USM Haller Alternativen: Der große Vergleich

USM Haller furniture is a symbol of quality and design. It's considered a status symbol and therefore very popular with many people. It's a good choice for those looking for high-quality, durable, and stylish metal furniture. However, USM Haller furniture is relatively expensive. This is precisely why the term "USM alternatives" is a common search term online.

On the other hand, metal furniture isn't to everyone's taste. Wooden alternatives offer comparable modular concepts that, through their material and colors, can give rooms a very natural and warm feel. Here you'll find a selection of alternatives in different price ranges and materials.

Design classic: USM Haller

The USM Haller modular furniture system has been on the market since 1965. Series production and sales of the USM Haller modular furniture system began in 1969. Today, the USM Haller modular furniture system is a globally recognized design classic . In 2001, it was even included in the design collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York (USA). USM furniture is modular and based on three basic elements. This allows for limitless possibilities for individual interior design.

  • Ball (steel, chrome-plated)
  • Connecting pipes (steel, chrome-plated)
  • Cladding elements in fourteen colours and three materials (powder-coated sheet steel, perforated metal and glass)

USM Haller designer furniture is known for its high quality and durability . The combination of these factors has made USM an extremely popular brand for high-end office furnishings worldwide. Unfortunately, USM Haller office furniture is not only a true classic, it can also easily cost a small fortune .

What are the advantages of modular furniture?

Thanks to the modular system, you can configure your furniture according to your individual preferences. There's no need to choose a piece of furniture predefined in terms of size, function, or color. The various elements of the modular system can be combined in any way you like, according to your individual wishes and needs. This creates virtually unlimited possibilities in terms of function, size, and features.

Furthermore, existing combinations can be supplemented , expanded , or even disassembled and reassembled into new combinations at any time. This allows modular furniture to be easily adapted to changing needs at any time.

All components are also available individually at any time and can be supplied for years and decades. This, along with product quality, is a crucial feature that ensures a long service life and thus sustainability . Individual elements of your modular furniture can be replaced at any time should signs of wear and tear affect its appearance over the years.

Are there alternatives to USM Haller office furniture?

USM Haller was developed by Fritz Haller and Ulrich Schärer. Over the years, USM has established a significant reputation in the modular furniture segment. In this constantly growing market, customers often ask: Are there alternatives to USM Haller?

There is now an enormous range of office furniture suppliers. Not all of them offer the full spectrum of possibilities offered by a modular system. And not all of them are limited to metal furniture; wood or wood/metal combinations can also be found among the USM alternatives. Overall, it has never been easier to find the perfect piece of furniture that is both stylish and functional, as well as affordable.

USM metal alternatives

1. USM Used Cars

Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Photo by smow blog

Used USM Haller original furniture is offered through various channels by private and commercial sellers. Commercial sellers typically offer very well-preserved and maintained used USM furniture. Such offers allow the purchase of USM furniture at comparatively low prices. Of course, the possibilities for making individual adjustments are limited in this case.

2. Flexcube modular furniture

Flexcube modular furniture has been available in Switzerland since 2012 and in Germany since 2023. Flexcube stands for perfect design , premium standards , and fair prices .

Both the Flexcube and the USM modular furniture systems are based on a building block concept. While visually similar, the two systems are clearly distinguishable by their connectors. Both meet the highest standards of quality and design, utilize premium materials , and are designed for both residential and commercial use. Differences include available sizes, colors, and assembly methods. However, Flexcube furniture is significantly more affordable , and all configurations are available directly from stock with very short delivery times. No special tools are required for assembly.

Flexcube panels are made of robust, powder-coated metal, while the frame is constructed from high-quality stainless steel. The Flexcube system encompasses all types of storage furniture and desks. Thanks to its modular design, a wide variety of furniture can be assembled: open or closed shelving, lowboards, sideboards, and highboards, lockable filing cabinets and desk pedestals, reception counters, room dividers, display cases, and wardrobes. It can be configured as a single unit, double-sided, or as a corner combination. Flexcube offers a wide range of colors for the panels and three colors for the stainless steel rods. In addition, over 200 RAL colors are available to order.

The manufacturer also offers special services and discounts for business customers .

  1. CN3 furniture from Tchibo

Tchibo's CN3 furniture bears a striking resemblance to popular USM combinations. The CN3 furniture is based on a chrome-plated steel tube support system. Like the original, the side panels, doors, and flaps are made of powder-coated steel. However, the connectors and feet used by Tchibo are made of plastic . Overall, CN3 furniture differs significantly in weight ; it is considerably lighter than the original. Customization options for CN3 furniture are limited . Height, width, and length are predetermined, as are the number of flaps, doors, or open compartments. CN3 furniture offers only a small selection of colors but scores points with its very low price .


Screenshot from tchibo.de, captured on July 27, 2025. Used for comparison purposes. All rights belong to their respective owners.

USM alternatives made of wood

1. Pickawood

Pickawood Switzerland was founded in 2012. Through collaborations with carpentry and joinery businesses, Pickawood Switzerland can supply virtually any imaginable piece of furniture. In addition to various types of solid wood, materials such as plywood, MDF, and laminate are available, along with a wide range of oil finishes, decors, and colors. Experienced interior design experts are available to advise you on the creation of your furniture. Furthermore, interior designers and timber construction engineers work with clients to plan customized solutions for offices, shops, and medical practices.

For those who don't want to wait that long for their custom-made furniture, Pickawood modular furniture offers a solution for redesigning their home or office. The modules, available in two different widths, heights, and depths, come in five colors and feature several other sophisticated details.

