A Legacy of Light

Established in 1874 in Copenhagen, Louis Poulsen’s story began with the introduction of fine wines to the Danish market.

Founded by Mr. Ludvig Poulsen as Kjøbenhavns Direkte Vin Import Kompagni, the company evolved in response to the arrival of electricity in Copenhagen. By 1892, the focus had shifted towards lighting — marking the beginning of a journey that would define Louis Poulsen’s legacy in design and innovation.

As the city entered a new era of electrification, so too did Louis Poulsen, laying the groundwork for what would soon become a pioneering force in modern lighting.

 

 

 

The timeline of innovation

Historic Danish power station interior with early pendant lighting installation, © 2025 Louis Poulsen.

1890s: A new beginning

In 1892, Copenhagen’s first power station was opened, providing electricity to the city and marking the dawn of a new era in lighting.

Around the same time, Ludvig R. Poulsen, a pioneering businessman in the lighting industry, opened a shop in Copenhagen selling lighting and electrical supplies.
His nephew, Louis Poulsen, joined the family business as a shop assistant in 1896, marking the beginning of what would become a world-renowned lighting brand.

This period laid the foundation for Louis Poulsen’s legacy in design and innovation.

Historic Copenhagen street scene near Louis Poulsen’s early workshop, © 2025 Louis Poulsen.

1910s: Light craftsmanship

In 1914, Sophus Kaastrup-Olsen becomes a partner in Louis Poulsen, and as a result the company changes its name to Louis Poulsen & Co.

During this period, the company strengthened its position within the growing lighting industry, focusing on quality, function, and materials — principles that would guide all future designs.

<b>1950s:</b> Poul Henningsen and the PH 5

The 1950s saw the launch of the PH 5 lamp, designed by Poul Henningsen in 1958. This iconic design became a global symbol of functional beauty and remains one of Louis Poulsen’s most beloved creations.

The same year, the Artichoke lamp was introduced at Langelinie Pavillonen in Copenhagen, solidifying Louis Poulsen’s position as a leader in lighting design.

Poul Henningsen’s collaboration with Louis Poulsen continues to define the company’s design philosophy, focusing on the perfect blend of light, form, and function.

A PH Artichoke pendant hangs above Poul Henningsen, surrounded by other pendants in a black-and-white photograph. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

<b>1960s:</b> The Arne Jacobsen collaboration

In 1960, Louis Poulsen began a groundbreaking collaboration with Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen.

This partnership led to the creation of the iconic AJ lamps, which were designed for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen. Jacobsen’s holistic approach to design, where he not only architected the building but also designed every detail, including the lighting, furniture, and tableware, embodied the Louis Poulsen philosophy of seamless integration of design elements.

Jacobsen’s designs, particularly the AJ Table and AJ Floor lamps, are now seen as timeless examples of minimalist elegance.

Arne Jacobsen outside the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen, © 2025 Louis Poulsen.

Verner Panton’s Playful Designs

The 1960s also saw Louis Poulsen join forces with Verner Panton, a designer known for his bold and innovative approach to lighting.

In 1969, Panton introduced the famous Panthella lamp, which combined organic forms with a playful use of color and materials. His design philosophy, expressed in his own words, was to encourage a sense of creativity and imagination through lighting.

Verner Panton’s work continues to influence modern lighting design, and the Panthella lamp remains one of Louis Poulsen’s most popular designs.

Panthella table lamp in White Classic within Verner Panton’s vivid orange room, © 2025 Louis Poulsen.

2010s: 

Celebrating craftsmanship and innovation

A PH 3½-2½ Copper Floor Lamp with a copper-toned shade and brass frame beside a beige sofa. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Limited Editions – A tradition of craftsmanship

Since 2014, Louis Poulsen has launched a new limited edition lamp every year, continuing a tradition that celebrates the timeless designs of Poul Henningsen. Each exclusive edition is available for only three months, making them rare collector’s items.

These lamps honor the craftsmanship of Henningsen’s iconic three-shade system, reinterpreted with modern materials, such as amber glass and untreated brass.

Øivind Slaatto working on Patera pendant design in his bright workshop, © 2025 Louis Poulsen.

A commitment to design excellence

Alongside the limited editions, Louis Poulsen has consistently maintained its commitment to design excellence, collaborating with world-class designers, including Oki Sato of Nendo, GamFratesi, Øivind Slaatto, and Clara von Zweigbergk.

Each partnership brought new interpretations of light, blending timeless principles with forward-thinking design.

2020s: 

A decade of evolution and vision

A PH 3½-3 Pale Rose Brass Pendant and PH 2/1 Pale Rose Brass Table Lamp illuminate a marble console. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

A new era of innovation

As we moved into the 2020s, Louis Poulsen continued to innovate with designs that speak to modern sensibilities.

In 2022, Louis Poulsen introduced the PH Pale Rose collection, offering a fresh perspective on Poul Henningsen’s legendary designs.
The collection combines pale rose-colored glass with brushed brass elements, providing a sophisticated and warm glow that enhances both modern and traditional interiors.

A brass-finish VL Studio Wall Lamp and three VL Studio Table/Floor Lamps with opal-white shades in a minimalist interior. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

VL Studio Collection: Reviving a Timeless Legacy

The VL Studio Collection, launched in 2022, reinterprets the iconic lighting designs of Vilhelm Lauritzen.
Inspired by Lauritzen’s original work in Radiohuset, this collection offers a modern twist while preserving the elegance and functionality that made his designs iconic.

Explore Vilhelm Lauritzen

Louis Poulsen Today

As we continue to innovate, Louis Poulsen remains committed to creating timeless lighting solutions that enhance spaces and lives worldwide. Our legacy is built on the belief that light shapes the way we experience the world, and we are proud to continue crafting lighting designs that inspire and elevate interiors everywhere.

Explore our categories

Pendants & ceiling lamps

Floor lamps

Table lamps

Wall lamps

Outdoor lighting

Spare parts

PH Artichoke pendants in white, copper and metallic finishes hang in a showroom with large windows. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Visit us

Step into the world of Louis Poulsen by visiting one of our official stores or showrooms worldwide.

Discover how more than a century of Danish craftsmanship and design lives on in every detail -where form follows function, and light defines the atmosphere.

Designer of the year 2025

In 2025, Gabriel Tan was honored as Designer of the Year for his Rumee Portable Lamp. A product of remarkable emotional and functional design, the Rumee provides soft, glare-free lighting, making it an ideal addition to any modern space.

The Rumee continues Louis Poulsen’s legacy of merging tradition with innovation, staying true to our core values of craftsmanship and timeless design.