Main Project Aesthetic and Alternatives: Mid Century Modern Glass Blocks

The plan for my project is to design and build a floor lamp that includes glass blocks as the primary lighting/diffusion element. For my project aesthetic, I plan to follow some of the furniture design elements of the mid century modern movement.

Mid-century modern furniture design, popular from the 1940s to the 1960s, emphasizes clean lines, organic shapes, and functionality. It often features high-quality materials such as teak, walnut, and rosewood, along with molded plywood, plastic, metal, and glass. Designers focused on simplicity, avoiding excessive ornamentation while ensuring pieces were both stylish and practical. Common characteristics include tapered legs, gentle curves, and furniture elevated off the ground to create a sense of openness. The design philosophy blends form and function, prioritizing comfort and usability without sacrificing aesthetics. This timeless style remains popular today for its versatility and ability to complement both vintage and contemporary interiors.

An alternative aesthetic could be industrial modern. Industrial modern design blends utilitarian materials with contemporary elements to create a stylish and functional aesthetic. It features furniture made primarily from metal and glass, often incorporating steel frames, exposed bolts, and tempered glass surfaces for a minimalist, edgy look. Inspired by old factories and warehouses, this style embraces open spaces, neutral tones, and a mix of rough and polished textures. The combination of industrial durability with modern simplicity makes it a popular choice for lofts, offices, and urban interiors, offering a bold yet refined atmosphere.

I love glass blocks. I could not explain exactly why, but I have always seen them as an underutilized material used in modern homes and furniture. In both mid century modern and industrial modern design, I can utilize glass blocks as the primary design element. My hope is for the frame of the lamp to be built from a dark stained wood, which is commonly seen in many mid-century modern furniture. Alternatively, I could weld the frame using metal tubing to fit the industrial modern style.

I am excited to continue designing this project and see how my final product compares to the initial aesthetic influences I am picking now. Who knows what changes I might make as I continue to narrow down the final design. Below is a comparison of two potential designs using the two aesthetics described above.

Image Credits:

Featured image: https://www.theurbaneditions.com/blogs/news/mid-century-modern-styl

Image 1: https://thefurniturerooms.co.uk/blogs/mid-century-design-furniture/what-is-mid-century-modern-mcm

Image 2: https://www.theurbaneditions.com/blogs/news/mid-century-modern-styl

Image 3: https://homeadore.com/2024/10/17/vanguard-loft-balances-industrial-and-modernist-aesthetics/

Image 4: https://hypeandhyper.com/glass-bricks-have-never-been-so-trendy/

Image 5: Drawn by me.