In the last year I’ve personally invested, not once but twice, in a very special piece of Scandinavian design.
Simple, elegant and exceptionally well made, the much-loved String shelving system is instantly recognisable.
With its endless combinations and configurations, this iconic item celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.
Not just beautiful but functional too
Back in 1949 Bonnier, one of Sweden’s largest publishing houses, held a competition to find a shelving solution for their customers’ ever growing collection of books.
They wanted something that was affordable, easy to transport, easy to assemble and easy to install. Husband and wife design duo Nils and Kajsa Strinning entered and it was their ingenious wall mounted shelving system that won.
In the years that followed, the pair continued refining, adding in new editions, fittings and colours, making sure it was not just beautiful but functional too.
A clever lifelong investment
If, like me, your home is generally tight on storage space, then a String Shelving System could be just the high quality and surprisingly affordable solution you’re looking for.
Being modular it can easily be tailored to suit your home and your belongings. It’s super adaptable and versatile, and can work in any room of the house, growing with you and your family’s changing needs; making it a clever lifelong investment.
It’s simple to assemble, and the shelves, cabinets and drawers can be easily repositioned. Slotting perfectly into awkward alcoves like ours means that ugly TVs and media equipment, records and toys can now be neatly stored away and not be the focus of the room. Believe me, our system is used every day by our three year old and it’s super strong, easy to clean and very robust.
Timeless Scandinavian style
Over the last 70 years, the String family has grown considerably, and now includes a number of sister collections. To mark their special birthday in style however, this month they launch a limited edition of the String Pocket created by designer Mats Theselius with shelves made of glass and side panels in powder coated stainless steel.
That just leaves me to wish this beloved design icon, and a shining example of timeless Scandinavian style, a very Happy Birthday.
To find out more about String Furniture, as well as your nearest stockist, visit the String Furniture website.
Images 1 and 2 by Nicola Capper, all remaining images courtesy of String®©, photography by Marcus Lawlett
Leave a Reply