The advantages to wall-mounted, modular shelving systems are myriad: They can be engineered to fit any space, and unlike built-ins, they can be disassembled and reinstalled if you relocate. Here's a roundup of our finds.
Above: The iconic Vitsoe 606 Universal Shelving System, designed by Dieter Rams in 1960, is a favorite of design aficionados. The system offers infinite configurations: various shelf widths and lengths, drawers, and desks available to suit any storage needs. An aluminum E-Track and pin enables the shelves and cabinets to be easily hung from the E-track and configured as needed. The Vitsoe is an investment, but it's a system you can add to over the years; the setup shown above costs $6,020; the cabinets run at around $1,000 each (four shown), and the shelves between $90 and $100, depending on length. Available in black, off-white, or beech, exclusively in the US through the Vitsoe Shop in New York or online at Vitsoe.
Above: Made in Brooklyn, the Atlas Industries as4 Shelving System is available in white oak, maple, or walnut with sturdy steel brackets (custom color paint is also an option). The 91-inch-wide white oak configuration with desk included above costs $9,525. Components are priced individually; the full pricing list is available on the Atlas site (along with an easy as4 Builder Guide).
Above: The wall-mounted Eiermann Shelving Unit was designed in 1932 by German architect Egon Eiermann. Now produced by Richard Lampert, the Eiermann shelves feature stainless steel supports and shelves available in white melamine, solid oak, or white powder-coated finish. The Five-Shelf Eiermann Shelving Unit is available at Twenty Twenty-One; pricing begins at £938. Contact Richard Lampert for details and retailers.
Above: The classical String shelf modular system was designed in 1946 by Swedish architect and designer Nils "Nisse" Strinning. The String Pocket Shelf is available for $149 in the US from Nordic Design. The full String Shelf System shown in oak and white above is available in the UK for for £1,460 from Nest.
Above: Sticotti Shelving by Argentinian architect Alejandro Sticotti is made from South American hardwoods; the vertical and horizontal mounts are made of solid lapacho, and the shelves are made with cerejeira veneer. Pricing begins at $1,200 from DWR.
Above: The Aliante Shelving System by Rodolf Dordoni for Capellini is available with polished chromed nickel supports and shelves in oak or mahogany. Pricing starts at $3,462 at Unica Home.
Above: Ulm Shelving System designed by Enzo Mari for Zanotta features aluminum alloy brackets and sheet steel shelving; prices start at $1,284 for a configured bookcase at Unica Home.
Above: Favored by architects and widely used in university settings, the straightforward, well-engineered Rakks System offers well priced durable shelving manufactured in Needham, Massachusetts, by the Rangine Corporation. Components and pricing available at Rakks Store.
Above: The Helix White Oak 70-Inch Wall Mounted Bookcase features four fixed blond quartersawn oak veneer shelves on a squared metal tube frame of powder coated carbon that can be mounted across a wall. Each ladder is 30 inches wide and 70 inches in height; $199 from CB2.
Above: A budget option from the Container Store, the Driftwood and Platinum Elfa Living Room Shelving is $394.69 (as shown above), also available with individual components.
Above: For a straightforward industrial look, consider the galvanized steel Broder System from Ikea, available in several configurations. The two-section L-foot configuration shown above is $232.50 at Ikea.
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N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on May 19, 2010.