USM Haller Alternatives: The Comprehensive Comparison
USM Haller Furniture is regarded a symbol of Quality and Design. It has long been synonymous with quality and design, often regarded as a status symbol and a favorite choice for those seeking high-quality, durable, and stylish metal furniture. However, USM Haller furniture comes with a relatively high price tag, which is why the term “USM alternatives” has become a common internet search term. On the other hand, metal furniture may not appeal to everyone’s tastes. Wooden alternatives offer comparable modular concepts but imbue spaces with a more natural and warm ambiance through their choice of materials and colors. In this article, we’ll present a selection of alternatives across various price ranges and materials.
Design Classic: USM Haller The USM Haller
modular furniture system has been on the market since 1965, with serial production commencing in 1969. This system has evolved into a globally recognized
design classic. In fact, in 2001, it was added to the design collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, USA. USM furniture is modular and based on three fundamental elements:
- Connectors (chrome-plated steel)
- Connecting tubes (chrome-plated steel)
- Covering elements in fourteen colors and three materials (powder-coated steel, perforated metal, and glass)
USM Haller designer furniture is renowned for its
high quality and durability. The combination of these factors has made USM a highly popular brand for premium office furnishings worldwide. However, it’s important to note that USM Haller office furniture can be
quite expensive.
What Are the Benefits of Modular Furniture? 
Thanks to the modular system, you can
configure your furniture according to your
individual preferences. You’re not limited to predefined pieces in terms of size, function, or color. The various building blocks can be combined as desired, allowing for
nearly limitless customization in terms of function, size, and features. Moreover, existing configurations can be easily
expanded, modified, or disassembled and
reassembled into new combinations. This flexibility means that modular furniture can be adapted to changing requirements over time. All
components are also
available individually and can be ordered for many years, which, along with product quality, ensures
long-term use and
sustainability. Individual elements of your modular furniture can be replaced if signs of wear and tear 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 become a significant player in the modular furniture segment. With the market continually expanding, customers often wonder if there are alternatives to USM Haller. Today, there’s a wide range of office furniture providers, but not all of them offer the full spectrum of options provided by a modular system. Additionally, not all of them are limited to metal furniture; some also offer wooden or wood-metal combination alternatives. Finding the perfect piece of furniture that is both stylish, functional, and affordable has never been easier.
Metal Alternatives to USM Haller
1. USM Pre-Owned 
Pre-owned USM Haller original furniture is available through various channels from private or commercial sellers. Commercial providers usually offer well-maintained and in excellent condition used USM furniture. This option allows you to purchase USM furniture at relatively affordable prices, although customization options may be limited.
2. Flexcube Modular Furniture Flexcube modular furniture has been available in Switzerland since 2012 and in Germany since 2023. Flexcube is synonymous with
perfect design, premium quality, and fair prices. 
Both Flexcube and the USM furniture system are based on
modular construction. Both systems offer
high-quality design and materials suitable for both residential and commercial use. However, there are differences in terms of sizes, colors, and assembly. Flexcube furniture is notably more budget-friendly, and all configurations are
readily available from stock with short delivery times. Special tools are not required for assembly due to the distinct design of Flexcube’s components.
Flexcube panels are made from robust powder-coated metal, with frames constructed from
high-quality stainless steel. The Flexcube system encompasses various storage furniture and desks, offering numerous possibilities for open or closed shelves, low, side, or high cabinets, lockable file storage, desk containers, reception counters, room dividers, display cabinets, and wardrobes. The range includes single-sided, double-sided, or corner combinations. Flexcube offers a
wide range of colors for panels and three colors for stainless steel rods. Additionally, over 200 RAL colors are available upon request. The manufacturer also offers
special services and discounts for business customers.
3. Tchibo CN3 Furniture Tchibo’s CN3 furniture bears a strong resemblance to popular USM combinations in terms of design. CN3 furniture is based on a steel tube support system, also chrome plated. Like the original, the side panels, doors, and flaps are made from powder-coated steel. However, Tchibo uses plastic for connectors and feet. CN3 furniture differs significantly in terms of weight; it is
notably lighter than the original. CN3 furniture offers
limited customization, with predetermined dimensions and the number of flaps, doors, or open compartments. While CN3 furniture has a limited color selection, it stands out for its
very affordable prices.
Wooden Alternatives to USM Haller
1. Pickawood
Pickawood Switzerland was established in 2012. Through
collaborations with carpentry and joinery firms, Pickawood Switzerland can deliver nearly any custom piece of furniture. In addition to various solid wood options, materials such as plywood, MDF, and decorative finishes are available, along with numerous oil finishes, laminates, and colors. When creating your piece of furniture, you can seek advice from experienced interior design experts. Furthermore, interior designers and wood engineering professionals collaborate with customers to devise customized solutions for offices, shops, and practices. If you prefer not to wait for custom-made furniture, Pickawood offers modular furniture options. The modules come in two different widths, heights, and depths, with five color choices and various other sophisticated details.
