Kyoto-based studio Miso created this beautiful modular storage piece called XShelf. This system is stackable, flatpacked, and aesthetically pleasing. But best of all – it requires zero tools to assemble. Just interlock the wooden pieces via slots, slide the cubic shapes into groves, and you’re done. Simple, sensible and remarkably customizable… A very good idea for a tiny space.
No. 5 is a modest title of the storage system, created by Swedish designer Jesper Ståhl for Voice. Now, I’ve seen a lot of storage, but I can hardly remember anything quite as customizable. Slim dimensions, modularity and harmonious proportions make No. 5 equally suitable for any room of your home (or office for that matter). You can build free standing units, wall mounted shelves, bookcases, credenzas, side tables, night stands, file cabinets, media storage, the list goes on and on. Most modules are perfectly calculated for storing different sizes paper. Various finishes and background accent colors are available.
There is a lot to love about this modular storage system. Mix Boxes by The Utility Collective are modular, eco-friendly and easy to put together. The set includes six boxes of various shapes and sizes that allow you to create many configurations based on your space requirements and storage needs. And what an attractive way to break visual boredom… The pieces are made in the USA without the use of formaldehyde or other harmful substances. The sides of each box interlock, creating a strong adhesive-free bond. And if you want to take your set apart and use segments of it as separate items of furniture, it can be done in minutes.
This fun and unusual bookcase was created by Italian born and South Africa based architect Aram Lello of Lello Design. The piece, called Tag, is a modular system that allows many exciting configurations. And because it looks equally good from all angles, you can use it as a room divider as well. The modules can be taken apart and used as stools or side tables. Lovely! Tag comes in a variety of bold colors, but if you are intimidated by goudy vividness, more tamed wooden finishes are available.
London based Swedish designers Helena Jonasson and Veronica Dagnert of Studio Vit had a very good idea. They have created a modular storage system, comprised of 11 boxes. All pieces are interchangeable and finished from all sides, so you can place them in the middle of the room or against the wall. Designers use the word “typography” while describing the product on their website. “Like characters in an alphabet, the boxes can be used on their own or grouped together, in the same way that single letters make words.” What a clever concept!
Enjoy the interview with Helena and Veronica, filmed during the Dezeen Platform exhibition, in which they demonstrate the product in action.
This unusual modular storage system by Barcelona-based design studio BeaMalevich looks more like an avant-garde art object than a shelving unit. Created by Finnish designer Pekka Kuivamäki, Box 1-7 consists of seven cubic boxes that fit into each other like Russian nesting dolls. The boxes can be attached to seven ropes of different lengths to create many beautiful configurations. Kuivamäki’s inspiration for the piece came from a variety of artists and movements, including Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian, and Donald Judd.
This trapezoid-like storage, designed by Daniele Luciano Ferrazzano, contains many elements we, small space dwellers, like. It is modular and multifunctional, not to mention – an eye candy. The construction of this shelving system includes three types of elements: shelves (which can have both open and closed display options), wooden panels and metal climps, upon which the system is rested. Thus, the assembly is fast and tool free, and, by varying sizes of the elements, multiple configurations can be achieved. You can even take the modules apart and turn them into extra seating. Brilliant.
This beautiful modular storage system really did make me smile. Called Cheeky Boxes and designed by Lucie Koldová of Czech studio Process, the product features a series of stackable components that can be configured into a unit of any shape and size. Even though stackable storage is not a groundbreaking innovation, this particular one is notable for being adorable and fun. The shape of the segments allows you to create various patterns, making your item unique. It adds stability too. Cheeky Boxes come in a variety of subtle pastel colors.
The UMYD (Union Modular y Democratica) coffee table by CruxFlux+ is actually several lounge pieces in one. The item consists of diagonal panels that expand via simple pivoting motion and form various configurations. UMYD can be used as a footrest, series of side tables, storage unit… The variations are limitless. When collapsed into its most compact form – the piece turns into an elegant low-level table with storage. Truly multifunctional idea.
Since we are on the subject of interesting storage, here is another beautiful piece – 180º shelving unit by Valencia based studio Cuatro Cuatros. This modular storage is part of a collection, called Angles. It is comprised of four pieces, inspired by V’s of different amplitude – two shelves (30º and 180º) , a carpet (0°) and a vase (90°). The line is based on optical illusions and their play in furniture design.
Designers elaborate: ‘The collection s called Angles, given the importance of the point of view from which to observe the products. The effect appears and disappears, provoking an interaction with the viewer. When the effect is created, our perception deceives us and makes us see things as they are not.’
This particular piece is a clever flatpack construction, that can be easily assembled by one person with zero tools required. The shelves have grooves into which the metallic boxes are fitted. You can position the boxes in four different ways, creating various visual effects and alternating between open and closed storage. You can even make your components accessible from both sides of the shelf and use the piece as a room divider. The hight of the unit can vary depending on how many rows you stack. Brilliant!
See the entire Angles collection here.
