Louis Poulsen

Louis Poulsen is a Danish lighting manufacturer founded in Copenhagen in 1874. To this day, the company remains at the forefront of innovative, luxury lighting and a staple of Scandinavian Design.

From its onset, the aim of the company was to produce high-quality lighting with superior craftsmanship and innovative designs that harmonized with the architecture of the spaces they illuminated. Founded by Ludvig R. Poulsen, the company originally produced a wide range of lighting and electrical products. Ludvig hired his nephew Louis in 1896, who would eventually take over the company after his passing in 1906. Louis moved the headquarters to Gammel Strand 28 in the Nyhavn, a central port of the Danish capital Copenhagen, where it still stands to this day.

The lighting manufacturer’s turning point occurred in 1924. That year, an amateur Danish architect named Poul Henningsen approached the company with an idea for a light that he wished to present at the Paris Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes. Henningsen's groundbreaking innovations with the PH lamp series revolutionized the industry. The lamp design, characterized by its unique three-shade system, was designed to create a soft, diffused light while minimizing glare. This partnership would prove to be pivotal in defining the principles of modern lighting design in Europe.

Throughout the 20th century, and beyond its collaboration with Henningsen, Louis Poulsen continued to expand its reach, introducing iconic designs that would become synonymous with Scandinavian aesthetics. The company embraced a philosophy that emphasized the importance and democratization of light in everyday life, focusing on the emotional and psychological effects of illumination, as reflected in their motto: ““Design to shape the light”.

Louis Poulsen quickly embraced new technologies and sustainable practices, even collaborated with new contemporary designers such as Oki Sato and Nitori, ensuring that the company remained at the forefront of the lighting design industry. Today, the brand is recognized globally for its timeless designs and its commitment to quality and innovation, making it a staple in homes, offices, and public spaces worldwide. Louis Poulsen’s legacy is not just about lighting; it embodies a philosophy of design that enhances the human experience, celebrating the beauty of light in all its forms.