Designer Light Fixture for Glare-Free Lighting

The PH Snowball was designed based on the principle of a reflective three-shade system that directs most of the light downward. Louis Poulsen ’s pendant lamp emits light both downward and to the sides, causing the lit fixture to illuminate itself and create a striking visual effect. As early as 1925–26, Poul Henningsen designed his first lamps for an exhibition in Paris. His collaboration with Louis Poulsen lasted until his death in 196 7. Throughout his life, Poul Henningsen was dedicated to creating lamps with glare-free light that cast soft shadows and direct the beam of light to the right spot.

Timeless Design

The PH Snowball model, from 1958, was on display alongside the PH5 model at the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design. It initially received little attention and only became a success after its relaunch in 1983. Like Henningsen’s other lamps, the PH Snowball features 100% glare-free light. The symmetrical light distribution and the combination of matte and glossy surfaces give the lamp a unique light intensity. These characteristics make the Snowball lamp suitable for medium and low suspension heights in meeting rooms, above dining tables, and much more.

Architecture and Light: Poul Henningsen

Poul Henningsen was born in Copenhagen, the son of the famous Danish actress Agnes Henningsen. He did not earn a degree in architecture, but studied at the Frederiksberg Technical School from 1911 to 1914 and then at the Technical College in Copenhagen from 1914 to 1917. He also began to apply traditional functionalist architecture. However, his professional interest soon focused primarily on lighting design—and that is what he is famous for.

Exquisitely Designed Lighting— Louis Poulsen

The Danish lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen , founded in 1874, creates products that embody the duality of design and light. Every detail of a design serves a specific purpose. Every design begins and ends with light. Louis Poulsen offers a wide range of lighting solutions for indoor and outdoor use, covering both professional applications and residential settings. In close collaboration with designers and architects such as Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Øivind Slaatto, Alfred Homann, Clara von Zweigbergk, nendo – Oki Sato, and GamFratesi, Louis Poulsen has established itself as one of the world’s leading providers of architectural and decorative lighting.