A 1907 Gothenburg Apartment Blends Mid-Century Shelving with Timeless Elegance
A Gothenburg apartment from 1907 has been transformed with a mix of classic and modern shelving. The design blends mid-century influences with the building's original high ceilings and period features. Careful attention was paid to showcasing personal treasures through thoughtfully chosen storage solutions.
The apartment's shelving combines three distinct brands, each with its own design history. String, founded in 1949 by Nisse Strinning, began as a modular, wall-mounted system known for its Scandinavian simplicity. Its current collections still feature powder-coated metal and wood, offering flexibility and restraint.
IKEA, which started in 1943, shifted from rural mail-order sales to affordable flat-pack furniture in the 1950s and 60s. Today, its shelving—like the Billy and Kallax ranges—reflects Scandinavian modernism, balancing cost-efficiency with sustainability.
Vitra, established in 1934, initially focused on licensing mid-century designs, including Eames pieces from the 1950s. Now, its collections merge historical reproductions with contemporary modularity, emphasising Swiss precision and Bauhaus-inspired functionality.
The apartment's layout highlights these differences while maintaining a cohesive mid-century aesthetic. Original 1907 details, such as high ceilings, provide a striking backdrop for the varied shelving styles.
The result is a space where functional storage meets personal expression. The mix of String, IKEA, and Vitra shelving complements the apartment's historic character. Each piece serves a purpose while contributing to the overall mid-century-inspired design.
