Homes in Singapore keep getting smaller. In 2010, the average condo measured 1,012 sq ft; by 2024, it’s down to 904. The bigger issue, though, is that most furniture hasn’t kept pace. Unless you splurge on custom pieces, off-the-shelf designs are often bulky and a hassle to move around.
That’s where String Furniture comes in. Designed in 1949 by Swedish architect Nisse Strinning, its wire frame was the world’s first wall-mounted modular shelving system and a pioneer of flat-pack living. 75 years on, String continues to help homeowners maximise space while keeping apartments adaptable, proving no corner is too small for big ideas.
Here’s how String Furniture unlocks the potential of every room.
Living room
Modular shelves aren’t exactly new, but they’re often reduced to display racks for decor like lamps and artwork, especially in mid-century and eclectic homes. String Furniture takes the idea further. By mixing open shelving with closed cabinets, you can create a gallery-style TV wall while neatly hiding routers and cables. The result feels lighter than bulky built-ins or consoles, yet every bit as striking.
For smaller accents, the side table from the Museum Collection tucks under the sofa, saving floor space while holding your coffee—or even rear speakers for audiophiles. Want to go big? The floor-ceiling mounted Pira G2 shelf serves as a divider that pulls double duty as a bar or dry pantry with each shelf carrying up to 50kg.
Kitchen
If overhead cabinets feel overbearing in a compact kitchen, the galvanised steel shelves in the String® Pocket series are a smarter fix, echoing the gleam of pots and pans with a hint of industrial chic. And because they’re built to withstand the elements, they work just as well in the service yard, keeping laundry essentials neatly in place.
Older resale flats with long, narrow kitchens benefit too. Slim frames add storage without the bulk of sideboards or half-height cabinets, while a fold-out table doubles as a nifty dining nook that disappears whenever it’s time to clear the runway for chores or guests.
Study
Study rooms are notorious for being crammed once top-hung cabinets and drawers muscle in alongside the workstation, but String turns that on its head. If you work with just a laptop, you can fit a desk into the shelving system itself, complete with a pullout drawer to hide away bits and bobs.
Got a more elaborate setup? The String Works height-adjustable desk, paired with add-ons like drawers and cable trays, keeps even the busiest desktops looking sharp. Its new dark grey finish blends seamlessly with tech gear, while bold decor (or the RGB glow of a gaming rig) stands out against the backdrop.
Bedroom
Sliding wardrobes save space, but only one person can access their clothes at a time. Open wardrobes solve that problem, but can be tricky to maintain. The String® System and String Pocket series offer the best of both worlds with a semi-open system that lets you flaunt your coats and bags while keeping pyjamas and intimates discreetly stowed. Even better, you can tailor it precisely to your wardrobe needs.
The same shelves can serve as bedside tables, keeping your bedtime reads close or doubling as a mini workstation if you don’t have a study. Go leaner still with the Museum Collection’s console shelves, fitting neatly on both sides of the bed to hold nothing more than your spectacles, phone, and a glass of water.
Bathroom
Bathrooms often end up as an afterthought in the design journey. Beyond floor and wall tiles, there’s usually little room to play, and the vanity tends to remain untouched—until now. With String, you can extend your home’s style into this space with ease. A Scandinavian-inspired interior, for example, pairs seamlessly with String® System’s cabinets with sliding mirror doors, plex panels, and metal shelves.
Storage doesn’t have to be confined to the sink area. Shelves in overlooked spots—above the toilet, near the tub, even in the shower—keep essentials within reach and are a real lifesaver in condos without storerooms. Add accessories like hooks and rails, and suddenly everything from towels to loofahs has its place.
Discover the full String Furniture collection at Danish Design Co and explore how timeless Scandinavian design can make every corner of your home work harder.
Words: Joyce Yang
