Design inspiration from homes worldwide

Discover how this lamp is used in homes around the world and how its light shapes different interiors.

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About the VL 45 Radiohus Pendant

The renowned Danish functionalist architect Vilhelm Lauritzen designed the VL 45 Radiohus Pendant in the late 1930s as part of his total work of art, Radiohuset (The Radio House), headquarters of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation, which was inaugurated just after the end of World War II in 1945.

 

Lauritzen designed the pendant and all other lamps for Radiohuset in collaboration with Louis Poulsen. The pendant was initially named the Office Lamp, featuring a glossy, three-layer, mouth-blown glass shade with untreated brass details.

 

The design maintains its excellent lighting benefits and quiet luxury appearance that aligns well with contemporary interior trends today, where it features beautiful variants of the original Opal white version in Pale rose, Pale yellow and Amber.

Vilhelm Lauritzen and the VL 45 Radiohus Pendant

A masterpiece in lighting design, the VL 45 Radiohus Pendant was crafted to deliver both functional brilliance and a warm, inviting glow. With its refined simplicity and meticulous attention to detail, this pendant embodies the timeless appeal of Lauritzen’s architectural vision.

Close-up of an illuminated VL 45 Radiohus Pendant in opal glass against a warm brown background. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

The fascination with authentic craftsmanship

Louis Poulsen’s multi-layered glass lampshades are crafted using traditional mouth-blown glass techniques dating back to ancient Italy. Glassmakers add a mineral mixture and/or opal white to tint the glass as they layer it. When the glass reaches a temperature above 1400°C, it tones the glass. Even if the colour mixtures match precisely, the varying glass thickness subtly influences the hue.

Close-up of a glowing opal glass VL 45 Radiohus Pendant with brass details against a brown background. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

The glass shades are all handmade and mouth-blown individually. When each lamp is assembled with its unique shades, the colours may vary. There might be differences in the hues from one glass shade to another and from one lamp to another, even in seemingly identical lamps. These are natural variations in the appearance of the glass, which contributes to the imperfect beauty of each lamp.

A VL 45 Radiohus Pendant glows yellow in a timber-framed room, with leafy trees visible through the window. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.
Three VL 45 Radiohus Pendants in warm yellow and orange tones hang above a low wooden console. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Beyond illumination

Even when unlit, the VL 45 Radiohus Pendant captivates with its sculptural elegance and luxurious mouth-blown glass. Whether used as a functional lighting solution or a striking design feature, it brings an undeniable touch of refinement to any room.