Case Study: Custom modular teak shelving with magazine display – London loft
Client: Todd from London
Product: Custom Modular Shelving – Teak Finish
Space: Brick-wall warehouse conversion loft
The Challenge
Todd came to us with a clear vision for his living room, but he needed a flexible system that could adapt to his brick-wall loft and his creative layout.
Todd, a design-savvy client living in a beautifully restored warehouse apartment in East London, reached out to us with a unique request. Although he’s not a professional architect, he had meticulously designed his space in SketchUp, seeking the perfect furniture system to bring it to life.
“I am not an architect but I have designed up my space using SketchUp. I'd like to figure out which arrangement of your shelving units works best for my living room. Could you share your 3D models with me?”
Originally, Todd was considering String Furniture, but hit a snag — their system didn’t work well with irregular brick walls, which are a key feature of his industrial interior.
“They told me it won’t work on brick walls due to irregularities. Since I live in a warehouse conversion, this is a problem!”
There was one feature of String he did appreciate — the magazine display shelves — and he asked if we could integrate something similar into our system.
The Solution
We took Todd’s SketchUp plan and translated it into a tailored shelving configuration using our teak-finished modular system.
While our 3D files are currently limited to base modules, we loved Todd’s proactive attitude. We reviewed his SketchUp layout and created a custom arrangement tailored to his loft, using our teak-finished modular shelving system.
We incorporated:
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Magazine-style display shelves, as requested
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Lower closed storage boxes for vinyls and accessories
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Open vertical space for plants, art books and ambient lighting
Everything was designed to perfectly fit the irregular brick wall and maintain balance with the loft’s natural wood and industrial steel elements.
“I looked at what you sent me and created a preliminary drawing of what we can propose within our system,” we told him. “We can try to make the magazine shelves exactly as shown.”
A cozy corner in Todd’s East London loft, featuring our custom teak plywood shelving system designed to fit perfectly against exposed brick walls.
The Result
What started as a challenge became the most character-rich corner of the home, combining mid-century warmth with industrial edge.
The teak shelves integrate seamlessly with the exposed brick, wooden beams, and vintage furniture, creating a cozy and curated corner for books, music and conversation.
Todd added soft lighting, plants and a classic lounge chair to complete the space. What was once a challenging wall became the heart of the room.
“It fits better than I imagined,” Todd shared later. “And the magazine display shelves really tie it all together.”
Delivered To:
- East London, United Kingdom
- Flat-packed shipping via Fedex
- Assembled in under 65 minutes
Magazine-style display shelves and closed vinyl storage modules, customized to reflect Todd’s original SketchUp concept.
Interested in a similar layout?
Check out our modular system or reach out to us with your own SketchUp plan — we’ll help bring it to life.
→ Explore our Modular Shelving System
FAQ
Do you ship to the UK?
Yes — we ship worldwide, including the UK. This project was delivered to East London using Fedex, and most orders arrive within 4–6 business days.
Can I request a custom configuration like Todd did?
Absolutely. We often work with clients who have specific needs or layouts. You can send us a SketchUp plan, drawings, or even just reference photos, and we’ll help you design the best arrangement within our system.
Do the shelves work on brick or uneven walls?
Yes — our shelving system is freestanding and does not require wall mounting, making it ideal for warehouse conversions or old buildings with uneven surfaces.
How long does assembly take?
Most setups take under an hour and require no special tools. Everything comes flat-packed with clear instructions and fittings included.
Ready to Design Your Own Setup?
If Todd’s loft inspired you, let’s talk – we’re happy to help bring your own vision to life.
We’d love to help you create your own version — whether you’re designing a home office, a reading nook, or a record wall.
👉 Contact us with your idea or get samples of our stains to start planning today.
Let’s build something timeless — together.
