String Shelf: Timeless Scandinavian Design Icon 75 Years
Can a piece of furniture truly transcend its utilitarian purpose and become a design icon? The String Shelf, born from the creative vision of Kajsa and Nisse Strinning in 1949, unequivocally proves that it can.
Since its inception, the String Shelf has captivated design enthusiasts with its minimalist aesthetic, adaptable functionality, and inherent elegance. The simplicity of its form belies its remarkable versatility, seamlessly integrating into diverse spaces and offering an almost limitless range of configurations. The enduring appeal of the String Shelf is a testament to the power of thoughtful design.
This iconic piece of furniture embodies the essence of Scandinavian design, prioritizing clean lines, practicality, and a deep respect for form and function. The modular design of the String Shelf allows for effortless customization, catering to evolving needs and personal preferences. Its timeless quality ensures that it remains a relevant and cherished addition to any home, decade after decade.
Name | Nisse Strinning |
Born | 1919, in Sweden |
Died | 2006 |
Nationality | Swedish |
Profession | Architect, Designer |
Notable Works | String Shelf |
Spouse | Kajsa Strinning |
Key Contributions | Revolutionized shelving with modular design, blending functionality with aesthetics. |
Awards | Won a design competition with the String Shelf in 1949. |
Legacy | The String Shelf remains a global design icon. |
Website | String Furniture Official Website |
The String Shelf is not merely a storage solution; it's an expression of a design philosophy. The String system, with its characteristic panels, holds endless possibilities for every room, adapting to any space, small or large. The String\u00ae planner allows for personalized designs, and the easy-to-install and simple-to-move-around nature of the shelves allows users to adapt to their changing needs, adding more units as required.
The String Shelves are true classics of Swedish design, and they have become an integral part of the Scandinavian design heritage. Finnish design shops and other retailers worldwide stock a wide collection of String Shelves in a range of colors and materials. You can build the perfect String Shelf for your own needs.
The legacy of the String Shelf is a story of enduring innovation, beginning in 1949. Architect and designer Nisse Strinning created the successful String System shelving unit, which immediately gained recognition for its elegance and simplicity. This initial design has since evolved into a comprehensive system, expanding to include the String Pocket wall shelf, the functional Works by String Furniture office furniture, an outdoor collection with galvanized shelving modules, and the museum series and the String Relief series.
The String Furniture company is dedicated to creating timeless and functional design that improves the everyday lives of people around the world. Their furniture and storage solutions offer the perfect combination of Scandinavian simplicity and style. Everything is designed with the timeless Scandinavian mindset.
The String Shelf's modular design adapts easily to any space. The wooden shelves are available in various widths and depths. The shelves fit into wire and plex panels from the String\u00ae system if the shelves and panels have the same depth. The shelves are flexible and easy to move around to meet your preferences. You can create a monochrome shelf or mix shelves in different colors and types of wood.
The media shelf, for example, is designed to give the vinyl record player a designated spot. The media shelf is available in one size, and it fits into wire panels from the String\u00ae system with depth 30 cm. The media shelf is designed to help you organize all cords and cables by letting them disappear behind the shelf without the risk of getting pinched between the wall and shelf.
The String\u00ae pocket, designed by Nisse Strinning in 2005, became his last contribution to the Scandinavian design portfolio. In contrast to the String\u00ae shelving system, String\u00ae pocket comes as a complete package. The elegant and studied placement of the wire panels creates a perfectly conceived shelf space.
The String Shelves won first place in Bonniers bookcase competition in the autumn of 1949. Their design beat 194 entries from around Europe, the US, and even as far away as Australia. For the 75th anniversary of the String Shelf, a limited series of 1949 shelves has been produced in the original blue wall panels and shelves in solid pine, celebrating a legacy of enduring design.
The String System has been encouraging creativity in every space, room, and home, upholding the Scandinavian tradition for ingenious design. Everything that String Furniture creates is elegant in form, instantly recognizable, and flexible in function. The original String Shelf has served as an inspiration for every piece of furniture created under the brand.
The String Shelving system is the ideal Scandinavian storage furniture for every room of the home. Its inception dates back to 1949 and continues to remain a timeless design that merges functionality with aesthetics. The shelves are flexible and easy to move around to meet your preferences.
The String System is known for its characteristic panels, designed by architect Kajsa and Nisse Strinning in 1949. You can start your String shelf by choosing between wall panels in two depths, floor panels, plex wall panels, and galvanized panels for outdoor use.
The String Shelf, created by Kajsa and Nisse Strinning, remains a symbol of timeless design. The String Shelf continues to be a global favorite because of its minimalist form, flexible function, and elegant simplicity.


