Louis Poulsen PH 3½-2½ Glass Table

The PH 3½-2½ Glass Table lamp was designed in 1928 and is one of many advanced projects undertaken by Poul Henningsen in the development of his world-famous three-shade system from 1926. Poul Henningsen devoted most of his life to taming electric light. He based his three-shade design on a logarithmic spiral to make optimum use of the light source. He was constantly doing calculations and tests. The form of the shades was determined by the way they were required to shape and reflect the light, and the lamp was designed to be glare-free. The first PH Table lamp was completed in early 1927 and launched as an alternative to low-pitched hanging lamps. The white opal glass shades soften the overall look of the lamp and illuminate its surroundings with a perfect, harmonious and glare-free light that only the classic three-shade system is capable of emitting. The shades are mouth-blown three-layer opal glass, which is glossy on top and sandblasted matt underneath to provide soft and uniform light distribution.