Wright Console Table

Furniture design · Material exploration · Design history

The Wright Console Table is a walnut, plywood and stained glass console table inspired by the work of 20th Century American modernist architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The table’s defining features are its distinctive stained glass window legs, which interact with the light in its setting to create a sense of play between object and environment. The legs and table can be fully disassembled for transport or repair.

Brief

We were tasked with designing and creating a piece of furniture or home décor that explored a chosen concept, function, or material we weren’t yet familiar with.

Background

Art and design history are constant sources of inspiration in my practice. This project was inspired by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, an architect and product designer best known for Fallingwater, a modernist home built over an actual waterfall. Wright’s architectural designs often included modern geometric stained glass panels, a material I have always admired and enjoyed. The juxtaposition of thick pieces of material against strong lines, patterns and materials that implied movement inspired this piece.

Design Considerations

• How can furniture interact with its environment?

• How can solid materials create a sense of movement?

• How can I use stained glass in a new, interesting way?

• How can an original design bear homage to its influences?

Mood Board

Initial Sketches

The pattern design of the legs and choice of glass colors and textures was central to the success of this piece. It was important to me to use the pattern diagonally to avoid interference with this feature through use (items on top of the table) and continue the feeling of vertical movement seen in the wood grain.

I wanted to create a pattern that implied vertical movement parallel to the wood grain, while still having some variety . It was also important that the stained glass pieces kept a close but consistent distance from each other, similar to the patterns of stained glass windows, and that they be vertically oriented to cast light diagonally down, blurring the lines between object and environment.

Prototyping

• How to design strong legs despite removing material for the “windows”?

• How to hide hardware needed to make the design disassemblable for transport/repair?

• Which glass colors look beautiful both together and in contrast with the wood throughout changes in lighting?

• How much space is needed for each of the glass pieces and partitions to prevent touching?

• How could the pattern be customized for bespoke orders for clients?

Reflection

This was the most challenging and rewarding project I’ve ever completed. I threw caution to the wind and sketched ambitious ideas, with no immediate idea of how to make them work. It was immensely rewarding to test my skills and create this anyway. Through this project, I gained so much knowledge on each process involved, learned to balance variable factors, explored a new material, prototyped laser cutting, and redefined my self-identity as a designer. I absolutely loved working with stained glass in this way and I’m eager for the next chance to explore this combination of materials in furniture and home décor items.