How to Frame Vinyl Records: Creative & Custom Display Ideas

We have a lot of experience framing records, both 7″ and 12″, 12″ being the most popular. We also frame CDs and DVDs too.

These types of frames are often given as wedding gifts, the record in question a recording of the music played for the couple’s first dance. Other records that we are asked to frame feature pieces of music  that are important in the life of the recipient (if a gift) or for the owner if not. And let’s not forget the sleeve, which are often artworks in their own right.

Popular Vinyl Framing Styles

There are quite a few ways to frame vinyl from the very simple to as extravagant at you like. It’s really up to both the imagination and budget you have to work with.

Below we show some examples of different record framing styles we offer. The same styles can have frames as simple or as extravagant as you like. A picture frame for a record can be ornate, custom-carved, or of any shape you like. You can even design your own frame and send us a sketch so we can make a sample for you. The possibilities are endless and we enjoy making frames when something a little different is desired.

Disc Alone Method

with this method the disc is framed in a standard rectangular frame with a standard gallery frame. The disc is floated directly onto the backing mountboard. We do this when the record itself is not valuable, and so can be glued directly to the backing board.

Please note that the disc cannot be removed easily and the underside can be damaged by the glue. A window mount with a circular aperture can also be placed around the record to both add decorative value and also to keep the glass off the actual disc.

Without a window mount, a spacer would be needed. This could be an unobtrusive 3mm acrylic spacer that tucks under the frame rebate (or “lip”) or a 12 or 20mm spacer to “push” the record towards the rear of the frame. Setting back a record, or indeed any artwork can look really nice.

A deeper spacer can also be employed as well as a window mount, as shown in the photographs below.

Disc Alone Method with Circular Frame

As above but this time with a circular frame that we carved in one piece from Medite MDF. We can custom spray these frames to almost any colour code, and with a variety of different finishes.

Please see the Custom Colour page for more information about the finishes available.

Sleeve and Disc Method

This is an arrangement where the disc is a little more than halfway out of the sleeve, just enough to show the centre label. it is the most popular way to frame vinyl.

Sleeve and Disc Method With Shaped Frame

Please remember that any of these special frames can be customised. We custom carve picture frames to almost any profile shape, size, and design. The frames can be made from beautiful solid woods like oak and walnut, or custom-sprayed. It’s really up to you.

Further Customisation

Any of our frames can also feature different backing boards, which could be material or painted. Engraved plaques and photographs can also be included. If these choices have sparked your imagination, then sketch your idea out and talk to us. We can bring your ideas to life and together create something truly unique and special, either for your own home or as a memorable frame gift.

Framing Valuable Vinyl

When a valuable record needs to be framed, we can use all of the above methods, but with slight variations in the mounting technique – we use other devices to hold the record in place, no tape, no glue or bonding agents. This means that the record can be removed at any time without any damage to the disc surface. Please contact us for further details.