The holidays are behind us. The Christmas tree is gone, the oliebollen (Dutch doughnuts) have been devoured, and—hopefully—your record collection grew considerably in December with a few beautiful new acquisitions. But let's be honest: after the busy month of December, many of our record collections look more like a stranded flea market than the curated collection it should be.
January is the month of a fresh start. Not just for your New Year's resolutions, but also for your home and music. At Vin Up, we believe that vinyl is more than just a sound carrier; it's an essential part of who you are and how you live. Time to clear those piles off the floor and give your music the stage it deserves.
Here are our tips for going from 'collector' to 'curator' in 2026.
1. The Big Cleanup (Literally and Figuratively)
Before we start styling, we need to select. Take your records out of the closet. Yes, all of them. It forces you to hold each cover in your hands again. That one damaged cover from the thrift store that you never play? Maybe it's time to say goodbye.
This is also the perfect time for maintenance. Dust is the biggest enemy of both your needle and your sound quality. An anti-static brush and a good cleaning kit aren't luxuries, but essentials. Want to delve deeper into pressings and check the value of your specific albums while sorting them? Then the Discogs database of course your best friend for cataloging.
2. Organizing: Alphabetical or by Feeling?
The purist swears by alphabetical order by artist name. Functional? Absolutely. But visually, it can sometimes look cluttered. Because we at Vin Up see things through the eyes of an interior design enthusiast, we challenge you to do things differently.
Try sorting by mood or genre . Create a "Sunday Morning Jazz" section or a "Dinner Party" corner. Or, if you're really going for aesthetics, sort (subtly) by the color of the spines. This brings an unexpected sense of calm to an open shelving unit and fits perfectly with the Japandi trend we love so much at Vin Up: warm, minimalist, and functional.
3. Create a 'Now Playing' Ritual
A record collection often feels like a static block in a room. Break that clutter by highlighting your current favorites. Don't hide that beautiful Fleetwood Mac cover or that iconic Tame Impala artwork among the rest; put it right in plain sight.
By working with a With a stylish LP stand, you can create a dynamic, ever-changing work of art in your living room. It turns putting on a record into a conscious ritual. You can see what you're playing, and your guests will immediately see your musical taste. It's the easiest way to personalize your interior without having to drill or paint.
4. Space to Breathe
A common mistake is overfilling the cabinet. Vinyl, just like us, needs breathing room to prevent warping. Make sure your records are upright and not pressed too tightly together. An airy arrangement not only looks more elegant, but it also preserves the quality of your precious collection for decades to come.
Your turn. Seize that moment this weekend. Put on a good record, pour yourself a drink, and give your collection the love it needs. Because let's face it: a tidy mind starts with a tidy record collection.
