Designer Spotlight: Poul Henningsen

Story Image

Designer Spotlight: Poul Henningsen

Poul Henningsen was many things: an artist, a journalist and an author. However, he was best known as the world’s first lighting architect. His expertise and passion for functional lighting design led him to create the iconic PH Lamp series for Louis Poulsen that has shaped lighting in people’s homes for over a century and counting.

Born in 1894 in Denmark, Henningsen started his career as an independent architect, but his interest in lighting design motivated him to start investigating the function of lights. Having grown up under the soft glow of petroleum lamps, Henningsen was driven to shape modern innovation—the electric light—to achieve a similar soft and diffused light distribution while leveraging its powerful source.

Photo credit: Scandinaviandesign.com
Photo credit: Scandinaviandesign.com

The PH collection for Louis Poulsen was designed with the most challenging and noble task yet: to make evenings restful and relaxing for its users. In 1924, “the multi-shade lamp,” the first lighting fixture in the PH series, was born.

Photo credit: Smow.com
Photo credit: Smow.com

Based on Henningsen’s scientific analysis of lighting composition—the size, shape, amount of glares and light distribution— he designed his multi-shade lamp so that the lightbulb is covered while the glares are shaped downward. This design allows the lamp to emit a soft and cozy illuminated visual that imitates the petroleum lamp in Henningsen’s childhood home.

The award-winning lamp was put into production by Louis Poulsen, marking the beginning of Henningson’s lifelong collaboration with the Danish lighting manufacturer. Henningsen’s philosophy of producing quality lighting that serves a purpose continues to inspire the following works of Louis Poulsen’s until today.

Photo credit: Danaminteriors.com
Photo credit: Danaminteriors.com

Explore Poul Henningsen’s iconic PH Lamps at Chanintr Craft, Sukhumvit 55 Road (Thonglor). 


More from blog

Story Image
Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman: The Icon of Icons

Timeless elegance meets ultimate comfort in the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, a design icon crafted for lasting style and support.

Story Image
Introducing Koyori: A New Era of Japanese Craftsmanship

Koyori is a brand that unites Japanese craftsmanship and global design. Learn about their philosophy and unique collaborations, and explore the exquisite collection at Chanintr Craft.

Story Image
Design Trends and What's In for 2024

See the top design trends for 2024, from sustainable materials and biophilic design to bold colors and multifunctional spaces.

Story Image
Aster Cucine: Revolutionizing Kitchens With Italian Excellence

Experience the unparalleled elegance and innovation of Aster Cucine kitchens at CHANINTR's new Ekamai showroom.

Story Image
Designer Spotlight: Rodolfo Dordoni

Celebrating the legacy of Rodolfo Dordoni in this tribute to his transformative work with Minotti. Explore the iconic collections and profound impact of this visionary designer, whose elegant creations continue to inspire and define luxury in modern furniture design.

Story Image
Bitesize BKK: Revolutionizing News Consumption in Bangkok

Discover how Bitesize BKK, a Bangkok-based news media startup, is transforming the way young, tech-savvy audiences consume news.

Story Image
Brdr. Krüger: A Symphony of Danish Heritage and Modern Craftsmanship

Get to know Brdr. Krüger's blend of Danish heritage and modern design, a testament to timeless craftsmanship. Now gracing the Chanintr Craft collection.

Story Image
The Pinnacle of Bangkok Luxury: SCOPE Langsuan Merges With CHANINTR's Finest

Experience the fusion of Bangkok's architectural marvel, SCOPE Langsuan, with CHANINTR's elite brands, crafting an unparalleled luxury living experience.

Story Image
Scandinavian Sale: The Timeless Allure of Danish Design at Chanintr Craft

Encounter the allure of Danish design at Chanintr Craft's Scandinavian Sale. Highlighting curated collections from iconic brands, embrace timeless Scandinavian elegance.

We use cookies to personalize content and analyze website traffic. We also share your browsing and demographic information with our social media, analytics, and advertising partners. The information does not directly identify you, but it serves to provide a more personalized experience. View our Cookie Policy here.

Privacy Preferences

You can manage your preferences below.

Allow All
Manage Consent Preferences
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies:
    Always Active

    Necessary cookies help make a website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.

  • Analytical Cookies

    Analytical cookies help the website owner understand how visitors interact with the website by collecting and reporting information on its usage.

  • Marketing Cookies

    Marketing cookies are used to track visitors across websites. The intention is to display ads that are relevant and engaging for the individual.

  • Unclassified Cookies

    We are in the process of classifying unclassified cookies together with the providers of the individual cookies.

Save