Celebrating 50 Years of Timeless Elegance
This season, Lene Bjerre proudly celebrates 50 years of designing timeless home moments with the launch of our Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection. Rooted in Scandinavian heritage and designed with a modern sensibility, this milestone collection honors our legacy while embracing the future of home décor.
Drawing inspiration from our rich design archive, the collection revisits signature materials, silhouettes, and decorative details that have defined Lene Bjerre over the decades. Several pieces carry subtle nods to our past - making this collection not only a celebration of the season, but a tribute to five decades of design, aesthetics, and Nordic elegance.
The mood is warm, tactile, and sophisticated – with soft textures, sculptural forms, and a muted, earthy palette that evokes calm and quiet luxury. From elegantly set dinner tables in silver and glass to inviting bedrooms wrapped in quilted comfort, every detail invites you to slow down and enjoy life’s everyday rituals.
This collection is a tribute to both everyday moments and special celebrations. As the days grow shorter and we move indoors, our homes become a space for gathering, unwinding, and marking the season. That’s why you’ll find plenty of warm candlelight, atmospheric lighting, and portable lamps that can move with you from room to room – perfect for creating that cozy, glowing feeling wherever you are.
Statement flowers and elegant étagères set the stage for special occasions and joyful gatherings. Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a festive celebration, layered tablescapes with cut glassware and refined silverware help create an atmosphere that’s both warm and elevated. It’s about celebrating the moment – with style, intention, and a touch of everyday elegance.
Alongside the decorative highlights, the collection also includes practical pieces that bring beauty into daily routines. Stylish stationery, elegant trays, and well-designed kitchen tools reflect our belief that even the most functional items deserve thoughtful design. These are the small touches that help elevate your every day – whether you’re writing a note, serving coffee, or cooking a simple meal.
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, this collection stands as a reflection of where we’ve been – and where we’re going.
A portrait of Lene Bjerre
In the windswept landscape of Northern Jutland, where the air carries the scent of saltwater and creativity, Lene Bjerre slowly – but thoughtfully – unfolded her dream into reality. Her journey didn’t begin in a design studio, but in a childhood home shaped by one clear principle: ”If you wanted something, you had to earn it yourself,” she says, smiling at the memory. ”I learned early on that you have to deserve things.”
The artistry of Lene Bjerre
From a young age, Lene Bjerre knew that true value lay in things made by hand. Tiny knitted doll socks, crafted with childish fingers and sold in Aalborg, earned her first small income — modest, but it sparked a fire that would burn for a lifetime.
Another turning point came through her neighbor, Kirsten Holst. In a home filled with color and creativity, Lene spotted a lampshade and instantly thought: ”That has to be handmade.”
Decades later, she still remembers that moment. “Let me teach you,” Kirsten said — and with a simple sheet of paper, Lene folded her first lampshade. It was a meeting of structure and fragility that left a lasting impression.
The folded beginning of a global brand
In the beginning, Lene folded lampshades from gift wrap — simple, but beautiful. Later, she found factories that could produce more durable materials and custom-designed frames, allowing her to grow without ever compromising on aesthetics.
Sales started at home. Friends, acquaintances, and curious visitors were always welcome. ”When they came, they got coffee. And if they wanted to host a gathering like mine, they could get the shades for free.”
As word spread, Lene made a key decision: she invested in a specialty machine from Germany, enabling her to scale production while staying true to her craft.
At the same time, the world was opening up. Armed with German and English skills — learned at evening school and during a stay in Switzerland — Lene took her lampshades to fairs in Frankfurt and Paris. Soon, her creations found their way into hotels, homes, and shops far beyond Denmark’s borders.
Folded in partnership
As the business grew, it became a family affair. Her husband left farming to handle logistics and technical matters, freeing Lene to focus on the creative and commercial side. Their daughter later joined in sales, and although their children never formally took over, their passion for the business was clear.
It wasn’t just family, either. Loyal and talented staff played a vital role in the journey.
The greatest visit
One of the proudest moments came when Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II decided to visit. ”It was someone from Nibe who called and said: ‘The Queen and Prince Henrik would like to visit.’ I said: ‘Of course, come by!’”
Lene smiles at the memory.
”We rolled out the red carpet. The Queen was so impressed — we had even created a special exhibition just for her in the showroom.”
A legacy in light
Over a decade ago, Lene took a step back from the business. But the spirit she built still shines through — not just in the products, but in the philosophy: that what’s made with hands and heart lasts the longest.
Today, she still lives in Northern Jutland, surrounded by calm. She sees reflections of her work in her children, in the people she touched, and in the beautiful traces she’s left behind.
And if you ask her about the key to it all, her answer is simple:
”Find something you love — and something you can stand behind. Then it will grow.”
— Lene Bjerre
