What Le Klint does

Le Klint A/S is a Danish designer-lighting manufacturer founded in 1943 by Tage Klint and headquartered at Egestubben 13-17 in Odense, Denmark, where all lampshades are still handcrafted. The company is wholly owned by the Klint-Foundation (established 1972 by Jan Klint) and is currently led by CEO Kim Weckstrøm Jensen, who has held the role since 2001. Its core technology is the cross-pleating technique for paper and foil lampshades, originally developed around 1900 by P.V. Jensen-Klint and inspired by Japanese origami, combined with the grip-collar attachment patented in 1938 that allows shades to fix to frames through their own elasticity. The product portfolio spans pendants, ceiling, table, wall, and floor lamps, plus standalone lampshades, organized across 20+ named series (Model 101 Lantern, Bouquet, Caleo, Carronade II, Celine, Facet, Lamella, Plivello, Sax, Shibui, Snowdrop, Softly Pleated, Soleil, Swirl, LK 80, LK 334, Mutatio, Caché, Spot, Colour Pleats, KAARE KLINT Legacy) designed in collaboration with architects including Kaare Klint, Aurélien Barbry, Øivind Slaatto, Markus Johansson, Philip Bro Ludvigsen, and OEO Studio. Pricing is positioned at the premium end of the consumer market, with individual lamps ranging from approximately €319 to €2,188.

Le Klint generates revenue through direct-to-consumer sales via its own e-commerce platform (leklint.com), two brand stores in Copenhagen and Odense, and a global network of authorized retailers. A dedicated Pro Collection is distributed through the pCon professional design platform, targeting interior designers, architects, and project specifiers supplying commercial and hospitality projects. Products are CE-certified and the standard shade material is fire-retardant, antistatic, and UV-resistant hard PVC made in Europe. Distribution is global, with shipping from Odense to EU within 2-15 business days and worldwide within 15-30 business days. The company holds a Royal Warrant as Purveyor to the Royal Danish Court, appointed April 15, 2003, and has supplied lamps to the Royal yacht Dannebrog, Royal railway carriage, and Royal reception rooms at Copenhagen Airport.

Marketing is primarily content-led through a brand blog covering designer profiles, craftsmanship, and sustainability, supported by organic social on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, an email newsletter, and participation in Danish design events including 3daysofdesign and the 'Snedkernes' Autumn Exhibition. The company also operates a charitable sub-brand, the Love & Light Project, founded in 2012 by Brand Manager Isa Dawn Whyte Jensen, which produces handcrafted Christmas decorations. Le Klint has 51-100 employees, does not publicly disclose revenue, and is classified as a privately held for-profit company.

Name

Le Klint

Legal name

Le Klint A/S

Website

https://www.leklint.com/

Company type

Private

Founded year

1943

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Le Klint is a Danish premium lighting manufacturer, founded in 1943 and headquartered in Odense, specializing in hand-folded pleated lampshades using a proprietary cross-pleating technique. It serves design-conscious residential consumers, professional specifiers, and hospitality/cultural institutions globally through DTC, two brand stores, and authorized retailers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Designer Lighting

NAICS

Residential Electric Lighting Fixture Manufacturing (335131), Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)

akta.pro primary industry

Indoor Lighting Fixtures Retail (Ceiling, Wall, Pendant, Chandeliers) (CRAIAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Lamps Retail (Table, Floor, Desk) (CRAIAHAE), Smart Lighting & Controls Retail (Smart Switches, Dimmers, Hubs) (CRAIAHAF), Lighting & Electrical Supplies for Home Distribution (CRAOAFAG)

Keywords

• Hand-folded lampshades
• Designer lighting fixtures
• Danish lighting design
• Pleated pendant lamps
• Architectural lighting

Headquarters

HQ city

Odense

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Lighting product sales: Le Klint generates revenue primarily through the direct sale of hand-folded lamps, lampshades, and accessories to consumers and professionals. Products are sold via the company's own e-commerce platform, brand stores, and a global network of authorized retailers. The Pro Collection targets the professional project market.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Le Klint designs, hand-folds, and manufactures pleated lampshades and complete lighting fixtures (pendant, ceiling, table, wall, and floor lamps) at its production facility in Odense, Denmark. The company sells direct-to-consumers through its own e-commerce platform and two brand stores in Copenhagen and Odense, distributes globally through authorized retailers, and offers a dedicated Pro Collection via the pCon platform for architects, interior designers, and project specifiers.

