, the white finish can look especially good as it provides a refreshing neutral background.
4. Hang your favorite CDs on the wall
(Image credit: CollectorMount on Etsy)
Picking out a few of your favorite CD albums and displaying them on the wall can add interest to your home decor. In our article on the best ways to display vinyl in your home, we suggest adding character to your walls with iconic vinyl album covers, but using your most coveted CDs in this way. can be just as effective.
We love the invisible CD holders you can buy on Etsy because they can be easily positioned. The CDs can also be replaced regularly so you never get tired of the decor.
5. Choose storage that houses both your CDs and vinyl
(Image credit: Teebooks CD and Vinyl Storage)
Keep things tidy by choosing a storage solution with the perfect dimensions to store all your vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and other musical media. Something like this CD and vinyl storage unit from Teebooks works particularly well. It has the perfect depth for books, CDs and DVDs on the top shelves and space for your vinyl below. You can find a range of CD storage solutions online, but also consider a bespoke option if you’re looking for a unique fit.
6. Use floating CD storage shelves
(Image credit: TeeBooks CD storage shelf)
A simple CD storage shelf can work well to house a relatively small collection of CDs on the floor so that it is easily accessible. Specially designed designs such as those from TeeBooks (pictured above) have ends that will hold your CDs in place – and keep them from falling to the floor.
They look great positioned on their own as a single shelf or stacked as a pair. Each shelf holds approximately 56 CDs, which also gives you plenty of room to grow your collection. Three or four floating shelves can also look good placed one above the other.
What’s the best way to store CDs?
“Be very clear about which CDs you have that mean something to you,” says Kathryn Lord of More to Organising. ‘Anyone who is scratched should go. Some people have a lot of CDs and yet nothing to listen to them on. If they mean so much to you, buy a CD player and commit to listening to them. A great CD storage solution is to use a portable sleeve. It doesn’t take up too much space and can be portable so you can transfer them to the car’s CD player, however and whenever you want.
How do I clean my CDs?
Dirty discs? If you find that your CD is skipping, it may need cleaning. To remember:
1. Make sure your hands are clean before touching the CD.
2. Try not to touch the surface. Hold the CD by the side with one finger through the circle in the middle.
3. Using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe the CD in a straight line from the center to the outer edges. Avoid circular movements as this may scratch the CD.
4. If your CD is particularly dirty, it may need a stronger solution. You can find plenty of advice online on how to clean your CDs using a small amount of mild dish soap or diluted isopropyl alcohol.