Poul Henningsen's intention with the 4-shade fixture - as it was named at its birth in 1931 - was to make a fixture that could be mounted high-up, and become an alternative to the very often used chandeliers in domestic lighting.

The big difference between the 4-shade and the 3-shade fixture was the ability of the 4-shade fixture to give more light to the walls. The fixture however did not have its great breakthrough until 1979.

The trumpet-shaped top shade on the fixture provides illumination of the area above the three shades, which primarily direct the light downwards.

A base reflector and a blue glare ring protect against glare from all angles. The strongest light is directly under the fixture. The shades have a matte white painted finish to ensure very comfortable lighting.