Handcrafted Lamps & Specials - Jeroen De Ruddere

Handcrafted lighting
timeless modernity.

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About

It’s safe to say that a passion for wood and art runs in my family. My grandfather, was a well-known carpenter and furniture maker in Ypres, where he built an impressive joinery and established an excellent reputation. I spent a lot of time in his workshop as a child, smelling wood chips, hearing the buzz of the woodcarver, and witnessing creations come to life before my eyes. He specialized in large restorations of bombed buildings in the Westhoek, showcasing his craftsmanship and eye for detail. In addition to these impressive restorations, he had an artistic side: he could carve beautiful figures from a block of wood.

Coming from a creative family—my father is a visual artist, my brother is a photographer, and my sister is a creative all-rounder—I have always been fascinated by the beauty and possibilities of wood. It was in my grandfather’s workshop where my love for working with wood grew, inspired by the nostalgia for his atelier. When he retired, he moved his workshop and machines to his attic, where he continues to create a variety of projects for me, from miniature half-pipes for finger skateboards to boxes for my Game Boy games. His passion for woodworking inspires me daily.

Following in my grandfather’s footsteps, I worked in sales at a stair manufacturer, where I learned a great deal about wood. During this time, I often made lamps and small objects from scrap wood intended for the fireplace. It was a wonderful way to express my creativity while creating something useful from materials that would otherwise go to waste. I inherited my commercial instincts from my mother, who has always had a keen eye for business. This experience deepened my appreciation for the material and the various techniques involved in woodworking.

Years ago, while driving past a sawmill in a small town in Belgium, a beautiful oak beam caught my eye. I didn’t hesitate and bought it. I took it home with me and transformed the beam into my very first creation—a lamp that I installed in my living room. My friends loved it, and before I fully realized it, I sold my first design! This marked the beginning of my passionate exploration into the creation and research of shapes, proportions, and materials, translated into functional interior design objects.

I currently also work for parquet manufacturer Belgiqa, where I further share and develop my knowledge. Through this, I came into contact with top architecture, something that has always intrigued me. Although I trained as a marketer, I decided to combine my passion for woodworking with my marketing skills, pursuing additional studies in woodworking and electricity to broaden my expertise.

Woodturning is a very specific skill that no one is born with. I learned this craft from a retired woodturner from Damme, who is considered one of the best in the country. He not only shared his techniques with me but also his love for the craft and the satisfaction it can bring. This experience has further ignited my passion for woodworking and enables me to create unique designs that are both functional and aesthetic. I particularly love working with wood because it has a life of its own; it tells its story through its shape and texture. It’s a true gift of nature—every piece is unique, especially once it’s worked, manipulated, and dyed.

My creations are simple, timeless, minimalist, to the point, and functional—cuddly yet raw at the same time. With each piece I make, I hope to continue the rich tradition of my grandfather and leave my own mark on this beautiful craft. I’m always on a curious, creative search, seeking to shape designs that enhance a space and the lives of the people who inhabit it.

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“I combine simplicity and functionality with timeless, minimalist and to the point design.”

— Jeroen De Ruddere Jeroen profielfoto

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