FROM WASTE BIN TO MoMa

The design story that began with a single, casual question…

In 1932, 17-year-old Holger Nielsen wins a car in a lottery. Since he doesn’t have a driver’s license, he promptly sells the car and establishes a metal workshop in the small Danish town of Randers.

In 1939, his wife Marie opens a hair salon and asks the question that changes everything:
“Holger, I need a waste bin for my salon. Can you make me one?”

The pedal bin he develops is as simple as it is ingenious: a pedal opens the lid without the need to touch it with your hands. Especially in hair salons, doctors’ offices, or clinics, this becomes a small everyday revolution. Word of its functionality and quality spreads quickly—and soon the Vipp bin is not only in Marie’s salon, but also in practices and businesses across Denmark.

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Vipp conquers the world

Over the years, new production techniques changed details such as the bin’s lid. However, the design principles and the family’s commitment remained the same.

In 1992, Jette Egelund takes over her father’s company. At that time, only two people are working in the small metal factory. But Jette has a vision: she wants to bring the iconic product from professional settings into private homes.

She presents the bin in the best furniture and design stores in Scandinavia – and soon internationally as well. When the renowned Conran Shop places orders for its stores in London and Paris, it becomes clear that they are on the right track. What began as a pragmatic solution gradually evolves into a design classic.

A waste bin goes MoMA

In 2009, the Vipp pedal bin is included in the permanent architecture and design collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York – likely the only place where it serves purely as an exhibit.

For Vipp, the bin is just the beginning – and the story continues. Building on the same principles of functionality and reduced aesthetics, more products are created. All of them timeless, functional, and thoughtfully designed down to the smallest detail. Over time, the range has grown into a Vipp living universe – indoor and outdoor, furniture and accessories – for living, office, kitchen, and bathroom.

The company remains family-owned to this day, as does its design direction. Instead of working with changing designers, Vipp consistently follows its own design philosophy: durable materials, precise functionality, and an aesthetic that deliberately ignores trends. The goal of the third generation remains the same as in Holger’s time: to create things that endure.

For us, Vipp combines the Nordic lightness we love with iconic design that makes our showroom so special. The finest materials come together with a stunning finish.

Visit us – we have the Swivel Chair in various versions in our showroom, as well as the Cabin Lounge Chair, the Cabin Round Table, and the Desk Table. In our online shop, you will also find various items from the outdoor collection.

We are happy to advise you and look forward to your visit!

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