Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Modula24 and the 3D Configurator.
Basics
USM Haller is a modular furniture system from 1963, designed by Swiss architect Fritz Haller. It consists of powder coated steel tubes, connectors (balls) and panels. The modular design allows every piece to be individually assembled and expanded or rearranged at any time.
The 1st generation uses a different connector system (bayonet lock) than the 2nd generation (screw connection). Most spare parts on the market are for the 2nd generation. The generations are not compatible.
There are 14 official USM Haller colors: Pure White, Light Grey, Mid Grey, Anthracite Grey, Graphite Black, Steel Blue, Gentian Blue, Olive Green, Golden Yellow, Pure Orange, Ruby Red, USM Brown, USM Beige and more. Try them all in our 3D Configurator.
USM Haller follows a grid system. Module widths are 350 mm, 500 mm and 750 mm. Depths are also 350 mm, 500 mm and 750 mm. Heights are graduated in 175 mm, 250 mm, 350 mm, 500 mm or 750 mm. Combining these allows almost any furniture size.
USM Haller was developed in 1963 by Swiss architect Fritz Haller for the company USM (Ulrich Schärer Münsingen). Originally designed as an office system for their own headquarters, it is today a design classic and is in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Yes. USM Haller has been on the market for over 60 years and is considered a timeless design classic. The modular system adapts to changing living needs, and the furniture lasts for decades. That's exactly what makes USM Haller sustainable and modern.
Dupes are replicas or alternatives that look similar to the USM Haller system, using compatible parts at lower prices. On Modula24 we compare various alternatives and show which ones are worth it.
Buying and Prices
Modula24 does not sell anything. There are various dealers for USM Haller compatible spare parts - e.g. Limics24 (in our opinion the best supplier), smow, Konektra and others.
Limics24 offers spare parts for USM Haller furniture for self-assembly. Payment is by invoice (no risk), shipping takes 3-5 business days via DB Schenker or DHL from the warehouse in Germany.
It depends on size and configuration. A simple 2-cell sideboard starts at around 250-350 euros for parts from Limics24. From the original manufacturer or pre-assembled, it can be 30-80% more expensive. Use our 3D Configurator to calculate the exact price.
Used USM Haller can be worth it, especially for complete pieces in good condition. Note: 1st generation connectors are not compatible with the 2nd generation. Before buying, check for complete parts and the condition of the powder coating.
Used USM Haller can be found on eBay, Vinted, Catawiki or specialized design furniture dealers. Office liquidations can also be worth checking. Look for complete parts and verify the generation of the connectors.
Original USM Haller furniture has the USM logo embossed on the connectors. The powder coating is high quality and even. Compatible spare parts like those from Limics24 are not fakes but legal replicas with the same quality, just without the brand mark.
Yes, Limics24 offers wholesale prices with up to 50% discount for larger quantities. Especially interesting for office outfitters, architects and companies. Other dealers usually do not offer such volume discounts.
Configuration
In the 3D Configurator you assemble your furniture piece to your liking - dimensions, colors, shelves, doors and pull-out trays. You see a real-time 3D preview, parts list and estimated price. You can save, share and export your configuration as PDF.
Depth depends on use. 350 mm is typical for sideboards, TV stands and narrow shelving. 500 mm suits filing cabinets and deeper storage. 750 mm is rarely used and intended for very large pieces or room dividers.
For a TV stand we recommend depth 350 mm, height 350 or 500 mm and a width of 1500-2000 mm. Leave at least one cell open for the receiver and soundbar. For heavy TVs, choose sturdy panels.
Yes, glass shelves are a popular premium option. They suit display cabinets or work as a visual accent. Important: glass shelves are thicker and heavier than metal panels, so consider the load capacity of the connectors.
Yes, that is one of the biggest advantages. You can add, remove or rearrange cells at any time. The modular system lets you adapt furniture to changing needs over the years.
Yes. Hinged doors can be retrofitted into almost any USM Haller piece. You need the hinged door in the right size plus the matching hinges and mechanism. Limics24 offers hinged doors in all 14 colors and also uncoated.
Yes, that works. Limics24 offers uncoated panels and hinged doors made of electrolytically galvanized sheet steel. You can powder coat these yourself or paint them with special metal paint - ideal for custom colors outside the 14 RAL colors.
Assembly and Tools
Yes, with the right tools it is very doable. The plug-in system is logical. However, you need specialist tools - a regular toolbox is not enough. We recommend at least the 5-piece tool set.
For assembly: at least the 5-piece tool set from Limics24. For more comfortable work and disassembly: the tool case with ratchet and connector puller. For the first generation USM Haller, Limics24 also offers a dedicated connector puller.
A specialist tool for removing stuck connectors from USM Haller tubes. You attach it, twist and the connector comes out cleanly. Without one you have to hammer, which can damage the tubes. Available at Limics24 for both generations.
Load capacity depends on material and size. A 750 mm wide metal panel typically holds 25-50 kg evenly distributed. For heavy loads like books or TVs, use shorter panels or add a middle support.
A simple 2-cell sideboard weighs about 13-15 kg. A large 6-cell shelf can weigh 40-60 kg. Our 3D Configurator calculates the weight automatically.
Best transported in individual parts. Loosen the connectors with the connector puller, wrap tubes and panels separately in blankets or bubble wrap. This prevents scratches on the powder coating and makes transport much easier.
USM Haller furniture cannot simply be placed on top of each other. To build higher, you need matching tubes and connectors for a continuous structure. Modular stability only comes from the complete plug-in system.
Care and Maintenance
The powder coated metal surfaces are robust and easy to clean. A damp cloth with mild cleaner is enough for normal cleaning. Do not use abrasives. For heavier dirt, glass cleaner or a mixture of water and spirit at 10:1.
Small scratches can be touched up with paint pens in the matching RAL color. For larger damage, the affected panel or hinged door can be replaced individually. Limics24 offers spare parts in all 14 RAL colors.
USM Haller is not designed for permanent outdoor use. The powder coating protects against light moisture, but long term weather exposure causes rust at cut edges and connections. For balconies or terraces only suitable to a limited extent, never directly in the rain.
With normal use and care, USM Haller pieces last for decades. Many pieces from the 70s and 80s are still in use today. When parts wear out, you can replace them individually instead of the whole piece. That's what makes USM Haller especially durable.
The original manufacturer USM typically offers a multi-year warranty on new pieces. For compatible spare parts from third-party suppliers like Limics24, the statutory warranty and respective dealer terms apply. Always check details with the dealer.
Offices mostly use filing cabinets and larger sideboards, often in neutral colors. Living rooms use TV stands and lowboards, often in bolder accent colors. For the living room, low pieces with depth 350 mm work well.
About Modula24
Modula24 is an independent magazine platform for everything about USM Haller furniture. We offer a free 3D configurator, tutorials, dealer comparisons and background knowledge. Modula24 does not sell furniture or spare parts, but recommends dealers like Limics24.
Modula24 is an independent platform. We recommend Limics24 as our favorite based on quality and value. We work independently and provide fair, honest information.
Yes, the 3D Configurator exports a professional PDF with 3D preview, complete parts list and a unique configuration ID. Perfect to send to a dealer or discuss with an architect.
Yes, each configuration is saved under an ID. The link works on any device worldwide - ideal to share configurations with friends, colleagues or your interior designer.
Modula24 is available in 10 languages: German, English, French, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Dutch and Portuguese. You can change the language anytime in the top right.
Send us an email at office@modula24.com - we usually reply within 24 hours.