The best way to transform an interior space is to furnish it properly and change things up from time to time. String furniture can amplify and convert just about any area. Classic and timeless pieces continue to be homeowners’ favorites because they are the most functional units.
Nils Strinning came up with the String System in 1949, and the units are still made in Sweden. The modular shelving system is made up of several components accompanied by classic wire panels that allow unlimited combinations. String furniture takes a DIY approach with the option to buy off-the-shelf pieces that only require installation or the ability to create custom pieces using the company’s iPad app.
Currently, String Furniture is retailed in more than 44 countries around the world, and the brand continually releases new pieces. The question remains, are String Furniture pieces worth the cost or should you get rid of them?
A brief history
Nils Strinning came up with a solution to drying dishes by developing the dish rack as we know it using plastic coated steel wires. It was soon called the Elfa Dish Rack and paved the way for the development of the String System.
String won the 1949 Bonnier Shelf Contest beating out 194 other entries. In 1950, the company successfully fulfilled its first order by supplying a newly constructed office building in New York. String Plex emerged three years later as an independent string rack. Nils never liked the product.
In 1961, String managed to patent his bookshelf after numerous lawsuits for plagiarism. They then launched String Continent, as well as a new storage concept called Tingoeke, which never became a hit. In 1979, String received the honor of being inducted into the Design Collection of the Swedish National Museum.
String Furniture as we know it was launched in 2004 after purchasing the String brand as well as the rights to produce the famous shelving system. Additionally, they launched the shelving units in white, walnut, solid black, and oak color options.
What kind of furniture does String produce?
The Spring features a simple and delicate construction with slim side panels developed with the aim of infusing functionality and aesthetics. They also pack up slim, making them affordable to transport and require no complicated assembly. The best thing is its variable depth that makes it easy to combine it to create different shelves.
Another aspect that consumers appreciate is the fact that the units can be installed on large or small wall surface areas. The colorful threads, clean ends, and slim ladder design make them a perfect fit in any space you like. Their ingenuity and flexibility make them a favorite for homes that need additional shelving.
The company collaborated with Anna von Schewen and Bjorn Dahlstrom to create a folding table in 2013. Its success led to another collaboration that gave birth to the String office work range. The contemporary collection includes height adjustable desks, filing cabinets and storage units.
String + offers a variety of functional accessories that work hand in hand with the String system. They include organizers, hooks, wall racks, magazine holders and hanging bars.
Why string furniture?
We all have the need and the vision to have the most functional and aesthetically pleasing storage systems in the home. It’s easy for clutter to invade our homes and String modular shelving systems offer a solution to keep things under control.
One of the most significant benefits of the String system is the ability it offers to start small and use additional modules to adapt to your changing needs. Basically, you choose the number of modules you need, their format and design to create your desired storage unit. It fits into small bathrooms and kitchens while evolving with changes in the future. They end up being space savers with some adopting a floating shelf design or hanging over doors. You also have the freedom to place them in some of the unconventional storage spaces, like the bottom of the stairs.
The other great thing about the string system is the ability to get it in your preferred color and finish. They also come in a wide range of constructions including lacquered wood, veneer, oil-treated wood, linoleum, laminate, Plexiglas, powder-coated steel, textile felt, glass mirror, ABS plastic, and leather surfaces.
Rope-based furniture does not come with demanding care and maintenance requirements. Most just require wiping the surface with a clean cloth, using hot-element underlays, and inspecting the mounts regularly to tighten loose screws. Shelving panels also come with a decent load limit to accommodate various items that you need to store on them. It depends on the size of the particular panel and its construction, and all of this information is freely available on their website and downloadable product catalogues.
Reservations about the string system
The String System currently sells in some 44 countries through its website and resellers. While modular shelving is considerably affordable compared to planned furniture, it can all add up depending on shipping and customs costs. The full value of the shelving you want can also end up being quite expensive depending on the size and accessories you need for the entire assembly.
There is also always the possibility of getting the wrong panels for your available space. Units come in preset sizes and may be too small or even too large for the area you want to install them in. Also, they can handle a decent amount of cargo but cannot take the strain of substantially heavy loads. Their installation may also require some screws into the wall, something most renters can’t do.
With replicas and alternatives available, most people might be tempted to go with the original parts. It’s a matter of preferences and how much you have to spare on the shelves.
In short, String suits anyone looking for modular furniture that offers the flexibility to evolve with their changing needs. apart from the cost; They prove to be worthwhile investments for home or office space with a demand for better storage.