If you have the space, front-facing storage (like in record shops) is the only way to go. You can build them with two layers for the comfort of someone of common height (instead of the 4-5 shelves common to spine-facing) with some storage below. This, of course, is very limiting if you have a lot of LP's and little space. But, I do have both, and I've built some recently that look superb (some know from my plinths and component cases that I am not one to skimp on materials). These would be at home in ANY home and are a real joy to use. With respect to WAF, very little at Ikea or Music Direct is ever going to pass muster in my house (no offense to anyone else, though). As such, I used hand-rubbed hardwoods for the facing materials - though these could be built with anything from MDF - painted plywood, to veneered plywood, etc. etc. - even metal, thought my thing is wood.
Again, if you have the space, front-facing is the way to fly, IMHO AND experience! :-)
Again, if you have the space, front-facing is the way to fly, IMHO AND experience! :-)