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Objects of Design #332: String Shelving

string shelving with wooden cupboards
string shelving with wooden cupboards

I’m sure many/most of you are familiar with the Scandinavian system of shelving called String. It was invented in 1949 but, like Lego, it can be built in an infinite number of ways as the basic dimensions have never been altered.

string shelving white from hauslondon.com
string shelving in white
It’s not cheap to install but a) you can add to it and adapt it for ever so it will properly last a lifetime and b) it’s that time of year when things are in the sale so if you’re thinking about investing in storage, now might be the time to move from thinking to doing. Especially as you can start by buying what you can afford and know that you can add to it as time goes on.
black and white room string shelving from nest.co.uk
black and white string shelving from nest.co.uk

It was invented by Nils Strinning, a Swedish architect, for a competition (he won first prize) and consists basically of a powder-coated steel frame onto which you can attach shelves, cupboards and even a table in either black, white, wood or plexi.

the folding table has recently been added to the string systemthe folding table has recently been added to the string system
the folding table has recently been added to the string system

The plexiglass shelves, which appear to float and add to the sense of space, were added to the range four years after Strinning’s original invention. Perspex was a new material at the time.

string_floor_panel_85cm_1 (1)
use it as a floor unit with shelves above

Although the basic system remains unchanged, the company String.se are constantly adding refinements and new elements, like the bowl shelf below.

string bowl shelf is suitable for plants  as well as storage
string bowl shelf is suitable for plants as well as storage

In addition to the plexi range there is also a pocket version designed for smaller spaces, although you can, of course, add to this too. It’s obviously great in a home office, but also in a kitchen, bathroom and sitting room. And the thing that really appeals to me is that your String will never look quite the same as anyone else’s.

string shelving wall unit
string shelving wall unit

You can see from the different images here how you can dress the shelves to look different each time.

string shelving with plants and baskets
string shelving with plants and baskets

These photographs were taken by Marcus Lawett

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kate Watson-Smyth

The author Kate Watson-Smyth

I’m a journalist who writes about interiors mainly for The Financial Times but I have also written regularly for The Independent and The Daily Mail. My house has been in Living Etc, HeartHome and featured in The Wall Street Journal & Corriere della Sera. I also run an interior styling consultancy Mad About Your House. Welcome to my Mad House.