The name Poul Henningsen is synonymous with the best and most innovative modern Scandinavian lamps and other lighting. The Danish designer created a signature vocabulary of fixtures with tiered and layered shades in sculptural arrangements that are at once naturalistic and geometric.
Henningsen grew up in a town on the outskirts of Copenhagen and studied architecture at the Technical University of Denmark. He would become a noted art critic, journalist and screenwriter, but his first love was lighting design.
Henningsen’s childhood home was illuminated by oil lamps. When his family switched to electrified lighting, he was alarmed and repelled by the harsh glare cast by an incandescent bulb, and in his late teens he began conducting quasi-scientific experiments to measure which materials and methods best diffused or reflected light to give it a warm brightness. His work came to the attention of the lighting-fixtures firm Louis Poulsen, which sponsored the development of a prototype lamp. The design won a gold medal at the 1925 Paris Expositions Internationales des Arts Decóratifs et Industriels Modernes — from which the term Art Deco derives. The lamp, whose three-part shade is said to be inspired by the arrangement of a dinner plate atop a soup bowl atop a teacup, became the basis for Henningsen’s most successful design, the PH 4/3 desk lamp.
All told, Henningsen would design some 100 lighting fixtures in his career. Some of his most notable creations are hanging lamps, which include the Septima (1929), a pendant composed of seven graduated frosted-glass layers; the Spiral (1942), made of a single ribbon of enameled aluminum; and the Artichoke lamp (1958), whose 70 glass or metal fins in a staggered and graduated arrangement on a central steel frame resemble those of its namesake. The last is likely Henningsen’s masterwork and an icon of mid-20th-century design. Like all Henningsen lighting designs, it is striking, sculptural and — thanks to his insistence on the primacy of the quality of the light cast — superbly functional.
Find a collection of authentic Poul Henningsen table lamps, floor lamps and other lighting on 1stDibs.
PH Dressing Table in steel - with elegant drawers and optional mirror with light
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH Dressing Table in steel with the PH Mirror reinterprets Poul Henningsen’s 1919 dressing table for a contemporary, steel framed expression. Light in presence yet strong in cons...
Steel, Chrome
PH Grand Chest of Drawers, Mahogany, Emerald Green Leather Panels, Brass Legs
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Created so it can be placed in the centre of a room, away from a wall, Poul Henningsen’s grand chest of drawers features wooden panels on all sides. It is designed to be admired and considered from every angle. This piece highlights the distinctive feature of legs that appear separate from the frame, making a clear distinction between the light, thin legs and the solid, strong body. The PH grand chest...
Leather, Mahogany
PH Dressing Table, Natural Oak Veneer, White Ashwood Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Luxurious as well as practical and functional, the PH dressing table is the perfect place to take a moment for oneself every day. Timelessly elegant, the Poul Henningsen designed Dressing Table will sit harmoniously in every bedroom and is set to become a design Classic of the future. Designed in 1919, the PH dressing table is the first piece of furniture designed by Poul Henningsen. The body rests on the edges of eight legs and makes a clear design distinction between what is carrying and what is being carried. It is a beauty floating or dancing on high heels, like a ballerina dancing, yet at any time standing strong and solid on her many legs...
Wood, Oak
PH Grand Dressing Table, Brass Legs, Mahogany Veneer, White Ashwood Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed in 1920 by Poul Henningsen (PH), the PH grand dressing table is the larger relative of the PH dressing table, sharing all of the beautiful design features of its narrower co...
Brass
PH Grand Chest of Drawers, Mahogany Veneer, Brass Legs, White Ash Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Created so it can be placed in the centre of a room, away from a wall, Poul Henningsen’s grand chest of drawers features wooden panels on all...
Brass
PH Grand Chest of Drawers, wood legs, natural oak veneer, white ash wood drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Created so it can be placed in the centre of a room, away from a wall, Poul Henningsen’s Grand Chest of Drawers features wooden panels on all...
Wood, Oak
PH Dressing Table, black oak veneer, white ash wood drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Luxurious as well as practical and functional, the PH Dressing Table is the perfect place to take a moment for oneself every day. Timelessly elegant, the Poul Henningsen designed Dressing Table will sit harmoniously in every bedroom and is set to become a design classic of the future. Designed in 1919, the PH Dressing Table is the first piece of furniture designed by Poul Henningsen. The body rests on the edges of eight legs and makes a clear design distinction between what is carrying and what is being carried. It is a beauty floating or dancing on high heels, like a ballerina dancing, yet at any time standing strong and solid on her many legs...
