Louis Poulsen PH 4½-4 Glass Pendant Light

The PH 4½-4 Glass pendant light by Louis Poulsen is designed based on the principle of a reflective three-shade system, which directs the majority of the light downwards. The shades are made of mouth-blown opal three-layer glass, which is glossy on top and sandblasted matt on the underside, giving a soft and uniform light distribution.

Poul Henningsen designed the three-shade system back in 1925-1926. The first lights using the system were designed by PH in cooperation with Louis Poulsen for an exhibition in Paris. Throughout his life, PH sought to create glare-free light, direct light where it was most needed, and create soft shadows, using incandescent bulbs as a light source. The PH 4½-4 Glass Pendant consists of an approximately 45 cm top shade, but uses lower shades from the 4/4 model. These ‘hybrid’ models were introduced due to the desire to hang the pendants at lower heights. The system was also used for wall, table and floor lamps. The 4½-4 Pendant in its current form was introduced in 1980.