USM Haller furniture is a symbol of quality and design. It is considered a status symbol and is therefore very popular with many people. It is a good choice for people who are looking for high-quality, durable, and stylish metal furniture. However, USM Haller furniture is relatively expensive. Precisely for this reason, the term "USM alternatives" is a frequent search term on the internet.
On the other hand, metal furniture is not to everyone's taste. Wooden alternatives offer comparable modular concepts that can give rooms a very natural and warm appeal through their material and colors. Here you will 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. In 1969, serial production and sales of the USM Haller modular furniture system began. The USM Haller modular furniture system is now 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 variety in individual interior design:
- Ball (steel, chrome-plated)
- Connecting tubes (steel, chrome-plated)
- Cladding elements in fourteen colors 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 upscale 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 pieces according to your individual wishes. It is not necessary to choose a piece of furniture with predefined size, function, or color. The various elements of the modular system can be combined as desired according to individual wishes and needs. This creates almost unlimited possibilities in terms of function, size, and equipment.
Furthermore, existing combinations can be supplemented, expanded, or even disassembled and reassembled into new combinations at any time. This means that modular furniture can be easily adapted to changing requirements at any time.
All components are also available individually at any time and can be delivered for years and decades. In addition to product quality, this is a decisive feature that ensures a long service life and thus also sustainability. Individual elements of your modular furniture can be replaced at any time if signs of wear affect their 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 built up a significant name in the modular furniture segment. In this constantly growing market, customers often ask themselves: Are there alternatives to USM Haller?
There is now an enormous range of office furniture providers. Not all of them offer the full range of possibilities of a modular system. Not all of them limit themselves to metal furniture; wood or a combination of wood/metal can also be found among USM alternatives. Overall, it has never been easier to find the perfect piece of furniture that is both stylish, functional, and affordable.
USM Alternatives made of Metal
1. USM Second-hand
Used original USM Haller furniture is offered through various channels by private or commercial sellers. Commercial sellers usually offer very well-preserved and maintained used USM furniture. Such an offer allows the purchase of USM furniture at comparatively low prices. Of course, the possibilities for individual adjustments are limited here.
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 furniture system are based on a modular system. The two furniture systems are visually comparable but differ clearly in the connecting piece. Both systems meet the highest demands in terms of quality and design, use high-quality materials, and are designed for use in private and commercial areas. Differences exist, for example, in the available sizes and colors and the assembly. 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, and the frame is made of high-quality stainless steel. The Flexcube system includes all types of storage furniture and desks. Thanks to its modular design, all types of furniture can be assembled: open or closed shelves, low-, side- and highboards, lockable file storage and desk containers, reception desks, room dividers, display cases, and wardrobes. Single-line, double-sided, or as a corner combination. Flexcube offers a wide range of colors for the panels and 3 colors for the stainless steel rods. In addition, > 200 RAL colors can be ordered.
The manufacturer also offers special services and discounts for business customers.
- CN3 furniture from Tchibo
Tchibo's CN3 furniture is visually very similar to popular USM combinations. CN3 furniture is based on a steel tube frame system, which has also been chrome-plated. As with the original, the side panels, doors, and flaps are made of powder-coated steel. However, the connecting parts and feet from Tchibo are made of plastic. Overall, CN3 furniture differs significantly in weight; it is much lighter than the original. CN3 furniture can hardly be customized. Height, width, and length are predetermined, as is the number of flaps, doors, or open compartments. CN3 furniture offers only a small selection of colors but scores with its very low price.
USM Alternatives made of Wood
1. Pickawood
Pickawood Switzerland was founded in 2012. Through its collaboration with carpenters and joiners, Pickawood Switzerland can supply almost any conceivable piece of furniture. In addition to various solid wood types, multiplex, MDF, and decor are also available as materials, as well as various oil finishes, decors, and colors. When creating your furniture piece, you can get advice from experienced interior experts. In addition, interior designers and timber construction engineers work with customers to plan individual solutions for offices, shops, and practices.
If you don't want to wait so long for your custom-made furniture, you can redesign your home or office with Pickawood modular furniture. The modules are available in two different widths, heights, and depths, in five colors, and with a few other refined details.
2. Tylko
Custom-made tables and shelves are Tylko's great strength. All furniture is made from slowly growing, long-lasting Finnish birch wood. The special feature: with the Tylko app, planned furniture can be viewed virtually in your own home. Tylko was founded in 2012. Its headquarters are in Warsaw. The furniture is manufactured by external producers in Poland and Finland. Each element is delivered in numbered and clearly labeled packages, which prevents misunderstandings, and color-coded connectors eliminate screws thanks to the clever click system. The shipping time for Tylko shelves is currently up to 6 weeks.