Wood, Oak
PH Grand Chest of Drawers, Wood Legs, Black Oak Veneer, White Ashwood Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Created so it can be placed in the centre of a room, away from a wall, Poul Henningsen’s grand chest of drawers features wooden panels on all...
Wood, Oak
PH Display Cabinet - mahogany veneer with glass doors for visual display
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
The PH Display Cabinet presents objects with clarity in a refined, architectural form. Two variants serve different needs: Glass doors for visual display and wood doors for discreet storage. Balanced proportions and precise joinery keep the expression intentionally quiet so the room remains legible. Interiors are organised for daily use with well-resolved adjustable shelves and discreet hardware. Sits naturally in living, dining, office or gallery settings. Beautiful, strong and powerful of presence yet still light in appearance, the PH Display Cabinet is intended to be displayed as well as to display. As with PH’s Dressing Table and PH Office Desk...
Wood, Mahogany, Glass
PH Small Drawer Chest, wood legs, mahogany veneer, white ash wood drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH Small Drawer Chest...
Wood, Mahogany
PH Grand Dressing Table, brass legs, natural oak veneer, white ash wood drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed in 1920 by Poul Henningsen (PH), the PH Grand Dressing Table is the larger relative of the PH Dressing Table, sharing all of the beautiful design features of its narrower co...
Brass
PH Dressing Table, mahogany veneer, white ash wood drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Luxurious as well as practical and functional, the PH Dressing Table is the perfect place to take a moment for oneself every day. Timelessly elegant, the Poul Henningsen designed Dressing Table will sit harmoniously in every bedroom and is set to become a design classic of the future. Designed in 1919, the PH Dressing Table is the first piece of furniture designed by Poul Henningsen. The body rests on the edges of eight legs and makes a clear design distinction between what is carrying and what is being carried. It is a beauty floating or dancing on high heels, like a ballerina dancing, yet at any time standing strong and solid on her many legs...
Wood, Mahogany
PH Grand Chest of Drawers, Brass Legs, Black Oak Veneer, White Ash Wood Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Created so it can be placed in the centre of a room, away from a wall, Poul Henningsen’s grand chest of drawers features wooden panels on all...
Brass
PH Grand Chest of Drawers, Natural Oak Veneer, Brass Legs, White Ash Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Created so it can be placed in the centre of a room, away from a wall, Poul Henningsen’s grand chest of drawers features wooden panels on all...
Brass
PH Small Drawer Chest, Brass Legs, Mahogany Veneer, Red Leather, Ash Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH small drawer chest...
Mahogany, Leather
PH Grand Dressing Table, brass legs, black oak veneer, white ash wood drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Designed in 1920 by Poul Henningsen (PH), the PH Grand Dressing Table is the larger relative of the PH Dressing Table, sharing all of the beautiful design features of its narrower co...
Brass
PH Small Drawer Chest, wood legs, natural oak veneer, white ash wood drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all a...
Wood, Oak
PH Small Drawer Chest, brass legs, mahogany veneer, green leather, ash drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH Small Drawer Chest...
Leather, Mahogany
PH Small Drawer Chest, Mahogany, Emerald Green Leather, Wood legs, Ash Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH small drawer chest...
Leather, Mahogany
PH Small Drawer Chest, Brass Legs, Natural Oak Veneer, White Ashwood Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH small drawer chest...
Wood, Oak
PH Small Drawer Chest, Wood Legs, Mahogany Veneer, Red Leather White Ash Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH small drawer chest...
Mahogany, Leather
PH Small Drawer Chest, Wood Legs, Black Oak Veneer, White Ash Wood Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH small drawer chest...
Wood, Oak
$6,391 / item
PH Cabinet, Mahogany Veneer
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Constructed of clean lines in luxurious wood, the PH cabinet is the perfect place to display precious mementoes. The PH cabinet also features a highly pract...
Wood, Mahogany
PH Small Drawer Chest, Brass Legs, Black Oak Veneer, White Ashwood Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH small drawer chest...
Wood, Oak
$6,391 / item
PH Cabinet, Black Oak Veneer
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Constructed of clean lines in luxurious wood, the PH cabinet is the perfect place to display precious mementoes. The PH cabinet also features a highly pract...
