PH 5 Pendant Lamp Buying Guide: Sizes, Colours & How to Choose

Few lamps are recognised as instantly as the PH 5 pendant. Designed by Poul Henningsen for Louis Poulsen in 1958, it remains one of the most loved pendants in the world — and one of the most asked-about lamps in our store. This guide answers the questions we hear most often: which size, which colour, and how high to hang it.

Why the PH 5 still matters

Henningsen spent decades studying how to shape light without glare. The PH 5's three-shade reflector system bounces every ray off at least one surface before it reaches your eyes, so the bulb itself is never visible. The result is soft, even light that flatters a dining table, a kitchen island, or a reading corner — no matter where you sit.

PH 5 vs PH 5 Mini: which size?

The classic PH 5 measures 50 cm across — ideal above dining tables of 120 cm or longer, or as a statement in a living room. The PH 5 Mini, introduced in 2017, is 30 cm wide and scaled for smaller spaces: breakfast nooks, bedrooms, or compact city apartments. In smaller homes, two or three Minis in a row over a kitchen counter often work better than one full-size PH 5.

Choosing a colour

The classic white with red and blue inner cones gives the warmest, most traditional light. Monochrome versions (pale blush, blue, white) feel calmer and suit minimalist interiors, while the "Hues" editions — rose, grey, orange, red — add a gentle gradient that works beautifully against neutral walls. If your room already has strong colours, monochrome is the safer choice; if it is mostly white or wood, a Hues edition becomes the focal point.

How high should it hang?

Over a dining table, the lower edge should sit roughly 60–65 cm above the tabletop. Because the shade system blocks glare in every direction, you can hang it lower than an ordinary pendant without dazzling anyone — that is precisely what it was designed for.

Authenticity and warranty

Every PH 5 we sell is a genuine Louis Poulsen product, sourced as an authorised dealer, with a 5-year warranty and free worldwide shipping — including Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. Explore the full range on our pendant lamps collection.