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Louis Poulsen Furniture

Danish

Louis Poulsen is world-renowned as an innovator in modern Danish lighting, but this wasn’t the goal from the start. Founded in 1874 by Ludvig R. Poulsen as a wine importer, the business went through several incarnations before its first pendant lights came to fruition. Through its designs, the company helped establish the foundations of good lighting — function, comfort and ambience — that are now standard in modern furniture design.

In 1924, Danish architect Poul Henningsen partnered with Louis Poulsen & Co., then an electrical supply company, to create what’s now known as the Paris lamp. This design, which incorporated three layers of curved metal disks, created ambience with its indirect light instead of glare. Shown at the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris — the exhibition that brought Art Deco design to worldwide attention — the Paris lamp was awarded a gold medal. This led to Poulsen and Henningsen working together on several lighting pieces, including the popular PH pendant light with its concentric shades for the Forum Building in Copenhagen. These high-profile projects helped make Louis Poulsen a go-to purveyor of innovative lighting design.

One of the company’s most well-known lamps is Henningsen’s PH Artichoke lamp (1958), with its 72 copper leaves artfully placed to conceal the light bulb, prevent glare and promote a warm, alluring glow in any room. Another is the steel and die-cast zinc AJ lamp (1960), which Arne Jacobsen designed with an adjustable angled shade for his commission for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. The company has also worked with notables such as Verner Panton and Alfred Homann as well as, more recently, Louise Campbell and Oki Sato.

In 2010, the company was awarded the American Institute of Architects’ Honors in Collaborative Achievement Award; it was the first lighting manufacturer to receive this honor. In 2018, the company was acquired by an investment subsidiary of Investindustrial VI L.P. Still headquartered in Denmark, the brand continues to produce its high-end lighting for both indoor and outdoor use, manufacturing both classic icons as well as new designs. “We design to shape light,” states Louis Poulsen. In doing so, they have also shaped culture.

Find a range of new and vintage Louis Poulsen floor lamps, table lamps and other lighting and furniture on 1stDibs.

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Period: 1940s
Creator: Louis Poulsen
Poul Henningsen 4/3 Table Lamp 1940s
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Portland, OR
Lovely patinated brass table lamp by Poul Henningsen with lacquered copper top shade and yellow painted acid-stained glass lower shades. This example dates to the early 1940s. The to...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

Rare Original Pair of 1940s Wilhelm Lauritzen wall lights in patinated brass.
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in København K, 84
We have the privilege of showcasing a rare, original pair of 1940s Wilhelm Lauritzen wall lights crafted in patinated brass and manufactured by the renowned Danish lighting company, ...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Poul Henningsen Table Lamp model 3/2, 5 manufactured by Louis Poulsen 1940’s
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Valby, 84
Poul Henningsen Table Lamp model 3/2,5 manufactured by Louis Poulsen 1940’s, the lamps frame has a white Bakelite bulb socket and switch housing and a darke...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass, Zinc

