Vipp

In 1939, Marie Nielsen, a young Danish hairdresser, asked her husband Holger to create a waste bin for her new salon. Holger, a skilled metalworker, took on the challenge. He designed a sturdy, functional pedal bin—one that was not only practical, but also timeless in shape and design. What began as a simple assignment for his wife grew into an iconic design that is now recognized worldwide.

Holger’s pedal bin proved ideal not only for Marie’s salon, but also for dental practices, hospitals, and other spaces where hygiene and ease of use were essential. The clever design, which combined functionality and aesthetics, laid the foundation for what would later become a world-class Danish design brand.

For many years, Vipp remained true to its original mission: to produce pedal bins that last a lifetime. It was only after Holger’s death that his daughter and later his grandchildren took over the reins. Under their leadership, Vipp expanded its collection to include lighting and furniture, always with the same focus on craftsmanship and sustainability.

Today, the iconic pedal bin is not only a practical utensil, but also a design classic that is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. What began as a loving gesture from a man to his wife has grown into a globally recognized symbol of Danish design.