AJ mini table lamp, matt white / pale rose – Anniversary edition – Louis Poulsen

It was originally created in 1957 for the SAS Royal Hotel in Copenhagen (now known as the Radisson Collection Hotel, Royal Copenhagen), a project in which Jacobsen expressed his vision of total design, or “Gesamtkunstwerk”, designing not only the building, but also the furniture, fixtures and even details such as door handles.

The AJ collection stands out for its modernist design, characterized by straight lines, clean geometric shapes and impeccable functionality. It includes several types of lighting fixtures: a floor lamp (AJ Floor), a table lamp (AJ Table), a smaller version of this lamp (AJ Mini Table), a wall lamp (AJ Wall), and even outdoor options such as sconces. Each piece features a sloping, asymmetrical shade, which directs light downwards precisely and glare-free, while offering a distinctive, graphic aesthetic. This shade can often be adjusted to optimize light distribution, making it an ideal choice for reading or focused lighting.

The design of the AJ collection reflects Jacobsen's approach, influenced by modern functionalism and figures such as Le Corbusier and the Bauhaus. For example, the base of the floor and table lamp features a circular cut-out, originally intended to accommodate an ashtray - a detail that speaks to the context of the time and the attention paid to the practical needs of users. The materials used, such as drawn steel and die-cast zinc, combined with a meticulous finish (often painted in modern colors), underline the quality and durability of the pieces.

Over the years, Louis Poulsen has enriched the collection by introducing new colors to adapt to contemporary trends, while preserving the timeless essence of the original design. In 2024, for example, to mark its 150th anniversary, the brand launched a special edition of the AJ with a matt white exterior and pale pink interior, adding a subtle, elegant touch to this icon.

The AJ collection is now recognized as one of the most iconic creations by Arne Jacobsen and Louis Poulsen. It combines minimalist aesthetics with exceptional functionality, making it equally at home in classic and modern interiors. Whether illuminating a living room, an office or an outdoor space, it remains a benchmark of Scandinavian design, celebrated worldwide for its elegance and sophisticated simplicity.