Icons of Lighting: Poul Henningsen’s Designs and Legacy

Poul Henningsen with his lighting designs, manufactured by Louis Poulsen

In the history of modern lighting, few names carry the same weight as Poul Henningsen (1894–1967). A visionary Danish architect, cultural critic, and design thinker, Henningsen transformed the way we experience artificial light. His pioneering work with Louis Poulsen, beginning in 1924, helped define a lighting philosophy that still resonates today: that light should be soft, glare-free, and emotionally intelligent.

Henningsen didn’t just design fixtures; he shaped atmospheres. It’s a philosophy we share here at LightForm. Like Henningsen, we believe that good lighting is essential to good living, drawing from a deep understanding of architecture, technology, and human behaviour.

The Poetic Side of Light

Before he created his more sculptural icons, Henningsen explored light as a subtle, almost lyrical presence in a room. The PH Septima, designed in 1928, is perhaps his most refined expression of this idea. With seven delicate glass shades, alternating frosted and clear, this crown-like pendant gently diffuses light, creating a soft yet defined glow. Reintroduced in 2020, it embodies Henningsen’s pursuit of optical poetry and balance.

The PH Septima in residential settings

Likewise, the PH Hat Wall Light from 1961 offers a more personal interpretation of his glare-free approach. Its rose-tinted interior casts a warm, indirect light, ideal for hallways, staircases, or bedrooms where atmosphere matters.

The PH Hat Wall Lights highlighting artwork on a wall and lined in a bedroom

Mastering Form and Function

At the heart of Henningsen’s impact lies the revolutionary three-shade system, introduced in the 1920s. This system, rooted in the geometry of the logarithmic spiral, became the blueprint for many of his most enduring designs.

The PH 3½-2½ Series is a classic example. With hand-blown opal glass shades that are glossy on top and matte underneath, it transforms technical precision into a warm, inviting light. Every angle is calculated to ensure softness and clarity, never glare.

PH 3½-2½ Pendant Suspension and the PH 3½-2½ Table Lamp are the perfect examples of Henningsen’s three-shade system.

Perhaps the most beloved example of this system is the PH 5, launched in 1958. Designed to respond to the inconsistencies of incandescent bulbs, the PH 5 was created to deliver consistent, glare-free illumination, regardless of the light source. Its layered structure casts light both downward and laterally, enveloping its surroundings in a soft, ambient glow. Today, the PH 5 and its smaller counterpart, the PH 5 Mini, are available in a wide array of colourways—making them as versatile as they are timeless.

The renowned and globally beloved PH 5 Pendant Light (left) and PH 5 Mini Pendant Lights (right) in varying colourways in different residential settings

Sculptural Statements of Light

For larger architectural settings, Henningsen designed bold, sculptural works that still define iconic interiors. .

The PH Artichoke, unveiled in 1958 for the Langelinie Pavilion in Copenhagen, is a masterpiece of engineering and aesthetics. Comprising 72 precisely-placed leaves in 12 overlapping rows, this sculptural pendant offers a completely glare-free experience while delivering radiant, diffuse light. Whether in metal or glass, the Artichoke is as dramatic as it is refined.

Each PH Artichoke is made up of 72 carefully placed leaves that help diffuse light and prevent glare, optimizing visual comfort wherever it’s placed.

PH Artichoke Suspension Lights in a bar and restaurant setting

Finally, there is the PH Snowball. Designed in the same year as the PH 5 and Artichoke, it quietly debuted at the Danish Museum of Decorative Art but only found broader acclaim decades later. With concentric layers of light-reflecting shades, Snowball offers symmetry, softness, and a strong graphic presence, perfect for contemporary environments that crave both form and function. 

PH Snowball Suspension Light in various interior settings

Why Henningsen’s Designs Still Matter

Poul Henningsen’s work remains foundational to how we think about light today. His dedication to glare-free illumination, atmospheric design, and the emotional potential of light continues to influence designers and specifiers around the world.

At LightForm, we believe understanding the story behind a piece makes you a better designer. By exploring Henningsen’s legacy through Louis Poulsen’s meticulously crafted fixtures, we hope you find new ways to specify lighting that’s not only functional, but deeply human.

Explore Poul Henningsen’s lighting designs at LightForm

Let these icons of Danish design elevate your next project with purpose, poetry, and timeless precision.