Vintage Table Lamp Brass "PH-Lamp" by PH / Poul Henningsen, Louis Poulsen, 1940s
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Odense, DK
Stunning original production PH-table lamp model "3,5/2" by Poul Henningsen manufactured at Louis Poulsen, Copenhagen in the 1940s. The lamp base is made from patinated brass and white bakelite parts. The shades are all original and unrestored. The upper shade is made from yellow lacquered metal with a wonderful patina while the middle and lower are made from frosted matte glass which gives a wonderful light distribution. A beautiful and rare example of the world famous lamp icon. Poul Henningsen designed the three-shade system back in 1925-1926. The first lights using the system were designed by PH in cooperation with Louis Poulsen for an exhibition in Paris. PH sought to create glare-free light, direct light where it was most needed, and create soft shadows, using incandescent bulbs as a light source. PH 3/2 Table is a member of the three-shade family. Thus PH did not just design a light, but an entire system – around a thousand different models have been produced over the years. PH was the first person to pursue a scientific approach to light and use the logarithmic spiral as a basis. By using a design based on the logarithmic spiral he achieved even distribution of light over the entire curve of the shade. This even light distribution, together with the diffuse reflection through the glass, made it possible to control glare and shadow. Each shade reduces the amount of light equally, due to their distance from the light source. The PH light model numbers refer to the shade size. Each top shade had a corresponding set of middle and lower shades. In the ‘pure’ models, such as the 2/2, the top shade has a size of about 20 cm, with corresponding lower shades. PH 3/2 Table consists of an app. 30 cm top shade, but uses lower shades from the 2/2 model. These ‘hybrid’ models were introduced due to the desire to hang the pendants at lower heights. The system was also used for wall, table and floor lamps. This specific example has a "3,5" top shade (33,7 cm.) and a "2" middle and lower shade making it a "3,5/2 PH lamp".
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Double Table Lamp in Brass by Louis Poulsen, 1940s
By Louis Poulsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Decorative table lamp in brass designed and made by Louis Poulsen. Great original condition.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Early 1950's Vl Table Lamp by Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen, Pair Available
By Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Early, 1950s edition table lamp by the Danish designer and architect Vilhelm Lauritzen (1894 - 1984), made by Louis Poulsen, Denmark. Organically shaped matt white steel hood on a br...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass, Steel

Early Pair '2' of Vl Table Lamps by Vilhelm Lauritzen by Louis Poulsen
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Utrecht, NL
Set (2) early, 1950's - edition table lamps by the Danish designer and architect Vilhelm Lauritzen (1894 - 1984), made by Louis Poulsen, Denmark. Organically shaped matt white steel ...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Desk Lamp by Vilhelm Lauritzen "DSB Konduktør" Made at Louis Poulsen, 1940s
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Odense, DK
Functionalist desk lamp designed by Danish Architect Vilhelm Lauritzen in the late 1940s. Made for "DSB" (The Danish Railway Company) hence the name "Konduktørlampe/Train Conductors lamp". Its was manufactured by Louis Poulsen. This example is from the earliest production with the old bakelite...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Uplight in Copper, Designed by Louis Poulsen Danish Design, 1940s
By Louis Poulsen
Located in Lejre, DK
Uplight in painted copper, designed in 1940s by Louis Poulsen, Denmark. Original condition.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Copper

Pair of Vilhelm Lauritzen Radiohaus Wall Lights Bauhaus
By Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in New York, NY
Original polished brass and opaline glass Radiohaus wall lights designed by Scandinavian Modern designer Vilhelm Lauritzen for Poulsen. The fixtures have a set screw which allow the ...
Category

1940s Danish Bauhaus Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Poul Henningsen Opaline Glass PH 3½-2½ Table Lamp for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Henningsen opaline glass PH 3½-2½ table lamp for Louis Poulsen. Executed in white opal glass and a chrome or black metallised frame. The Industrial look of the dark metallised s...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Metal

Vilhelm Lauritzen VL-2 Brass and Glass Wall Lamp for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Glendale, CA
Vilhelm Lauritzen VL-2 brass and glass wall lamp for Louis Poulsen. Executed in two hand blown glossy white opal glass shades and unfinished satin polished brass armature and backpla...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vilhelm Lauritzen VL-1 Brass and Glass Wall Lamp for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in Glendale, CA
Vilhelm Lauritzen VL-1 brass and glass wall lamp for Louis Poulsen. Executed in a single hand blown glossy white opal glass and unfinished satin polished brass armature and backplate. The sconce emits light directed primarily downwards. The opal glass provides a comfortable and uniform illumination of the area around the fixture. A highly refined and iconic design by one of the Danish modern giants of the midcentury era. Built in on/off switch. Designed to be mounted and hardwired directly to a standard 4" US junction-box. Price is per item. These wall lamps were originally designed in the 1930s by Vilhelm Lauritzen in partnership with Louis Poulsen for the construction of the Radiohuset building on Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, which is now home to the Royal Danish Academy of Music. The original VL Ring Crown...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Poul Henningsen Brass and Glass PH 3 1/2 -2 1/2 Table Lamp for Louis Poulsen
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Glendale, CA
Poul Henningsen brass and glass PH 3½-2½ table lamp for Louis Poulsen. Executed in white opal glass and a brass, chrome or black metallized frame...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass

