Yes, USM is worth it for those seeking heirloom-quality, highly modular furniture that is built to last a lifetime. Esteemed for its Swiss precision engineering and iconic steel construction, USM Haller is a significant upfront investment that pays dividends through decades of durability and timeless design.
The brand offers exceptional quality, with materials and construction that far surpass mainstream furniture. If you value longevity, customizability, and a minimalist aesthetic that will not go out of style, USM represents one of the best long-term investments in the furniture market.
How Is USM's Quality?
USM's quality is regarded as exceptional and is a benchmark for modular furniture systems. The brand is built entirely around durability, precision, and longevity, with very few compromises. Here’s a breakdown:
- Materials: USM primarily uses high-grade, powder-coated steel for its frames and panels, which are resistant to corrosion, scratches, and fading. The connecting components are precision-engineered chrome-plated steel, ensuring a perfect and secure fit that will not loosen over time.
- Construction: The system is manufactured in Switzerland with an obsessive attention to detail. High-precision welding and automated powder-coating processes ensure a flawless and uniform finish. The entire system is designed for tool-less, snap-in assembly, reflecting its engineering excellence.
- Durability and Longevity: USM furniture is designed to last a lifetime and is often passed down through generations. It is common to see Haller units from the 1970s and 80s still in excellent condition. The robust steel structure can handle heavy loads without bending or warping, and components are built to withstand decades of daily use.
- Common Complaints: Complaints are rare and typically minor. Some owners note that the powder-coated finish, while durable, can chip if struck by a hard or sharp object. The only other significant drawback cited by customers is the high cost, which places it in a premium market segment.
Is USM Good Value for the Price?
USM offers very good long-term value, but the high initial cost positions it as a considered purchase rather than an impulse buy. Here’s how its value stacks up:
Price Positioning
USM sits firmly in the high-end luxury market. A small, basic shelving module can start around $1,200, while larger credenzas and office configurations often exceed $5,000. Desks typically range from $3,500 to $7,000. This pricing is comparable to other esteemed European design brands like Vitra and Fritz Hansen, and its premium is justified by its superior modularity and all-steel construction.
What You're Paying For
With USM, you are paying for Swiss manufacturing, superior materials (no particle board, ever), and an iconic, timeless design. The primary value lies in its longevity and unparalleled flexibility. A shelving unit bought today can be reconfigured into a desk, a credenza, or a room divider in 10 years, adapting to your changing life and spaces, effectively eliminating the need to buy new furniture.
Where You Get Good Value
- Long-Term Ownership: When considered over a 20+ year lifespan, the cost-per-year is lower than replacing cheaper furniture every 5-7 years.
- Flexibility and Reconfiguration: The ability to add, remove, or change components means your initial investment never becomes obsolete.
- Resale Value: Well-maintained USM furniture holds its value remarkably well on the second-hand market, often retaining over 50-60% of its original price.
Where You Don't Get Good Value
- Short-Term Use: If you need furniture for a temporary situation or move frequently and don't plan to keep it, the high upfront cost makes little sense.
- Strict Budgets: Shoppers who prioritize immediate affordability will find USM's pricing to be prohibitive. The high shipping costs can also add a significant amount to the final price.
USM Quality by Category
USM's core offering is its modular systems, so quality is incredibly consistent across all potential configurations.
Modular Furniture (Haller System)
The USM Haller system is the brand's cornerstone and encompasses shelving, credenzas, desks, and storage. The construction consists of a chrome-plated steel tube frame connected by ball joints, with powder-coated steel panels forming the exterior. Units are incredibly sturdy and stable, designed to last 30+ years with minimal wear. Prices for a basic two-compartment credenza start around $1,500, with complex configurations reaching well into the five figures. Verdict: This is an exceptional investment for those who prioritize lifetime durability and minimalist design.
Our Verdict: Is USM Worth It?
USM is an unequivocal investment in quality, making it worth the premium price for consumers who value timeless design, extreme durability, and lifelong adaptability. It is a "buy it for life" product that defies trends and eliminates the cycle of replacement that plagues mass-market furniture.
Quality Grade: A
USM earns an 'A' for its unwavering commitment to material quality and manufacturing excellence. The use of high-grade steel for every structural component, paired with Swiss precision engineering, creates a product with virtually no weak points. The proven longevity of USM pieces, often lasting multiple decades, places it in the highest tier of furniture craftsmanship.
Value Grade: B+
The value proposition is strong but receives a B+ due to its high barrier to entry. While the long-term value is undeniable, the steep initial cost makes it inaccessible for many. However, for those who can make the investment, the combination of durability, exceptional resale value, and the ability to reconfigure it infinitely provides outstanding value that cheaper furniture can never match.
More Quality Brands Like USM
If you appreciate USM's commitment to quality craftsmanship and timeless modern design, here are other brands that operate with a similar philosophy:
Vitra
Another Swiss powerhouse, Vitra produces iconic furniture from legendary designers like Charles and Ray Eames. It offers similar high-end build quality with a focus on mid-century modern aesthetics, using premium woods, plastics, and metals. Their Eames storage units offer a different but equally durable modular solution.
Shop now at vitra.com
Fritz Hansen
This Danish brand is famous for its iconic Scandinavian designs, like the Egg™ chair. It shares USM's dedication to craftsmanship and uses top-tier materials like solid wood, steel, and premium leathers. While less modular, its quality is exceptional and its designs are considered lifetime investments.
Shop now at fritzhansen.com
String Furniture
For a more accessible (yet still high-quality) Swiss-designed modular option, String shelving is an excellent choice. Featuring powder-coated steel side panels and wood or metal shelves, it offers minimalist aesthetics and good durability at a significantly lower price point than USM, making it a strong value proposition.
Shop now at stringfurniture.com
IKEA
For those who love the modular concept but can't meet USM's price, IKEA's PLATSA or EKET systems offer functional modularity at a fraction of the cost. While the particleboard construction can't compare to USM's steel, it provides a flexible, budget-friendly solution for exploring modular design.
Shop now at ikea.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is USM furniture so expensive?
USM's high cost is due to its exclusive use of premium materials like high-grade steel, its precision manufacturing process in Switzerland, and its iconic licensed design. You are paying for a piece of engineering that is designed to perform perfectly for decades, not just a piece of furniture.
How long does USM Haller furniture last?
With proper care, USM Haller furniture can easily last for over 30 years and is often considered an heirloom piece. Many units manufactured in the 1970s are still in active use today, a testament to their exceptional durability and timeless design.
Can you reconfigure USM furniture yourself?
Yes, the Haller system is designed for tool-less assembly and reconfiguration. While changing a large, complex unit can be time-consuming, the snap-in component system allows owners to add, remove, and rebuild their furniture to suit new needs, which is a core part of its enduring value.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
