Louis Poulsen: 10 years of limited editions

In the world of Scandinavian design, few names evoke the same refinement and elegance as Louis Poulsen. Founded in 1874 in Copenhagen, the company has transformed light into a functional and emotional design element. Its philosophy, “design to shape light”, is inspired by the work of the famous Danish architect Poul Henningsen, who in the 1920s created a new way of conceiving lighting: soft, diffused, glare-free.

PH born

Since 2014, Louis Poulsen has created a series of annual limited editions, a tribute to tradition, timeless design and innovation. Since then, every year a new version of the PH family has been created, reinterpreted with unique materials and finishes. Then in 2024 the big event: because the tenth anniversary of this incredible collection was celebrated.

We therefore take this opportunity to retrace the history of these lamps that have illuminated homes and collectors all over the world, so that you can find inspiration and ideas for illuminating and furnishing your home or contract environment.

Read more about Louis Poulsen and Poul Henningsen here!

2014 – PH 3½-3 Copper

The journey of limited editions begins with the PH 3½-3 Copper, an elegant pendant lamp in polished copper, with an opal glass diffuser. The contrast between the warmth of the copper and the purity of the glass makes this lamp an iconic piece, which recalls Henningsen's original drawings from the 1920s. This lamp has in fact immediately become a collector's item.

2015 – PH 3½-2½ Copper 

The following year, Louis Poulsen transformed copper into an even more personal furnishing accessory: the table version retained the copper lampshade and added a sturdy base that recalled the classic shape of the PH series. The light is warm, ideal for intimate environments or reading spaces, perfect on vintage desks, sideboards or bedside tables or in a study furnished with a retro taste.

2016 – PH 3½-2½ Copper

In 2016, the floor version arrived, also in copper. A sculptural lamp that blends aesthetics and functionality. With an important height but a slender design, it elegantly illuminates living room corners or entrances, making copper the absolute protagonist. It is therefore ideal in hotel lobbies, relaxation areas of spas or display corners of high-end showrooms, where the warm light enhances the surrounding materials and fabrics.

2017 – PH 3½-3 

Copper gives way to painted metal: in 2017, the PH 3½-3 returns in a suspended version, with shades that recall Nordic tradition. The more sober colors highlight the three-screen design that diffuses the light uniformly and softly. Thanks to these opaque and simple finishes, this suspended lamp is ideal above a kitchen counter, an entrance console or a breakfast table. Its diffused light is practical but never aggressive.

2018 – PH 3/2 

In 2018 comes one of the most elegant editions: the PH 3/2 table lamp. The untreated brushed brass base oxidizes naturally over time, giving a unique, lived-in look to each piece. The triple-layer opal glass diffusers, blown by hand, give off perfectly diffused light. For this very reason, the PH 3/2 is perfect in elegant environments such as hotel suites, private libraries, or to add charm to professional studios or high-end boutiques.

2019 – PH 3/2 

“The Water Pump” 2019 is also the year of the PH 3/2 floor lamp, nicknamed “The Water Pump” for the shape of the structure that resembles a water pump. Refined and essential, it is adjustable and functional, with a combination of brass and glass that enhances the light and the vintage design. Thanks to its style, it is ideal next to a lounge chair or an elegant sofa, for reading or relaxing.

2020 – PH 2/1 

The 2020 limited edition is the compact and delicate PH 2/1 table lamp, with opal glass lampshades and a brass base. It is perfect for bedside tables, desks or study corners, and combines classic elegance and compact proportions. At the same time, it is ideal for hotel rooms, bars with brass or marble counters, or on reception desks where you want an elegant touch without clutter.

2021 – PH 2/2 “The Question Mark” 

One of the most unique editions is the 2021 one, with the PH 2/2 table lamp, nicknamed “The Question Mark” for the curved shape of the arm, which evokes a question mark. The lamp is adjustable, with brass and blown glass finishes. This lamp is in fact a tribute to Henningsen’s ingenious design and Nordic functionality. Its style makes it the protagonist if positioned on an entrance console, on a desk in the study or in conversation corners.

2022 – PH 3/2 and PH 3/3 

In 2022 Louis Poulsen offers two editions: the classic PH 3/2 table lamp, with light brass and opal glass finishes, and the new PH 3/3 suspension, which stands out for its larger size and perfect balance between form and function. Both express the continuity of the PH design, always recognizable and harmonious.

2023 – PH 2/2 “Luna”

In 2023 it is the turn of the romantic PH 2/2 Luna: a table lamp whose name recalls the moon, for the delicate and soft light it emits. The satin opal glass then meets a chrome finish that reflects the surrounding environment, creating an ethereal and modern effect. It is in fact perfect in modern bedrooms, minimalist spaces, or on an entrance console where it can reflect the environment.

2024 – PH 2/1 “Dusty Terracotta”

To celebrate its tenth anniversary, Louis Poulsen launches the PH 2/1 “Dusty Terracotta”, a refined interpretation of the lamp in the terracotta version. This is therefore an unprecedented choice for the Danish house, which combines the earthy warmth of the color with an iconic shape. The contrast between the matte finish and opal glass makes this edition one of the most distinctive in the collection.

Precisely because of its style, it is ideal in Mediterranean boutique hotels, elegant wine shops, showrooms of ceramics or natural materials.

Discover more about the PH 2/1 in this article!

10 years of success

In ten years, Louis Poulsen’s PH limited editions have been able to enhance the history of the brand and the genius of Poul Henningsen, without ever repeating themselves. Each year has brought a new interpretation of its modular design, capable of adapting to different styles and environments, always with perfect light.

These lamps are therefore not simple decorative objects, but tools designed to improve the quality of light and well-being in living spaces.

For collectors and design enthusiasts, they represent a journey through time and form, where each edition tells a story of materials, details and inspirations. Louis Poulsen has shown that innovation can arise from tradition, and that timeless design continues to shine, year after year.

Discover all the Louis Poulsen lamps on our Diffusione Luce website!

Written by Alice Pruccoli