Vilhelm Lauritzen 'Radiohus' Sconce for Louis Poulsen in White
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Glendale, CA
Vilhelm Lauritzen 'Radiohus' sconces for Louis Poulsen. Originally designed in the 1930s by Vilhelm Lauritzen in partnership with Louis Poulsen for the construction of the Radiohuset...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Metal, Aluminum, Brass

Early Poul Henningsen Copper Table Lamp, 1930s
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Poul Henningsen & Louis Poulsen, Mid-century Modern design This is the iconic Poul Henningsen (PH 4/3) table lamp with original copper shades. Stand, switch and socket house of bro...
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Copper

Early Poul Henningsen Copper Table Lamp, 1930s
Early Poul Henningsen Copper Table Lamp, 1930s
H 21.26 in W 15.75 in D 15.75 in
Louis Poulsen VL38 Table Lamp by Vilhelm Lauritzen
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in New York, NY
About This Product The VL38 table lamp was originally designed in the late 1930s by Vilhelm Lauritzen in partnership with Louis Poulsen for the construction of the Radiohuset buildin...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Metal

Louis Poulsen PH 3½-2½ Color Table Lamp by Poul Henningsen
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
About This Product The PH 3½-2½ Glass Table lamp was designed in 1928 and is one of many advanced projects undertaken by Poul Henningsen in the development of his world-famous three-...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Aluminum

Louis Poulsen PH 3/2 Table Lamp by Poul Henningsen
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in New York, NY
About This Product Poul Henningsen designed the three-shade system during 1925/1926. The first lights using the system were designed for an exhibition in Paris. His work with Louis P...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Metal

Louis Poulsen VL38 Wall Lamp by Vilhelm Lauritzen
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in New York, NY
About This Product VL38 wall lamp is based on the original design of the VL38 table lamp. The VL38 table lamp was originally designed in the late 1930s by Vilhelm Lauritzen in partne...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Danish Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Metal

Poul Henningsen, PH 3/2 Table Lamp, Early Model
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in San Francisco, CA
A table lamp by Poul Henningsen with browned brass frame, socket cover and top, mounted with 3/2 patinated copper shade set. No switch on the frame. Stamped 'Pat. Appl.' (highly valu...
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass, Copper

Swedish Designer, Wall Lights, Brass, Rattan, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of two-armed organic brass and rattan wall lights, designed and produced in Sweden, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 19” H x 15” W x 9” D Back Plate Dimensions (inches)...
Category

1940s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Previously Available Items
Poul Henningsen PH 3, 5/3 manufactured by Louis Poulsen 1940’s
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Valby, 84
Rare Poul Henningsen PH 3,5/3 pendant with a top shade of white lacquered zinc and a middle and bottom shade in two layer opal glass and a top of beautiful natural patinaed brass. Th...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass, Zinc

