Don’t Throw Old Records Out! Here Are 15 Ways To Recycle Vintage Vinyl.

Vinyl records have long been considered “old media.” There are a lot of reasons vinyl records moved out of the mainstream in the 90s, from the rise of the CD and digital recording to their easily damageable build. But despite the rise of CDs, MP3s, and digital streaming services, many people have kept their old records, or have even continued to collect them.

However, any record collector knows that damaged records are inevitable. Those who’ve kept their vinyl and have no way to listen to them tend to let the records collect dust in a storage unit or basement. Instead of letting them sit around, why not transform them into cool and useful items? Vinyl records are simple enough to melt and mold, thin for cutting, and lightweight, making them easy to DIY-ify. Check out 15 awesome ideas for upcycling old records below.

1. Cut around the vinyl part of the record and finish with Mod Podge to make drink coasters.

Cut around the vinyl part of the record and finish with Mod Podge to make drink coasters.

Top Dreamer

2. Make a hanging mobile to show off your favorite artist’s singles.

Make a hanging mobile to show off your favorite artist's singles.

Wedding Chicks

3. This outdoor artwork is perfect for the music lover in your life.

This outdoor artwork is perfect for the music lover in your life.

Record Revirginizer

4. Craft a personalized notebook using an old record and duct tape.

Craft a personalized notebook using an old record and duct tape.

Stars For Streetlights

Get the whole tutorial here.

5. Make a fun side table with a vinyl record.

Make a fun side table with a vinyl record.

The Flourishing Abode

Read the instructions here.

6. You can pick up a clock mechanism for under $3 and make a clock out of a record.

You can pick up a clock mechanism for under $3 and make a clock out of a record.

Apartment Therapy

Find out how here.

7. Make ethereal vinyl butterfly wall art.

Make ethereal vinyl butterfly wall art.

Threadsence

See how it’s done here.

8. Use the sleeves from record cases to make a cool banner.

Use the sleeves from record cases to make a cool banner.

Oh Happy Day

Get the tutorial here.

9. Melt records together to make a unique magazine holder.

Melt records together to make a unique magazine holder.

Top Dreamer

10. Create a unique handbag with old records.

Create a unique handbag with old records.

Stars For Streetlights

Find out how here.

11. Melted records make a useful and cool wine holder.

Melted records make a useful and cool wine holder.

Trend Hunter

12. Different sized records stacked together make a one-of-a-kind dessert stand.

Different sized records stacked together make a one-of-a-kind dessert stand.

Instructables

Read the instructions here.

13. Putting vinyl in the oven produces cool bowls.

Putting vinyl in the oven produces cool bowls.

Stars For Streetlights

Get the step-by-step here.

14. Transform records into bookends with hot water.

Transform records into bookends with hot water.

Amy Lulita

Find out how here.

15. Make a bangle out of a melted record and an old bauble.

Make a bangle out of a melted record and an old bauble.

A Smith Of All Trades

See how it’s done here.

I have a lot of old records at home, and I definitely plan on trying out a few of these DIY projects. I’m thinking I’ll try the vinyl side table first. Which one is your favorite?

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