Why color makes the difference in modular design furniture
Color makes the decisive difference in modular design furniture, as it not only influences the look, but also shapes the spatial effect, mood and functionality. It lends character to simple shapes, visually structures rooms, has a psychological effect and can be flexibly adapted. Light tones open up the room, dark tones create depth and colorful tones set lively accents. Particularly with modular systems such as USM or Flexcube, color enables individual design and changeability – making it the key to stylish, personal furnishing concepts.
USM Haller color palette at a glance
List of 14 USM standard colors
USM currently offers 14 standard colors, including classics such as pure white, graphite black, anthracite grey, ruby red, steel blue, golden yellow and USM green.
| USM Haller colors | RAL code |
| Pure white | RAL 9010 |
| Light gray | RAL 7035 |
| USM medium gray | – |
| Anthracite gray | RAL 7016 |
| Graphite black | RAL 9011 |
| Steel blue | RAL 5011 |
| Gentian blue | RAL 5010 |
| USM Green | – |
| Golden yellow | RAL 1004 |
| Pure orange | RAL 2004 |
| USM Ruby red | – |
| USM Brown | – |
| USM Beige | – |
| Olive green | RAL 6003 |
USM Limited Editions
USM Limited Editions are exclusive special editions of the well-known USM Haller furniture, which are characterized by special colors, surfaces or design collaborations. They appear for a limited time or in limited quantities and are aimed at design-savvy customers who appreciate individuality, as well as collaborations with brands such as Monocle in 2022 with “True Pink”
. They are usually only available via selected retailers or special promotions.
USM furniture in special colors
USM Haller itself offers 14 standard colors for online purchase. If a different color is desired, we recommend contacting a USM retail partner directly. Special colors for larger projects are available on request. Studiostandard currently offers 5 pastel colors as color alternatives for “upcycled” USM.
Flexcube color world – Swiss USM alternative
Flexcube is a popular Swiss alternative to USM Haller. Flexcube is comparable to USM Haller in terms of quality, functionality and appearance. However, the systems differ in terms of dimensions (sizes and depths), colors and the iconic connecting element.
Flexcube standard colors at a glance
List of the 9 Flexcube standard colors
Flexcube currently offers 9 standard colors, including RAL classics such as traffic white, signal black, dark grey and purple red. Flexcube offers a very specific touch with its in-house colors, which are derived from classic to ultra-modern color nuances for home textiles.
| Flexcube standard colors | Code |
| White | RAL 9016 Traffic white |
| Light gray /Argent | based on RAL 7038 agate gray |
| Taupe | based on Pantone Warm gray5 |
| Dark gray | RAL 7005 Mouse gray |
| Black | RAL 9004 Signal black |
| Mint | based on Pantone 5503 |
| Petrol | based on Pantone 7477 |
| Olive green | based on RAL 6003 |
| Red | RAL 3004 Purple red |
Flexcube variety with RAL & corporate colors
Using the configurator, Flexcube offers the ingeniously simple option of selecting all furniture in any RAL color. There is a total of almost 200 RAL colors to choose from. If the desired color is not in the RAL spectrum, it is possible to have a specific “house color” produced.
Flexcube in chrome black and chrome rose gold
With Flexcube, the connecting elements are not only available in silver chrome, but also in black chrome and rose gold chrome. This makes it possible to create truly unique pieces of furniture. All color combinations are easily available via the online store and configurator.
Comparison: USM Haller vs. Flexcube
Design freedom and prices
While the current USM colour palette comprises 14 standard colors and limited special editions, enabling stylish, timeless combinations, Flexcube offers significantly more design freedom for individual room concepts with its standard colors and the option to realize almost any RAL or desired color. Flexcube is also significantly more cost-effective and offers business customers and SMEs an additional 25% discount.
