Design inspiration from homes worldwide

Discover how this lamp is used in homes around the world and how its light shapes different interiors.

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About the PH 2/1 Table Lamp

The table lamp provides a soft, harmonious and comfortable light distribution with its mouth-blown three-layer white opal glass that primarily directs the light downwards. Poul Henningsen designed it based on his celebrated three-shade system, which he created in 1925 to shape excellent non-glare lighting.

 

The first lamp using the multi-shade system was created in collaboration with Louis Poulsen for the Paris exhibition that same year. The ‘Paris Lamp’ won gold.

 

Henningsen had a distinct scientific approach to light and continued to design numerous luminaires based on the same system. He used the logarithmic spiral as the foundation and accomplished even distribution of light with the three-shade-system, which together with a dispersed reflection through the glass made it possible to curb glare and shadow.

 

Each PH lamp number refers to the size of its shades. The PH 2/1 Table consists of a top shade of approximately 20 cm and the lower shades are used from the 1/1 version.

Harmonious light by Poul Henningsen

Designed by Poul Henningsen, the PH 2/1 Table Lamp brings his three-shade system to a compact scale. The mouth-blown, three-layered opal glass shades direct most of the light downwards while allowing a gentle glow to spread into the surrounding space. The result is soft, harmonious and glare-free illumination.

A white opal glass PH 2/1 Portable Lamp with brass details is shown close up in a warmly lit interior. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

The imperfect beauty of each lamp

Louis Poulsen’s glass lampshades are crafted using traditional mouth-blown glass techniques that have been refined through generations. Skilled glassmakers carefully shape and layer the molten glass, ensuring optimal optical quality and light distribution. Heated to over 1400°C, the glass is meticulously worked to achieve a smooth, uniform surface and a distinctive expression.

The PH 2/1 Portable Lamp has opal-white shades and a brass-coloured stem, glowing against a dark green background. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Each lampshade is individually mouth-blown, making every piece one of a kind. Subtle variations in glass thickness and texture naturally occur as part of the craftsmanship, adding character to each shade. These time-honored glassblowing techniques result in a timeless aesthetic and an uncompromising dedication to quality, where the artistry behind each lamp is both visible and tangible.

Danish design legacy

Designed in 1927, the PH 2/1 Table Lamp is based on Poul Henningsen’s reflective three-shade system, developed in 1925-26. The shade curves are based on a logarithmic spiral, allowing the light to be reflected and distributed evenly while reducing glare.

This close relationship between form, function and light continues to give the design relevance in both classic and contemporary interiors.

PH 2/1 table lamp on a bedside table with a soft yellow backdrop, © 2025 Louis Poulsen.

Quality in every detail

The three mouth-blown opal glass shades are paired with a slender brass stem and circular base. From the sandblasted inner surface of the glass to the precise relationship between the shades, every detail supports a soft and balanced distribution of light.

A PH 2/1 Table Lamp with a white glass shade and dark green base sits on a stone block beside a patterned rug. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Beyond illumination

Even when switched off, the PH 2/1 Table Lamp remains a balanced composition of layered glass, a slender stem and a circular base. Its compact proportions give the design a clear presence without dominating the surrounding space.