Black-and-white close-up portrait of designer Verner Panton with white hair and a beard. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Verner Panton

Verner Panton (1926-1998) was a fascinating visionary.
The Danish designer and architect was committed to making everyday surroundings more playful and colourful, and through his vibrant expression challenged the very idea of ‘classic Danish design’. The Panthella lamp being a great example hereof.

“The main purpose of my work is to provoke people into using their imagination”

Verner Panton

A white Panthella Floor Lamp stands on a table between two people, with circular lights in the background. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Verner Panton was a true original of his time, and his designs greatly challenged the ruling interior norms.
He was bold, innovative, and not afraid to go against the classic ways, using daring colours, shapes, and materials.
Furniture and installations were the primary focus for Panton in the beginning, who at an early point of his career worked at Arne Jacobsen’s architectural office.

Spherical pendants above restaurant tables at Hotel Restaurant Astoria in Trondheim, with checkerboard walls and wire chairs. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Throughout his life, Panton created a multitude of designs gaining international attention, including furniture such as the Panton Chair (1958-1967), interior projects such as the Copenhagen Circus Building (1984) and Der Spiegel publishing house (1969), and of course lighting.

A white Panthella Floor Lamp stands beside a table where a person rests their chin on one hand. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.
Verner Panton