Why We Went Modular

Why We Went Modular

Modular Vinyl Storage

I've spent my life creating spaces that evoke emotion. From designing stage productions to capturing moments in my photography book "Bodyparts," I've always been fascinated by how design shapes experience. This philosophy is at the heart of Bentolabs and our flagship Aurala120 collection of modular record storage.

The Space Between Notes

Living between Los Angeles, New York, London, and various Asian cities taught me something crucial about design: the best solutions adapt to their environment rather than fighting against it. Just as music relies on the space between notes, great living spaces need room to breathe and evolve.

This realization hit home with my own vinyl collection. Each time I moved cities, I faced the same frustration—beautiful records trapped in ungainly storage that neither showcased their significance nor complemented my space. The market was full of record player cabinets that couldn't accommodate growing collections and vinyl record furniture that sacrificed form for function.

Design That Moves With You

The vinyl renaissance isn't just about nostalgia—it's about intention. Selecting a record, removing it from its sleeve, and placing the needle requires presence. It's a ritual that deserves to be housed in furniture that shares the same thoughtful approach.

That's when the concept for Aurala120 crystallized: modular furniture for vinyl that grows with your collection and adapts to your space. Not because modularity was trendy, but because it was necessary.

Scandinavian Influence, Designer's Eye

My background in design taught me that every element must serve both function and aesthetic. There's no room for compromise when creating spaces that inspire.

I applied this same exacting standard to our record shelving for collectors. The clean lines and precise proportions draw from Scandinavian design traditions, while the modularity reflects my understanding of how spaces transform. Each unit holds exactly 120 records—not by accident, but by careful consideration of weight distribution, access, and browsing comfort.

The premium materials—whether the HPL-laminated birch ply of our classic units or the 15mm thick acrylic of the Aurala120A—are selected to enhance both the visual presence and acoustic properties of your listening space.

Beyond Storage: Creating Experience

When designing environments, I'm not just filling space—I'm creating an atmosphere that elevates the experience. Similarly, Aurala120 isn't just storing your records; it's framing the experience of your collection.

The stackable design allows for vertical growth in compact urban spaces. The side-by-side expansion accommodates horizontal layouts for those with more room. It's a system that respects the constraints of modern living without compromising on design integrity—truly vinyl record furniture that understands the collector's journey.

A System As Unique As Your Collection

Like the iconic acrylic works of Charles Hollis Jones or the transparent brilliance of Philippe Starck's Louis Ghost Chair, Aurala120A brings a contemporary material sensibility to modular record storage. The transparency creates visual lightness while the substantial thickness ensures structural integrity—a perfect balance that complements minimalist interiors.

I've recently expanded this line with new color options that reference both musical and design influences: "Amber Solstice," "Vinyl Rouge," "Aegean Drift," and "Matrix Glow." Each offers a new way to express your personal aesthetic while maintaining the core functionality that defines our record player cabinet solutions.

The Philosophy Behind the Product

Modularity isn't just a feature—it's a philosophy. It acknowledges that life changes, collections grow, and spaces transform. It respects your investment by ensuring it remains relevant through these transitions.

For us, creating modular furniture for vinyl wasn't about simplifying shipping or cutting costs—it was about designing a solution that respects the fluidity of modern life and the permanence of significant collections.

Building Your Listening Environment

Whether you're housing your first 50 records or curating a collection of thousands, Aurala120 provides the foundation for a listening environment that evolves with you. Pair a single unit with our Hi-Fi shelf for a compact record player cabinet, or create an expansive display of record shelving for collectors that showcases the full breadth of your musical journey.

Your vinyl collection tells your story. Shouldn't the way you display it do the same?

Ready to build a system as unique as your collection? Explore the Bentolabs range and discover how modular record storage can transform your listening space.

—Grier, Founder of Bentolabs

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