Media Storage

Media Storage Buying Guide

Media paraphernalia consists of a number of things such as wires, leads, switchboards, speakers, music systems, CDs, DVD players, LCD screens, gaming tech, and more. This is why media storage spans such a diverse range of items. There are different things to store different items, and no two of them are the same. So below, we’ll be exploring the different media storage options in the market.

What is media storage?

Media storage basically refers to the different types of furniture and items that can be used to organize and safe-keep your media-related paraphernalia. Since there are so many different types of media items in the world, this type of storage consists of a lot of items. Many of them are specially designed to accommodate specific items, while others are multipurpose. For example, a media storage cabinet can house your DVD collection, but it’s also great for featuring your gaming equipment and CDs.

What type of media storage is available in the market?

You’ll find different types of media storage in the market. Most of it caters to similar objects, but the styling is completely different. Media storage is specifically designed for media buffs – people who love collecting DVDs, appreciate their surround system add-ons, love gaming, etc. Below, we’ll look at all the things that can be used for media storage:

Audio racks/media stands

These multi-shelf racks are tall in height. They’re designed to feature enormous DVD or gaming CDs collections. The larger ones can house up to thousands of DVDs, so they make great additions to a small home theatre or a gaming room. Their shelves can also be used to store the smaller media items that come with the larger equipment. For example, some of the extra wires, small speakers, media devices, etc. can be safely organized on a few shelves for proper upkeep and organization. This type of media storage is designed for larger collections, so it may not be the most convenient choice for regular media storage.

Mesh CD box

This type of media storage is highly compact, portable, and perfect for people who’re not hardcore media aficionados. It’s a great choice for people who have a limited amount of DVDs that they would like to safe-keep. These mesh CD boxes are also pretty convenient to keep out of sight or feature on normal shelves. They can be kept in living media consoles, bedrooms, offices, etc. Furthermore, you can even keep other items such as files, notebooks, magazines, and other small items in here as well. The small size and easy ergonomics of mesh CD boxes make them one of the most efficient types of media storage.

Media console

A media console or entertainment center is a good alternative for the mainstream media wall. They come in so many unique styles. They usually consist of several cabinets, drawers, and shelves where you can easily organize and compartmentalize all of your media equipment. Some of them even have cutouts in the back to accommodate wires that need to be connected to the switch-boards right behind. This type of media storage is very generic and is mostly suited for things that are found in living rooms. They cannot handle large media appliances until and unless you have one that is custom-designed to your needs.

Wall-mounted media shelves

Wall-mounted media storage shelves are basically cabinets or enclosed shelves that are mounted on walls. They typically accommodate fewer things than floor-based shelves and cabinets. This is because they’re basically ‘floating’ on the wall and have to support their own weight in addition to the media paraphernalia loaded upon them. If you put too many heavy things on them, they can also come crashing down, so be wary.

Floating media shelves

Floating media storage shelves are a great way to amplify the aesthetics of your space. They’re a great choice for featuring large DVD and gaming collections. They can also be used to feature speakers, gaming equipment, and other such media paraphernalia. However, do note that they are not encased by glass. Your equipment may look stylishly displays, but you’ll need to ramp up the basic maintenance and upkeep to keep the dirt at bay.

Media racks and towers

Tall, innovatively designed, and perfect for smaller homes, media racks and towers make for a great storage choice. The challenge of a compact body is usually tackled by designing compartments and shelves that can unfold to accommodate things. They’re great for featuring your game collections and DVDs. The audio racks have a high accommodation capacity. However, this type of media storage is also pretty awesome for featuring small media devices as well.

Which of these media storage types has the most capacity?

Now that we’ve discussed all the types of media storage types, it’s time to advise on the capacity of each one. Without a doubt, media stand/audio racks have the most amount of storage capacity. They are usually the largest and tallest ones out of all the media storage types. The sheer number of shelves on each stand allows you to feature a huge amount of media paraphernalia without any inhibitions at all.

The second option would be a media rack or tower – their tallness helps increase the storage capacity and you can also easily place many media devices on them. Additionally, they’re sturdy, stylish, and most importantly: compact, which makes them a great choice for small style home interiors.

With the rest, there is always a limit and downside. Some are aesthetically relevant but can’t take a huge amount of weight. Some have capacity limitations. Others can be hard to maintain on a day to day basis.

Factors to consider while buying media storage

Here’s everything that you have to consider while buying media storage:

• First of all, you have to determine what kind of media paraphernalia or equipment you want to put inside your media storage. If it’s DVDs, game collections, or small devices, you could go for media cabinets or shelves or towers. If it’s just casual storage, then a media console or a mesh CD box will do just fine. If you have large equipment, then specialized shelves are a great option. Otherwise, floating shelves are a good option for large and small equipment alike.
• Now comes the question of how big your equipment is or how much stuff you need to store on your media furniture. Typically audio racks are specifically designed to hold a large number of things, but their generic shelves can’t hold the larger equipment. Asking yourself the question of “how much do I need to store?” will help you determine what size of whatever kind of media storage you want to buy.
• Lastly, when you’ve determined the type and size of your media storage, it’s time to check out the different styles. Most media storage furniture and accessories are available in different styles, so you can pick one that suits the overall theme of your room the best.