August Sandgren and WLLW: A Partnership in the Art of Storage
Thoughtful storage for the modern home – crafted by hand, designed to last and now available through WLLW.
As the pace picks up again, whether it's returning to work, settling into new routines or preparing the home for a new school year, many of us are feeling the pressure to restore order after the summer pause. Storage often feels like an afterthought. Yet piles of paper, misplaced keys, scattered cables and objects all reflect that we need space for our things, and for peace of mind. August Sandgren, a heritage Danish company reimagined for modern life, offers a solution that’s as aesthetic as it is practical – artisanal storage objects that declutter the home, calm the mind and honor a legacy of craftsmanship.
Founded on the original work of August Sandgren (1893–1934), a renowned bookbinder and box-maker to the Danish royal court, today’s company was developed by Pia Kirkeskov Andersen, who revived and reinterpreted Sandgren’s vision. The result is a contemporary design house rooted in functionality and quiet beauty. In bringing August Sandgren to the WLLW platform, their first partnership in the US, we celebrate a shared commitment to craftsmanship, longevity and sustainable living.
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A curated collection of August Sandgren’s signature boxes, as seen in this interior. Photo courtesy of August Sandgren |
From Legacy to Modern Living
August Sandgren was an early pioneer of Danish functionalism, counted among the likes of Kaare Klint and Hans J. Wegner. Known for his humility, meticulous craftsmanship and devotion to purpose, Sandgren’s original boxes were designed to last a lifetime. When Pia Kirkeskov Andersen came across his archive, she recognized in it not just a legacy of design, but a philosophy worth restoring. “His timeless design, choice of materials and discreet branding was so right in terms of keeping it simple and securing a high quality that lasts forever in every way,” says Mona Sigmann, CEO of August Sandgren. “He was sustainable without making it a thing…most importantly he was a curious person – he worked across fields of craftsmanship and he was a visionary while remaining incredibly humble.”
“A clutter-free environment is proven positive on the human mind – we simply thrive and concentrate better in a decluttered space.”
Mona Sigmann
Today, the brand carries forward his sensibility, blending historical craft with minimalist design to meet the needs of contemporary living. The boxes are built for modern life, designed to hold the often-overlooked items we need to keep nearby, but don’t necessarily want on display. From bedside tables to office shelves, they offer a sense of stillness, inviting care over clutter. “A clutter-free environment is proven positive on the human mind – we simply thrive and concentrate better in a decluttered space,” Sigmann tells us.
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August Sandgren’s signature Watchbox collection. Photo courtesy of August Sandgren |
A Place for Everything
In the digital age, storage has been redefined by the intangible cloud, yet the physical world remains messy. August Sandgren’s handcrafted boxes, trays and jewelry rolls bring material clarity to daily life. “We were once called quiet luxury,” Sigmann adds. “We provide an object that truly lasts forever.” Each object is made with a clear purpose, refined proportions and a focus on both function and tactility. The edges are precise, the materials soft in hand and the color palette is muted and warm.
More than decorative, these are objects that serve, holding tools, memories, cables, jewelry, stationery and more. They reflect a belief that small things deserve to be housed beautifully, and that the act of storing them well is a form of respect. “These personal collected items have a deep emotional effect and underline our individual personalities and gravity,” Sigmann tells us. “Although they are often bought to protect, hide and store your emotional objects, our products often become one themselves. This makes us very proud.”
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August Sandgren’s Notebook. Photo courtesy of August Sandgren |
Sustainability at the Core
What sets August Sandgren apart is not only their aesthetic restraint, but their deeply integrated approach to sustainability. “We use leather from Europe so we can control the tanning process and the operations of the factories, including their employees’ wellbeing,” says Sigmann. The material is of extraordinary quality.
All products are handmade in Portugal, with most components sourced locally to reduce transport emissions. “We produce in Portugal for our product to travel as little as possible and to be able to work with likeminded people who are well taken care of by their employer,” Sigmann adds. “Everything else we source for production is within 20 minutes from our workshop – again to control conditions and reduce travel and CO₂ to a minimum.” Even the brand’s distribution warehouse has moved to Porto, minimizing the distance traveled by materials and finished goods. Packaging follows the same ethos: recycled cardboard, biodegradable plastics or leftover textiles crafted into reusable totes.
August Sandgren’s use of natural, OEKO-TEX-certified materials and its commitment to phasing out ‘forever chemicals’, such as PFAS, ensures each item is not only built to last, but built to care, for its user and for the environment. “We don't claim a big impact on human health, but we claim our small share and proudly so,” says Sigmann. “I come from the furniture industry and when you think about a factory you think about machine after machine after machine – but for us it’s person after person after person.”
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The Signature Bookbox. Photo courtesy of August Sandgren |
The Beauty of Imperfection
Though the brand’s objects are precisely made, August Sandgren embraces the subtle imperfections of handcrafted production. Small marks in the leather, slight variations in color or texture; these are reminders of the human hands and honest materials behind each object. Crafted by a fourth-generation Portuguese workshop, each piece carries the quiet dignity of true craftsmanship. “Our workshop in Porto is a family – a family-run business and a family to us,” Sigmann explains. “They have been with us from the beginning…We are in it together and it shows in every part of the business.”
This appreciation for imperfection is philosophical as much as visual. It’s a rejection of mass uniformity, a quiet nod to wabi-sabi thinking, and a reminder that what is real need not be flawless to be beautiful.
Discover the August Sandgren collection at the WLLW Shop
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The Tray by August Sandgren. Photo courtesy of August Sandgren |
August Sandgren honors a legacy of craftsmanship. Photo courtesy of August Sandgren |
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August Sandgren products are handmade in Portugal. Photo courtesy of August Sandgren |
The Travel Jewelbox by Kelly Rutherford for August Sandgren. Photo courtesy of August Sandgren |
Photography: courtesy of August Sandgren
