Louis Poulsen vs Artek vs Research.Lighting: Scandinavian Icons Meet Brooklyn Minimal
Modern lighting wears many faces. Sometimes it is Scandinavian heritage, sometimes architectural warmth, sometimes pared-back forms with a playful edge. Louis Poulsen, Artek, and Research.Lighting each approach light differently, but all three show how design changes the feel of a room.
Hive Flush Mount in Polished Nickel
Louis Poulsen
From Denmark, founded in 1874, Louis Poulsen is rooted in the idea of shaping light, not just producing lamps. Poul Henningsen’s PH Series of lamps remains the clearest example, with layered shades that soften glare and spread an even glow. The effect is calm and functional, a signature of Scandinavian design. Their pieces often land above dining tables or in offices where balanced illumination matters. For those who want iconic silhouettes and technical precision, Louis Poulsen is a natural choice.
Artek
Finland’s Artek carries the legacy of Alvar Aalto, where architecture and everyday life blend seamlessly. Their lighting shares the same DNA as their furniture: organic curves, natural materials, and human-scale simplicity. Wood and gentle geometry shape the glow, creating warmth without excess. These fixtures work well in modernist homes, cultural spaces, or interiors where design feels connected to nature. Artek is for anyone drawn to organic modernism with lasting presence.
Research.Lighting
In Brooklyn, our studio takes a pared-back approach with sculptural fixtures that still carry character. Pendants that float, sconces with subtle offsets, flush mounts that frame a ceiling with ease. Each piece is assembled in-house from steel, brass, and glass, made to order and built to last. We think of lighting as functional sculpture: simple but never flat, modern but approachable, adding just enough personality to shift a room’s rhythm.
How They Differ and Overlap
Louis Poulsen offers soft precision. Artek brings natural warmth. Research.Lighting adds minimal sculpture with a playful edge. Each carries its own mood, but they can also work together: a Poulsen pendant over the table, an Artek lamp in the study, and Research.Lighting sconces in the bedroom. Different voices, the same conversation.
The Wr-Rap Up
Louis Poulsen brings heritage. Artek brings warmth. Research.Lighting brings a modern Brooklyn point of view. Three approaches, no competition. Just light, shaped with intention.
Check out our list of the Top Designer Lighting Brands Shaping Modern Interiors or see how Research.Lighting compares with Flos vs Artemide. Schoolhouse vs Rejuvenation, or Moooi vs Foscarini.
