Louis Poulsen

PH 4½-3½ Glass Floor

$6,030.00

The fixture is designed based on the principle of a reflective three-shade system, which directs the majority of the light downwards. The shades are made of hand blown opal three-layer glass, which is glossy on top and sandblasted matte on the underside, giving a soft and diffused light distribution.

Poul Henningsen pioneered the three-shade lighting system in 1925-1926, aiming for glare-free lighting with soft shadows using incandescent bulbs. The PH 4½-3½ Glass Floor lamp, part of this system, is one of 19 versions available today, with approximately a thousand models produced over the years, including chandeliers popular in the 1930s. Initially metal, the shades later incorporated glass for added room illumination. Henningsen's scientific approach, using the logarithmic spiral, ensured even light distribution and glare control. The PH light model numbers denote shade sizes, with hybrid models, like the PH 4½-3½ Glass Floor lamp, introduced for varied hanging heights. This adaptation expanded to floor, table, and wall lamps, with the current model launched in 1990.

49.2"H x 17.7"Ø x11.8"Ø Base Plate, Cable Length: 84"

Light Source:
1 x 15W A-19/medium

Material:
Base: High lustre chrome plated, spun brass
Shades: Handblown white opal glass
Top Plate: High lustre chrome plated, spun brass
Stem: High lustre chrome plated, steel

Designer

Poul Henningsen (1894-1967) was a highly influential Danish designer, architect, writer, and cultural critic, renowned for his pioneering work in lighting design, which remains integral to Louis Poulsen’s heritage. Born in Copenhagen to writers Agnes Henningsen and Carl Ewald, Henningsen initially practiced functionalist architecture but became famous for his innovative lighting designs. During WWII, he briefly served as the head architect for Tivoli Gardens before fleeing to Sweden, where he joined a community of Danish artists.

Brand

Established in 1874 as a lighting manufacturer, Louis Poulsen has become one of the world's leading producers of lighting. This success is attributed to collaborations with renowned designers and architects like Arne Jacobsen, Øivind Slaatto, Poul Henningsen, and Verner Panton.

Poul Henningsen
Louis Poulsen