Louis Poulsen

Louis Poulsen - Danish lighting classics from Arne Jacobsen to Verner Panton

► The most important Louis Poulsen collections at a glance
► 50 Years of Louis Poulsen, the "House of Light"
► Sustainability in the "House of Light"
► View and buy Louis Poulsen lamps in-store

Louis Poulsen lamps, such as the Louis Poulsen PH 5 pendant lamp or the Louis Poulsen Panthella lamps, have established themselves worldwide as icons of contemporary design theeby helping make Louis Poulsen a leading brand for architectural and decorative lighting.

The design credo "Form follows function" characterizes Louis Poulsen lamps. Every design element is designed for a specific purpose, without superfluous ornamentation or decoration. Instea the focus is on quality and craftsmanship. At Louis Poulsen light is the center of everything – everything begins and ends with it. A passion for craftsmanship forms the basis for high-quality lighting and design solutions. A key role in the development of Louis Poulsen's luxury lighting is played by collaborations with well-known contemporary and modern designers such as Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Vilhelm Lauritzen, Øivind Slaatto, Ólafur Elíasson, Oki Sato and Anne Boysen.

Highlights in every room: lighting icons from Louis Poulsen

The most important Louis Poulsen collections at a glance

1. AJ Collection - The lamps of Arne Jacobsen

The AJ collection is characterised by the balanced interplay of symmetry and proportion, which is also a central element in Arne Jacobsen's furniture designs acts. Jacobsen's work is thus clearly in the tradition of Scandinavian modernism and should be understood as an expression of functionalist architecture and design theory. Jacobsen's lamps were created as part of one of his architectural projects, the commission for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen in 1956, where Arne Jacobsen implemented his ideas of an ideal hotel, from the building to the furniture and lighting to the cutlery. The striking thing about an Arne Jacobsen lamp is the combination of angles and lines, cylinders and circles. In terms of form, the Louis Poulsen AJ table lamp and AJ floor lamp can be described above all as organic. In terms of functionalism, the function also determines the design to a large extent, while the lampshade of the Arne Jacobsen lights clearly indicates the cone of light with which the lamp illuminates the table. The colour concept of the Louis Poulsen AJ lamps is based on soft, reserved nuances that do not dominate their surroundings.

2. PH Collection - The lamps of Poul Henningsen

Lamp manufacturer Louis Poulsen has been working with Poul Henningsen since 1925. At that time Henningsen designed the first models of his PH lamps, based on which e.g. B. the PH 5 or PH 50 have arisen. In the famous Poul Henningsen lamps, three differently sized, lacquered metal shades are derived from the logarithmic spiral and emit a diffuse, glare-free light. As with all of Henningsen's designs, the relationship between light and shadow, structure and reflection is central to the construction of the PH lamps. In 1958, Louis Poulsen brought the PH Artichoke onto the market, in which the construction based on various metal leaves was expanded so that it now no longer consists of just three metal shells, but rather a large number of small leaves arranged like artichokes. For the duration of his entire career, Poul Henningsen worked on the development of lamps with glare-free light and soft shadows, the light cone of which can be directed in a targeted manner. With the Louis Poulsen lights, Henningsen has realised this claim and has thus created lights that also meet modern lighting design requirements.

3. Panthella Collection - The lamps of Verner Panton

One of the bets known Louis Poulsen lamps is the Panthella lamp, which was created in 1971 in collaboration with the architect and designer Verner Panton. Panthella's signature design reflects the playfulness and creativity of Panton's personality. Verner Panton went unknown ways in terms of colours and materials and created colourful and fascinating places with his design objects and interior architecture, which were often perceived as a provocation and a break with established values. However, he always succeeded in combining his groundbreaking visions with first-class quality and a high standard of functionality. This combination makes his designs so irresistible to this day. By boldly experimenting with new plastics and relying on organic shapes, Panton clearly differentiated himself from his Scandinavian contemporaries with his lamp designs. With the Panthella lamp, Panton wanted to create a lamp in which not only the shade but also the base serves as a reflector part. He allowed this idea to flow into his typical organic design language. With its glare-free light and elegantly curved shape, the Panthella still demonstrates Verner Panton's brilliant flair for atmospheric lighting. In addition to the Panthella table lamp in various sizes and designs, the Louis Poulsen Panthella Collection includes the Panthella floor lamp and the battery-powered lamp Panthella Portable.

