Poul Henningsen floor lamps

This pair of floor lamps, model PH-3/2, was designed by Poul Henningsen and produced by Louis Poulsen in Denmark during the 1940s. The PH-3/2 model is a smaller iteration of Henningsen’s famous three-shade lighting system, developed in the 1920s to create glare-free, evenly diffused illumination. The lamps demonstrate Henningsen’s deep understanding of light distribution, human comfort, and form, and remain technically relevant and visually iconic to this day.

The construction consists of nickel plated steel stems, lacquered metal shades, and bakelite sockets. The shades, repainted in a deep red lacquer with white inner reflectors, are supported by gracefully bent, tubular chrome arms that lend a sculptural elegance to the upright structure. The floor plates are circular, finished in black, and constructed of metal with minor edge wear visible from age and use. The original bakelite socket holders remain intact, enhancing the authentic vintage character of the lamps.

Poul Henningsen, a pioneering Danish designer, worked with Louis Poulsen for much of his career, and his PH lighting system became a landmark of functionalist design. His mathematical approach to shade geometry was based on logarithmic spirals and the principles of soft, indirect light. The PH-3/2 variant, marked “Patented” belongs to a family of lamps originally conceived in the 1920s and continually developed through the mid-20th century for various formats, including table, ceiling, and floor lighting.

This particular pair of PH-3/2 floor lamps is in good overall condition with wear consistent with age. The metal shades have been repainted in a later restoration, now finished in high-gloss red on the exterior and satin white on the inner surfaces. The chrome has light patination and minor surface signs of use. The bakelite and wiring elements appear original and operational, though as with all vintage lighting, rewiring is advisable for contemporary safety standards.

Dimensions are 29 cm in width (11.4 inches), 32 cm in depth (12.6 inches), and 143.5 cm in height (56.5 inches).