Hand-Me-Down Lamps

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Furniture, a part of our daily lives, holds memory and meaning. It is a pinnacle of family affairs and is often passed down from generation to generation. We tell stories about furniture: who was connected to the piece, when it was found, and why it is important to keep it around. Grandma’s set of china, from her fine china cabinet, which was passed down to her from her Grandma, holds meaningful memories. Despite functioning as décor, we remember the special occasions and dinners where they were ornamentally placed on the table for the happiest of dinners.

Cheaply-made furniture is preferred by many because it can be easily replaced and holds little to no sentimental value. It is simple to understand in terms of construction, but minimal in personality.

We should be able to make furniture that transcends time and is customizable for each individual who inherits the design.
It should be respected, easily mendable when it breaks, and adaptable to suit its function. The design should be simple and understood by its users. When Uncle John passes down the lamp, he is passing down more than just a lamp; he is passing down stories, knowledge, and connections. When the lamp breaks, it’s still fixable with the knowledge that Uncle John has shared. We propose creating simple furniture that people understand without compromising compelling, fun design.

This project was made possible with support from the Frank-Ratchye Further Fund Microgrant #2025-024.