Poul Henningsen ceiling lamp

The rare Langelinie ceiling lamp, designed by Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark, is an outstanding example of Scandinavian modernist lighting design—one that marries technical innovation with sculptural elegance. Developed by Henningsen as a site-specific fixture for Copenhagen’s iconic Langelinie Pavilion, this lamp demonstrates his enduring commitment to glare-free, atmospheric lighting through layered geometry and material refinement.

The lamp is composed of multiple concentric copper shades arranged in a tiered configuration. This construction is not only visually striking, but also highly functional: the shades are carefully spaced and proportioned to redirect and diffuse light, eliminating harsh glare while ensuring even illumination. The interior of the shades is lacquered in matte white, further enhancing light reflection and maintaining a soft, warm glow. This approach reflects Henningsen’s pioneering belief that lighting should serve the human eye as much as the architectural space.

The copper exterior has developed a natural patina over time, giving the lamp a rich, textured surface that enhances its vintage character. The warm, reddish tones of the aged metal contrast beautifully with the crisp white interiors, contributing to the lamp’s refined presence whether lit or unlit. The precise layering of the shades lends the fixture a floating, radial quality, characteristic of Henningsen’s design language, which often drew inspiration from natural light phenomena and early modernist ideals.

Poul Henningsen (1894–1967), a central figure in Danish design, was a lifelong collaborator with Louis Poulsen and a visionary in the development of glare-free lighting. His PH series of lamps, developed in the 1920s and beyond, revolutionized the field of functional decorative lighting and laid the foundation for modern Scandinavian lighting design. The Langelinie model, while lesser-known than the ubiquitous PH5, is rarer and particularly significant for its connection to a landmark architectural commission.

Produced by Louis Poulsen, Denmark’s most revered lighting manufacturer, the lamp is the result of decades of collaboration with Henningsen. Their production quality ensured that each component—from copper spinning to lacquered surfaces—met exacting standards, reinforcing the designer’s vision of light as both form and experience.

In very good vintage condition, this example shows only light surface wear and a consistent, attractive patina across the copper surfaces. All components are structurally sound, and the lamp remains fully functional, retaining its original visual and optical integrity.

As a collector’s item and functional work of design, the Langelinie ceiling lamp represents a rare intersection of architectural context, material richness, and lighting innovation—offering not just illumination, but a piece of Scandinavian design history.