Vintage shelves and used shelves: USM Haller, Lehni, Embru

A used shelf is the most honest piece in the house: it has carried load for decades and shows at once whether it was built for it.

At 2nd home you will find vintage shelves and used shelves from second hand: modular systems by USM Haller, aluminium shelves by Andreas Christen for Lehni, Swiss workshop quality by Embru, wall shelves like the Kämpe by Niels Gammelgaard, plus Bauhaus étagères with glass tops. Every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos. Books have a selection of their own among the bookshelves, the largest system range is at USM Haller.

What should you look for in a used shelf?

At the joints: on system shelves the balls, tubes and panels must be complete, on wooden shelves the tenons and glue joints firm. Check the load capacity if you want to store books or crockery, and the depth, because 35 centimetres carry binders, 25 only paperbacks. All dimensions are listed with every piece, and we name missing parts openly.

System or solitaire?

A system shelf like USM Haller or Lehni grows with you: you buy used what you need today and add new or old parts later, because the dimensions have stayed the same for decades. A solitaire, say a 1960s wall shelf or a Bauhaus étagère, is a character piece that shapes a room without filling it.

Why a shelf from second hand?

Because the good systems are sought after by collectors and a used USM shelf looks after thirty years like a new one after three. You pay far less than list price, get substance and keep a piece in circulation that was built for generations anyway.

Frequently asked questions and answers

What advantages do vintage shelves offer over modern shelves?

Vintage shelves are often made of high-quality materials and offer long-lasting quality as well as unique designs that modern mass-produced furniture often does not have.

What types of shelves are there?

  • Bookshelves: Freestanding models with open or closed compartments.
  • Wall shelves: Space-saving solutions that are mounted on the wall.

How do I find the right shelf for my living space?

Decide based on space and intended use: Bookshelves offer more storage space, while wall shelves create a lighter look and are ideal for small rooms.

How do I care for a vintage shelf?

wooden shelves: Clean regularly with a dry or slightly damp cloth and maintain with wood polish.

Metal shelves: Clean with a mild cleaner to protect the surface.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our vintage Shelves .

    Our team is constantly looking for trends and new items to offer you high-quality vintage and second-hand goods and plenty of inspiration.

    And if you are looking for something specific, you can contact us at any time.

  • Delivery

    At 2nd home you buy what already exists: our furniture , carpets , lights and decorative objects are available and ready to ship, with no production lead time as with new furniture. Another advantage when you buy vintage and second hand.

    For more information about shipping and delivery , see Returns & Refunds .

  • service

    At 2nd home we place great importance on quality and customer satisfaction. Sellers are selected by 2nd home, and every piece is described with its condition, dimensions and photos.

    If you have any questions, our customer service will help you You can find further information about our buyer protection, legal guarantee and right of return in our cancellation policy .

  • Pre-owned instead of new

    Every piece has already been made and stays in use; there is no new production.

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