The VL 45 Collection from Louis Poulsen
Carefully crafted with clean lines and geometric shapes, The Louis Poulsen VL 45 Collection reflects the mid-century ethos of simplicity, practicality and beauty in a series of ambient glowing spheres.
It remains an iconic series to this day, with newly available designs and glass colours infusing fresh energy into the collection.
The VL 45 Collection
The designer behind the VL45: Vilhelm Lauritzen
Vilhelm Lauritzen was a leading figure in Danish modernism. Born in 1894 in Copenhagen, Denmark, he made his name as an architect and industrial designer with such buildings as The Radiohuset (Radio House) and The Daells Varehus department store (now called the DSB department store) both in Copenhagen.
He also is known for iconic pieces such as The VL 38 Table Lamp and VL 38 Wall Lamp, chairs, desks, door handles, light switches and much more.
Known for his clean, functional approach to design, Lauritzen’s philosophy was to create simple, rational forms using modern materials. He aimed to craft spaces and objects that were practical, aesthetically refined and elegant.
He viewed lighting as absolutely integral to architecture, believing it was essential in its contribution to the right atmosphere.
Light, for Lauritzen, was not just a functional element but a key feature that undeniably shaped the spaces and objects he designed.
This approach is reflected in The VL 45 Collection, where the lamps were designed with both functional and atmospheric illumination.

The Louis Poulsen collaboration
Louis Poulsen is a Danish leading lighting design brand and manufacturer that was formed in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1874.
It gained quick recognition for its high-quality craftsmanship, innovative lighting concepts and designs and collaborations with famed designers.
The company’s design language is to emphasise the role of lighting in enhancing the experience of space. Their creations are known for high-performance illumination, careful and considered light diffusion and an exploration of how light interacts with its environment.
In 1945 Louis Poulsen and Vilhelm Lauritzen collaborated on The VL 45 Collection joining their shared lighting philosophies and visions to create an iconic collection that is still manufactured to this day.
Louis Poulsen has continued to adapt the lamp to contemporary standards and preferences, maintaining the original design and evolving the collection with new finishes, glass colours and models.
Designed during the mid-century, post-war era, The Louis Poulsen VL45 Collection embodies the fresh perspectives and hopes of this newly energised decade; practicality and timeless beauty, blending form and purpose.
So, whilst it is a prime example of Danish modernism, it reflects the era’s emphasis on simplicity, clean lines, and functionality, combined with a dedicated focus on visual elegance.
The Design of Louis Poulsen VL 45 Collection
The VL 45 Collection of pendant lights features a round, opal glass shade suspended from a simple metal frame.
The three-layered opal glass is mouth-blown with lacquered brass detailing. It provides glare-free, soft and ambient lighting which is distributed evenly, reducing light harshness. Notably, opal glass was a cutting-edge material of the time due to its ability to dilute and diffuse light.
The pendant lamps in this collection were specifically designed to provide both direct and indirect light, depending on their positioning. Therefore, the light isn’t only functional, but integral in creating the right mood within the space.
Available in three sizes of 17.5 cm, 25 cm and 37 cm, it allows for flexibility when it comes to room size and lighting needs.
The high-quality metal finishes in brass or aluminium bring a sophisticated contrast in tone and texture, designed to bring together its sleek, stylish look.
The VL45 Collection uses energy-efficient LED bulbs, so it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but it allows for ideal light output without unnecessary energy wastage.
New in: VL 45 Radiohus Pendant Lamp Ø175 & Ø250
Fresh in for the VL 45 Pendant Lamps are two beautiful new glass colours of Pale Yellow and Amber. These hues have been carefully chosen to fit specific design palettes and settle softly into home, commercial, public and cultural spaces.
The yellow hue is delicate and brings an uplifting tone to the collection. It emits a warm, sunny glow that brings a cosy ambience without overwhelming the space, working well in bright, airy spaces.
The amber hue complements darker, more atmospheric interiors with its deep, golden-brown tone.
Best placed in settings where a warm, intimate atmosphere is desired such as lounges, dining areas and hospitality settings, it brings both sophistication and richness with its updated colour.
New in: The Louis Poulsen VL45 Radiohus Portable Lamp
The new product in the mix is The Louis Poulsen VL 45 Radiohus Portable Lamp which offers a high-quality, atmospheric portable lighting option.
Offering 3-layered mouth-blown White Opal glass and 4-layered mouth-blown glass for the Pale Yellow and Pale Rose options these spherical lamps expand the collection with the same diffused light as the pendant, only made portable.
Weighing only 1.2 kg, they offer integrated LED technology, and dimmable touch control via their metal touch surface and have an IP44 rating for verifiable indoor and outdoor use.
With beautiful details such as a genuine leather strap and aged brass with hairline lacquered finish for metal detailing, these portable lamps bring unique hues to whatever setting they are placed in.
The Louis Poulsen VL 45 in Pale Rose introduces a warm, delicate glow that suits living rooms, bedrooms or more intimate dining spaces. Design-wise, it complements neutral palettes and enhances bolder interiors with its hue.
The Louis Poulsen VL 45 in Pale Yellow emits a golden, sunny light that brightens up kitchens and workspaces beautifully. The Louis Poulsen VL 45 in White Opal provides a clean, fresh illumination that shines subtly in any setting.
This new portable model features the same simple, spherical shape that embodies Lauritzen's philosophy of functional beauty. It uses soft, glowing glass to bring a variety of inviting, diffused tones and balanced light — wherever you take it.
Where can I buy The Louis Poulsen VL 45 Collection?
You can buy The Louis Poulsen VL 45 Collection from selected high-end retailers such as Holloways of Ludlow.