Written by the Decomica Design Team — updated June 2026. We sell honest replicas of iconic designs; this article explains what the term means, what it does not mean, and how to choose well.
A Louis Poulsen lamp replica is a reproduction of one of Louis Poulsen’s most recognised designs — most commonly the PH Artichoke — manufactured and sold openly as a replica at a price that reflects production cost rather than licensed brand value. The key question is not whether to buy a replica, but which replica is worth buying.
Louis Poulsen lamps occupy a specific place in design history. The brand was founded in Denmark in 1874 and began its collaboration with Poul Henningsen in the 1920s. The designs that came from that partnership — particularly the PH Artichoke (1958) and the PH5 (1958) — are now widely reproduced. This guide focuses on the Artichoke because it is the most structurally complex and the easiest to buy badly.
The Louis Poulsen Design Legacy
Poul Henningsen’s central obsession was glare. He argued through the 1920s and 1930s that most interior lighting of the era was badly designed because it exposed the light source directly to the eye. His multi-shade system — developed across the PH series — used nested reflectors to ensure the bulb was always shielded from horizontal view angles.
The Artichoke took this logic to its endpoint. By using 72 individual leaves rather than continuous shades, Henningsen created a form that was simultaneously architectural, organic-looking, and optically precise. Each leaf is sized and angled so the bulb is invisible from any position at or below the lamp’s horizontal plane. The light that emerges is diffuse, warm, and free of the harsh downlighting associated with exposed bulbs or simple bowl pendants.
This engineering specificity is why the design has lasted. It is not merely decorative. It solves a lighting problem that generic pendants do not.
What “Replica” Actually Means
The term replica, in the context of design lighting, means a lamp manufactured to resemble an original iconic design, sold as a reproduction rather than as the licensed original. Decomica sells replicas transparently — we do not describe our lamps as genuine Louis Poulsen products, we do not use Louis Poulsen’s trademark, and we do not imply any affiliation with the brand.
This is different from a counterfeit, which is a product sold under a false brand identity to deceive buyers. A buyer who purchases a Decomica Artichoke replica knows they are buying a replica. A buyer deceived into thinking they are getting a licensed product has been defrauded.
The practical implication: when you buy a replica, you are paying for materials, construction quality, and shipping — not brand equity or licensed production rights. That is why the price difference is so significant.
The Most Replicated Louis Poulsen Designs
PH Artichoke (1958)
The flagship. 72 leaves, 12 rows, 360-degree glare-free light. Available in 48 cm, 60 cm, 72 cm, and 100 cm diameters. The most recognisable Louis Poulsen design and the one most likely to anchor a room. The original retails from approximately €10,000 for the 48 cm. A well-made replica from Decomica is a fraction of that cost.
PH5 (1958)
Also designed by Henningsen, the PH5 uses a three-shade system rather than leaves. More compact and domestic than the Artichoke, it is popular over small dining tables and in kitchens. The original retails from around €1,200–1,500. Replicas are correspondingly cheaper, but the quality gap is smaller because the construction is simpler.
Snowball (1983)
Designed by Henningsen’s successor at Louis Poulsen, the Snowball uses a series of concentric acrylic rings to achieve a similar glare-free effect. Less commonly replicated than the Artichoke but increasingly available from design-focused replica retailers.
How to Evaluate a Louis Poulsen Lamp Replica
| What to check | Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf count (Artichoke) | 72 leaves stated | Leaf count absent or under 72 |
| Frame material | Steel or aluminium, powder-coated | “Alloy” without specification, or plastic |
| Finish description | Powder-coat, electroplated, lacquered | Vague “metal finish” language |
| Bulb fitting | E27 standard fitting | Proprietary or unstated fitting |
| Warranty | At least 2 years | No warranty or “30-day guarantee” only |
| Returns policy | 14-day returns, defect collection free | No returns, or restocking fee |
| Seller transparency | Sold explicitly as a replica | Described as “genuine” or brand implied |
Decomica’s Louis Poulsen Replica Range
Decomica stocks the PH Artichoke replica in four sizes and three finishes: white powder-coat, brushed stainless steel, and copper-tone. Each lamp replicates the full 72-leaf, 12-row structure. The suspension cable is adjustable and includes a standard E27 holder.
We do not stock every Louis Poulsen design as a replica — we focus on the Artichoke because it is the design we can replicate most faithfully at a price that makes sense. If you want to see the full range alongside other iconic pendant replicas, visit our designer lighting collection.
Pricing: What to Expect
Replica pricing for the PH Artichoke ranges widely across the market. Very cheap versions (under €100) almost always cut corners on leaf count, finish quality, or both. Mid-range replicas (€200–€400) are generally adequate for domestic use. Premium replicas with correct geometry and durable finishes sit in the €350–€600 range for the 48 cm size. Decomica’s pricing falls in this range; all prices include VAT.
The price of a replica does not scale linearly with size. A 72 cm Artichoke replica involves significantly more material and manufacturing complexity than the 48 cm version, so expect a proportional price increase rather than a flat rate.
Shipping, Warranty and Returns at Decomica
All Decomica orders ship with free delivery to the UK, EU, Norway, and Switzerland. VAT is included; there is nothing extra on delivery. Exceptions: Bulgaria, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus — contact us before ordering if you are in one of these countries.
Handling takes 1–2 working days. Delivery to most EU addresses takes 5–7 working days via DPD. You receive a tracking link by email at dispatch.
Returns: 14 days from receipt. Defect returns are free (we arrange DPD pickup). Change-of-mind returns incur a €40–50 return shipping cost. Original packaging required. Refunds are processed within 30 days of receiving the return.
All orders include a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Payment: credit/debit cards and PayPal. We do not accept Klarna.
Support: support@decomica.com or live chat. No phone support. Response within 24–48 hours (Central European Time).
Styling the PH Artichoke Replica in Your Home
The Artichoke is at its best when it has room. Hang it over a dining table or kitchen island where the full globe is visible from a seated position. In living rooms, position it as the primary pendant over a seating area rather than a secondary accent light.
Finish pairing: the white version suits walls in any shade from cream to dark grey and handles both warm and cool secondary lighting. The stainless steel version needs a cooler palette — it fights with warm woods unless they are very dark. The copper-tone version pairs naturally with brass hardware, terracotta, and warm plaster.
For a detailed room-by-room guide, see our full article: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Louis Poulsen PH Artichoke Lamp Replica.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Louis Poulsen lamp replica the same as a fake?
No. A replica is sold openly as a reproduction. A fake is sold deceptively as the original. Decomica sells replicas with full transparency about what they are.
What is the quality difference between a replica and the licensed original?
A licensed Louis Poulsen Artichoke is manufactured in Denmark to tighter tolerances, with consistent copper or stainless steel construction and decades of quality assurance behind each lamp. A good replica matches the visual geometry and produces comparable light quality; the manufacturing finish and material consistency will not be at the same level. For most domestic applications, the difference is not perceptible day-to-day.
Do Decomica replicas come with a warranty?
Yes — 2 years, covering manufacturing defects. This does not cover damage from misuse or incorrect installation.
Which size should I order?
48 cm for dining tables up to 120 cm and bedrooms. 60 cm for standard dining rooms and kitchen islands. 72 cm for larger spaces. 100 cm for commercial or double-height residential applications. When in doubt, size up.
How long does delivery take?
1–2 working days handling, then 5–7 working days in transit via DPD. Total typical journey: 6–9 working days from order to door within the EU.
