The Journal

Behind the Craft: Inside Eilersen’s European Factory in Slovakia

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Recently, Natalie van Dijk — Lekker’s Co-Founder and Creative Director — received an exclusive invitation to visit the Eilersen factory in Slovakia, where tradition meets innovation and every sofa begins its journey from raw wood to refined design.

Inside the Eilersen factory

Eilersen was founded in 1895 by its namesake, Niels Eilersen, a visionary coachbuilder who revolutionized his craft by using steam to bend wood. When the original coachbuilding factory burned down, the Eilersen family saw an opportunity to reinvent themselves. They shifted their focus from carriages to comfort, channeling generations of craftsmanship into what would become one of Denmark’s most respected furniture brands.

Over a century later, Eilersen remains a family-run company dedicated to the same timeless mission: to create the ultimate in upholstery quality and comfort.

Here’s a look at the process, step by step — or watch the factory in action.

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The process begins with expert woodworkers carefully hand-cutting each panel for precision and strength.

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The process begins with expert woodworkers carefully hand-cutting each panel for precision and strength.

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Next, the wooden pieces are meticulously glued and assembled to form the sturdy frames that serve as the foundation of every Eilersen piece.

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Next, the wooden pieces are meticulously glued and assembled to form the sturdy frames that serve as the foundation of every Eilersen piece.

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From there, layers of foam are sculpted and shaped onto each frame, giving life and form to the brand’s unmistakable comfort.

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From there, layers of foam are sculpted and shaped onto each frame, giving life and form to the brand’s unmistakable comfort.

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Next, rolls of luxurious textiles are cut and measured while skilled seamstresses guide every stitch with practiced precision.

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Next, rolls of luxurious textiles are cut and measured while skilled seamstresses guide every stitch with practiced precision.

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Additional layers of cushioning are then added, achieving the perfect balance between structure and softness — a hallmark of Eilersen craftsmanship.

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Additional layers of cushioning are then added, achieving the perfect balance between structure and softness — a hallmark of Eilersen craftsmanship.

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Finally, each piece undergoes a detailed, hands-on inspection to ensure it meets the company’s exacting standards before it’s carefully packaged and shipped out to homes around the world.

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Finally, each piece undergoes a detailed, hands-on inspection to ensure it meets the company’s exacting standards before it’s carefully packaged and shipped out to homes around the world.

Throughout every step of the process, the attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship are unmistakable — a living reflection of more than 125 years of Danish design excellence.

From raw frames to hand-finished stitching, each step reflects Eilersen’s quiet devotion to craft and the pursuit of lasting comfort.

Behind the Scenes

Step Inside the Eilersen Factory

Come with us on a brief tour through Eilersen’s workshop in Slovakia—where steam-bent wood, precision upholstery, and 125+ years of craft come together.

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