USM Haller: Standard Configurations Chart
The USM Haller modular system, designed by Fritz Haller in 1963, rests on three elements: a chromed brass connection ball, steel tubes, and lacquered metal panels. The system's strength lies in its combinatorics: from a few components, almost any configuration is possible. In return, a second-hand buyer needs to read the standard dimensions to compare two units, check that an assembly is consistent and match the configuration to its use. Here are the most common configurations in the catalogue.
Reading a USM configuration
A USM configuration is described by its number of modules in width and in height. A standard module is 75 cm wide and 35 cm tall. A 2x3 configuration therefore designates a unit two modules wide by three modules tall, that is approximately 152.5 cm wide and 109 cm tall, excluding base.
Three further parameters complete the reading:
- Depth: 35 cm or 50 cm. The 35 cm depth is used for wall-mounted pieces and light storage. The 50 cm depth is the standard for sideboards, desks, and loaded bookcases.
- Closure type: drop-down doors (downward), tip-up doors (upward), drawers, open. A single structure can mix several closure types per row.
- Finish: the USM palette, see below.
Most common modules
| Configuration | Width (cm) | Module height (cm) | Standard total height (cm) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x1 | 75 | 35 | 35 | Low cube, bedside |
| 1x2 | 75 | 35 | 74 | Desk pedestal, mini-storage |
| 1x3 | 75 | 35 | 110 | Narrow tall unit |
| 2x1 | 152.5 | 35 | 35 | Very low credenza, entry bench |
| 2x2 | 152.5 | 35 | 74 | Mid-height sideboard, console |
| 2x3 | 152.5 | 35 | 110 | Living-room sideboard, wide TV stand |
| 3x1 | 230 | 35 | 35 | Long credenza, entry bench |
| 3x4 | 230 | 35 | 145 | Bookcase, office storage |
Nominal heights vary slightly with the presence of a base (≈ 6.5 cm) and any wheels. Catalogue reference heights are 35, 74, 110, 145, and 183 cm excluding base, that is 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 modules stacked respectively.
Heights and depths
The system's five standard heights cover most domestic and tertiary uses.
- 35 cm: one module, for a bedside unit, a very low credenza or a bench.
- 74 cm: two modules, the height of a desk top, a living-room console or a low sideboard.
- 110 cm: three modules, for a tall TV stand, a living-room sideboard or open office storage.
- 145 cm: four modules, for a bookcase or kitchen storage.
- 183 cm: five modules, for a full-height bookcase or a room divider.
On depth:
- 35 cm: wall-mounted pieces, vertical file storage.
- 50 cm: the standard depth for sideboards, desks, TV stands and bookcases.
Specific depths also exist for office versions or specialised lockers. When buying second-hand, be wary of a unit that mixes two depths: it is technically possible but unusual, and often the sign of a later assembly of parts from different sources.
The colour palette
The USM palette has around fifteen colours, plus older shades withdrawn from the catalogue over time; about ten of them turn up regularly second-hand.
- Olive green: one of the oldest, present on early productions of the 1960s-70s and long associated with the system.
- Anthracite grey: very dark grey, present from the early years and very common in corporate offices.
- Gentian blue: deep blue, one of the historical palette finishes.
- Pure beige: warm light beige, frequent in residential configurations.
- Golden yellow / ginster: a bright yellow, rarer in large configurations.
- Ruby red: deep red, sought after today on residential configurations.
- USM brown: chocolate brown, rarer.
- Pure white: dominant neutral of contemporary configurations.
- Light grey: soft grey, modern palette.
Other colours in the chart (mint green, orange, soft pink and others) appear occasionally, generally in limited editions or special orders. Second-hand, a colour not on this list should always be checked against the official USM palette to confirm that it belongs to the system. A panel repainted in a shade that does not exist in the official chart, or with ordinary paint, falls outside the system and is much harder to sell. A proper relacquering is another matter: when a panel reaches us damaged, we entrust it to a partner workshop that uses the same process as the original finish.
Use cases: choosing a configuration
TV stand or low console: 2x1 or 3x1
A low USM TV stand is most often built as a 2x1 (152 cm wide, 35 cm tall), or as a 3x1 for more width. This height works well with low sofas such as the Ligne Roset Togo. Recommended depth: 35 or 50 cm, depending on the equipment it has to hold.
Living-room sideboard: 2x2 or 2x3
The classic living-room sideboard is a 2x2 (152 x 74 cm) or a 2x3 (152 x 110 cm), 50 cm deep. It often combines drop-down doors at the bottom with open compartments or drawers at the top. It is one of the most common configurations second-hand.
Bookcase: 3x4 or 3x5
A bookcase is usually 3 modules wide (230 cm) and 4 or 5 modules tall (145 or 183 cm). Allow 35 cm of depth for books and 50 cm for a mix of books and objects. A mostly open bookcase keeps the system easy to read.
Desk and pedestal: 1x2 or a dedicated desk
The standard desk pedestal is a 1x2 (75 x 74 cm), 50 cm deep, often with drawers and a drop-down door. USM also offers desk tops to combine with leg frames or pedestals.
Buying second-hand in Paris
There is plenty of second-hand USM Haller in Paris. A few rules before buying:
- Verify authenticity: examine the connection balls (chromed brass, USM engraving on some productions), the tubes, and lacquer quality. See our guide recognising a real USM Haller.
- Measure before buying: check that width, height and depth are consistent. A unit assembled from lots bought at different times is common; it is not a defect if disclosed, but it weighs on the price.
- Compare colours: a 2x3 in original olive green does not sell at the same price as a recent white 2x3. Olive green, anthracite and ruby red are among the colours most in demand for the home.
- Disassembly and transport: a USM disassembles fully, the balls unscrew with an Allen key. Within Paris, a small van is enough; for longer distances, see our Cocolis delivery grid.
- Favour standard configurations: a standard 2x2 or 2x3 resells more easily than an atypical assembly.
See also our USM Haller second-hand Paris buying guide for sources and the full process.
The USM Haller units we offer are described with their exact configuration (modules, height, depth), their colour and the condition of the lacquer and balls, and we take them apart and reassemble them before sale. For a particular configuration, or to have a USM you want to sell valued (reply within 24 to 48 hours), write to us.
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LAPIERRE MARKET
