Design Icon: String Furniture Shelving System
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Time to read 4 min
The String Furniture Shelving System is a much-celebrated modular storage solution designed in 1949 by Nils Strinning. This space-saving creation sent waves through the design community, not only opening up floor space in design-conscious and space-efficient homes, but also expanding the minds of designers and architects alike.
The History of String Furniture
String Furniture is a Swedish design brand founded in 1949 by Swedish architect Nils Strinning and designer Kajsa Strinning.
That same year, Nils designed The String Furniture Shelving System for a bookshelf competition held by Swedish publisher Bonnier. The competition called for a lightweight, affordable and easy-to-ship bookshelf.
The result was the now-iconic shelving system that was remarkable for its modular wire panel and shelf combination, bringing a stylish aesthetic and prime functionality.
The 1950s and 1960s saw its huge success across Scandinavia and Europe, with the design becoming a staple in homes, offices and public spaces.
And so, it officially earned its status as the iconic mid-century, space-saving answer to shelving, where style was not sacrificed but channelled in efficient ways.
The original String Furniture Shelving vs re-release
Upon its re-release in 1949, the shelving focused on simplicity, flexibility and ease of assembly.
Its original configuration included:
- Metal wall panels with thin wire supports mounted to the wall
- Adjustable wooden shelves at varying heights
Then, in 2005, String Furniture re-released the storage system to include:
- Updated wall panels in a variety of finishes and colours
- Expanded shelf options: wood (oak, walnut, pine), laminate, and glass
- New enclosed storage options, including cabinets and drawers
- Additional pieces like desks and workspace accessories
- Greater range of accessories: hooks, rods, and magazine holders
- Increased use of sustainable materials, including FSC-certified wood and eco-friendly finishes
The design
The design of The String Furniture Shelving System is based on four core principles we will explore now.
It’s modular and customisable
The wall panels, or metal supports, are the foundation of the system. They allow you to create a shelving structure that fits your space by adjusting the shelf heights and adding more shelves, cabinets, or drawers as required.
This flexibility and customisation make it easy to design a solution for small or large rooms, home offices, or even kitchens.
Slim yet sturdy
The wire panels, made from durable steel, are another key component of the system. They provide a lightweight yet strong foundation that supports all the shelf components.
The shelves, made from oak, walnut or pine, provide a sturdy base for books, decorative pieces, or office supplies and despite appearing slender, are very much robust.
The aesthetic
It is the simple, clean design of the wire panels that gives them an open, airy feel that works well in living rooms, offices and commercial spaces.
And too, the variety of wood finishes, paired with glass shelves brings a freshness and modern aesthetic, suitable for interiors styled in everything from Scandinavian minimalism to more classic tastes.
Even the addition of accessories like hooks and magazine holders to bring functionality and organisation do not detract from the sleek appearance.
Sustainability
String furniture uses FSC-Certified oak, walnut or pine wood for the wooden shelves, sourced from sustainably managed forests.
They also make the metal wire panels from recyclable steel, further supporting the company’s eco-friendly commitment.
By using sustainable practices in the production and packaging of The String Furniture Shelving System, a low environmental impact is maintained whilst quality and design stay at the highest level.
How to choose and build The String Furniture Shelving System
The String Furniture modular shelving system allows you to tailor your storage and display solutions to fit your space and needs.
The components are perfectly designed for easy customisation and adaptable to offices and living rooms alike. Just like your individual needs, every set-up is unique.
Here’s how to get started choosing your system:
Consider what you’ll be storing
Do you need open shelving for display, enclosed cabinets for organisation, or a combination of both?
What are your needs?
How would you like The String Furniture modular shelving system to work for you?
Here are some options:
- Office & workstation – Add a work desk, folding table, and drawers for a functional office.
- Library & book storage – Use shelves, magazine racks, and cabinets to create a book display.
- Living room display – Showcase plants, and collectables with open shelves and cabinets.
- Hallway & entryway storage – Keep things organised with hooks, hanger racks, and shoe shelves.
- Kitchen & dining storage – Use plate racks, cabinets, and organisers for stylish, practical storage.
If you’re not sure, speak to one of our team to discuss your bespoke needs. Email us at sales@hollowaysofludlow.com or call 020 7602 5757
Measure your space
Take accurate measurements of your wall or floor area to determine how much shelving you can fit. Think about height, width, and depth.
Select your wall panels
These form the backbone of your system. Choose the right size and colour (black, white, grey, or beige) to complement your space, based on your needs.
Pick your shelves
Choose from walnut, oak, grey, white, ash, or black-stained ash to suit your desired aesthetic and think about whether you want standard shelves, magazine shelves, or metal shelves for different functions.
Choose your storage units
Add cabinets, drawers, or filing cabinets if you need enclosed storage.
Consider open shelves for easy access to books or decorative pieces, or opt for cabinets and drawers for a more organised, tidy look.
Filing cabinets are ideal for home offices or spaces that need additional organisation for documents.
Need an office space?
If you want a workspace, look at options like folding tables, work desks, or chest of drawers to integrate a workspace.
Add accessories
Personalise your setup with hooks, hanging rods, coat hangers, magazine holders, plate racks, and organisers.
At Holloways of Ludlow, we have all the String Furniture modular components you need to create your own bespoke setup.
Whether you're designing an office, a library, or a hallway storage solution, we offer a wide range of options.
Speak to one of our team to find out how to tailor your String system to perfectly suit your space and storage needs, and enjoy this enduring piece of design history in your own home. Email us at sales@hollowaysofludlow.com or call 020 7602 5757