Creative Living Creativity Corner

Magazine Storage

May 6, 2013

Happy week everyone. For some of us it’s a holiday today. It’s sunny in london and this seems to make everything all right in the world !

Today, let me talk to you about magazine storage. I don’t know about you, but I constantly struggle with housing my beloved magazines and storing them in such a way that i can easily get my hands on any issue i might need. Of course, it goes without saying, that as a designer the look and feel has to be right too. The other day, someone actually asked me whether i still read printed magazines? Hello, do you know me at all? After my initial shock at the question, i gave my answer…..

So, i am a self-confessed magazine junkie and many years ago i dreamt of designing a product to store my own magazine collections. I came up with the idea of having a deep sort of box that would hold 12 issues, one side open to slide in the magazines with the front of it looking like a frame, to display my favourite magazine cover of that year. Then I would hang these boxes like a gallery on a wall and thus i could look at all my favourite covers, simultaneously creating a wall of art. Hmmm, i wonder, is there mileage in it yet?

I’ve always been jealous of interesting storage solutions that can house many magazines and make it look good, as well as walls that can display a whole range of magazine covers, like the one i saw in ilse crawford’s studio!

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When i designed and built my humble abode, storage was an integral part and i’m lucky to have rather a lot of it. However, given the fact that i collect books, magazines, art materials and general design artifacts, i am slowly but surely running low on ways to display my beloved magazines. Let me show you some of the way i store them!

I kid you not, i do have a collection of elle docoration uk that nearly spans 20 years. I toy with the idea of letting it go but then always chicken out at the last moment. That’s a whole lot of space i could free up… what do you say people? This shelf was purposely built to house my collection and then they go and change the size of the magazine. Pah!

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Some of my magazines stored away in cupboards. I have 2 of these.

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Part of my monocle collection.

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Starting on a new shelf that was never meant to be for storing magazines or books:-)

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Another bit of magazine storage.

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The dilemma isn’t only where to store my magazines. Finding a suitable way to display current issues for reading and surrounding myself with inspiring and favourite issues is yet another challenge. So, i was delighted when i came across a post by my friend igor, showing us his latest addition to his home. After much deliberation on colour (black) and where i would hang it (bedroom), i’m delighted to show you my new and much beloved magazine rack. Best part… it was a present. Thank you O x

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I cannot wait to update it on a regular basis and wake up every morning feeling inspired. Want one? Get it from here!

Will you share some of your magazine storage solutions? Are there some of you that have completely embraced the online versions and rid yourselves of any printed issues? See you thursday.

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39 Comments

  • Reply Igor May 6, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    What a fab present!!! It looks great! Oh and thanks for the sweet mention:-)

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:08 am

      Ha! Fab present indeed. I really love it.. so thank you:-)

  • Reply Louise - 30s Magazine May 6, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    O-M-G! I have never seen so many magazines! I thought I was a magazine hoarder but you top me 10 times. I like your idea, you should definitely do that. But I also like all your other storage ideas.

    p.s. Never thought of you to have a Kitty, so funny!

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:09 am

      Hahaha! Oh, there’s a story to the Kitty, which I’ll tell you in Berlin with Mr & Mr Bear x

  • Reply geraldine May 6, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    I’ve got that magazine rack too but in yellow. Still considering getting a black one for little M’s room for all his Tin tin books that he reads at bed time. I had the elle decorations and living etc and wallpaper mags since their origin too, but finally let them go when I moved house. Funny thing is it felt rather uplifting . Now I only keep the last 3 month’s issues of each. xx

    • Reply michaela May 7, 2013 at 8:12 am

      I’m v jealous – I’m pining for the yellow one too. I may just have to bite the bullet and just order it! 🙂

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:11 am

      Woohoo! You know, I could not decide for a week or so going forward and backward. In the end it was decided by where it would hang:-) Am sure the yellow
      one is fab! Aww, little M and Tintin books, Love them!

