If you are a lover of mid-century modern design, you are undoubtedly familiar with the iconic “eyeball” lamp. Designed in the 1950s and 60s, these lamps featured a spherical shade that could be rotated in any direction, allowing the user to direct the light wherever it was needed. While they were originally designed as task lamps for reading and other activities, they quickly became beloved for their unique look and feel. Today, mid-century eyeball lamps are a cherished collectible for many design enthusiasts, and for good reason. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes these lamps so special.
The History of Mid Century Eyeball Lamps
Mid-century modern design emerged in the aftermath of World War II, when a new generation of designers began pushing the boundaries of traditional design to create something sleek, modern, and futuristic. One of the key figures in this movement was George Nelson, who worked as the director of design at the Herman Miller furniture company. Nelson was known for his innovative furniture designs, but he also played a role in creating some of the most iconic mid-century lamps, including the famous “bubble” lamp.
In the early 1950s, Nelson began working on a new lamp that would become known as the “eyeball” lamp. The design featured a round, white shade that could be rotated in any direction, thanks to a ball-joint mechanism. The lamp was designed with functionality in mind, but it also had a playful, whimsical quality that made it instantly popular.
The Design of Mid Century Eyeball Lamps
The defining feature of mid-century eyeball lamps is, of course, the spherical shade. This white orb is typically between 6 and 12 inches in diameter, and it sits atop a slender metal stem that can be adjusted to a range of different heights. The shade is usually made of a frosted or opaque glass or plastic, which helps to diffuse the light and prevent glare. The interior of the shade is typically painted white or another light color, to increase the lamp’s overall luminosity.
The ball-joint mechanism that allows the shade to rotate is one of the most important and interesting features of this lamp. This mechanism typically consists of a ball affixed to the end of the stem, which is inserted into a socket in the shade. The joint is held together by a screw, which can be tightened or loosened to adjust the tension on the joint. This allows the user to move the shade in any direction, without it flopping over or falling down.
The Popularity of Mid Century Eyeball Lamps
Mid-century modern design has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and this has helped to elevate the status of mid-century eyeball lamps. Today, these lamps are highly sought-after by collectors and design enthusiasts, and they can fetch thousands of dollars at auction. But why are they so popular?
There are a few different factors at play here. For one thing, mid-century eyeball lamps are simply beautiful objects. They have a sleek, futuristic quality that seems to embody the spirit of the mid-century era. They are also incredibly functional, thanks to the ball-joint mechanism, which allows the user to direct the light precisely where they need it. This makes them excellent task lamps for reading, working, or doing other activities that require focused illumination.
But perhaps the most significant factor in the popularity of these lamps is their sense of nostalgia. Mid-century modern design is often associated with a simpler, more optimistic time in American history, and for many people, collecting mid-century objects is a way of connecting with that past. Mid-century eyeball lamps are no exception. They are iconic of the era, and owning one can feel like owning a piece of history.
Mid-century eyeball lamps are more than just functional lamps. They are objects of beauty, symbols of an era, and a way for us to connect with the past. Whether you’re a collector, a design enthusiast, or simply a lover of all things mid-century, these lamps are an undeniable testament to the power of good design.