Few designs have a history as closely tied to innovation as USM Haller. The system, now recognised worldwide for its adaptability and enduring style, began not as furniture but as part of a factory project. Its story starts in Münsingen, Switzerland, where the family-owned company USM was founded in 1885 by Ulrich Schärer as an iron and metal workshop.
For many years the company produced window fittings and metal components. Everything changed in 1961, when Paul Schärer Jr., the third generation of the family, took over with a plan to modernise the business. He commissioned architect Fritz Haller to design a flexible new factory building. Together they developed a modular steel construction system that could be adapted to different production needs. This concept later became the basis for the furniture line now known as USM Haller.
The design rests on three core elements: a chrome-plated brass ball used as a connector, chrome-plated steel tubes and coloured metal panels. The principle is straightforward, yet the possibilities are almost limitless. With these parts, it is possible to create anything from low sideboards and bookcases to entire room dividers.
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In 1969, the system went into full production after a major order from the Rothschild Bank in Paris. Since then, its reputation as a design icon has continued to grow. In 2001, USM Haller was added to the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Sustainability has always been central to the company’s philosophy. “The longer a product is used, the less impact it has on the environment” is one of its guiding ideas. The system is made to last: built from durable, recyclable materials, it can be reassembled and adapted over time. You can design a storage system that fits your home perfectly, then later add new modules, change the colour of the panels or rebuild it entirely. It is a practical investment for anyone looking for furniture that evolves with them throughout life.
See also: Barnebys' Guide to Buying Furniture
Thanks to its combination of functionality, longevity and restrained design, USM Haller can be found in some of the world’s most distinctive buildings, including The Gherkin in London and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris.
USM Haller pieces have also become highly sought after on the second-hand market. Those looking to buy one may want to set up an alert on Barnebys, where prices range from a few hundred dollars to five-figure sums depending on size and provenance.