150 Years of Louis Poulsen, the "House of Light"

Louis Poulsen was founded in Copenhagen in 1874 and in its earliest decads focused on trading wine and spirits. Following the death of founder Ludvig R. Poulsen his nephew, Louis Poulsen, took over the company and gradually reoriented it. With the growing demand for electric lighting in the early 20th century, Louis Poulsen decided to enter this field and the company was thus transformed from a wine importer into a leading manufacturer of innovative lighting solutions.

The 1920s to World War II

After its founding 1924 marked a crucial turning point for Louis Poulsen when the company began a lifelong collaboration with Poul Henningsen, the master of light. The beginning of this partnership began when Henningsen entered a competition in which the winner would have the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris: Poul Henningsen's lamp was entered and won the gold medal.

Henningsen's vision of making light purer, more economical and more aesthetically pleasing through scientific research became the driving force behind his collaboration with Louis Poulsen; a vision that shaped not only his works but also Louis Poulsen's philosophy. The collaboration with Poul Henningsen had a significant impact on the company and paved the way for collaborations with other renowned designers, who in turn have shaped the manufacturer's reputation to this day and created true lighting icons.

Master of Light: Poul Henningsen

In 1926 Louis Poulsen & Co., together with Poul Henningsen, was awarded the prestigious contract to illuminate the new Forum building in Copenhagen, using the legendary PH lamp.

In the 1930s the renowned and highly talented architect Vilhelm Lauritzen designed the legendary VL 38, VL 45 and LV Studio lamps for his Gesamtkunstwerk, the new headquarters of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (Radiohuset).

During the challenging war year, Poul Henningsen designed a blackout lamp for Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens. This innovative lamp allowed the amusement park to remain lit after dark without attracting the attention of aircraft in the sky.

PH lamps in a school

PH Lights as far as the eye can see in 1926

Louis Poulsen in the 1950s

1958 marked another milestone in the development of Louis Poulsen with the introduction of a timeless classic: the PH 5 pendant lamp by Poul Henningsen. Today found in countless homes worldwide and known simply as the PH lamp, it is based on Henningsen's innovative three-shade system.

Lighting sky in the 1950s/60s

One year after the introduction of the PH lamp Louis Poulsen began a fruitful collaboration with the charismatic Danish architect Verner Panton. Panton was distinguished by his strong sense of light, space, colour and material, as well as his playful approach to lighting. The partnership began with the design of the Topan lamp and led to the creation of the legendary Panthella.

The 1960s: Era of the SAS Royal Hotel

At the beginning of the decade Arne Jacobsen presented his AJ lamps in collaboration with Louis Poulsen. These lamps were designed specifically for the SAS Royal Hotel, a project for which Jacobsen designed not only the hotel's architecture, but also its interiors, including furniture, lighting, tableware and other details.

The AJ Mini table lamp from the anniversary collection

During this period Louis Poulsen's business experienced significant growth and in 1962 the first subsidiary outside Denmark was established in the, then West Germany. Over the next 40 years numerous additional branches were opened worldwide – from Europe to America, Australia, and Japan.

Poul Henningsen passed away in 1967 but his significant design legacy and lighting philosophy remain an integral part of Louis Poulsen to this day.

Lighting Milestones from the 1970s to the Present

1977 marked a significant milestone for Louis Poulsen when the company was first listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. The product range was expanded for wholesale, and the company began collaborating with the outstanding architect and designer Jens Møller Jensen, who designed the famous Albertslund outdoor lamp. Numerous celebrations followed until the 1990s, including Poul Henningsen's 100th birthday in 1994, accompanied by the publication of a new book on the history of the PH lamp. In 1999, Louis Poulsen celebrated its 125th anniversary with events worldwide and an international design competition for emerging architects.