2. Tylko
Custom tables and shelves are Tylko’s specialty. All furniture is made from slow-growing, long-lasting Finnish birch wood. The unique feature of Tylko is the ability to virtually view planned furniture in your own space using the Tylko app. Tylko was founded in 2012, with its headquarters in Warsaw. The furniture is produced by external manufacturers in Poland and Finland. Each element is delivered in numbered, clearly labeled packages, minimizing misunderstandings. Color-coded connectors eliminate the need for screws due to the clever click system. At present, delivery times for Tylko shelves can be
up to 6 weeks. The primary target audience is the modern creative class in Europe, people who work with new technologies and creative content. These individuals often seek brands that represent their values and are willing to pay a premium for products that align with their personal standards and values.
3. Mycs
Mycs is in many ways comparable to Tylko. Mycs focuses on
shelves and sofas, offering designs that can be playfully customized in terms of size, color, material, and features using a configurator. The Mycs GmbH is headquartered in Berlin and maintains showrooms in major German cities, as well as in Zurich and Paris. Similar to Tylko, customers have the option to request material samples for inspection. Mycs shelves are capable of bearing a weight of approximately 20 kg, which can be further increased through specific reinforcements. Mycs shelving systems are known for their modern and sleek design. Models with the handleless “Push-to-Open” feature exude an elegant and classic appearance. For models with handles, these doors come with a standard “Soft-Close” function. However, one drawback to consider is that, like many other options, Mycs can have relatively long delivery times. Estimated delivery times are promptly displayed on their online store, and unfortunately, delivery times of up to 9 weeks are not uncommon.
In Conclusion The choice of the right alternative always depends on individual needs and requirements. Price, aesthetics, availability, and consultation are key factors in the selection process. This list provides examples of various options and their characteristics. The furniture industry continually evolves and undoubtedly offers additional options beyond those mentioned here. Therefore, it is advisable to compare different systems and offers.
FAQs on USM Haller Alternatives
What are the best USM Haller alternatives?
Determining the best USM Haller alternatives depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. Today, there is a wide array of USM Haller alternatives that vary in design, quality, price, functionality, and materials. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to compare different alternatives to find the one that suits your specific requirements.
What are the pros and cons of USM Haller alternatives?
In recent years, modular furniture systems have gained popularity. USM Haller, a renowned name in the industry, has set standards for design and functionality over decades. However, there are now numerous alternatives on the market that are equally impressive in terms of quality and design. So, how do these alternatives compare to the industry leader? And where does Flexcube rank in this competition?
Advantages of USM Haller alternatives:
- Diversity: The variety of alternatives offers a broader selection of designs, colors, and materials, allowing customers to find the system that suits their tastes and needs.
- Price: Some alternatives are more budget-friendly than USM Haller, without compromising on quality. This makes modular furniture systems in the style of USM Haller more accessible to a wider customer base.
- Innovation: New entrants often introduce innovative solutions and ideas, expanding the possibilities for these systems
Disadvantages of USM Haller alternatives:
- Longevity: USM Haller has established an outstanding reputation over many years, synonymous with durability and excellent quality. Lesser-known brands may still need to prove themselves in this regard.
- Standardization: USM Haller has set standards recognized by many architects and designers. Alternatives may deviate from these standards.
- Availability: While USM Haller is available worldwide, some alternatives are restricted to specific markets.
Flexcube Compared to USM Haller
Flexcube stands as a serious competitor to USM Haller, offering its own advantages. Aesthetically, both systems are of high quality, and they offer no compromises in terms of quality and functionality. However, what sets Flexcube apart are differences in assembly, dimensions, and colors. The rods come in three colors, and the metal panels are available in over 200 RAL colors. The assembly of individual components in Flexcube is designed differently, enabling self-assembly without the need for special tools. In summary, alternatives to USM Haller, such as Flexcube, have their place in the market and can even be the preferred choice depending on individual needs and preferences. For further information on
the differences between Flexcube and USM.
Where can I purchase USM Haller alternatives?
USM Haller alternatives can be found in furniture stores, online shops, and through specialized manufacturers. When searching for specific alternatives, reviews or customer feedback on the company may provide useful insights.
How much do USM Haller alternatives cost?
The prices of USM Haller alternatives can vary significantly depending on the material, design, and manufacturer.
How do you assemble USM Haller alternatives?
The assembly of USM Haller alternatives varies depending on the specific product. A comprehensive assembly guide that explains the process step by step should be included in the package. In case of any uncertainties, searching online for videos or guides illustrating the assembly process can be helpful.
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
