Few objects embody Danish design as well as the Panthella. Designed by Verner Panton in 1971 for Louis Poulsen, this "mushroom lamp" has spanned more than half a century without showing its age. A look back at an icon, and an overview of all its variations.
Verner Panton, the colorist of Danish design
Trained in architecture and having worked in Arne Jacobsen's studio, Verner Panton (1926-1998) opened his own studio in 1955 and quickly established a distinct language: vibrant colors, organic shapes, and new materials. We owe him the Panton chair, the Visiona installations… and the Panthella, one of his most popular creations. His idea: to make the lamp as much a luminous sculpture as a functional object.
A silhouette, a lighting principle
The Panthella is based on clear geometry: a hemispherical shade placed on a trumpet-shaped base. The shade directs the light downward; the curved base reflects and diffuses it. The result: soft, indirect, glare-free lighting, perfectly faithful to the principle cherished by Louis Poulsen, "form follows function." Originally made of metal, the lamp later expanded to include opaline acrylic, which multiplies the possible colors.
A whole family
The Panthella is now available in several sizes and for various uses:
- The Panthella 160 and Panthella 250: portable and rechargeable cordless versions with a touch dimmer – ideal as accent lighting, on a bedside table, or at the dining table.
- The Panthella 320 and Panthella 400: corded table lamps, for a sideboard, console, or desk.
- The Panthella floor lamp: the same silhouette at room height, perfect for a reading corner.
The Originals: the colors of 1971
In the "The Originals" edition, Louis Poulsen revives the historical opal shades imagined by Panton at the lamp's inception, set on a chrome base. These can be found on the Panthella 160 The Originals and the Panthella 250 The Originals: orange, red, brown, green, beige, and blue-gray, for a decidedly vintage touch.
How to choose your Panthella?
It all depends on the use. For portable light that you can move around (and take outdoors), the 160 and 250 portable models are essential. For a fixed table lamp, the 320 is suitable for medium-sized spaces, while the 400 is for larger rooms. To dress up a living room, the floor lamp works wonders. And for a touch of character, The Originals colors bring the spirit of the 1970s. For a more contemporary portable light, the Rumée 220 by Gabriel Tan is also worth a look.
Want to browse the whole range? Discover the entire Panthella collection by Verner Panton in our shop.