New Louis Poulsen Lighting for 2026: Celebrating 100 Years of the PH System

Originally designed in 1926, Poul Henningsen’s three-shade PH System transformed the way we think about lighting. By directing and diffusing light through a series of overlapping shades, Henningson created a lamp that provided bright, practical light without any uncomfortable glare.

Almost a century later, the PH System remains one of the most influential lighting designs ever created. While trends have come and gone, its clever engineering and timeless appearance have ensured it never feels out of place. The instantly recognisable shape of PH lighting seems to fit equally as well in contemporary homes and historic townhouses.

To celebrate 100 years of this remarkable design philosophy, Louis Poulsen have unveiled a collection of beautiful additions to the PH family. From heritage reissues to contemporary colourways, each release honours Henningsen’s original vision while introducing something fresh for today’s interiors.

PH Centenary collection

Few lighting collections have stood the test of time quite like the PH System. To mark its centenary, Louis Poulsen has looked back into its archives, introducing five special edition designs that celebrate both the history and craftsmanship behind the collection.

The PH Centenary Collection includes: the PH 3/3 Pendant, the PH 1/1 Chandelier, the PH 3/2 Table Lamp, the PH 2/2 Wall Lamp and the PH 3 1/2 - 2 1/2 Floor Lamp.

Every piece is finished in beautifully lacquered aged brass, chosen to develop character while echoing the warmth of original PH lamps. The top shade is crafted from four layers of mouth-blown glass with a softly tinted amber exterior and white inner layer, while the lower shades use three layers of mouth-blown opal glass with frosted undersides to deliver the comfortable, glare-free light that has always defined the PH System.

The collection has an unmistakable Art Deco influence. Rich materials, elegant detailing and archival silhouettes combine to create lighting that feels both historic and entirely relevant today. It is a fitting celebration of Henningsen’s pioneering work.

Limited Edition PH 1/1 Piano Table Lamp

Created especially for musicians, the PH Piano Lamp was originally designed in 1931. Poul Henningsen, an accomplished pianist himself, understood the importance of precise task lighting whilst playing and developed a lamp with a gently curved, adjustable arm that could be positioned exactly where needed.

Its distinctive counterbalanced construction allows the shade to move effortlessly while remaining perfectly stable, making it as clever mechanically as it is beautiful visually.

Now reissued as a limited edition, the PH 1/1 Piano Table Lamp introduces this historic design to a new generation. While originally intended for piano playing, it also feels at home on a desk, console table or reading corner, where its sculptural silhouette becomes just as much a decorative object as a functional light.

PH 2/1 & PH 3/2 Table Lamp in New Colours

Alongside the heritage releases, Louis Poulsen have introduced a more contemporary update to the PH collection with four new colours for the PH 2/1 and PH 3/2 Table Lamps. Available in Beige, Burgundy, Deep Blue and Deep Green, the new finishes bring fresh personality to one of Henningsen's most recognisable designs while preserving every aspect of its original lighting performance.

The signature three-layer mouth-blown glass shades remain unchanged. An outer layer of polished, clear glass creates a beautifully glossy finish, fused to a white opal white middle layer that provides each lampshade’s colour. The sandblasted surface of the inner layer softens the light and prevents distracting reflections or glare.

The aluminium base is finished in a richly pigmented gloss lacquer, creating a confident block of colour that complements both classic and contemporary interiors. These carefully selected tones reflect today's interior palettes while proving just how adaptable the PH System continues to be almost one hundred years after its creation.

The PH 5 320 Opal Pendant

The PH 5 has long been one of Louis Poulsen's most iconic pendants. Now, the family welcomes a more compact addition with the new PH 5 320 Opal, offering the same instantly recognisable silhouette in a smaller format that's perfectly suited to today's homes.

Available in Opal White, Opal Beige, Opal Pale Rose and Opal Blue, the new pendant introduces a softer, slightly translucent opal material that creates an even gentler glow than the original PH 5. The glossy finish adds depth to the shade, allowing light, texture and colour to subtly interact throughout the day.

Measuring 320mm in diameter, it is ideal above smaller dining tables, breakfast bars and kitchen islands, while multiple pendants can be grouped together over larger spaces. The construction has also been simplified, removing the lower diffuser to direct more light downwards while maintaining the comfortable, glare-free lighting that defines every PH design.

One hundred years after Poul Henningsen first introduced the PH System, its influence on modern lighting design remains as strong as ever. These latest releases from Louis Poulsen demonstrate just how timeless the collection has become, balancing faithful recreations of historic designs with thoughtful updates for contemporary living.

Browse our complete Louis Poulsen PH Collection to explore these latest releases alongside the iconic designs that have made the PH System one of the most celebrated lighting collections in the world.

For more about the history and inspiration behind Poul Henningsen’s PH 5 Lamp, read our design focus to find out why it’s become an icon.

Written by Tomas Dobbins
Tomas is our Store Manager, making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. When he’s not keeping the website in shape, you’ll likely find him at home with headphones on—either deep into a new game or lost in a playlist.