Top 10 Sources for Modular Furniture
How many times have you moved in the last decade? According to 2010 US Census data, the number of Americans on the move is rising slightly. People who changed addresses went up from around 11 to 12 percent from 2008 to 2009.
For those restless folks who go through lots of lifestyle changes, modular furniture can be a huge help, since it’s able to easily adapt from one location to another. Here are 10 of the best resources (some high, some low) for furniture that can change with you.
Vitsœ
Designed by Dieter Rams in 1960, Vitsoe’s 606 Universal Shelving System has been in continuous production ever since. Customers can start with a small entry-level system and add onto it over time.
• Shown: 606 Shelving by Dieter Rams, starting at $285
Smart Furniture
This online store sells modular, adaptable furniture that’s well suited to the 21st century renter or homeowner who moves around and could benefit from re-configurable furniture.
• Shown: Cubits Shelving, starting at $150
Vitra
Since the mid-20th century, Swiss company Vitra has worked with some of the greatest modern and contemporary designers (like the Eameses & Bouroullecs) to produce modular sofas, desks, and shelves.
• Shown: Modular Joyn Desk by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec
Container Store
They’re the sole U.S. retailer for Elfa, a popular system of modular wall-mounted shelving. They also carry other modular and stackable systems made from metal, plastic, and wood.
• Shown: Enameled Steel Cube Storage Table, $147
Kartell
This Italian company is an international leader in plastics technology. They’ve developed some of the most iconic modular plastic pieces of the mod era — including the stackable Componibili.
• Shown: Componibili Units by Anna Castelli Ferrieri, starting at $117
MUJI
This Japanese retailer carries stackable modular storage boxes, as well as inexpensive pulp board shelving that can be stacked and used either horizontally or vertically. Shop online or in their New York stores.
• Shown: Pulp Board Box Multi Rack, $52
Bo Concept
This modern retailer sells several adaptable items including modular shelving and storage. Many of their sofas are designed such that pieces can be broken apart into chairs.
• Shown: Terni Modular Sofa, starting at $1,295
Way Basics
This company makes modular storage cubes from recycled paper. Affordably priced at $20 a pop, they can be stacked together to fit in a tight space. Components are available in multiple sizes and colors.
• Shown: Green Storage Cubes, $20
IKEA
They have several inexpensive adaptable and stacking items, including drawer units, wallshelves, closet systems, and chairs that can be combined into sofas and sectionals.
• Shown: Kivik One-Seat Section, $279
RESOURCES AND MORE INFORMATION
• Modular Storage That Can Grow With Your Kids | Apartment Therapy Marketplace
• Best Wall Shelves: Floating and Modular Systems
• More move, but not long distance | USA Today
Photo: Vitsoe’s 606 Shelving System by Dieter Rams