Like other aspects of his design, Panton’s lighting broke the mold at almost every level. Panton worked extensively with the manufacturer Louis Poulsen, already known for his work with Poul Henningsen, one of the pioneers in creating hanging lighting that hid the light source within ribs of enameled metal. Panton began to experiment with different materials to the same end. His "Globe" light, for example, hides the bulb within a series of inverted enamel cups. With color always in mind, the insides of the cups were enameled in red and blue, so that the light created within the plexiglass sphere was of a wholly unique color and quality. Similarly, his "Flower Pot" lamps, in bright orange, blue, silver and white enamel produced a light with a subtle tinge of color. A simple design, the "Flower Pot" lamp was described as a "Volkswagen" of lighting because it was well made, durable and a welcome spot of color on the landscape.

Panton also distinguished himself in lighting design with his modular chandeliers that could be easily expanded with the addition of more rows or columns. One of few Panton designs from a naturally occurring material, the "Fun" series of shell lamps (1964) work on an aesthetic and an aural level, acting as wind chimes as the dangling shells bounce against one another. These lamps can be expanded downward infinitely, and in his own home Panton attached them together to form an entire ceiling. The "Spiral" (1970) lamps work similarly, they can be extended from their base to form an infinite chandelier, but instead of creating a sound, they are constantly in motion and catching the light from different angles on the plastic spirals, acting as a kind of illuminating mobile. Panton also created table lamps with the same design as many of his hanging lamps.

Small "Flower Pot" lamps for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1971

For many of his installations Panton created specialized wall panels to be illuminated from behind. Occasionally, Panton used panels of varying colors, forming a patchwork of lit circles across the wall. More often, he covered an entire wall with panels of one color. These panels usually had a kind of bas-relief of protruding concentric circles in the form of a bullseye. He used different weights and colors of plastic to create several intensities of light, creating exquisite and unique solutions to interior lighting.

Rare aluminum Fun 1 hanging lamp for J. Luber, Switzerland, 1964.


R Gallery's Panton opening, featuring a variety of Panton lighting.


Large "Flower Pot" lamp for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1971.


"Spiral Lampen" made for Visiona 2 installation, 1970. Rare prototype in gold foil.



VP Globe for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1960s.


VP Globe for Louis Poulsen, Denmark, 1960s.