      I know that decision is difficult but I’ve made the decision to keep them x

  • Reply michaela May 7, 2013 at 8:11 am

    Tina, you are rapidly becoming “the Storage Queen” in my eyes – what wonderful ideas for magazine storage – something I struggle with. Admittedly in Newbury the local shops do have a pretty rubbish selection of mags, but I’m addicted to Icreate for my Mac, and have been learning how to do lots of creative stuff on it which is super-exciting (especially Pixelmator, which I’m totes addicted to!)

    I absolutely love the ilse crawford’s studio magazine shelf – I’d die for one of those!

    I’ve actually been toying with getting the one in your last picture, I saw it on Igor’s blog a few week’s back and was super excited to discover that they also do it in yellow! Mind you the shop did have a similarly nice one that was freestanding, so might opt for that with my limited DIY skills! 🙂 xx

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:16 am

      Yay! Storage queen… always had a thing for storage, ever since childhood!

      You like Icreate. I had some copies but gave them away.Pixelmator I must check out.. thanks love!

      If I had a studio, there’s no doubt I would have the I;se Crawford magazine shelf. I thought it was a bit much for the bedroom:-)

      Yes, it’s beautifully manufactured. It’s solid and I really really love it, so go for it. Darling, putting it up took 10 minutes tops. All you need is another pair of hands, some raw plugs, an electric drill, a spirit level and a pencil. Done! Helps if a man is about who tells me how to do it:-)

      xx

  • Reply Deepa May 7, 2013 at 11:32 am

    Whoa, I’m astounded by your magazine collection! Having a rotating display is smart, and it looks great too!

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:16 am

      Thanks Deepa. One thing you didn’t know about me!!

  • Reply Zoe May 7, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    Hi Tina,

    As you know I have the same Elle Deco situation here! I have everyone since 1997, but I think you go back further. I too have thought of chucking them but just can’t do it. It’s a little library of design right?! We should start MA(magazines anonymous) 🙂 xx

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:17 am

      OK. Decision made, I’m keeping my stack! How about you? I will support you in whichever decision you take AND hold your hand if necessary xx

  • Reply Michael, Community Manager at Dulux May 7, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    Hey Tina,

    These look fantastic! I’m always looking for good looking storage solutions for magazines because I never get round to reading them all and otherwise they just get stacked in a pile. I love how you’ve made your magazines look like art. My favourite is your final image of the magazine rack. I must invest!

    Thanks!
    Michael, Community Manager, Dulux

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:20 am

      Hello Michael, thank you for stopping here.

      You are so right. If I’m not careful my mags can also stack up in a pile and I forget about them. I have these systems so the latest/unread ones are on view and
      grab my attention:-)

      I highly recommend the magazine rack. It’s a great investment and you won’t regret it! And those colours…. yum!

  • Reply Helen May 7, 2013 at 4:49 pm

    I still love printed magazines and as someone who spends a lot of time looking at design blogs and websites I find print a real treat. The arrival of a new magazine is always a cue to put the kettle on and put my feet up for half an hour or so… a totally different kind of experience from browsing online.

    You have a LOT of magazines Tina (the words pot and kettle are echoing around me as I type)!

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:22 am

      I read some research on that. Apparently people like both online and printed magazines for different reasons. I am a strong believer there is room for both and bet there’ll be more and more small independent niche magazines appearing…

      Hahaha! Look forward to meeting you xx

  • Reply Holly May 7, 2013 at 8:38 pm

    Love this glimpse into your crazy magazine collection! It’s quite amazing. I feel like Elle Decor should give you a prize or something lol! I love how you display your Monocles – those orange wheels, yes! How nice of O to get you such a lovely rack 😉

    I actually posted a funny/unique magazine storage solution on FFH’s facebook page on the weekend: http://goo.gl/gcYpg – there’s an idea!

    Nice post! Xx.

