PH 3½-2½ Glass Table Lamp by Louis Poulsen
Poul Henningsen drew the models for his first PH lamps in collaboration with Louis Poulsen in 1924, where he developed the famous three-shade system. He was not primarily driven by the wish of designing aesthetic lamps, but instead to create the optimal light, to create a lampshade that emitted a functional, pleasant, and glare-free light. His work with Louis Poulsen continued until his death in 1967 and throughout his life, PH sought to create glare-free lighting, aiming to direct light where it was most needed and creating soft shadows while using incandescent bulbs as a light source.
PH 3½-2½ Table Lamp is a member of the three-shade family and is one of 19 versions available today. Approximately one thousand different models have been produced over the years and consisted of table, floor and wall lamps, as well as a number of different chandeliers - which were very popular in the 1930s for lighting private homes from high ceilings. PH was the first person to pursue a scientific approach to light and use the logarithmic spiral as a basis. By using a design based on the logarithmic spiral, he achieved even distribution of light over the entire curve of the shade. This even light distribution, together with the diffuse reflection through the glass, made it possible to control glare and shadow.
The PH light model numbers refer to the shade size. Each top shade had a corresponding set of middle and lower shades. In the pure models, such as the 2/2, the top shade has a size of about 20 cm, with corresponding lower shades. The PH 3½-2½ Table Lamp consists of an approximately 35cm top shade with smaller lower shades. These hybrid models were introduced due to the desire to hang the pendants at lower heights, but this system was also used for wall, table and floor lamps.
The fixture is designed based on the principle of a reflective three-shade system, which directs the majority of the light downwards. The shades are made of hand blown opal three-layer glass, which is glossy on top and sandblasted matte on the underside, giving a soft and diffused light distribution.
View all Louis Poulsen PH product collection here.
View all Louis Poulsen table lamps here.
- Manufacturer: Louis Poulsen
- Design: Poul Henningsen
- Design Year: 1928
- Material: Hand blown white opal glass, black metalized or high lustre chrome plated, spun brass
- Cord Length: 12' (Black)
- Switch: On/off switch on cord
- Bulb (not included): 1 x G16.5/Candelabra (E12)/4W/120V LED
- Dimensions: Ø 13" x H 18.3"
- UL Listed
- Made in Denmark
- Ships in 1-8 weeks depending upon stock availability
- Please email info@vertigohome.us for current lead time