Product overview

Le Klint is a Danish lighting company established in 1943, specializing in hand-folded pleated lampshades and designer lamps manufactured in Odense, Denmark. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of lighting products organized into core categories: Pendants, Ceiling Lamps, Table Lamps, Wall Lamps, Floor Lamps, and Lampshades. The product range spans over 20 distinct series including iconic designs like the Model 101 Lantern (KAARE KLINT Legacy), Bouquet, Caleo, Carronade II, Facet, Lamella, Plivello, Sax, Shibui, Snowdrop, Softly Pleated, Soleil, Spot, Swirl, and the LK 80 and LK 334 series. The collection includes lamps designed by renowned architects including Kaare Klint, Tage Klint, Philip Bro Ludvigsen, Aurélien Barbry, Øivind Slaatto, Markus Johansson, and OEO Studio. Supporting offerings include Accessories (hang-ups, frames, Casambi smart module), the Christmas Collection (Love & Light Project), and a Pro Collection accessible via pCon for architectural and design professionals. The Archive Collection offers restoration of discontinued classic models.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pendants Pendant lamps providing all-round lighting, suitable for dining tables, kitchens, living rooms, and high ceilings. Includes classic hand-folded pleated shades and modern designs.
• Ceiling Lamps Ceiling-mounted lamps (plafond lamps) ideal for rooms with low ceilings, providing functional all-round lighting.
• Table Lamps Portable lamps for placement on windowsills, sideboards, shelving, and bedside tables, providing comfortable atmosphere and allowing mixing of different light sources.
• Wall Lamps Wall-mounted lamps for mood lighting and functional illumination in bedrooms, reading corners, and hallways, including adjustable models like the Sax lamp that can be extended and retracted.
• Floor Lamps Floor-standing lamps for supplementary and mood lighting in living areas, including adjustable models (325, 349, Carronade series) for directing light where needed.
• Lampshades Hand-folded pleated lampshades available in paper and foil materials, including standard and colored paper variants (Buttermilk, Moss Green, Denim, Dijon, Chocolate). Compatible with Le Klint lamps and other lamp bases.
• Bouquet Series Pendant lamps inspired by tulips with soft, organic shapes, designed by Sinja Svarrer Damkjær. Features braided cords, natural linen covering, and oak details. Handcrafted in Odense.
• Caché Series Modern pendant and floor lamps with concealed hand-folded shades, designed by Aurélien Barbry. Available in black or gray with brass details.
• Caleo Series Pleated pendants with rotated pleat pattern, designed by Rikke Frost. Includes Original (bronze edging) and white variants.
• Carronade II Series Redesigned floor lamps, pendants, and wall lamps by Markus Johansson, combining Scandinavian minimalism with elegant material combinations (black oak/black, smoked oak/brass).
• Celine Series Elegant pendant with solid brass outer form and folded inner shade, designed by OEO Studio. Tribute to Designmuseum Denmark architecture.
• Colour Pleats Series Colored paper variants of the classic Model 1 lampshade. Available in Buttermilk, Moss Green, Dijon, Chocolate, and Denim.
• Facet Series Metal pendant with conical shape directing light upward and downward, designed by Aurélien Barbry. Departure from traditional paper/foil materials.
• KAARE KLINT Legacy Series Chandelier, wall lamp, and mini pendant based on Kaare Klint's original Model 101 (1944), created by the Klint Design Team. Includes Vintage Brass edition.
• Lamella Series Lighting collection inspired by mushroom caps, designed by Takagi & Homstvedt. Features formal pleated structure and soft silhouette.
• LK 334 Series Table and floor lamps combining classic Le Klint design with minimalism. Features black lacquered frame with colored paper shade options.
• LK 80 Series Oak lamps with brass details designed by Aurélien Barbry for Le Klint's 80th anniversary. Sophisticated construction with contemporary expression. Includes table and floor lamp variants.
• Mutatio Series Iconic lamp inspired by transformation and minimalistic geometry, designed by Christian Troels. Features interplay between open and closed shapes.
• Plivello Series Modern lamps inspired by traditional multi-tiered chandeliers, designed by Christian Troels. Name is a fusion of Italian 'livello' (level) and French 'pli' (fold).
• Sax Series Adjustable wall lamp designed by Erik Hansen (1952). Can be extended and retracted like an accordion. Available in light oak, smoked oak, and untreated oak.
• Shibui Series Lamps with clear Le Klint DNA but distinct character, designed by Søren Refsgaard. Includes adjustable wall and floor lamps in monochrome colors.
• Snowdrop Series Lamps inspired by the snowdrop flower, designed by Harrit-Sørensen & Samson. Includes 4 pendant sizes plus wall, table, and floor lamps.
• Softly Pleated Series Hand-folded felt lamps designed by Philip Bro Ludvigsen. Warm ambient glow with efficient downward light. Known for natural sound-absorbing qualities. Available in Small, Medium, and X-Large sizes.
• Soleil Series Slimline pendant combining aluminium, flax, oak wood, and paper, designed by Philip Bro Ludvigsen. Features UV-resistant FCS-certified paper and natural flax cord.
• Spot Series (Model 356) Versatile lamp with tiltable head and wooden handle by Pascal Hien. Can be used as table, floor, or wall lamp. Materials: steel, plastic, and oak.
• Swirl Series Lamps with layered spiral form designed by Øivind Slaatto. Prevents glare while creating soft illumination from all angles. Available in white and copper.
• Model 306 Kiplamp Classic brass lamp designed by Kaare Klint (1945). Functions as both table and wall lamp with tilting mechanism for directing light.
• Archive Collection Classic lamp models no longer in regular production but available to order. Includes designs by Hvidt & Mølgaard, Esben Klint, Poul Christiansen, and others.
• Pro Collection (B2B Project Channel) Professional lighting collection accessible on the pCon platform, including classics and new designs tailored for the project market. Enables architects, interior designers, and project specifiers to integrate Le Klint lighting into project plans, mood boards, and architectural designs. Pricing is project and quotation-based.

