Folded by hand and heart - A portrait of Lene Bjerre

17 June 2025 | Lene Bjerre Design & Simple Goods

• Design
• Home accessories

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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 Bjere

From a young age, she understood that the true value of something is felt when it’s made by hand. Tiny doll socks, knitted with childlike fingers and sold to Vesterladen in Aalborg, became her first earnings. It was modest – but it lit a fire. One that would burn for a lifetime.

The next turning point came through her neighbor, the artist Kirsten Holst. In a home filled with colors and creativity, Lene learned to fold lampshades.

"I saw a lampshade in her living room and instantly thought: that has to be handmade."

Even now, decades later, Lene says: "Let me teach you.’" Right then and there, with a single sheet of paper, she began to fold. It was a discipline with a unique poetry – a meeting of structure and fragility. And something about it has stayed with her.


The folded beginning of a global brand

In the beginning, Lene folded shades from gift wrapping paper. It was simple, but beautiful. Later, she found factories that could provide more durable materials and custom-designed frames. The first products were sold with the same quiet pride as those tiny socks – but this time, the wingspan was greater.
Sales started at home. She invited friends, acquaintances, and anyone curious enough to drop by.

"When they came, they got coffee. And I had some lampshades they could buy. And if someone wanted to host a gathering like mine, they could get the shades for free."

Though it all began with craftsmanship, demand required growth. A pivotal decision came when she acquired a specialty machine from Germany, one that could fold lampshades at scale – without compromising on aesthetics. It was a step that made the business truly scalable.

At the same time, the world opened up. With language skills in both German and English – learned at evening school and during a stay in Switzerland – Lene began attending trade fairs and handling exports herself. She took part in both Danish and international fairs in Frankfurt and Paris. Her folded shades began to find their way into homes, hotels, and shops far beyond Denmark’s borders. She hired three Danish salespeople, one in Germany, and then – her first international client – a loyal and enthusiastic Norwegian.


Folded in partnership

As the business grew, her husband stood by her side – first as a farmer, then as an active contributor to the company. He handled logistics and technical matters so she could focus on the creative and the commercial. In that sense, it wasn’t just her company – it was theirs.

Their daughter also joined the business, especially within sales. And although the children never formally took over, it was clear this was a shared passion – a family effort.

But it wasn’t only family. Her staff became essential contributors to her journey.


The greatest visit

Then came the crowning moment: a visit from Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II. An honor that can’t be bought or arranged. A moment that marked the peak of a career built on authenticity and craftsmanship.

For Lene, a quiet affirmation that what she had built held value – even in the most distinguished company.

"It was the mayor of Nibe who called me and said he had something exciting to tell. I said, of course, come by. We sat down, and he said,

‘We’ve received word that Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik want to visit Nibe.’"

She laughs, remembering that day.

"We rolled out a red carpet, and they arrived in their royal car. The Queen was so impressed. We had created an entire exhibition for her in the lunchroom."


A legacy in light

Over a decade ago, Lene took a step back from the business. But the business still shines – not only as a collection of products, but as a symbol of a life philosophy - that what’s made with hands and heart endures the longest.

She still lives in Northern Jutland. The same calm, the same view. She walks, finds joy in her children, and reflects on the traces her life has left behind.

"Darkness never spoke to me – but light, I’ve always shaped."

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