Poul Henningsen ceiling lamps

This ceiling lamp is model PH Kontrast, designed by Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark in 1962. Constructed from lacquered metal, it exemplifies Henningsen’s scientific and human-centered approach to lighting design, aimed at optimizing both light quality and visual comfort.

The lamp features a multi-shade system composed of concentric, staggered metal discs arranged in a tiered configuration. These alternating rings are finished in a combination of matte white lacquer, polished metal, and red-orange accents. The upper and lower reflectors are polished to maximize light distribution, while the colored inner components reduce glare and introduce a warm tone to the emitted light. The segmented geometry allows precise control over light direction and diffusion, delivering balanced luminance both downward and outward for architectural spaces.

The lamp is in very good condition, showing minor surface wear and light scuffing consistent with age and use. The lacquered and polished elements are well preserved and structurally intact, retaining their original proportions and finishes.

Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) was a Danish designer and lighting theorist whose collaboration with Louis Poulsen fundamentally shaped 20th-century Scandinavian lighting. Best known for the PH series, his designs were based on optical principles and aimed to provide glare-free illumination with soft shadows and a harmonious balance between form and function.

Louis Poulsen, founded in 1874, gained international acclaim through its partnership with Henningsen beginning in the 1920s. The company played a key role in defining Danish modern lighting through a blend of technical innovation and sculptural aesthetics.

The PH Kontrast, developed in the early 1960s, represents a refinement of Henningsen’s earlier models, emphasizing contrast control and modulation of light color.

The lamp measures 45 cm in diameter and 44 cm in height, approximately 17.7 inches wide and 17.3 inches tall.