In the world of design, few brands have such a consistent philosophy as Louis Poulsen. The Danish company, founded in 1874, has been involved in lighting since the 1920s — and during this time, it has never changed the principle on which it bases its designs: the form of the lamp results from the quality of light, never the other way around.
This approach has made Louis Poulsen lamps icons of Scandinavian design, appearing in both private homes and in museums, concert halls, and boutique hotels.
See the full the Louis Poulsen collection in our offer.
Louis Poulsen — light as an element of interior architecture
Poul Henningsen and the three-shade system Icons that defined Scandinavian lighting AJ Lamp (1957) PH 5 (1958) Panthella (1971) PH Artichoke (1958) How to recognize an original Louis Poulsen lamp Where Louis Poulsen lamps excel Why it's an investment, not a purchase Frequently asked questions Summary
Poul Henningsen and the three-shade system
A key moment in the brand's history was the collaboration with Danish designer Poul Henningsen, started in the 1920s. Their first joint lamp — the PH system — won a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1925.
Henningsen worked at a time when the electric bulb was a novelty, and its harsh, point-like light was considered unpleasant. Instead of designing decorative shades to mask the problem, he addressed its essence: distribute light in space.
He developed a system of multi-layered shades with precisely calculated curves that:
disperse light evenly throughout the room
completely eliminate glare — when looking at the lamp, you do not see the light source
direct the light where it is needed, without loss
create soft tonal transitions instead of harsh shadows
This solution still forms the basis of the brand's designs. In practice, this means that Louis Poulsen lamps do not dominate the interior — they create atmosphere and highlight materials: wood, fabrics, stone.
Icons that defined Scandinavian lighting
AJ Lamp (1957)
Designed by Arne Jacobsen for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, along with the entire building's furnishings. The slender form and tilted, cut shade allow for precise light direction.
Where: in the bedroom as a bedside lamp, next to an armchair, on a desk.
PH 5 (1958)
The most recognizable design of the brand. Poul Henningsen designed it to work with any bulb available on the market — hence the characteristic closed shade. The multi-layered construction provides even, completely glare-free light, which is why the PH 5 has been hanging over dining tables for decades.
Where: above the dining table, at a height of 60–70 cm above the surface.
Panthella (1971)
Design Verner Pantonthe only one in this lineup with an organic, rounded form. The hemispherical shade and trumpet-shaped base create a gentle, diffused light. Panthella fits well into calm, harmonious interiors and is available in many size variations.
Where: on a dresser, console, side table.
PH Artichoke (1958)
The sculptural peak of Henning's thought — 72 copper leaves arranged in twelve rows, designed for the Langelinie Pavillonen restaurant in Copenhagen. Each leaf conceals the light source from any angle of view. This lamp serves as a central element of the arrangement and requires a high ceiling.
Where: above a large table, in the hallway, in a double-height space.
How to recognize an original Louis Poulsen lamp
Design icons are among the most frequently copied products on the market. Here are a few signals to watch for:
Marking on the lamp. Originals have the Louis Poulsen logo embossed or printed along with the model name and designer.
Certificate of authenticity included with the product.
Quality of the shade finish. In replicas, edges may be uneven, and the paint thinner and less uniform.
Price. An original PH 5 or Panthella does not cost a few hundred zlotys. A drastically lower price is the surest sign of a replica.
Authorized seller. Shop from distributors indicated by the brand.
Eye on Design is an authorized seller of the brand — all models in Louis Poulsen collection are original and come with a manufacturer's warranty.
Where Louis Poulsen lamps excel
Thanks to their neutral aesthetic, they fit into many styles — particularly Scandinavian interiors, soft minimalism, calm luxury, and modern classic.
Most common uses:
Above the dining table — PH 5, Semi, PH Artichoke. Hang 60–80 cm above the tabletop, with the lamp width being 1/2–2/3 the width of the table
In the living room as a central point or side lighting
In the bedroom — AJ as a bedside lamp
In the hallway — on the console, as a welcoming element
They are complemented by ceiling lamps, floor lamps and wall lamps from other collections.
Designer tip: Lamps from this brand shine best in serene surroundings. Their strength lies in proportion and quality of light, not in decoration — the less visual competition around them, the more impactful they are.
Why it's an investment, not a purchase
Louis Poulsen designs do not follow trends because they were not created from trends. They are based on four constants: function, proportion, quality of light, and durability of materials. PH 5 looks exactly the same today as it did in 1958 and is still in continuous production.
In practice, this means that a lamp from this brand:
does not go out of circulation with changes in interior style
maintains its value in the secondary market
is repairable — spare parts remain available
ages well, especially in brass and copper versions
Frequently asked questions
When was the Louis Poulsen brand established?
The company was founded in 1874 in Copenhagen. It has been involved in lighting since the 1920s, starting its collaboration with Poul Henningsen.
Which Louis Poulsen lamp is the most famous?
PH 5, designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958. Its multi-layered shade provides light that is completely glare-free.
At what height should you hang a Louis Poulsen lamp above the table?
Usually 60–70 cm above the countertop for PH 5 type models. The bottom edge of the shade should be above the eye level of people sitting at the table.
How to distinguish the original from a replica?
The original has the manufacturer's mark, a certificate of authenticity, and is sold by authorized distributors. A significantly lower price almost always indicates a replica.
Summary
Louis Poulsen has redefined the role of lighting in interior design. Instead of designing lamps, the brand has been designing light — and the form is a consequence of that. Therefore, its models do not age and are treated as investment pieces.
See the full Louis Poulsen collection or visit our showroom in Warsawto see the difference in light quality with your own eyes — it cannot be captured in photos.