Trends and concepts for contemporary working and living environments
The magic of colors – and how they can be used consciously
There are rooms that immediately appeal to you – without it being immediately obvious why. It is often the colors that trigger an immediate emotional reaction. Colors touch us and convey messages. The choice of color has a major influence on atmosphere and well-being. Current trends show a clear tendency towards natural, calming tones, combined with targeted accents that bring energy and structure into the room. The integration of these color trends gives modern working environments a balanced mix of functionality and aesthetics.
Natural color worlds Tones such as olive green, warm beige or soft terracotta create a relaxed, natural environment. This color palette has a positive effect on the emotional climate and supports both concentration and inner peace in everyday working life.
Soft pastel shades Delicate shades of blue, green or lavender have a subtle effect and create a pleasant environment that stimulates creativity without being distracting. Such shades are ideal for open workspaces or quiet retreats in the office.
Lively accents Vibrant colors such as sunny yellow, coral orange or petrol create specific highlights and bring a zest to the room. Used as a wall color, furniture detail or decorative element, they promote a dynamic atmosphere – especially in meeting rooms or creative zones.
Timeless neutrality Monochrome color concepts with different shades of grey, black and white stand for simple elegance and clarity. They emphasize a minimalist design and provide a neutral basis for concentrated work.
Color design for small rooms Compact workspaces benefit from well thought-out color choices: Light tones such as white, cream or very light gray make rooms appear more open and spacious. Combined with targeted color accents on walls or furniture, a lively, friendly effect is created despite the small area.
Warmth and structure in large offices Spacious office areas can appear more homely with rich, warm colors such as purple red, dark blue or olive green. Color-contrasting zones also help to visually separate different work areas – such as quiet zones, team areas or meeting islands – and thus promote orientation and community. These color trends and color strategies show how thoughtful color design can enhance both small and large office spaces and create a pleasant, functional work environment.
Frequently asked questions:
- How can I obtain color samples from USM Haller or Flexcube? USM color samples are usually available from USM dealers. Some also offer this service online. Flexcube color samples are available in the showroom, online or by request (mail, phone, chat)
- What is the most popular color? White, black and shades of gray are very popular – they are considered to be particularly timeless and easy to combine.
- Which color suits my interior? Light colors such as white or beige look modern and airy, dark colors such as black or grey are more elegant and restrained. Colorful tones such as red, blue or green set specific accents.
- Is it possible to change the color of an existing piece of furniture at a later date? With modular systems such as USM and Flexcube, individual elements such as flaps, drawer fronts or side panels can be replaced – e.g. for a color update.
- Are color differences possible with subsequent purchases? Color differences in subsequent purchases are generally possible, even if they are usually only slight. The main reason for this lies in the different production batches: despite high quality standards, slight deviations in color tone or gloss level can occur during powder coating, especially if there are several years between the original purchase and the subsequent purchase. In addition, the colors of the furniture can change slightly over time due to light, UV radiation or other environmental influences, so that new elements can appear brighter or richer than older ones. For visible combinations, it can make sense to arrange new and old elements separately or symmetrically in order to minimize any differences visually. Overall, slight color deviations cannot be ruled out, but can usually be compensated for with careful planning.
Conclusion: Colors as the key to individuality – USM Haller & Flexcube in color comparison
With modular furniture such as USM Haller and Flexcube, colors have long since ceased to play merely a secondary design role – they are a central component of a modern furnishing concept. The current USM range of 14 standard colors and limited special editions enable stylish and timeless combinations, while Flexcube offers even more scope for creative room concepts with nine standard colors and the option of almost any RAL or desired color. Whether neutral tones for a minimalist ambience, natural colors for a calming working atmosphere or bold accents for zoning and dynamizing areas: The right choice of color creates structure, mood and identity – in the office as well as in the home. Flexcube is breaking new ground with modern color nuances and color-variable connecting elements, offering a flexible alternative to USM. If you plan in a targeted way, you can not only define spaces with color, but also convey emotionality, functionality and brand identity. Whether classic or experimental – color is a decisive design tool in modular furniture design.
