Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. We sell honest replicas of iconic designs; this article explains what you are buying and why it matters.
The Louis Poulsen PH Artichoke replica is the closest you can get to Poul Henningsen’s 1958 pendant without paying the four-figure licensed price — provided you choose a version that replicates the 72-leaf, 12-row geometry faithfully and uses a powder-coated or plated steel shell rather than stamped plastic.
If you have landed here, you already know the silhouette: a globe of overlapping metal leaves suspended above a dining table or stairwell, throwing a warm 360-degree glow with zero visible glare. This guide covers the design history, how to identify a well-made replica, the sizes that actually work in residential spaces, and everything you need to know about ordering from Decomica — including our shipping policy, returns, and what the two-year warranty covers.
The Design Behind the PH Artichoke
Poul Henningsen designed the Artichoke pendant in 1958 for the Langelinie Pavillonen restaurant in Copenhagen. Louis Poulsen manufactured it then, and still does today. The brief was demanding: a large pendant that could hang over long dining tables in a public restaurant and illuminate every guest without any direct view of the light source from any seat angle.
Henningsen’s answer was structural rather than decorative. He arranged 72 steel leaves in 12 horizontal rows of 6. Each leaf is pitched at a precise angle so that, from any horizontal viewing position, at least two leaves always block the bare bulb. The result is what lighting designers call 360-degree glare-free light — warm, even, and shadowless. The artichoke resemblance is incidental; the leaf count and geometry are engineering decisions.
Why the geometry matters when buying a replica
Some low-cost reproductions cut the leaf count to 48 or 60, or use a simplified bracket system that allows the bulb to show through at certain angles. If you are considering any Artichoke replica, ask for or count the leaves in the product photography. A faithful replica will always show 72 leaves. Decomica’s versions replicate the full 12-row structure.
Sizes and Proportions
| Size | Diameter | Height | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 48 cm | 47.8 cm | Dining tables up to 120 cm, bedrooms, home offices |
| Medium | 60 cm | 58 cm | Dining tables 130–180 cm, open-plan kitchen islands |
| Large | 72 cm | 65 cm | Double-height spaces, restaurant-style dining rooms |
| XL | 100 cm | ~88 cm | Commercial lobbies, loft apartments with 3 m+ ceilings |
A common sizing mistake is choosing a lamp that is visually correct from above (you see a beautiful globe) but sits too low. The standard rule for pendants over a dining table is to hang the bottom edge 70–80 cm above the table surface. For the 48 cm Artichoke that means your ceiling canopy is roughly 125–135 cm above the table, which works comfortably in any room with a 250 cm or higher ceiling.
Materials and Finishes on the Replica
The original Louis Poulsen Artichoke is available in copper, stainless steel, and lacquered white. Quality replicas follow the same finish palette. At Decomica you can choose:
- White powder-coat — the most versatile finish; hides minor leaf-edge imperfections and suits Scandinavian interiors, all-white kitchens, and minimalist dining rooms.
- Brushed stainless steel — cooler tone, works well with concrete, slate, and dark timber. Fingerprints show more than on white.
- Copper-tone — warm, rich, and period-accurate to the 1958 original. Develops a gentle patina over time. Popular in hospitality and bar settings.
The leaves on Decomica’s replicas are pressed steel with a consistent powder-coat or electroplated finish. The canopy and suspension cable are zinc-cast and steel respectively. There is no fabric or textile component. Care is a simple wipe with a dry microfibre cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners on the leaf surfaces.
Why Buy a Replica Rather Than the Licensed Original?
The licensed Louis Poulsen PH Artichoke retails from approximately €10,000 for the 48 cm version. That price covers the brand’s Danish manufacturing, quality assurance, and the ongoing royalty chain. There is nothing dishonest about that price for what it is.
A replica — sold honestly as such — exists for a different buyer: someone who wants the visual and functional qualities of Henningsen’s design in their home or restaurant, without the licensed pedigree. Decomica sells replicas transparently. We do not describe our lamps as genuine Louis Poulsen products. We describe them as replicas of the PH Artichoke design. The design itself, created in 1958, is not proprietary in the same way a current patent would be.
Browse our full designer lighting replica collection if you want to compare the Artichoke alongside other iconic pendants before deciding.
