String Furniture in Frankfurt

String System – the modular shelving system for modern living

Designed in 1949 by Kajsa Strinning and Nils Strinning remains one of the best-known examples of Scandinavian design to this day. Hardly any other modular shelving system combines functionality, flexibility and timeless aesthetics as consistently as this design classic from String Furniture.

What began as a delicate bookshelf has, over the decades, evolved into a versatile furnishing system for almost any living space: the living room, hallway, kitchen, home office, children’s room or terrace. From a small wall shelf to a bespoke wall unit, the modular String shelving system offers unlimited possibilities.

The characteristic metal wall and floor rails lend the system its graphic lightness whilst ensuring exceptional stability – even with large shelving units. It is precisely this contrast that gives the String System its special appeal: technically precise, understatedly elegant and, at the same time, pleasantly homely. For decades, the String System has demonstrated just how timelessly modern furniture design can be.

►The String aesthetic – delicate minimalism meets warm cosiness
► String Modularity – one system, many living solutions
► Planning & Implementation – creating bespoke interiors with String
► Experience String shelving in person – in-store advice and purchases

String shelving in a timelessly elegant living room setting – open-topped at the top, with practical drawer units at the bottom

The String aesthetic – delicate minimalism meets warm cosiness

The distinctive effect of the delicate wire ladders
The characteristic String floor and wall ladders made of wire are the defining design element of the String shelving. They appear light, almost as if they were floating, yet still lend rooms a clear architectural structure. Unlike solid shelving systems, String remains visually open and understated even in larger configurations. String thus provides generous storage space in modern living areas or smaller flats without making the room feel heavy.

A transparent structure thanks to delicate steel wire ladder elements – pictured here: a String shelf with floor ladders

Warm cosiness through wood and metal
The String System derives its distinctive character from the combination of different materials: the steel wire rungs are paired with wooden shelves in oak, ash or walnut, creating a particularly warm effect. This creates precisely the cosy atmosphere for which Scandinavian design is renowned.

The combination of clean lines and natural materials is both harmonious and timeless. As a result, String blends seamlessly into both minimalist settings and cosy, lively interiors.

The warm tone of the walnut veneer complements the wall colour and wooden flooring – maximum Scandinavian cosiness with this customised String floor shelf

Combining String: soft materials as a contrast
The clean lines of the String system harmonise particularly well with soft fabrics and organic shapes. Home accessories such as woollen rugs, as well as linen fabrics or flowing curtains, create striking contrasts to the graphic grid structure of the shelving.

Large houseplants, round ceramic vases or sculptural lights also complement String perfectly. This creates interiors that appear structured and minimalist, yet never feel cold or boring.

An exciting contrast between the rug, the voluminous sofa and the white String floor shelving unit

String Modularity – one system, many living solutions

Living

In the living area, the String System reveals its iconic form – as a minimalist wall shelf or a spacious wall unit with versatile storage space. The characteristic wall and floor rails form the flexible framework into which shelves and modules are simply slotted. This creates a personalised solution for books, design objects and decorative elements.

Smaller combinations in particular make a deliberate design statement on the wall, whilst the system remains expandable at any time and can grow with the addition of further shelves, cupboards or ladders.

The system also includes the compact String Pocket, which is particularly popular as a standalone wall solution.
Generous String wall units transform long wall spaces into structured, high-quality storage solutions. Despite their scale, they appear light and elegant and retain their characteristic graphic lightness.

Adapts to the curve of the stair railing: the String System Wall Shelf L as a statement piece in the stairwell

Work, Arrive & Organise

In everyday life, the String System demonstrates its functional strengths in a wide variety of areas – from home office to the kitchen and right through to the hallway. Integrated desk solutions create a fully-fledged workspace that blends harmoniously into the living space. Shelves, storage units and work surfaces can be combined to suit individual needs, creating both compact solutions for small flats and spacious workspaces.

In the entrance hall, coat rails, hooks and shoe racks ensure clear organisation and tidiness. Jackets, bags and everyday items are given designated places without the space losing any of its airiness.

The system’s strengths are also evident in the kitchen: open shelves, rails and Accessories provide functional yet aesthetically pleasing storage for crockery, spices and cooking utensils.

Everything in its place: a well-organised entrance area with the String System coat rack and String shelving

Flexible spaces & special applications

The String System adapts not only to traditional living situations, but also to specific everyday requirements. The shelving system really demonstrates its versatility in the kitchen and bathroom. In the kitchen, String provides space for crockery, provisions, cookery books or small electrical appliances, whilst creating an open, structured atmosphere. Thanks to a range of depths and modular elements, the system can be flexibly adapted to different room sizes and uses.

In the bathroom, too, String impresses with its functional elegance. Towels, toiletries and accessories can be organised clearly, whilst the clean design ensures a calm and tidy look. Even compact spaces can thus be used efficiently without compromising on an open feel.

In the children’s bedroom , the shelving unit grows with your child’s needs: shelves can be repositioned at any time, allowing storage space and usage to change and adapt over the years.

The system also impresses outdoors. Weatherproof, galvanised versions make String a durable solution for patios or balconies. Over time, the Material develops a distinctive patina that blends harmoniously into natural surroundings.

Thanks to its numerous String elements and individual parts, this String shelving unit is perfectly tailored to the requirements of a children’s bedroom and can be extended or reconfigured at any time

Planning & Implementation – creating bespoke interiors with String

The particular strength of the String system lies in its modularity. At the heart of every shelving configuration are the distinctive wall-mounted or floor-standing frames, which form the system’s flexible backbone. Shelves and additional modules are simply slotted into these frames and combined to suit individual needs.

A variety of frames, shelves of different depths, and a wide range of colours and materials offer almost unlimited design possibilities. The system can be supplemented with, amongst other things, drawers, desk tops or wall units with sliding doors. The result is a versatile yet personalised piece of furniture that adapts to a wide variety of living situations.

With the String shelving system, the possibilities for personalised design are virtually limitless

From a small wall shelf for narrow spaces to a spacious wall unit for open-plan living areas, every combination can be flexibly planned, expanded and altered at any time. This makes the String System equally suitable for living rooms, children’s rooms or home offices.

Using the digital String Configurator, wall or floor units, shelves and additional modules can be individually combined and virtually planned. The desired combination can then be ordered directly online from smow String System and expanded at any time as required.

Whether it’s a minimalist bookshelf, an integrated workspace or a bespoke wall unit – the String System grows with the demands of everyday life whilst remaining timelessly modern.

Use the String Configurator to digitally design your own shelving ideas and order all parts online with a single click for home delivery

Experience String shelving in person – in-store advice and purchases

However convincing the pictures and descriptions may be, the quality, flexible modularity and material appeal of the String System are best experienced first-hand in your own space.

Visit one of our smow stores and discover a range of String configurations in-store. Our interior design experts will help you with the personalised planning, combination and expansion of your shelving system – tailored to your living, working or storage needs.