Since 1886 Brdr. Krüger have produced timeless designs with aesthetics built on Danish midcentury modern traditions. Originally started by two brothers, Theodor and Ferdinand Krüger, as a woodturning company in Copenhagen, Denmark, Brdr. Krüger continues to produce high quality pieces 136 years later.
We had the opportunity to speak with Creative Director Jonas Krüger at the recent 3DaysofDesign festival in Copenhagen, Denmark. Jonas is a fifth generation Krüger who runs the company along with his sister.
We were eager to find out what sets Brdr. Krüger apart from other Danish design companies. “We are very good at reduced, minimal work,” says Jonas. “Our products are very structured – almost like an architect at work but with soft curves and layers – honest solutions, and no hidden construction details.”
Traditional woodwork in high quality is as important today as it was in 1886. Everything is made in their own factory just outside Copenhagen. “We want to nourish and treasure the traditions and also try to evolve with modern technology – to be the next generation of how to work with wood in a high end fashion,” Jonas says.
Every facet of their design and manufacturing process seeks to create products that are at once useful, aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly.
All this is visible in the newest collection Brdr. Krüger have made in collaboration with designer Hans Bølling. It was Bølling who designed the Bølling Tray Table in 1963, a Danish design classic and symbol of the Danish Modern era. Bølling – now 91 years old and one of the very few designers left from the midcentury period – worked with expanding the aesthetics for the new furniture pieces.
Together with the HB Lounge Chair – inspired by the iconic Tray Table – the new collection also features the HB Coffee Table. The chair combines Bølling’s creativity with minimalist design while the coffee table is inspired by the reimagination of circular shapes that suggest timelessness and unending potential for evolution and reinvention.
As for the future of Brdr. Krüger, Jonas tells us how they plan to grow and expand without forgetting their traditions and heritage and what the company stands for. “We want to grow with a purpose, with family values, and an environmental approach, and not just grow for the sake of growth,” says Jonas.
