A Mid-Century Modern Pallet Lamp

The impetus for my project was a small drawing I made in my sketchbook of what I thought a mid-century modern lamp would look like. It consisted of two sets of slats that would interlock to create a barrel-like shape. The spaces in-between the slats would allow light to spill out while creating interesting shadows on the walls and floor. I saw this lamp as a pendant, hanging from the ceiling with an accent color reminiscent of the bright pops of color prevalent in the mid-century modern aesthetic. I chose a darker yellow color to accentuate the wood’s natural tones, and to create a warm, cozy atmosphere. In order to properly plan out the dimensions of my lamp and to see what components I would need, I used my initial sketch to 3D model everything in Rhino 3D. The design would consist of 32 individual slats and three “rings” that would give the lamp its barrel-like shape.

I began the construction of my lamp by sourcing pallets on Craigslist. There were many free options to choose from, so I found a location that was near to my home and went to collect one or two pallets. I chose the pallets based on their condition, the sizes of wood that the pallet was constructed from, and the type of wood that they were constructed from. I was looking for wood that was in a good condition, and that was approximately three quarters of an inch in thickness. Additionally, I was looking for wood that was naturally lighter in color so that it would compliment my chosen accent color of yellow. I found two that would meet my needs and brought them home so that I could carefully disassemble them so as not to break any boards.

I then painted one side of the boards yellow and let them dry for several hours before I cut them to a finished length of sixteen inches using a chop saw as specified by the 3D model I had made beforehand. I then used the chop saw again to cut shallow grooves into the planks of wood at either end. These grooves would be where the slats would connect to the “rings” mentioned before. Finally, I used a table saw to cut the planks into the one inch slats that would comprise the majority of the lamp. Next, using my 3D model, I cut the “rings” out of one eighth inch medium density fiberboard (MDF) using a laser cutter. Two of the rings measured six and a half inches in diameter, while the third measured ten and a half inches in diameter. The two smaller rings would be the top and bottom of the lamp, while the larger ring would form the middle of the lamp. With these rings in hand, I began with the assembly.

First, I attempted to glue each slat to the smaller top or bottom rings and the larger middle ring one at a time using PVA glue, however this was arduous, and ultimately unsuccessful due to the fact that it was impossible to accurately place the slats and hold them in place while the glue cured. Next, I discovered that I could hold the slats on the rings using rubber bands, freeing me from trying to hold each slat in its proper place while the glue cured. This proved to be a much more successful means of assembly and after placing all the slats evenly around the rings, I was able to glue them into place while the rubber bands held everything together. After allowing sufficient time for the glue to cure and the structure to solidify, I proceeded with the final steps of assembly. The completed lamp shade, now a robust and cohesive unit, was carefully connected to a pre-wired lamp cord featuring a standard light bulb fixture. With the lamp cord attached, I then proceeded to hang the finished lamp from the ceiling, selecting a location that would maximize its visual impact. Finally, I installed a warm temperature light bulb that would cast a soft, inviting glow and complement the lamp’s aesthetic. With the bulb in place and the lamp illuminated, the project was officially complete.

The finished lamp is approximately twenty eight inches long and twelve inches in diameter, with yellow paint on the exterior with natural pine wood tones on the interior. It is composed of two halves that have sixteen slats each which interlock around a central interior ring, to give the overall appearance of a stretched barrel-like shape. The lamp is suspended from a clean, white lamp cord, providing a minimalist and unobtrusive hanging mechanism. This design choice allows the lamp’s form to take center stage. The warm temperature light bulb, strategically positioned at the upper apex of the lamp’s interior, directs light downwards and outwards, maximizing its illuminating potential. When illuminated, the lamp transforms its surroundings with a captivating display of light and shadow. The vertical slats, acting as natural baffles, create a series of distinct, elongated shadows that dance across the adjacent walls. These shadows, varying in intensity depending on the angle of view and the surrounding ambient light, add depth and dimension to the space. The warm hue of the bulb enhances the visual impact, casting a soft, inviting glow that accentuates the texture of both the lamp and the walls. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic, ever-changing visual experience, turning the lamp into a living piece of art.

My functional goal was to simply create an object out of pallet wood that would function as a lamp, and I would say that I have achieved that goal. When illuminated, the lamp casts a soft, diffused light, effectively transforming the space. The natural grain and texture of the pallet wood, warmed by the bulb’s glow, create a distinctly cozy atmosphere. It’s a gentle, ambient illumination that encourages relaxation and comfort. Beyond its practical function, I also aimed to create a visually appealing piece. I believe the lamp achieves a certain aesthetic, leaning towards a mid-century modern sensibility. The clean lines, the use of natural materials, and the unpretentious form all contribute to this style. The inherent imperfections of the reclaimed pallet wood, rather than detracting from the design, add character and a sense of authenticity. The overall effect is one of understated elegance; it is, to my eye, a genuinely pleasing object.

While the lamp currently provides a warm glow, I’ve noticed areas where the bare bulb is visible, creating a potentially harsh glare, especially when viewed from certain angles. To refine the lighting quality, I intend to introduce a diffuser within the lamp’s structure. I’m considering several options, including a thin, translucent paper – perhaps a textured rice paper for added visual interest – or a more durable fabric screen. The goal is to create a more even and gentle distribution of light, eliminating those points of direct, intense brightness. This will enhance the lamp’s ambient quality, making it more comfortable and inviting. Once the lighting is perfected, the lamp will find its permanent home in my living room. I envision it serving as a key accent piece, contributing to the room’s overall aesthetic and ambiance. Its unique, handcrafted nature, combined with the warm, diffused light, will add a touch of personality and character to the space. I believe it will become a conversation starter, a focal point that draws the eye and invites comment. The pallet wood’s rustic charm will provide a pleasing contrast to the other elements in the living room, creating a visually engaging and comfortable atmosphere

*Portions of the above essay were authored with the help of Google Gemini.

Photo Credits:

Pinterest. “Wood Pendant Light Mid Century Modern Handmade Lamp Ceiling Lamp Chandelier Lighting Industrial Lamp Wood Lampshade Lamp Shade – Etsy | Modern Pendant Light, Modern Lighting Chandeliers, Modern Chandelier.” Accessed February 6, 2025. https://ca.pinterest.com/pin/wood-pendant-light-mid-century-modern-handmade-lamp-etsy–71283606591183526/.