'Corniches' shelving system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra

Inspired by an idea of ‘impromptu storage area,’ France’s famous design duo Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec have realised this versatile, customisable shelving system for the Swiss furniture manufacturer Vitra. Available in three different sizes and in either high-gloss black, white or Japanese red, ’Corniches’ ‘are neither regular shelves nor simple horizontal surfaces, but rather individual, isolated protrusions’ which can serve many purposes within practically any environment. The design was launched earlier this year at Salone del Mobile in Milan.

'Corniches' shelving system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra

More about ‘Corniches’:

‘Corniches arose from the need for small storage spaces to spontaneously keep items. ‟The same way that we hang our beach towel on a rock jutting from a cliff before diving into the sea, we need small storage spaces in everyday life, too”, explains Ronan Bouroullec. And this is the reason that Corniches are neither regular shelves nor simple horizontal surfaces, but rather individual, isolated protrusions in the environments that we create. Whether as a key rack beside the front door, a spot to put the soap dispenser in the bathroom, as a pedestal for a small collection of objects or as a large installation, Corniches are a new way to use the wall in your living space.’

'Corniches' shelving system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra

'Corniches' shelving system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra

'Corniches' shelving system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra

'Corniches' shelving system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra

'Corniches' shelving system by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Vitra

to the Vitra collections on Architonic

to Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec’s designs on Architonic

Architonic’s photo tour of Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2012, Part 3

read ‘Picture Perfect: Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec at Vitra Design Museum’ article on Architonic