Quantifiable outcome

• Hand-folded pleated lampshades maintain the same construction principles as the original Model 1 from 1943, demonstrating exceptional product continuity.
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Six partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Designmuseum DenmarkflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Le Klint collaborated with Designmuseum Denmark during its 2020–2022 renovation. OEO Studio designed new guest areas for the museum, retaining Le Klint's Model 101 pendants. The collaboration led to the creation of the Celine pendant, now available to the general public as a tribute to the historic relationship between Le Klint and the museum.
• Klint FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished in 1972 by Jan Klint, the Klint Foundation is the sole proprietor of Le Klint A/S. The foundation focuses on preserving Danish craftsmanship with its own production based in Odense, provides grants to youths in education twice a year, and supports employees in difficult situations.
• pConcoreTechnology or IntegrationThe Pro Collection is accessible on pCon, a professional design and specification platform used by interior designers and architects. This integration enables professionals to incorporate Le Klint lighting into project plans, mood boards, and architectural designs.
• Love & Light ProjectminorOthersFounded in November 2012 by Isa Dawn Whyte Jensen (Le Klint Brand Manager). The project creates Christmas-themed lamps (hearts, stars, angels, snowflakes) using the same material and craftsmen as Le Klint's main collection. Proceeds support humanitarian causes — over 12 different causes have been supported to date.
• PostNord (and alternative carriers)minorOthersLe Klint dispatches orders primarily via PostNord according to their regulations and prices. For parcels exceeding PostNord's limits or outside their area, alternative carriers are used.
• Rud. Rasmussens Snedkeri (Carl Hansen & Søn)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKaare Klint had a particularly close collaboration with Rud. Rasmussens Snedkeri (now Carl Hansen & Søn), which still produces a wide range of his classic furniture. This is an indirect heritage partnership connected to the Klint family's broader design legacy.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Louis Poulsen: Iconic Danish lighting manufacturer with century-old design heritage (PH lamps, Panthella by Verner Panton). Most direct comparable to Le Klint in the premium Danish designer-lighting category, with overlapping customer base of design-conscious consumers, architects, and specifiers.
• Gubi: Danish design company producing lighting, furniture, and interior objects that often collaborates with established and emerging designers. Comparable mid-sized premium positioning with strong international DTC and project/specifier channels.
• Muuto: Danish contemporary design brand with strong lighting category presence and design-collaboration approach. Comparable premium positioning, global DTC, and reliance on named-designer collections to drive product launches.
• &Tradition: Danish design company bridging heritage icons (Verner Panton, Arne Jacobsen) with contemporary designers in lighting and furniture. Comparable mid-sized scale, premium positioning, and similar product-launch cadence through designer collaborations.
• Tom Dixon: British premium design brand with lighting as a core category, sold through DTC, flagship stores, and global retailers. Comparable designer-driven premium positioning and multi-channel distribution model.
• Menu (by Audo Copenhagen): Scandinavian premium design brand with strong lighting and accessories portfolio under the Audo Copenhagen umbrella. Comparable premium positioning, designer collaborations, and project-channel strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Fritz Hansen: Danish design heritage brand (Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjærholm) producing premium furniture and select lighting. Shares Le Klint's positioning in the premium Danish design market and serves overlapping architects/interior designers via project channels.
• HAY: Danish contemporary design brand with broad furniture, lighting, and accessories portfolio. Comparable Scandinavian design DNA, multi-channel distribution, and design-collaboration model, but operates at significantly larger scale across multiple categories.
• Flos: Italian premium designer lighting manufacturer (Castiglioni, Starck) with global distribution and architectural/project business. Comparable premium positioning and iconic designer collaborations, though at substantially larger scale and broader portfolio.
• Artemide: Italian premium lighting manufacturer with strong architectural and designer-lighting presence globally. Overlaps with Le Klint's project/specifier channel and premium consumer positioning, but at much greater scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/leklintlighting
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/le-klint-lighting
• Instagraminstagram.com/le_klint_lighting

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Le Klint