PH 3½-3 Pale Rose Brass Pendant

The PH system, developed in the late 1920s, brought glare-free light as electric bulbs replaced candles. Henningsen's three-shade system created a cosy atmosphere without sacrificing light quality — unlike silk shades that softened but degraded the light. This pale-rose-and-brass version adds a refined, contemporary touch.

Poul Henningsen (1894–1967) introduced the three-shade System PH with Louis Poulsen in 1926, a year after his Paris lamp won gold at the Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs. His ambition was social as much as technical: electric light had arrived harsh and unflattering, and Henningsen wanted homes to keep the warmth of candlelight without giving up modern brightness. The solution placed each shade on a logarithmic spiral with the bulb at the focal point, so light is reflected downward at a constant angle and the source itself stays hidden. In this edition, mouth-blown pale rose glass shades are paired with brass-finished metal parts — a colourway that softens the lamp's geometry and gives the light a gentle, blushing warmth when lit.

The pale rose glass makes this PH 3½-3 especially flattering above a dining table, where its warm tint renders food, wood and skin tones beautifully — hang it around 50–60 cm above the surface for generous, glare-free light. The brass details pick up other warm metals in the room, and in smaller apartments the pendant's soft colour lets it act as a statement piece without visually crowding the space. It sits naturally alongside oak, walnut and muted textile tones. Browse more designer pendant lamps, explore the Louis Poulsen collection, or read our PH pendant buying guide.

Light source: E27 (E26 compatible), 1 bulb, max 75 W. IP20, indoor. Bulb not included — we recommend an E27 LED (1.6–7.5 W, 806 lm), 2700 K.