The main target group is the so-called modern creative class in Europe, i.e., people who work with new technologies and creative content. They often consciously look for brands that represent their values. Due to the online-first business model, buyers are generally 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 little more for a product that matches their personal living standards and values.
3. Mycs
Mycs is comparable to Tylko in many respects. Mycs focuses on shelves and sofas. All designs can be playfully configured in terms of size, color, material, and features using a configurator. Mycs GmbH is based in Berlin and maintains showrooms in the largest German cities, as well as Zurich and Paris. As with Tylko, it is also possible to order material samples for viewing here.
Mycs shelves can bear a load of approximately 20 kg; this load can be increased with special reinforcements. Mycs shelving systems are characterized by a modern and straightforward design. Models with the handleless push-to-open function provide an elegant, classic look. For variants with handles, these doors come standard with a soft-close function.
Here, too, individuality has a slight disadvantage: 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.
Conclusion
The choice of the right alternative always depends on individual needs and requirements. Price, appearance, availability, and advice are important factors in the selection. This list exemplarily presents various options and their characteristics. 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 on USM Haller Alternatives
What are the best USM Haller alternatives?
Which are the best USM Haller alternatives depends on the individual needs and wishes of the user. Today there are a variety of different USM Haller alternatives, which can differ in design, quality, price, functionality, and material. It is therefore worthwhile to compare different alternatives.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of USM Haller alternatives?
In recent years, modular furniture systems have gained increasing popularity. USM Haller, a renowned name in this industry, has set standards in design and functionality for decades. Nevertheless, there are now numerous other options on the market that are equally impressive in terms of standards and quality. But how do these alternatives compare to the industry leader? And where does Flexcube position itself in this competition?
Advantages of USM Haller alternatives:
- Variety: The multitude of alternatives allows for a greater choice of designs, colors, and materials. Thus, customers can choose the system that suits them best according to taste and need.
- Price: Some of the alternatives are cheaper than USM Haller without sacrificing quality. This allows a wider customer base access to modular furniture systems in the style of USM Haller furniture.
- Innovation: New players often also provide innovative solutions and ideas that constantly expand the possibilities of use.
Disadvantages of USM Haller alternatives:
- Durability: USM Haller has built an outstanding reputation over many years and stands for durability and excellent quality. Lesser-known brands still have to go this way.
- Standardization: USM Haller has set standards that are recognized by many architects and designers. Deviations may occur with alternatives.
- 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 and offers its own advantages. Aesthetically, both systems are at a high level, and in terms of quality and functionality, both leave nothing to be desired. What makes Flexcube special, however, are differences in assembly, dimensions, and colors. The rods are available in 3 colors, the metal panels in over 200 RAL colors.
With Flexcube, the assembly of 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 justification on the market and, depending on needs and preferences, can even be the better choice. Here you will find more information on the difference between Flexcube and USM
Where can I buy USM Haller alternatives?
USM Haller alternatives 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 might provide useful clues.
How much do USM Haller alternatives cost?
The prices for USM Haller alternatives can vary greatly, depending on the 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 in the delivery. In case of ambiguities, it can also be helpful to search online for videos or instructions that illustrate the assembly process.
Are there modular furniture for small spaces?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of modular furniture systems is their individual adaptability to available space. With Flexcube, furniture can be configured in various widths, heights, and depths — including narrow individual modules or corner combinations. Tylko and Mycs also offer configurations in individual dimensions. This allows optimal use of niches, sloped ceilings, or narrow hallways.
How much does a USM Haller sideboard cost compared to an alternative like Flexcube?
A USM Haller sideboard with two compartments and hinged doors costs between 1,500 and 3,000 Euros, depending on the configuration. A comparable Flexcube sideboard is significantly lower in price, with comparable material quality and appearance. The price difference results, among other things, from shorter distribution channels and direct availability from stock.
Are cheap USM alternatives just as stable and durable?
That depends on the respective provider. High-quality alternatives like Flexcube use robust powder-coated metal and stainless steel, ensuring comparable stability and durability to USM Haller. Cheaper alternatives sometimes use plastic connectors, which can result in lower weight and reduced load-bearing capacity. It is crucial to pay attention to the materials and connectors used.
What modular metal furniture systems are there besides USM Haller?
In addition to USM Haller, there are several modular metal furniture systems. Flexcube offers a comparable modular system with stainless steel rods and powder-coated metal panels in over 200 RAL colors. Tchibo offers an affordable metal furniture system with its CN3 series, which, however, offers less individual configurability. Furthermore, used original USM Haller furniture is available through specialized dealers. The choice ultimately depends on budget, desired individuality, and quality standards.
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/
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