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:27 am

      Hahaha. Crazy is good, right? I think your idea is splendid. Must propose that to Elle Dec UK

      I know, he’s a sweetheart. I am a strong believer of getting presents the recipients actually wants because like that it’s a win win situation
      and he’s got browny points galore:-)

      Yes, I love those ideas and really like the recycling of used magazines.. however from a practical point of view it’s difficult. Thanks for that xx

  • Reply Parisbreakfast May 8, 2013 at 3:14 am

    Looks fantastic!
    Unfortunately in Paris there are soooo many magazine, many of them free too at events that is just impossible to hold on to them all.
    Impossible. Peep bring rolling suitcases to the conventions for the magazines alone!

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:28 am

      Yes, here in London you find the same but of course, my magazine collection is not of free magazines – would not keep them. Really dislike the paper and ink which stains your fingers and everything else.

      Then you have trade magazines etc but that’s a different story all together.

  • Reply Catherine May 8, 2013 at 8:30 am

    I am a complete magazine horder much to my husband’s dismay. Love to see that you are too! I don’t have any clever solutions to storing mine apart from piling them on bookshelves and cupboards around the house and by the side of my bed. I have collected ‘Delicious’ Magazine (don’t really buy it now) since it started here in Australia and now have such a collection that it’s overwhelming and I don’t tend to look at them…yet can’t bear to throw them out (yet).

    I LOVE the magazine rack you bought for the current issues, it’s stylish and functional and I may just have to buy one it looks so good. I could never fully embrace the online versions as I love the printed word and image to much. See you Thursday. xx

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:31 am

      Hahaha. Hello hubby! Maybe if you would find some good storage solutions, your husband wouldn’t mind them and you would feel better about it. I cannot bear messy situations. Kills my creativity:-)

      You won’t be disappointed in the magazine rack. It is brilliant and beautiful. It feels like a sculpture with or without the magazines..
      I also can’t fully embrace online only.. there’s room for both x

  • Reply Anya Jensen May 8, 2013 at 8:48 am

    Hey Tina, I too have many mags – (too many:) I usually only keep the interiors ones, stacked up in piles on the floor, looks cool, and the piles are not too high yet. I also have the little Ricard box, mine has no wheels though and a red handle – lives in the kitchen and stores my condiments 🙂 Love the new magazine rack – such a stylish way to store the current issues. See you soon, not long now,
    Axxx

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:34 am

      The floor piling is great but what about when you need to pick one for reference? As a designer I often refer to my magazines. I need them to be easily accessible.

      OH, I LOVE that Ricard box and your version sounds super too… see you soon xx

  • Reply Gerard @WalnutGrey May 8, 2013 at 10:20 am

    Hey Tina. What to do with magazines is something I’ve always struggled with. It will come as no surprise that I can’t have clutter and so my copies often end up in recycling… except Monocle (I keep all of these) and the last year of Wallpaper* editions. I also keep zines such as Disegno that come out less frequently.

    I’m not sure you should let your Elle Deco collection go… not after 20 years. But I wonder, what is your reason for keeping them? Do you still find them useful to flick through? I’ve personally never thought of Elle Deco as a to keep magazine… not compared to something like Monocle.

    BTW. liking your ‘Ricard’ box with those orange wheels & the new magazine rack is looking very cool 🙂 xx

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:41 am

      No surprise there, amigo:-)

      So, you didn’t say how you store you Monocle. When Tyler first brought out that horrendous wooden crate thing I was shocked. How uninventive, expensive and rather ugly (in my opinion). I do love Monocle but don’t keep every issue. I’d need to move flat for that! But I cannot bear letting go either. They are truly beautiful and smell divine. and of course the content…. and those illustrations. One day I’ll cut them all up and frame all the illustrations on their own! Priceless!!!!

      Thanks darling, I agree and have now decided to hang on. I know that in my next flat I will build a library for books and magazines and I would kick myself if I got rid of them. Also it’s history, right??? I think it’s an emotional thing and sometimes I pick up an old copy and it transports me to that era. You can trace back trends and colour choices. It’s rather fascinating.