Vilhelm Lauritzen, Wall Light, Brass, Rattan, Bamboo, Denmark, 1940s
By Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in High Point, NC
A two-armed brass, bamboo and rattan wall light designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and produced by Louis Poulsen, Denmark, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 6” H x 17” W x 12.5” D B...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vilhelm Lauritzen, Wall Lights, Brass, Glass, Denmark, 1940s
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and opaline glass wall lights designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and produced by Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 9.25” H x 7” W x 10” D Back P...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vilhelm Lauritzen, Wall Light, Brass, Paper, Denmark, 1940s
By Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in High Point, NC
A brass wall light designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and produced by Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 7” H x 5.25” W x 9.25” D Bulb Specifications: E-26 Bulb ...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vilhelm Lauritzen "UD" Exit Sign in Brass & Green Acrylic, Louis Poulsen, 1940s
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Odense, DK
This wonderful "UD" (danish for "exit") light sign is truly a collectors item designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen who was one of the early pioneers of functionalism and modernism in Denmark. These signs were used in several highly profiled state buildings throughout the 1940-60s, but this example is from the earliest production and the quality and design stands out from the rest. The fixture has never been restored or polished and the patina on the brass is simply stunning. Lauritzen designed the sign in the 1940s when he was commissioned to make Copenhagen’s "Radiohuset" for national Danish broadcaster Danmarks Radio (DR) at a time when radio was a new and modern technology. The heritage-listed building from 1945 was created using exclusive materials, including Greenlandic marble and teak hardwood, and is today one of the finest examples of Danish Functionalism. Vilhelm Lauritzen’s keen eye for detail is evident throughout the structure, and all furniture and lighting...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Poul Henningsen PH 2/1 Pendant Produced by Louis Poulsen, 1940’s
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Valby, 84
Rare Poul Henningsen PH 2/1 pendant produced by Louis Poulsen in the 1940’s, the lamp will be delivered newly rewired in wished length of wire. T...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Louis Poulsen Double Shade Desk Lamp, 1940
By Louis Poulsen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Large-scale articulate double arm desk lamp by Tvermoes & Abrahamson, Denmark with brass shades by Louis Poulsen in patinated brass with copper, turned wood and iron base, in-line on...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Copper, Brass, Iron

Vilhelm Lauritzen Double 'Ring Crown' Wall Lamp by Louis Poulsen
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Utrecht, NL
The Ring Crown wall lamp was designed by architect Vilhelm Lauritzen (1894-1984) for the Danish Broadcasting House in Copenhagen in the 1940s. Lauritzen designed the lamp as part of ...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Vilhelm Lauritzen Wall Lights, Patinated Brass, Milk Glass, Louis Poulsen, 1940s
By Louis Poulsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of early-production adjustable table lamp, designed by Vilhelm Lauritzen and manufactured by Louis Poulsen in the 1940s-1950s. Made in several different variations and sizes. ...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Poul Henningsen 2/1 Pendant with Glass Shades, 1940s
By Louis Poulsen, Poul Henningsen
Located in Lejre, DK
PH-2/1. Pendant with glass shades. Designed by Poul Henningsen and by Louis Poulsen, 1940s. Great original condition.
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Glass, Bakelite

Radiohus Pendant VL45 by Lauritzen & Poulson, Denmark, 1940s
By Vilhelm Lauritzen, Louis Poulsen
Located in Stockholm, SE
This opaline glass pendant lamp is the same model as the original radio house pendant from the 1940s named VL45 Radiohus Pendel. The Radiohus pendel was created in conjunction with t...
Category

1940s Danish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Rare Louis Poulsen Bedside Sconces in Brass, 1950s, Set of 2
By Louis Poulsen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
A pair of very rare Danish wall sconces. They are fashioned from solid brass. Manufactured by Louis Poulsen in Denmark during the early 1950s (label to the sockets). It is called 'Kø...
Category

1940s Danish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Louis Poulsen Furniture

Materials

Brass

Louis Poulsen furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Louis Poulsen furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Louis Poulsen furniture, although beige editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Louis Poulsen were created in the modern style in europe during the 21st century and contemporary. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Poul Henningsen, Vilhelm Lauritzen, and Alfred Homann. Prices for Louis Poulsen furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $485 and can go as high as $60,379, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,402.
Questions About Louis Poulsen Furniture
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Sleek and elegant Louis Poulsen lights are a Danish company, founded in 1874. Originally, the company was a tool and electrical supplies company and when the founder died, a nephew, Louis, took over and moved the company to Nyhavn. In 2019, another move happened and the headquarters moved to Holmen, Copenhagen, which is where it is today. The company again turned directions and focused on lighting, winning raves and a serious following.

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