The Vipp story begins in 1939, when the young Danish hairdresser Marie Nielsen asked her husband, metalworker Holger Nielsen, to create a pedal bin for her new salon. Holger took on the challenge and created a robust, functional, and beautifully designed pedal bin. Not intended as a design object, but as a practical aid that would withstand daily use—a product that was at once honest, durable, and timeless.
What began as a personal commission quickly grew into a beloved product in dental practices, hospitals, and other places where hygiene and ease of use were essential. Holger's design—with its iconic shape, clever functionality, and unparalleled craftsmanship—laid the foundation for what would later become a world-class Danish design brand.
Generations later, Holger's daughter and grandchildren took over the helm. With deep respect for the original design, they expanded the collection to include lighting, furniture, and accessories. Each expansion followed the same philosophy: creating products that last a lifetime and that naturally combine functionality, quality, and aesthetics.
Today, the Vipp pedal bin has become an international design icon, included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. A globally recognized symbol of Danish design—born from love, craftsmanship, and the power of simplicity.