In 2005, Louis Poulsen began collaborating with Danish-British designer Louise Campbell, who created the well-known Collage lamp. That same year, Louis Poulsen presented the installation "Northern Light," created in collaboration with Peter Bysted Design, at Expo 2005 in Aichi (Japan).

In 2006, Louis Poulsen moved to its new location at 28 Gammel Strand in Copenhagen. The lighting manufacturer also received a host of awards.

In 2010, Louis Poulsen celebrated the 50th anniversary of the opening of the SAS Royal Hotel with the launch of the AJ Royal series, featuring five new colors inspired by the original colors of Arne Jacobsen's Egg and Swan armchairs. The AJ 50 wall lamp for outdoor use was also introduced. That same year, Louis Poulsen received the prestigious AIA Honors for Collaborative Achievement Award from the American Institute of Architects.

Over the course of the decade, Louis Poulsen intensified its collaborations with renowned designers such as nendo, Øivind Slaatto, Clara von Zweigbergk, GamFratesi, and Carsten Fischer/Henning Larsen. In 2016, new showrooms were opened in Lysaker (Norway) and Los Angeles.

In 2020, Louis Poulsen launched new versions of its iconic design classics, including the PH 5 in new monochrome versions and the PH Artichoke in black. Also introduced was the Panthella Portable, a compact, portable version of Verner Panton's popular table lamp. Anne Boysen also designed the sculptural floor lamp Moonsetter for the TV competition "Next Danish Design Classic", which marked the starting point for a further collaboration with Louis Poulsen.

Panthella 160 Portable in the new Opal pale blue version

Louis Poulsen is also known for its efforts towards sustainability and energy efficiency. The company relies on high-quality materials and modern technologies to create environmentally friendly lighting solutions. These efforts are reflected in products that are both aesthetically pleasing and resource-efficient.

Overall, through its commitment to design innovation, quality, and sustainability, Louis Poulsen has made a significant contribution to the world of lighting and continues to be a leading player in the industry.

In 2024, Louis Poulsen will celebrate its 150th anniversary with a unique anniversary collection that not only pays tribute to the company's long tradition but also offers a glimpse into the future of lighting design. By collaborating with leading designers and integrating the latest technologies, Louis Poulsen continues its mission to transform the world through light, even after a century and a half.

Discover the manufacturer's unique special editions celebrating its 150th anniversary here in our shop!

Sustainability in the "House of Light"

Louis Poulsen pursues a comprehensive sustainability concept based on innovation, eco-design, and the circular economy, which permeates all aspects of its business operations. The company is committed to minimizing its ecological footprint, from raw material sourcing to production and transportation. More sustainable practices are being introduced at every step of the value chain to make a positive contribution to climate protection. In 2023, Louis Poulsen made significant progress, including the implementation of energy-efficient retrofit solutions that enable existing customers to modernize their lighting systems and reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. At the same time, the company introduced new, environmentally friendly packaging solutions that enabled a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.

In addition to ecological aspects, Louis Poulsen also places great importance on people's well-being. With projects such as "Human Centric Lighting" and "Acoustic Lighting," the company develops lighting solutions specifically designed to create spaces that promote human well-being. Internally, Louis Poulsen is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and has made significant progress toward gender equality in management. These social and environmental initiatives underscore the company's commitment to a sustainable future and cement Louis Poulsen as the "House of Light," characterized not only by excellent design but also by a strong sense of responsibility.

Another key element of the sustainability strategy is the timeless design and high craftsmanship of the products, which contribute to their longevity and thus promote sustainability. Louis Poulsen creates lighting solutions that are not only functional and aesthetic, but also aim to reduce energy consumption and extend the lifespan of the products. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern, sustainable practices, the company remains true to its vision of creating only "good light" and providing people with a better quality of life through exceptional lighting. This vision makes Louis Poulsen a true “House of Light” that sees light not just as a product, but as a contribution to a sustainable and better life.