Danish Lights: 1920 to Now

Marlene Lytken2020One of the most iconic examples of 20th-century Danish design is the PH lamp, designed by Poul Henningsen in 1925. Combining functionalism with aesthetic innovation, the lamp’s sleek and economical design won a gold medal at that year’s International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris. Taking this lamp as its point of departure, Danish Lights examines the history of 100 lamp designs dating back to the 19th century.By way of its individual case studies, the book provides a detailed survey of the development of lamp design in Denmark, beginning with the advent of oil and gas lamps through to the adoption of incandescent bulbs—the latter of which is associated with some of the most distinctively Danish designs. With over 300 illustrations, the book traces the history of Danish design’s emphasis on ambiance in lighting, due to lighting’s important role in promoting hygge—the concept of a “warm and cozy” atmosphere prominent in Denmark. The centra