Louis Poulsen traces its origins of designing through light back to Poul Henningsen’s seminal three-shade system and his view on the dualities within design and light. From the start in 1924, the company has pioneered modern lighting design by embracing a Scandinavian sensibility about light. In a region where light becomes a precious commodity during the darker months of the year, the Copenhagen-based design brand is uniquely qualified to understand the importance of well-balanced lighting. Also a bastion of sleek design where form meets function, Scandinavia sets the scene for Louis Poulsen designs that are both thoughtful and chic.
Louis Poulsen traces its origins of designing through light back to Poul Henningsen’s seminal three-shade system and his view on the dualities within design and light. From the start in 1924, the company has pioneered modern lighting design by embracing a Scandinavian sensibility about light. In a region where light becomes a precious commodity during the darker months of the year, the Copenhagen-based design brand is uniquely qualified to understand the importance of well-balanced lighting. Also a bastion of sleek design where form meets function, Scandinavia sets the scene for Louis Poulsen designs that are both thoughtful and chic.
Poul Henningsen with his designs, courtesy of Louis Poulsen.
A native Dane with a diverse career spanning two world wars, Poul Henningsen (1894-1967) is best known for his modern lighting designs for the Danish company, Louis Poulsen. An intellectual savant with interests ranging from politics to architecture, Henningsen’s professional career began with architectural studies at the Technical School and the Danish College of Technology, though he left before graduating.
Following this, Henningsen entertained other interests—including writing for left-wing periodicals and heading the architectural designs for Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen. Henningsen is often referred to as PH in Denmark, beloved for both his contributions to Danish culture and his design ingenuity. His PH 5 Pendant hangs in at least half the homes in Denmark, and it remains a popular wedding gift and heirloom nearly 65 years after its initial release.
Henningsen was a major contributor to Louis Poulsen’s philosophy of “function, comfort and ambience.”
We spoke with the designer from his Copenhagen studio about design, music and how the Fibonacci Sequence factored into his Patera designs for Louis Poulsen.
Øivind Slaatto with his original Patera Pendant for Louis Poulsen
PH Artichoke by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen
An international icon, the PH Artichoke was introduced in 1958 by Danish powerhouse Poul Henningsen. Originally called the PH Kogle (Danish for pinecone), the visually stunning, mid-century modern classic design became an instant favorite, and remains so decades later.
We find design to be enlightening and The Edit is where you’ll find that enlightenment. Consider it our digital salon where we philosophize on the latest trends and how to get The Look, converse with The Makers behind our favorite designs, feature The Brands we love, write The Guides on everything from layering lighting to buying outdoor furniture and bring you the latest trade news at The Ledger.
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