Compare Vitra Uten.Silo RE I and II, including dimensions, recycled material, colours, storage ideas, installation and authentic-product checks.
Article
Small objects have a habit of disappearing
inside drawers and making a desk feel untidy when left outside. Uten.Silo turns
those everyday pieces into an organised wall composition. Pockets of different
shapes and sizes create a playful rhythm, so the organiser looks graphic and
lively even before anything is placed inside.
Vitra’s current versions are called
Uten.Silo RE I and Uten.Silo RE II. The first is the generous original size;
the second is more compact. Both combine moulded pockets with metal hooks and
are offered in colours that can blend into a wall or become a bold accent.
1. Design
History
German designer Dorothee Becker introduced
the original Uten.Silo I in 1969, followed by the smaller Uten.Silo II in 1970.
Production later stopped amid rising material costs associated with the 1970s
oil crisis. Vitra rediscovered the design in the late 1990s and returned it to
production, helping a Pop-era organiser become a lasting design classic.
2. Main
Products: I and II
|
Feature |
Uten.Silo RE I |
Uten.Silo RE II |
|
Design
year |
1969
original |
1970
compact version |
|
Dimensions |
67
× 87 cm |
52
× 68 cm |
|
Depth |
Approximately
6.5–7 cm in retail data |
Approximately
6.5–7 cm in retail data |
|
Character |
More
storage and stronger wall presence |
Easier
in small rooms |
|
Good
for |
Large
studies, kitchens and studios |
Hallways,
children’s rooms and desks |
Visual Guide
1. Horizon blue Uten.Silo RE I
2. RE I filling a larger wall
3. RE I organising daily essentials
4. Japanese red RE I
5. Compact white RE II
6. Pocket and metal-hook details
7. RE II beside a desk
8. RE II in an everyday interior
9. Small items divided among pockets
10. Graphic black RE II
이미지
출처 / Image source: smow Uten.Silo product pages
3. Materials
and Colours
Vitra states that the current RE body is
made from robust recycled post-industrial ABS, paired with nickel-plated metal
elements. The familiar silhouette remains, while the RE name identifies the
recycled-material edition. Commonly visible current colours include White RE,
Black RE, Japanese Red RE and Horizon Blue RE, although availability changes by
market and season.
4. What Fits
in the Pockets?
|
Room |
Useful contents |
Watch for |
|
Study |
Pens,
scissors, notes, cables |
Avoid
heavy books and devices |
|
Kitchen |
Utensils,
clips and recipes |
Keep
away from heat and splashing |
|
Bathroom |
Brushes,
tubes and small towels |
Prevent
standing water |
|
Hallway |
Keys,
glasses and mail |
Do
not expose valuables |
|
Child’s
room |
Pencils
and craft materials |
Mount
safely and check small parts |
|
Studio |
Rulers,
tape and brushes |
Store
sharp heavy tools elsewhere |
5. Strengths
and Limitations
|
Strengths |
Limitations |
|
Open
storage makes items easy to find |
Dust
and visual clutter remain visible |
|
Many
pocket sizes support sorting |
Not
intended for bulky or heavy objects |
|
Storage
and wall art in one object |
Authentic
Vitra pricing is premium |
|
Two
sizes and expressive colours |
Drilling
is required and screws may be separate |
|
Recognisable
design history |
Marks
can show on white or dark finishes |
6. Installation
Essentials
Uten.Silo is a wall-mounted organiser.
Korean retail guidance notes that screws may not be included and warns against
leaning it on the floor, where the panel may deform. Select anchors for
concrete, brick, timber studs or plasterboard, and seek professional help when
the wall structure is uncertain. Use the organiser for light daily objects and
distribute contents rather than overloading one pocket.
·
Make a paper template at full
size before drilling.
·
Avoid possible electrical and
plumbing routes.
·
Use a level and confirm every
fixing is secure.
·
Keep heavy books and tools on
structural shelving.
·
Clean with a soft cloth and
mild detergent; avoid aggressive solvents.
7. Authentic
Product Checks
Many wall organisers borrow the general
idea, but manufacturer, material, dimensions, finish, fixing structure and
service terms can differ. If you want the Vitra original, check for the precise
Uten.Silo RE I or II name, authorised retail information, product labels,
packaging and purchase documentation. A very low price should prompt a check
for used condition, parallel import status or an unrelated look-alike.
8. Choosing
the Right Size
Choose I when a large wall needs both
meaningful storage and a strong visual anchor. Choose II beside a compact desk,
in a hallway or in a child’s room. Satisfaction is highest when the goal is not
maximum capacity but graceful sorting of the small things you use often.
FAQ
Q. What is
the main difference between I and II?
Size and capacity: I is 67 × 87 cm and II is
52 × 68 cm.
Q. Are
mounting screws included?
Some Korean retailers state that screws are
not included. Prepare fixings suited to your wall.
Q. Can it be
used in a bathroom?
Yes with care, but avoid constant wetting
and standing water, and keep the room ventilated.
Q. Can it
hold heavy tools or books?
It is best treated as an organiser for
small daily objects. Use structural shelving for heavy items.
Q. What does
RE mean?
The current RE edition is described as
using recycled post-industrial ABS plastic.
Conclusion
Uten.Silo makes storage visible and joyful.
Choose the generous I or compact II to suit the wall, then leave a little
breathing room instead of filling every pocket. The result is both useful and
wonderfully graphic.
Sources
·
Vitra official: materials and overview
https://www.vitra.com/en-un/product/utensilo
·
Vitra RE II: versions and dates
https://www.vitra.com/en-un/product/details/utensilo-re-2
·
smow: dimensions and images
https://www.smow.com/vitra/storage/uten-silo-i.html
·
Korean retail reference: dimensions, price and installation
notes
https://avita.co.kr/product/비트라-유텐실로-re-1-화이트/3208/