The best way to transform an interior space is to furnish it properly and change things from time to time. Rope furniture pieces can amplify and convert almost any area. Timeless, classic pieces remain a homeowner’s favorite 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 made up of several components accompanied by the classic wire panels that allow unlimited combinations. String furniture takes a DIY approach with the option to purchase pre-made pieces that only require installation or the ability to create custom pieces using the company’s iPad app.
String Furniture is currently retailed in more than 44 countries around the world, and the brand continually releases new pieces. The question remains, are String Furniture pieces worth it or should you get rid of them?
A brief history
Nils Strinning came up with a solution for 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 it paved the way for the development of the String System.
String won the 1949 Bonnier bookshelf contest beating 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 a freestanding string rack. Nils never liked the product.
In 1961, String managed to patent his shelf after numerous plagiarism court cases. They then released String Continent, as well as a new storage concept called Tingoeke, which never became a hit. In 1979, String was honored to join 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 shelves 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 are also very thin, making them affordable to transport and require no complicated assembly. The best thing is their variable depth, which makes them easy to combine to create different shelves.
Another aspect that consumers appreciate is the fact that the units can be installed on large or small wall surfaces. The colorful threads, clean limbs, and slim ladder design make them fit perfectly into any space you want. Their ingenuity and flexibility make them a favorite for homes that need extra shelving.
The company collaborated with Anna von Schewen and Bjorn Dahlstrom to create a folding table in 2013. Their success led to another collaboration that spawned the String range of office work. 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 rods.
Why String Furniture?
We all have the need and vision to have the most functional and aesthetically pleasing storage systems at 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 important benefits of the String System is the ability it offers to start small and use additional modules to adapt to your changing needs. In essence, you choose the number of modules you need, their format and design to create the desired storage unit. Fits small kitchens and bathrooms while evolving with future changes. They end up saving space and some adopt a floating shelf design or hang over doors. You also have the freedom to place them in some of the unconventional storage spaces, like the bottom of the staircase.
The other great advantage of 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 surfaces, veneer, oil-treated wood, linoleum, laminate, plexiglass, powder-coated steel, felt cloth, mirrored glass, abs plastic, and leather.
Rope-based furniture does not come with demanding care and maintenance requirements. Most just require wiping the surface with a clean cloth, using hot base coats, and inspecting the brackets regularly to tighten any loose screws. The shelf 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 this information is freely available on its website and downloadable product catalogs.
Reservations about the string system
The String System is currently sold in some 44 countries through its website and resellers. While modular shelving is considerably affordable compared to planned furniture, it can all add up based on shipping and customs costs. The total value of the desired shelving can also be quite expensive depending on the size and accessories you need for the complete assembly.
There is also always the possibility of obtaining unsuitable 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. Plus, they can handle a decent amount of load, but can’t handle the strain of substantially heavier loads. Your installation may also require a bit of screwing into the wall, which is something most tenants cannot do.
With replicas and alternatives available, most people might be tempted to go for the original parts. It is a question of preferences and how much is left on the shelves.
In short, String suits anyone looking for modular furniture that offers the flexibility to evolve with their changing needs. Separate cost; They prove to be worthwhile investments for home or office space with a demand for better storage.
