For Small Cool month I thought I would pull together a few small office solutions that I really like. Each of these is similar in that they are bookshelf systems that can be extended into small desk tops and mounted on any wall with only a minimum of floor space required. AND while they are installed into your space, they are not built-in's so that you can take them with you when you go. Enjoy!
>> Nisse Strinning's String Shelving System
- This is the earliest design that we can find that STILL in production. Designed in 1949 by architect/designer Nisse Strinning, the String Shelf System was updated in 2007 with more color and finishing options.
>> Vitsoe Shelving by Dieter Rams - This stuff launched a thousand copies. Originally designed in 1960 and in production ever since, Vitsoe is based in London. Only available from Moss in the USA, it's beautiful and expensive.
>> Elfa Shelving - This is the elegant low budge solution that is a timeless classic in its own way. Made by Elfa of Sweden, but only available from The Container Store in the USA. It goes on sale every year and that time is NOW.
>> AS4 Shelving from Atlas East - A beautiful design, similar to the Vitsoe, but from a great, small Brooklyn design company, this system can be expanded in many directions. If you love the raw texture of solid wood and steel, this is for you.
>> Sticotti Shelving by Alejandro Sticotti - A new solution being sold through the folks at DWR, these shelving units by architect Alejandro Sticotti are hung similarly to the Elfa system and are nicely all of South American hardwoods; the vertical and horizontal mounts are crafted of solid lapacho, and the shelves are made with cerejeira veneer.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
This is embarrassing, but like for all these threads (and there have been a few) I can't help but remark that you've left out the option that in my views offers the best compromise of style, engineering and price: http://www.rakks.com/
view particlebored's profile
ISS Design carries a great system as well - with lots of color options (unlike Vitsoe) and much more reasonably priced than some of those posted here (One could easily get into 5 figures for an Atlas system)
view bepsf's profile
If you are selling a home, these could qualify as "fixtures" and thus would transfer with the home, depending on the law of the state where you're located. If you sank a lot of money into a system, make sure to exclude it from the transfer in the sale agreement. Yr lawyer/agent will know how to do this.
view CJL's profile
The Atlas East ones look great...
view Alexis9's profile
Bepsf, I ordered my bookshelf/desk units from ISS Designs. You can see the results here.
While it wasn't five figures, it wasn't cheap. Depending on what material you choose for the shelving and cabinetry, it can get pretty pricey. Our set up was about $2K with shipping.
Installation was a pain, and it took almost two months to get the cabinets. That said, I LOVE it now. I'm very glad to have not just book storage (as well as closed storage in the cabinet on the right) but also a functional workspace.
view FiatLex's profile
Elfa shelving looks excellent.
view NYC Girl's profile