PH Color

PH Color Lamps

Poul Henningsen’s approach to light began with a desire to make artificial illumination more comfortable. In 1925–26, he developed his now-iconic multi-shade system, using a carefully calculated arrangement of shades to soften the light, reduce glare, and direct illumination where it was needed. His work was grounded in a scientific understanding of light, with the logarithmic spiral providing the foundation for a system designed to create an even, harmonious distribution of light while minimizing harsh shadows and glare. This thoughtful union of science, function, and form would become central to Henningsen’s work, establishing him as a foundational figure in Danish Modern and mid-century design.

The first lamp to use Henningsen’s multi-shade system was created with Louis Poulsen for the 1925 Paris exhibition, where it was awarded gold. From there, Henningsen continued to explore and refine the system across numerous luminaires. The earliest versions were made in metal, while later designs introduced glass as another way of shaping and diffusing light. The PH 2/1 and PH 3/2 Table Lamps are part of this enduring design language, carrying Henningsen’s original principles into a distinctly intimate format.

The PH 2/1 Table Lamp uses mouth-blown, three-layer white opal glass to create a soft and comfortable light, primarily directed downward. Its proportions follow Henningsen’s numbering system, which refers to the size of the shades: the PH 2/1 features a top shade of approximately 20 cm, while its lower shades are shared with the 1/1 version. Together, the carefully proportioned shades create the balanced illumination that has defined the PH collection for generations.

Now, the PH 2/1 and PH 3/2 Table Lamps are given a new expression through color. For the first time, their stems and bases are available in a palette of Glossy Beige, Glossy Burgundy, Glossy Deep Blue, and Glossy Deep Green. The new powder coat colors introduce a richer, more expressive dimension to Henningsen’s familiar forms while leaving the essential character of the designs unchanged.

PH Color brings a new palette to a lighting philosophy that has remained remarkably relevant for a century. The colors add personality and presence, while the shades continue to do what Henningsen designed them to do: shape light into something softer, more balanced, and more comfortable. It is a new expression of the PH tradition — one that brings color into a design defined, from the beginning, by the thoughtful relationship between light, form, and function.

Iconic Danish Lighting in Powder-Coated Colors

PH Color Lamps

Poul Henningsen’s approach to light began with a desire to make artificial illumination more comfortable. In 1925–26, he developed his now-iconic multi-shade system, using a carefully calculated arrangement of shades to soften the light, reduce glare, and direct illumination where it was needed. His work was grounded in a scientific understanding of light, with the logarithmic spiral providing the foundation for a system designed to create an even, harmonious distribution of light while minimizing harsh shadows and glare. This thoughtful union of science, function, and form would become central to Henningsen’s work, establishing him as a foundational figure in Danish Modern and mid-century design.

The first lamp to use Henningsen’s multi-shade system was created with Louis Poulsen for the 1925 Paris exhibition, where it was awarded gold. From there, Henningsen continued to explore and refine the system across numerous luminaires. The earliest versions were made in metal, while later designs introduced glass as another way of shaping and diffusing light. The PH 2/1 and PH 3/2 Table Lamps are part of this enduring design language, carrying Henningsen’s original principles into a distinctly intimate format.

The PH 2/1 Table Lamp uses mouth-blown, three-layer white opal glass to create a soft and comfortable light, primarily directed downward. Its proportions follow Henningsen’s numbering system, which refers to the size of the shades: the PH 2/1 features a top shade of approximately 20 cm, while its lower shades are shared with the 1/1 version. Together, the carefully proportioned shades create the balanced illumination that has defined the PH collection for generations.

Now, the PH 2/1 and PH 3/2 Table Lamps are given a new expression through color. For the first time, their stems and bases are available in a palette of Glossy Beige, Glossy Burgundy, Glossy Deep Blue, and Glossy Deep Green. The new powder coat colors introduce a richer, more expressive dimension to Henningsen’s familiar forms while leaving the essential character of the designs unchanged.

PH Color brings a new palette to a lighting philosophy that has remained remarkably relevant for a century. The colors add personality and presence, while the shades continue to do what Henningsen designed them to do: shape light into something softer, more balanced, and more comfortable. It is a new expression of the PH tradition — one that brings color into a design defined, from the beginning, by the thoughtful relationship between light, form, and function.