Vintage Louis Poulsen PH 4 Pendant Lamp

Founded in Copenhagen in 1874, Louis Poulsen is one of Denmark's most renowned lighting manufacturers and a leading name in Scandinavian design. For more than 150 years, the company has combined craftsmanship, innovation, and a deep understanding of light to create luminaires that are as functional as they are timeless. Today, Louis Poulsen's designs can be found in homes, public buildings, museums, hotels, and architectural projects around the world.

History

Louis Poulsen began as a wine import business before evolving into a tool manufacturer and, eventually, a lighting company. The brand's direction changed dramatically in the 1920s when it partnered with designer Poul Henningsen, whose pioneering work on glare-free lighting established the company's design philosophy and international reputation.

Throughout the decades, Louis Poulsen has collaborated with many of Denmark's most influential architects and designers, helping shape the development of modern Scandinavian lighting. While production methods have evolved, the company has remained committed to creating lighting that prioritizes both visual comfort and lasting quality.

Design Philosophy

At the heart of every Louis Poulsen design is the principle that light should shape the space rather than dominate it. Instead of simply designing attractive fixtures, the company focuses on how light is distributed, reflected, and experienced by the people using it.

Many of its lamps feature carefully engineered multi-shade systems that direct light precisely where it is needed while eliminating glare. This creates soft, comfortable illumination that enhances both the atmosphere of a room and the architectural environment.

Designers and Collaborations

Louis Poulsen has worked with some of the most celebrated figures in Danish design and architecture. Among the best known are:

• Poul Henningsen, creator of the iconic PH lamp series and the designer who defined the company's lighting philosophy.
• Arne Jacobsen, whose AJ lamps remain among the most recognised examples of Danish modern design.
• Verner Panton, known for introducing bold colours and sculptural forms while maintaining exceptional lighting quality.
• Vilhelm Lauritzen, architect and designer of several elegant lighting collections created specifically for architectural projects.

These collaborations have resulted in many of the twentieth century's most enduring lighting designs.

Iconic Designs

Louis Poulsen has produced numerous lamps that have become design classics. The PH 5, introduced in 1958 by Poul Henningsen, remains one of the world's most recognisable pendant lamps and is still in production today. Other iconic designs include the PH Artichoke, PH Snowball, AJ Table Lamp, AJ Floor Lamp, Panthella, and the VL38 series.

Many of these designs have remained virtually unchanged since their introduction, a testament to their timeless aesthetics and thoughtful engineering.

Legacy

Today, Louis Poulsen is widely regarded as one of the world's most respected lighting manufacturers. Its commitment to functional design, exceptional craftsmanship, and the careful study of light has made the company a cornerstone of Danish design history.

Whether produced in the 1950s or the present day, Louis Poulsen lamps continue to be valued for their quality, durability, and ability to create comfortable, inviting spaces. Their enduring popularity reflects a design philosophy that has remained relevant for generations and continues to influence lighting design around the world.

Smaller items can be safely shipped by post and are carefully packed before leaving the workshop. Every parcel is sent with Track & Trace and includes insurance, so you can follow its journey from dispatch to delivery.

The rates below apply to standard parcel shipments. If you're unsure whether your purchase can be shipped by post, feel free to get in touch before placing your order.

International Orders

I regularly ship items throughout Europe and to destinations worldwide. If you're ordering from outside Europe, please contact me before placing your order. Shipping costs vary depending on the destination, parcel size and current postal rates, and I'll be happy to provide a tailored quotation.

Please note that orders shipped outside the European Union may be subject to import duties, taxes or customs charges. These fees are determined by your local authorities and are the responsibility of the buyer.

Postal Shipping

Destination	Cost	Estimated Delivery
Collection in Vinkeveen	Free	By appointment
Netherlands	€10	1–3 business days
Belgium	€25	2–5 business days
Other EU countries	€45	Approximately 1–2 weeks
Worldwide	On request	Custom quotation

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Collection in our Showroom

You're always welcome to collect your purchase from the showroom. Simply select Local Pickup during checkout, and I'll get in touch to arrange a convenient time.

The address can be found on our contact page!

The coffee will be ready when you arrive.