Poul Henningsen floor lamp

The rare floor lamp Syvtallet (Model 7), designed by Poul Henningsen in the 1930s and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark, stands as a landmark in the evolution of modern lighting design. Marked “Patented” this piece exemplifies Henningsen’s revolutionary approach to light control and his enduring legacy in Danish functionalism.

The lamp features Henningsen’s signature three-shade system, a design innovation he developed to achieve uniform light distribution while eliminating glare. In this model, the shades are executed in yellow-tinted glass, which not only serves to diffuse the light softly but also adds a distinctive warm hue to the ambient glow. The tiered glass structure reflects Henningsen’s geometric sensibility and his pursuit of optical harmony, balancing functional light output with visual comfort.

The support structure consists of a slender, slightly curved stem in blackened metal, culminating in a stable, weighted circular base. This minimalist column accentuates the sculptural character of the shade while maintaining visual restraint. The curvature of the stem introduces a sense of dynamism and fluidity to the vertical profile, subtly referencing the “7” form for which the model is named.

The juxtaposition of the understated blackened metal and the vivid yellow glass creates a balanced composition that is both technically purposeful and visually engaging. Every element of the design serves a specific function while contributing to the overall aesthetic coherence, adhering closely to the principles of Danish modernism.

Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) was a pioneer of 20th-century lighting design, best known for his work with Louis Poulsen and his development of glare-free, layered lighting systems. His designs were deeply rooted in scientific inquiry and humanist ideals, making his creations as intellectually rigorous as they are visually compelling.

The dimensions of the lamp are 28.5 cm in width, 30 cm in depth, and 150.5 cm in height. In imperial units, this equates to approximately 11.2 inches wide, 11.8 inches deep, and 59.3 inches high.