USM Haller Second Hand: Sideboards, Shelving and Desks

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Buying USM Haller second hand means buying a system that was designed to be rebuilt. From 1962, the entrepreneur Paul Schärer and the architect Fritz Haller developed a modular furniture system in Münsingen, Switzerland, originally intended only for USM's own offices. The patent for the ball connector was filed in 1965, the first large order came from the Rothschild Bank in Paris in 1969, and since 2001 USM Haller has been part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

At 2nd home you will find used USM Haller furniture such as sideboards, chests of drawers with drop doors and drawers, shelving with glass doors, filing cabinets, mobile pedestals and desks, plus spare keys for the locks. For everything else that suits a study, browse our office furniture category.

The principle has not changed: chrome plated balls join chrome plated steel tubes into a frame, and coloured steel panels slot in as sides, shelves, drop doors and pull outs. According to USM, every further development can be integrated into existing furniture. That is why you can extend an older sideboard, rebuild it or split it into two pieces, and a damaged panel can be swapped on its own instead of replacing the whole unit.

The colours have fixed names, many with a RAL number: pure white (RAL 9010), light grey (RAL 7035), USM mid grey, anthracite grey (RAL 7016), graphite black (RAL 9011), steel blue (RAL 5011), gentian blue, USM green, golden yellow, pure orange, USM beige, USM brown and USM ruby red. If you want to add to a piece you already own, compare the colour name, not just the photo.

What to check when buying: USM states dimensions as axis dimensions, measured from ball centre to ball centre; the outer dimension is 23 mm larger. Common bay widths are 350, 500 and 750 mm. In the photos, look at the balls and tubes for chipped chrome, at the panels for dents and deep scratches, and at the drop doors for an even fit. Lockable doors and pull outs need the matching key, so ask whether it is included. Dimensions, colour and condition are stated with every piece.

Buying USM Haller second hand: sizes, colours and reconfiguration

  • Buying USM Haller second hand makes sense because the system of balls, tubes and panels can be rebuilt and extended. Every piece is described with dimensions, colour, condition and photos. Check the grid size and number of compartments. As a credenza you find USM among the sideboards, open among the shelving units, as a workplace among the desks. Shipping is insured.

  • Information about shipping & contact

    In our shipping information you will find out everything you need to know about shipping, possible pickup and the respective delivery costs:

    To the shipping information


    In addition, you can find detailed answers to frequently asked questions in our Help & Contact section or you can write to us directly:

    To the help and contact area

    We want to make sure that your new (old) designer piece arrives to you smoothly.

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Frequently asked questions and answers

How robust is USM Haller furniture in everyday use?

USM Haller furniture is made of steel and is extremely durable. The chrome-plated ball joints ensure high stability, ideal for everyday use at home or in the office.

Can I expand my existing USM furniture?

Yes! Thanks to its modular design, USM Haller furniture can be flexibly expanded, new elements can be easily integrated.

What care do powder-coated surfaces need?

A soft cloth and a little water will suffice. Avoid harsh cleaners—they could damage the powder coating and reduce the surface's shine.

Is the USM Haller furniture at 2nd home original?

Yes, we only accept original USM Haller elements. You can recognise originals by the chrome plated ball with threaded holes, the embossing on the handles and, on newer balls, the laser engraved USM lettering. If in doubt, ask for the invoice or the origin.

  • curation, selection and active search

    Every product you find on 2nd home comes from our curation and quality process . This includes our vintage USM Haller Vintage Furniture .

    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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