Design Preview: Glass Block Lamp

What am I going to make?

For my main project, I plan to make a mid-century modern furniture inspired floor lamp. I will glass blocks and diffused LED strips as the primary lighting element, and the frame will be manufactured using finished wood. The overall height of the lamp will be ~3.5 feet tall, and be powered by a wall plug. The LED strip has adjustable colors built in, including warm white and full spectrum RGB, and I can adjust the lighting from my phone. Additionally, the glass blocks can be swapped out for different designs, allowing for a wide variety of customization. My hope is to create statement piece for my living room, that can change depending on the colors or mood of the space that it is in.

       

Artistic Vision

For this project, I knew for sure that I wanted to include glass blocks. I absolutely love the look of them, and have found them to be a vastly underrated building material that deserves more utilization in new construction. Glass blocks are a versatile design element that combines functionality with aesthetics, allowing natural light to filter through while maintaining privacy. Popular in both modern and retro architecture, they are used for partitions, windows, and even entire walls to create a luminous, textured effect. Available in various patterns, colors, and finishes, I think glass blocks add depth and visual interest to any space when done properly.

My inspiration to make a lamp came from a few different small glass block lamps I have seen online, which use the same lighting principles I have described.

For the frame, I wanted to take design cues from Mid-century modern furniture. 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. My artistic vision is to create a lamp that combines the glass blocks and dark wood to create my final product.

Alternate Aesthetics

An alternative aesthetic I explored was 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.

To fit this aesthetic, I could keep the glass blocks, but replace the stained wood with a more sleek welded frame. This would be more difficult to manufacture, but could be a unique blend of glass and metal materials.

Initial Sketches and Final Design Plans

My initial sketches ended up very close to the final design that I decided to go with. The main changes I made were adding the smaller details of how each of the pieces would fit together and the sizing of the LEDs and diffusion material. My final design uses many of the same materials as well.

The three different Glass blocks I plan on using each have a unique style to them which I think will help the lamp have high customizability:

Timeline

Below is the timeline for my project. My hope is that prior to the start of spring break, which is about 1.5 weeks from when this post is published, my CAD model will be completely finished, along with any necessary drawings I need for manufacturing on campus. At the same time, I hope to be able to order all of the materials that I need. I plan on getting the glass blocks from Quality Glass Block, a supplier with reasonable pricing and shipping. The LED lights I already have and are ready to go. For the wood, I am still unsure of the best place to buy what I am looking for, which needs to be resolved in the coming days. Any other materials, such as adhesive and diffusion material, are picked out and available on Amazon.

Fabrication Process

For my fabrication process, most of my time will be spent constructing the large wooden frame that will house the LEDs and diffusion material. I plan to begin by carefully selecting the wood, ultimately deciding on walnut for its rich color and durability. Once I have the materials, I will use a table saw to cut the wooden pieces to the precise dimensions outlined in my CAD model. Next, I will assemble the frame using wood glue and dowels to maintain a clean, seamless aesthetic while ensuring structural stability. After allowing the glue to set, I will sand the entire structure down to a smooth finish before applying a dark stain and protective sealant to enhance the natural grain of the wood. For the lighting component, I will adhere the LED strip to a plastic channel and install it inside the frame. I will then add a layer of diffusion material in front of the LEDs to create a soft, even glow. The glass blocks will be carefully fitted into designated slots within the frame, allowing for easy interchangeability. To secure the blocks without permanent adhesion, I plan to use discreet rubber spacers, ensuring a snug fit while preventing damage. Finally, I will connect the LED strip to the Govee App, which is the brand of LED’s, so that I can control the light from my phone.

Conclusion

This project aims to successfully combine mid-century modern aesthetics with contemporary lighting technology to create a unique, customizable floor lamp. The use of glass blocks as a primary design element will provide both visual interest and functionality, diffusing the LED light in a striking yet soft manner. The wooden frame, inspired by mid-century design principles, will add warmth and sophistication, balancing the industrial feel of the glass. Through this process, I hope to gain valuable hands-on experience in woodworking, lighting design, and material selection. I anticipate encountering and overcoming challenges, such as achieving a seamless finish on the wood and ensuring the glass blocks are securely held while remaining interchangeable. The final result should be a statement piece that enhances the ambiance of my living space, with the flexibility to change colors and moods depending on the environment.

Overall, I am excited to see how this project turns out. If I find areas for improvement in the future, I might explore alternative wood finishes or experiment with additional diffusion techniques to further refine the lighting effect. This project reinforces my appreciation for the combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, and I look forward to applying these skills to future design endeavors.

Sources

Featured Image: Me

Inspiration image: https://frameweb.com/product/lamp-01-kismas

Mid Century Modern example: https://walkeredison.com/products/70-mid-century-modern-console?variant=32163113205826

Industrial modern example: https://www.modernmiami.com/modrest-hawkins-modern-glass-stainless-steel-end-table.html

Glass blocks: https://www.qualityglassblock.com/sales-and-specials/

Cad screenshots and sketches: Made by me

ChatGPT used for research in Aesthetics.