Learn more about Poul Henningsen and his lighting innovations.
Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) was a Danish designer, architect and cultural critic whose groundbreaking work in lighting remains iconic.
Born in Copenhagen to renowned writers Agnes Henningsen and Carl Ewald, Henningsen grew up an intellectual, shaping his creative and critical approach to design. Initially trained as a functionalist architect, Henningsen shifted his focus to lighting in the 1920s.
In 1924, Henningsen began his lifelong collaboration with the Danish lighting company Louis Poulsen. His most famous design, the PH lamp series, was introduced in 1926. These lamps featured a revolutionary three-shade system that diffused light evenly and reduced glare, creating a soft, comfortable light ideal for homes and public spaces. The PH lamps became symbols of Danish Modernism, emphasizing functionality, affordability and elegance.

Henningsen’s role extended beyond design into writing and cultural commentary. After being dismissed from a Danish newspaper for his radical views, he became the first editor of Louis Poulsen’s company magazine, NYT, in 1930, blending his professional expertise with social critique. His political opinions often aligned with progressive and avant-garde movements, making him a notable public figure in Denmark.

During World War II, Henningsen briefly served as the head architect of Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen but was forced to flee to Sweden in 1943 due to the German occupation. He joined a community of Danish artists in exile, continuing his design work while contributing to Danish intellectual life from abroad.
Henningsen passed away in 1967, but his influence endures. His innovative approach to lighting design—particularly his focus on the relationship between light, shadows and human comfort—remains central to lighting philosophy today. His PH lamps are still celebrated as timeless icons of Mid Century Modern design, blending scientific precision with human-centered aesthetics.


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