      These days I don’t subscribe to many magazines but will buy one offs, just the ones that speak to me. I’ve just bought the latest ‘Icon’ as it celebrates 10 years. It’s a great issue. Like that I build up an eclectic collection!

      LOVE my Ricard box… I bought 2, especially for Monocle collections:-))) xx

  • Reply Doris May 8, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    What a great post. I too have struggled with hoarding magazines however I have not been as brave as you to keep 20 years worth. I have started to pile them in stacks on the floor in various rooms and tables of the house and you know, it actually makes the place feel so much more homely. Though I also love that crate on wheels – what a great idea … xD

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:45 am

      Ah, yes, we didn’t talk about this… I agree that books and mags make a place feel homely but not in the wanky way. I remember a very old boyfriend (in my 20’s) used to display his coffee books and mags on his swish table. So pretentious and UNHOMLY.

      I do think piling mags on floors gives it a cool look. For me, it’s too impractical as I often refer back to them.
      Thanks love x

  • Reply Judith May 8, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    I used to have a large collection of mags too, but finally decided to give them to someone else who also loves magazines. Of course I keep my favorite ones (The Good Life, Mug and a few others), but they don’t take all my shelve space anymore. Such a relief!
    The Minus Tio rack looks really nice in black! I love how it really shows the magazine covers in stead of the sides. It would look great with picture books too 🙂

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:52 am

      Ahem, excuse moi, don’t you have sort of a palace??? Can you really talk about shelf space??
      I’m also surprised that you don’t collect magazines:-)

      Remember my dilemma with which colour to choose???? Iam REALLY happy with my choice. I wanted the covers to speak for themselves and the rack to be a facilitator instead of taking first place… BUT am sure that rack looks great in every colour they make it in. It’s a beautiful matte finish! x

  • Reply Nicola May 8, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    I love this magazine rack and the way you display your magazines.

    I also love your Ricard Freres box of Monocles, super stylish xx

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 10:53 am

      Thank you N xx

  • Reply Chi@106 May 10, 2013 at 8:52 pm

    My, what a collection! I got a glimpse of it in one of your earlier posts but I had no idea just how vast it was – ingeniously and stylishly stored too. 🙂

    We’re quite a bookish family and with another possible bookworm on the way, I’ve decided that floor to ceiling built in storage (in every possible nook!) is the best option. 😀

    P.S. I have that Ricard Freres box-on-wheels earmarked as storage for L’s toys. Your issues of Monocle look so handsome inside it. x

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 11:03 am

      Hahah! You had NO idea, right???

      My entire flat has floor to ceiling storage and I can only recommend it!!
      You cannot go wrong with wheelie storage like this… kids love it and it’s easy to move around! xx

  • Reply Alison Sye May 11, 2013 at 7:11 pm

    Isle Crawford’s magazine storage caught my eye on your original post, as it’s exactly what I have in mind for our landing. I want to display all of my old books which are too good to cut. I like the idea of changing the display.
    I think your idea of a wall mounted magazine storage, which also displays a cover-of-choice is brilliant.
    If you get rid of your Elle Decor collection I think you will regret it.

    • Reply tina May 12, 2013 at 11:10 am

      Oh, Alison, you must do that for your landing and take photos (make me jealous).. yes, it would look amazing with books!
      For me, changing the display is key. I notice how when I store a magazine or book it’s out of my mind and not that visible anymore.
      With this rack I can swop things round, change display and trick my mind!

      I really like when people frequently swap around their interiors. I tend to leave things as they are. I’m trying to change that a little as I think
      it makes us more aware and opens up new ideas!

      I’ll keep my collection… and happy about that decision x

  • Reply leah of sang the bird May 16, 2013 at 6:32 am

    I have visited this post many times! I love your magazine storage; and I lovelovelove the magazine rack. One of these will be on my wish list. Much love honey xx

    • Reply tina May 16, 2013 at 6:19 pm

      Haha! Thanks darling. I also really love my new magazine rack. It looks even better in real life! xx

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