Wood, Oak
PH Small Drawer Chest, Brass Legs, Mahogany Veneer, White Ashwood Drawers
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
This small but perfectly formed storage piece is made out of wood and can be combined with soft leather on the panels. It is elegant and stylish all the way around and from all angles. Poul Henningsen designed this in 1920. The PH small drawer chest...
Wood, Mahogany
$6,391 / item
PH Cabinet, natural oak veneer
By Poul Henningsen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Constructed of clean lines in luxurious wood, the PH Cabinet is the perfect place to display precious mementoes. The PH Cabinet also features a highly pract...
Wood, Oak
Louis White Oak Dresser with 6 Drawers
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
Louis XVI style 6 drawer dresser in a beautiful natural white oak finish. The elegant design of this Louis XVI nightstand features intricate detailing and craftsmanship that exudes l...
Oak
$1,160
H 33.08 in W 31.11 in D 18.12 in
Empire Chest of Drawers With Four Drawers Made In Mahogany From 1840s
Located in Lejre, DK
This exquisite Empire chest of drawers boasts a timeless design and is crafted from rich mahogany, reflecting the elegance of the 1840s. With its stately presence and intricate deta...
Mahogany
English Mahogany Chest of Drawers
Located in Woodbury, CT
English, mahogany five-drawer chest with rosewood crossbanded top. Beaded drawers have inset olivewood stringing and oval brass hardware featuring the Prince of Wales triple plume an...
Mahogany
Solid Mahogany 3 Drawers Antique Chippendale Style Dresser Chest
By Thomas Chippendale
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Antique Solid Mahogany 3 Drawers Antique Chippendale Style Dresser Chest
Brass
English Bow Front Small Chest of Drawers of Flame Mahogany
Located in Austin, TX
A fine English bow-front chest of drawers or bedside dresser of mahogany from the 19th century, featuring a bowed top with a decorative inlay around the perimeter, over a frieze of t...
Metal, Brass
1940 Style Mirror Dressing Table with 6 Drawers
Located in Marseille, FR
1940 Style mirror dressing table 6 height drawers (mirror) 161 cm. Total width 111 cm and depth of 88 cm. note that a handful is missing. Additional information: Style: 40s 60s ...
Glass
19th C. Large Fine Figured Wood Chest of Drawers
Located in Bridgeport, CT
The top made of book matched figured wood with cross banding and fine herringbone string inlay. With a bull nose edge. The tall chest with two short over three long drawers with book matched fronts and matching herringbone string inlays, and fine pierced brass bales and a key. The carved skirt rail raised on all bracket feet. Measures Width. 47 1/2", Depth 23", Height. 45 1/4" Condition: Please see all detail photos. The chest top with some expected scratches and some loss to the finish, slight alligatoring, chipped top front edge corners, some chips and breaks to the drawer moldings (a few preserved for...
Brass
$3,950
H 30.5 in W 25.5 in D 17.5 in
Georgian Era Small Cabinet Chest of Drawers of Mahogany from England
Located in Austin, TX
A fine period English small chest of mahogany from the Georgian era, featuring a moulded top over a frieze of four drawers with oval brass pulls, each drawer with brass escutcheon, a...
Metal, Brass
$3,686
H 29.53 in W 50.79 in D 27.17 in
Elegant early 20th century writing desk with brass details and three drawers
Located in BÉTERA, ES
Elegant early 20th century writing desk crafted in hardwood and inspired by the refined lines of the Louis XVI period. The desk features three drawers across the front, slender flut...
Brass
Art Deco Bathroom chest of drawers
Located in Kraków, Małopolska
Art deco chest of drawers after renovation , simple and nice art deco chest of drawers :) The furniture dates back to the 1940s and comes from a hotel. We also have many other pi...
Walnut
$1,795
H 31 in W 29.5 in D 16 in
Baker Furniture French Provincial Louis XV Oak and Burl Wood Chest of Drawers
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional French Provincial Louis XV style chest of drawers or commode By Baker Furniture USA, circa 1980s Carved oak, with burl wood top and original brass hardware. ...
Brass
$15,147 / item
H 41.34 in W 53.15 in D 17.72 in
Booleanos Dresser 3 Drawers, Chest of Drawers in Warm Wood Veneer, Joel Escalona
By Joel Escalona
Located in Ciudad de México, CDMX
Booleanos Dresser 3 Drawers, Chest of Drawers in Warm Wood Veneer, Joel Escalona Each piece of the Booleanos collection recreates an optical illusion that blurs the line between two...
Wood, Plywood