FREE SHIPPING FOR ORDERS OVER $199
365 DAYS RETURN POLICY
5% OFF FOR NEWSLETTER-SIGN UP
Limitless possibilities – discover the iconic storage system from String
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Quirky and charismatic Nisse Strinning exploded onto the Swedish design scene in 1949 after winning a design competition with the now iconic String shelf “Architects and designers of the time were almost considered rock stars” laughs Bo Hellberg the Chief Marketing Officer for String Furniture, as we sit down for a chat on a snowy afternoon in Strinning’s homeland of Sweden. Nisse however, it seems, was firmly kept in check by his wife Kajsa Strinning, another budding architect who was somewhat baffled by her husband’s desire to enter a furniture design competition. “Her contribution to this String shelf is often overlooked” Bo explains “but without her I firmly believe the String shelf would not be as recognisable as it is today.”
As modern today as it was then: an ad for String from the 1950s.
So String owes its brilliance to the ingenious minds of a pair of humble Swedish architects - Nisse and Kajsa Strinning, who introduced the world to their groundbreaking design during the postwar reading boom in Sweden. The publishing house Bonnier was looking to encourage their readers to buy and store more books, so they opened a competition up to the public. The brief: to design a bookshelf that is affordable, adjustable and holds at least 2 meters of books! The winners, as you know by now, were Nisse and Kajsa Strinning with their clever and aesthetically pleasing shelving system.
The appeal of the String shelf was easy to see, endlessly adaptable and arriving flat packed (run of the mill today but an absolute revelation in 1949) the system was affordable, easy to transport, and suited its users’ needs.
This clever modular system quickly became a staple in Swedish homes in the 1950s and 60s, in less than a year over 40,000 wall panels had been sold “a staggering number for the 1950s” exclaims Bo. In 2004, after a brief production hiatus, the brand was revived by Peter Erlandsson and Pär Josefsson (affectionately known as “The Boys” by Kajsa and Nisse) and the String Furniture we know today was born.
Quirky and charismatic: String’s designer Nisse Strinning.
A SWEDISH MADE WORK OF ART
It would be easy to focus on the form and function of the String shelf, these attributes are clear, but instead let’s turn our attention to certain features of the String shelf that you may not be aware of. Did you know that your String shelf is considered a work of art under the Copyright Act or that String’s journey from design to finished product has barely changed in 75 years? A true testament to the ingenuity and simplicity of the Swedish craftsmanship that goes into every String unit. “This is not something we often talk about” Bo explains “but the way our products are made is fascinating.”
What does your dream String shelving system look like?
Produced entirely in Småland, an area of Sweden renowned for its manufacturing industries, the String production line is a well-oiled machine, and on top of this the factories are as conscientious as possible of their effect on the environment. “The steel for the wire wall panels is made from recycled steel from Norway” Bo says. “It’s a well thought out and impressive process.”
But perhaps most impressive of all is that String is truly made to last. “The wire panels are incredibly strong” Bo explains, “They can hold a lot and the powder coating is electronically fused to the panels. It is designed to be a durable as possible.” Moreover, the length, width and height of the String components remains the same today as it was when it was first produced, every part of the String shelf ever made fits together, whether it was made in 1949, 1975 or 2023, now what could be more sustainable than that?
String shelf system at the stunning home of @helenas.hem
String’s dimensions remain the same allowing every piece from the 1950s until now to fit together seamlessly.
A STRING FOR EVERY ROOM
The beauty of String lies in its adaptability. From the living room to the kitchen, the bathroom and even your outside space, there is room for String in every corner of your home.
The components fit together seamlessly, many users start with the smaller String Pocket shelf and build up from there. The system can be adapted to your wants and needs, and can be expanded as far as you like, the only limit is your imagination.
Today the system contains numerous components, some taken from Nisse and Kajsa’s original blueprints, others designed by String’s dedicated team and much like the dimensions String’s vision remains the same. Functionality is key Bo explains. “We are very clear that each part must have a purpose, when we launch something, it must be something that makes a difference both functionally and aesthetically. This is something we take great pride in” he concludes.
Why not organze your pantry to perfection with String shelves and floor panels?
Or a stylish patio? With String Outdoor you can create whichever combination you wish.
LONGING TO DESIGN YOUR OWN STRING SYSTEM?
Whether you're a design enthusiast or someone looking for functionality without compromising on aesthetics, String's innovative and sustainable modular system offers the solution.
Elevate your home’s décor, display your favourite items or simply use the system as it was originally intended. Each String system is as unique as we are and that is what make this system so special. Embrace the timeless appeal of String. With its Scandinavian charm and versatile design, String is more than just furniture - it is proof that innovation and sophistication go hand in hand.
You can build your own String System right here (only available on desktop version).
Design adapted to you, how will you use yours?
Explore String