Image source: Unsplash / Photo by Pickawood

2. Tylko

Custom-made tables and shelves are Tylko's specialty. All furniture is crafted from slow-growing, long-lasting Finnish birch wood. A unique feature: the Tylko app allows customers to virtually view their planned furniture in their own homes. Founded in 2012, Tylko is headquartered in Warsaw. The furniture is manufactured by external producers in Poland and Finland. Each piece is delivered in numbered and clearly labeled packages, eliminating any confusion. Color-coded connectors, thanks to a clever click system, make screws unnecessary. The current delivery time for Tylko shelving is up to six weeks .

The primary target group is the so-called modern creative class in Europe, meaning people who work with new technologies and creative content. These individuals often consciously seek out brands that represent their values. Thanks to the online-first business model, buyers are typically tech-savvy and have access to a computer and/or smartphone, which they can use to configure personalized storage solutions. They are also generally willing to pay a premium for a product that aligns with their personal lifestyle and values.


Screenshot from tylko.com, captured on July 27, 2025. Used for comparison purposes. All rights belong to their respective owners.

3. Mycs

Mycs is comparable to Tylko in many ways. Mycs focuses on shelving and sofas . All designs can be easily customized in terms of size, color, material, and features using a configurator. Mycs GmbH is based in Berlin and maintains showrooms in major German cities, as well as Zurich and Paris. As with Tylko, it is also possible to order material samples for viewing.

Mycs shelves can support a load of approximately 20 kg, and this load can be increased with special reinforcements. Mycs shelving systems are characterized by a modern and streamlined design. Models with the handle-free push-to-open function offer an elegant, classic look. Versions with handles come standard with a soft-close mechanism.

However, this individuality also has a slight drawback: the delivery time. The estimated delivery time is displayed immediately in the online shop. Unfortunately, delivery times of up to 9 weeks are not uncommon.


Screenshot from de.mycs.com, captured on July 27, 2025. Used for comparison purposes. All rights belong to their respective owners.

Conclusion

Choosing the right option always depends on individual needs and requirements. Price, appearance, availability, and advice are important factors in the selection process. This list presents various options and their characteristics as examples. The furniture industry is constantly evolving and undoubtedly offers further options not mentioned here. It is therefore worthwhile to compare different systems and offers.

FAQs about USM Haller alternatives

What are the best USM Haller alternatives?

The best USM Haller alternatives depend on the individual needs and preferences of the user. Today, there are numerous USM Haller alternatives available, differing in design, quality, price, functionality, and materials. Therefore, it's worthwhile to compare different options.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of USM Haller alternatives?

Modular furniture systems have gained increasing popularity in recent years. USM Haller, a renowned name in this industry, has set standards in terms of design and functionality for decades. However, numerous other options have emerged on the market that are equally impressive in terms of sophistication and quality. But how do these alternatives compare to the industry leader? And where does Flexcube stand in this competitive landscape?

Advantages of USM Haller alternatives:

  1. Variety : The multitude of alternatives allows for a wider selection of designs, colors, and materials. This enables customers to choose the system that best suits their taste and needs.
  2. Price : Some of the alternatives are more affordable than USM Haller without compromising on quality. This allows a wider range of customers access to modular furniture systems in the style of USM Haller furniture.
  3. Innovation : New players often bring innovative solutions and ideas that constantly expand the range of applications.

Disadvantages of USM Haller alternatives:

  1. Consistency : USM Haller has built an outstanding reputation over many years and stands for consistency and excellent quality. Lesser-known brands still have to follow this path.
  2. Standardization : USM Haller has set standards that are recognized by many architects and designers. Alternatives may differ.
  3. Availability : While USM Haller is available almost worldwide, some alternatives are limited to fewer markets.

Flexcube compared to USM Haller

Flexcube presents itself as a serious competitor to USM Haller, offering its own distinct advantages. Aesthetically, both systems are of a high standard, and both leave nothing to be desired in terms of quality and functionality. What makes Flexcube special, however, are the differences in assembly, dimensions, and colors. The rods are available in three colors, and the metal panels in over 200 RAL colors.

With Flexcube, the assembly of the individual parts is designed differently, which allows for self-assembly as no special tools are required.

In summary, alternatives to USM Haller, such as Flexcube, have their place in the market and, depending on your needs and preferences, may even be the better choice. Here you can find more information about the difference between Flexcube and USM.

Where can I buy USM Haller alternatives?

Alternatives to USM Haller furniture are available in furniture stores, online shops, and from specialized manufacturers. If you are looking for specific alternatives, reviews or customer ratings of the company could provide helpful guidance.

How much do USM Haller alternatives cost?

Prices for USM Haller alternatives can vary greatly, depending on material, design and manufacturer.

How do you assemble USM Haller alternatives?

The assembly of USM Haller alternatives varies depending on the product. Detailed assembly instructions explaining the process step by step should be included. If you have any questions, it can also be helpful to search online for videos or tutorials that illustrate the assembly process.

Sources:

  • https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/USM_U._Sch%C3%A4rer_S%C3%B6hne
  • https://www.usm-markt.de/info/usm-moebel-blog/warum-ist-usm-so-teuer.html
  • https://shops.usm.com
  • https://www.tchibo.de/service/search?query=cn3
  • https://www.pickawood.com/
  • https://tylko.com/de
  • https://ch.mycs.com
  • https://startupvalley.news/de/tylko/