Louis Poulson opens Copenhagen showroom

Louis Poulson has opened a new showroom over two floors of its six-storey HQ on Copenhagen’s historic Gammel Strand

(Image credit: Press)

last updated 26 October 2022

Danish lighting brand Louis Poulsen has opened a 300 sq m showroom over two floors of its airy six-storey HQ in the heart of Copenhagen. Created by the in-house design team and stylist Lene Eriksen, the concept is to showcase Louis Poulsen products old and new in different settings, highlighting their ability to blend into environments that range from the traditional, corporate and minimalist, to the eclectic, contemporary and domestic.

Placed in scenarios such as a lounge, a kitchen or a study, Poul Henningsen’s instantly recognisable 'PH-5' and 'Artichoke' lights from the 1950s and Arne Jacobsen’s 'AJ' table and floor lights (designed by Jacobsen in 1960 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen) appear as harmonious and timeless as ever.

The same ‘lifestyle’ treatment is given to more recent products, such as Louise Campbell’s laser-cut 'Collage' pendants, which hang in rose, white, green and blue versions in a recreated bathroom replete with vintage bathtub. The company’s latest release, the intricate 'Patera' pendant light by Øivind Slaatto, is placed elegantly over a long dining table, while products that never quite got their due – such as the bulbous matte white 'Wohlert' and 'Moser' pendants – are given their chance to shine as they hang in stylish clusters over a cushion-laden bed.

The design of the showroom incorporates furniture and homewares by high-end Danish brands such as Hästens, Fritz Hansen and Carl Hansen. 'But you also see the lights presented alongside pieces by more affordable or lesser-known Danish design companies such as House Doctor, Hay, Massive Douglas, Skagerak and Plain Craft,' says international marketing director Claus Østergaard. Wallpapers by local artist and decorative painter Heidi Zilmer adorn the walls, some featuring hand-gilded gold-leaf Danish design icons, others graphic pixellated patterns.

Next year promises to be a big one for the historic brand. It will open two new showrooms – one in Los Angeles and one in Oslo – and launch three new pendants by one French and two Danish designers that, by all accounts, mark quite a departure for a firm often better known for its classics than its new pieces. 'The classics are an important part of our history,' Østergaard acknowledges, 'and allow us to earn the money to invest in new products. If you look at the way our classic lights are used however… I prefer the term "forever modern".' A wander round the brand’s new Copenhagen showroom proves his point aptly – every lamp, pendant or chandelier seems quintessentially of the moment.

New showroom features — The airy new showroom features the Danish lighting designer's work in a variety of decorative styles, both traditional to contemporary

Dinning room — Each light is displayed in-situ – in dining room, kitchen, living room and office settings

The design team has selected Danish design brands to furnish the showroom. They range from high-end or well-known names such as Carl Hansen or Hay to lesser-known companies such as House Doctor or Massive Douglas

The Copenhagen HQ launch comes ahead of plans for another two showrooms – one in Los Angeles and the other in Oslo

Louis Poulsen's lauded pendant lights, old and new, are well represented; as international marketing director Claus Østergaard acknowledges, 'the classics are an important part of our history'

beautiful interiors — The two-storey airy setting provides ample room for the lighting to be sensitively displayed without feeling crowded

Patera pendant light — More recent addtions in the firm's portfolio are also on display – including the 'Patera' pendant light by Øivind Slaatto (pictured left)

Furniture in room — Next year, the company will launch three new pendants by one French and two Danish designers that, by all accounts, mark quite a departure for a firm often better known for its classics than its new pieces

Sofa with colourful cushion — The mix of thoroughly modern, traditional, austere and homely results in a showroom 'quintessentially of the moment'

INFORMATION

For more information, visit Louis Poulsen’s website

ADDRESS

Louis Poulsen
Gammel Strand 28
1202 Copenhagen

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Giovanna Dunmall is a freelance journalist based in London and West Wales who writes about architecture, culture, travel and design for international publications including The National, Wallpaper*, Azure, Detail, Damn, Conde Nast Traveller, AD India, Interior Design, Design Anthology and others. She also does editing, translation and copy writing work for architecture practices, design brands and cultural organisations.

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