DESIGNER PROFILE | NISSE AND KAJSA STRINNING

The Architect couple Nisse Strinning (1917-2006) and Kajsa Strinning (1922-2017) debuted as designers with a humble plate rack using steel wire, a technique that would be refined over the years. In 1949, they created a Scandinavian design classic when the String® shelf won the Bonnier Folk Library competition. A few years later, in 1954, String® earned them their first international design prize, a gold medal at the Milan Triennial. As recently as 2020, String® was awarded the Long Life Design award in Japan. Nisse Strinning kept on working until his death in 2006 at the age of 89. His last design was String® Pocket, which was launched by String Furniture in 2005.

String® often grows along with a family. Parents might buy the smallest String® shelf, String® Pocket, for their toddler’s first room. Then it is extended and reconfigured over the years, as the children grow up, until they finally move out – taking String® with them to their new home. String® is still made in Sweden, adhering to high quality standards and sustainability requirements. Nisse and Kajsa Strinning continued to invent new furniture until Nisse died in 2006. Many of these designs were a great success, although none of them were as appreciated as String® – or ”the damned shelf” as Nisse lovingly called it. As if its creators were almost a little jealous of their own offspring’s great success.