Louis Poulsen ceiling lamps

This rare and refined pair of ceiling lamps, model A 50, designed and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark during the 1930s, captures the transitional moment between early Scandinavian functionalism and the emerging modernist aesthetic. As early examples from one of Denmark’s most important lighting manufacturers, these lamps embody both the decorative sophistication of the Art Deco era and the restrained geometry that would come to define Nordic modernism.

Each lamp features a concentric, tiered shade configuration crafted from copper—a material favored during the interwar period for its durability and warm visual qualities. Over time, the copper has acquired a soft, natural patina, giving the lamps a rich, timeworn character that enhances their architectural silhouette. The warm tone of the aged copper also contributes to the quality of light emitted, casting a soft, diffuse glow ideal for creating ambient illumination.

The form is based on a series of nested, circular discs that descend gradually from a narrow top to a broader base. This tiered structure is not purely aesthetic; it reflects Louis Poulsen’s early application of functionalist lighting principles, aimed at eliminating glare while ensuring even light distribution. The layered design creates a subtle interplay of shadow and reflection, diffusing the light horizontally and downward in a calm, even manner—a concept that would later be perfected in the work of designers like Poul Henningsen.

While the A 50 predates Henningsen’s most iconic designs, it nonetheless reflects the same dedication to the controlled shaping of light through form. The simple, almost industrial purity of the silhouette is tempered by the elegance of its proportions and the richness of its material finish, placing it at the intersection of Art Deco ornamentation and the clarity of early modernism.

Louis Poulsen, established in 1874, emerged as a leading figure in lighting design during the early 20th century, especially following its collaborations with architects and designers focused on human-centered, glare-free illumination. The A 50 stands as a testament to the firm’s commitment to both innovation and craftsmanship, even before the formalization of its design philosophy through Henningsen’s multi-shade systems.

This pair remains in excellent vintage condition. The copper surfaces exhibit a uniform patina and bear only minor marks of age and use, adding to their authenticity and historical presence. Structurally, both lamps are intact and retain their original form, with all elements functioning as intended.

As a matching pair, these lamps offer rare cohesion and symmetry—ideal for placement in a hallway, dining area, or entryway where their sculptural forms can be fully appreciated. Beyond their utility, they serve as important historical artifacts, exemplifying the evolution of Scandinavian lighting design at a moment when form, function, and materiality were beginning to converge into the distinctly modern ethos that would define the decades to follow.