Easy on the eyes. Poul Henningsen sought to create glare-free lighting throughout his career as a designer, and for that we're grateful. This three-shade system was developed in 1925-1926 as entry in design expo in Paris, and it looks a lot simpler than it is. His aim was to direct light where it was most needed, to creating soft shadows while using incandescent bulbs as a light source (sucks to be American, we'll have to settle for LEDs, boo hiss). Henningsen was the first person to pursue a scientific approach to light and use the logarithmic spiral as a basis. By using a design based on the logarithmic spiral, he achieved even distribution of light over the entire curve of the shade. This even light distribution, together with the diffuse reflection through the glass, made it possible to control glare and shadow. He really was on a mission.

The PH 3½-2½ Glass Table lamp was designed in 1928 and is one of many advanced projects undertaken by Henningsen in the development of his world-famous three-shade system. The white opal glass shades soften the overall look of the lamp and illuminate its surroundings with a perfect, harmonious and glare-free light that only the classic three-shade system is capable of emitting. The shades are mouth-blown three-layer opal glass, which is glossy on top and sandblasted matte underneath to provide soft and uniform light distribution.