Poul Henningsen ceiling lamp

The PH-5/5 ceiling lamp, designed by Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark during the 1930s, is an exceptionally rare and historically significant example of early Scandinavian modern lighting design. As part of Henningsen’s groundbreaking series of multi-shade luminaires, the PH-5/5 reflects his uncompromising pursuit of glare-free, evenly diffused illumination—principles that would shape the trajectory of 20th-century lighting design.

This particular model is distinguished by its original amber-colored glass shades, which are highly uncommon in comparison to the more frequently encountered metal or opal glass variants. The warm tint of the glass imparts a golden hue to the emitted light, softening the atmosphere and creating a gentle ambient effect that exemplifies Henningsen’s desire to reproduce the quality of candlelight through electric lighting. The layered structure of the lamp—composed of three nested shades arranged according to a logarithmic spiral—ensures that light is distributed evenly both downward and laterally, eliminating glare and creating a harmonious spatial experience.

The glass shades are supported by a brass suspension system, including a central stem and matching fixture. Over the decades, the brass has developed a rich, naturally aged patina, which adds depth and character to the piece. The combination of warm-toned glass and aged brass not only reinforces the lamp’s visual warmth but also enhances its historical authenticity. The subtle surface variations and signs of age-related wear on the glass are consistent with its 1930s origin and underscore its rarity and provenance.

Measuring 50 cm in diameter and 90 cm in height (19.7 x 35.4 inches), the lamp’s proportions are generous yet refined, making it suitable for a variety of interior contexts—from intimate residential dining areas to larger, architecturally significant rooms. Its design is at once iconic and understated, drawing attention not through ornament but through the purity of form and the quality of light it delivers.

Poul Henningsen (1894–1967), a central figure in Danish design history, began collaborating with Louis Poulsen in the 1920s. His work sought to reconcile new lighting technologies with human comfort, architectural integration, and aesthetic innovation. The PH system of lamps, including the PH-5/5, was rooted in rigorous experimentation with shade dimensions and angles, resulting in a family of fixtures that remain among the most studied and collected in 20th-century design.

The PH-5/5 ceiling lamp, particularly in this early amber glass configuration, stands as a testament to Henningsen’s revolutionary vision. It is not only a functional lighting device but also a piece of cultural and design history—imbued with both technical ingenuity and artistic sensitivity. A highly collectible and visually arresting object, it represents the height of interwar Scandinavian modernism.