This USM Haller Media Console represents one of the most iconic and enduring designs of the 20th century. Created in 1963 by Swiss architects Fritz Haller and Paul Schaerer, the USM Haller modular system is celebrated worldwide for its timeless aesthetic, exceptional engineering, and unparalleled durability. This piece exemplifies the Bauhaus-informed principle that form follows function—executed with Swiss precision and an almost architectural rigor.

Presented in excellent condition, this console features a distinctive configuration: the two upper units are left open for display or media components, while the two lower units are equipped with drop-down doors—both featuring the latest upgrade of soft opening and closing mechanisms. This thoughtful enhancement combines the classic USM Haller aesthetic with modern convenience, ensuring smooth, silent, and gentle operation.

Constructed from custom-made powder-coated steel panels and signature chrome-plated steel tubes, this console offers the legendary durability that has made USM Haller furniture a lifelong investment—designed to be reconfigured, relocated, and enjoyed for generations.

Design Details

The USM Haller System
The USM Haller modular system was born from a collaboration between Swiss architect Fritz Haller and USM founder Paul Schaerer. Tasked with designing a new factory building for USM in Münsingen, Switzerland, they developed a flexible construction system based on a modular grid of steel tubes and patented ball connectors. The system proved so successful that it was adapted for furniture—and the USM Haller collection was born.

Key to the system’s enduring appeal is its adaptability. The modular components can be reconfigured, expanded, or reduced to suit changing needs—making each piece a lasting investment that evolves with its owner.

Configuration
This media console features a thoughtfully arranged configuration:

• Two upper open compartments — ideal for media components, streaming devices, gaming consoles, or display objects. The open design allows for unobstructed infrared signals for remote controls and easy access.

• Two lower drop-down doors — equipped with the latest upgrade of soft opening and closing mechanisms. These doors descend smoothly with a gentle touch, closing silently without slamming—a premium feature that enhances daily use.

Materials & Construction
The USM Haller system is renowned for its exceptional build quality:

• Powder-coated steel panels — custom-made to USM’s exacting specifications, offering a durable, scratch-resistant finish that maintains its appearance for decades

• Chrome-plated steel tubes — signature tubular frame that forms the structural grid, polished to a brilliant, corrosion-resistant finish

• Patented ball connectors — the iconic chrome spheres that lock the modular grid together with precision-engineered strength

Dimensions & Scale
With compact proportions—60 cm width, 14 cm depth, 25 cm height—this console is ideally suited for use beneath wall-mounted televisions, in entryways, or as a compact media solution in spaces where a full-sized credenza would overwhelm.

Specifications

Why This Piece Matters

Fritz Haller (1924–2012) was a Swiss architect and designer whose work focused on flexible, modular systems. Paul Schaerer (1910–1988) was the managing director of USM, a family-owned metalworking company founded in 1885. Together, they created a design language that has become synonymous with Swiss precision, modernist restraint, and enduring quality.

The USM Haller system has achieved iconic status for several reasons:

• Timeless Aesthetic — the clean lines, geometric precision, and restrained palette transcend trends

• Modular Flexibility — designed to be reconfigured, expanded, or reduced, ensuring relevance across changing needs and spaces

• Uncompromising Durability — built from high-quality materials with Swiss manufacturing standards; USM Haller furniture is often passed down through generations

• Cultural Significance — represented in museum collections including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York and the Vitra Design Museum

This particular console is enhanced by the soft open/close upgrade—a modern refinement that respects the original design while improving daily functionality. The drop-down door configuration is less common than standard hinged or sliding options, adding distinctiveness to this piece.

Authenticity & Condition

This USM Haller console is presented in excellent condition. The powder-coated steel panels show minimal signs of use, the chrome tubes retain their brilliant luster, and the patented ball connectors are fully intact.

The soft open/close mechanisms have been upgraded to the latest generation, ensuring smooth, silent, and reliable operation. The drop-down doors function with a gentle touch—opening effortlessly and closing with controlled, noiseless precision.