Shipping, Delivery and Returns
Decomica ships EU-wide with free delivery on all orders. We also ship free to Norway and Switzerland (VAT-included, nothing extra on delivery). The four exceptions are Bulgaria, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus — customers in those countries should contact us before ordering for a shipping quote.
Handling takes 1–2 working days. Once dispatched, delivery to most EU addresses takes 5–7 working days via DPD. You receive a tracking link by email at dispatch.
Returns are open for 14 days from receipt. If your lamp arrives with a manufacturing defect, collection is free — we arrange the DPD pickup. If you change your mind, a €40–50 return shipping cost applies, payable when we book the return collection. Items must be returned in original packaging and in unused condition. Refunds are processed within 30 days of us receiving the return.
All orders come with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty covering defects in materials and construction.
Installing the PH Artichoke Replica
The pendant ships with a ceiling canopy, a steel suspension cable (typically 200 cm, adjustable), and a lamp holder compatible with standard E27 bulbs. If your ceiling does not have an existing pendant rose, you will need an electrician to fit one before installation. Connecting the lamp to an existing rose is a 20–30 minute DIY job for anyone comfortable with basic electrical work.
Bulb choice matters more than most buyers realise. A standard 2700K LED E27 (8–10W is sufficient for most domestic applications) produces the warm, amber-toned light that makes the leaf shadows look their best. A cool-white or daylight LED (5000K+) will make the lamp look clinical and flatten the sculptural effect. Avoid bare-filament bulbs over 40W in the smaller sizes.
Ceiling height and hanging height
For living rooms where the lamp hangs freely (not over a table), the base of the shade should sit at or above standing head height — at least 200–210 cm from the floor. In rooms with ceilings lower than 250 cm, the 48 cm size is usually the only practical choice.
Where Does the Artichoke Work Best?
The design was conceived for a restaurant, which tells you something about its best use cases: large communal tables, high ceilings, and spaces where architectural lighting is part of the experience. It translates well to:
- Dining rooms — the original application; the 60 cm version over a 160 cm dining table is the most common configuration.
- Open-plan kitchen-diners — over an island, the Artichoke creates a visual anchor for the kitchen zone without blocking sightlines.
- Hotel lobbies and reception areas — the XL at 100 cm is a genuine architectural statement piece.
- Home offices and reading nooks — the 48 cm provides glare-free focused light that is surprisingly practical for desk work.
Rooms where it works less well: very low ceilings (under 240 cm), narrow corridors, and bathrooms (unless IP-rated — our standard replica is not rated for wet rooms).
The PH Artichoke Replica vs. Similar Pendants
If the Artichoke is not quite right for your space, two alternatives are worth considering. The Foscarini Caboche replica uses clusters of transparent acrylic spheres instead of metal leaves, producing a more diffuse, glittery light — better for spaces where you want sparkle rather than warm architectural shadow. The Tom Dixon Beat replica is hand-beaten steel in a more compact dome form, better suited to lower ceilings and more industrial settings.
For a deeper comparison of sizes, prices, and use cases across all three, see our designer lighting collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to sell a PH Artichoke replica?
In most EU jurisdictions, selling replicas of designs whose registered protection has expired is permitted, provided they are not sold as genuine licensed products. Decomica sells replicas as replicas. We do not use the Louis Poulsen trademark or claim our lamps are manufactured by Louis Poulsen.
How many leaves does a genuine PH Artichoke have?
72 leaves arranged in 12 rows of 6. Any replica claiming to be faithful should match this specification. Our Decomica replicas do.
What size PH Artichoke replica should I buy for a dining table?
For a table up to 120 cm, the 48 cm lamp. For tables 130–180 cm, the 60 cm. For tables over 180 cm or in restaurants, the 72 cm. If in doubt, size up — the Artichoke scales well and a larger lamp tends to look more intentional.
Does the replica come with a bulb?
No. We recommend a 2700K E27 LED (8–10W). The lamp holder accepts standard E27 screw-cap bulbs.
What payment methods do you accept?
Credit and debit cards, and PayPal. We do not accept Klarna.
Can I read independent reviews of Decomica?
Yes — we are listed on Trustpilot (independent reviews) and use Judge.me for on-site verified purchase reviews.
For the full buying guide, see our detailed article: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Louis Poulsen PH Artichoke Lamp Replica.
