Louis Poulsen PH 5 500 Pendant Light

Manufacturer: Louis Poulsen | Designer: Poul Henningsen

Light Without Glare

Poul Henningsen, the Danish writer, architect, and designer, spent his career pursuing one idea: light without glare. In 1958 he created the PH 5 in direct response to the unpredictability of incandescent bulbs, whose varying shapes and sizes made consistent, comfortable light almost impossible to achieve. His solution was a three-shade system that could accommodate any bulb while directing light precisely, downward, laterally, and back through the fixture itself, producing a warm, even glow with no harsh edges.

The PH 5 became the lamp in Denmark. Found in public buildings and private homes alike, it remains one of the most recognised pendant lights in the world.

The three-shade system directs the majority of light downward while emitting a lateral glow and illuminating the fixture from within, creating a soft radiance at the core. A frosted glass diffuser on the lower shade ensures 100% glare-free downlight. The original design included red and blue accent shades to improve colour rendering; modern light sources now achieve this naturally, so contemporary versions use a refined, single-colour palette.

Available across four finish families (Classic White, Monochromes, Pastels, and Hues Of) as well as in Brass and Copper. Each finish creates a distinct gradient effect across the layered shades.

Please note: copper and brass surfaces are untreated and will develop a natural patina over time.

Specifications

• Dimensions: Ø50 × H28.5cm | Cable length: 3m
• Light source: E27, max 75W (not included)
• Shades and anti-glare disc: spun copper, brass, or aluminium
• Lower shade: spun steel with frosted glass diffuser
• Struts: rolled aluminium
• Canopy: included
• Black finish: black cord and canopy | all others: white cord and canopy
• Weight: 2.5kg
• IP rating: IP20

Also available as the PH 5 300 Pendant. Part of the Louis Poulsen PH Lights collection.