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Steampunk Lighting

STEAMPUNK STYLE

Steampunk style places emphasis on the bespoke, the recycled and the handmade, as well as high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Steampunk fans also share an interest in the industrial and in machines, especially steam-powered ones.

As a design concept, steampunk can feel elusive. Unlike movements such as Arts and Crafts or American Craftsman, which are rooted in specific historical periods, steampunk combines an imagined past with the present and sometimes even the future.

In the late 1980s, writer K. W. Jeter coined the term steampunk to describe his science-fiction stories, which were set in an idealized version of Victorian London. Since that time, steampunk has evolved, emerging as a design style and a subculture.

Since the mid-1990s, steampunk-styled settings and interiors have become popular in mainstream films such as Sherlock Holmes (2009) with Robert Downey Jr.; Van Helsing (2004), which starred Hugh Jackman; or the Will Smith vehicle Wild Wild West (1999). These movies present a contemporary version of the Victorian past. Steampunk elements, such as dark walls, industrial lighting, brass fittings and Edison bulbs, have also been featured in the designs of numerous restaurants.

When talking of steampunk, design professionals often emphasize the style’s industrial elements. Interior designer Stephen Shadley particularly likes steampunk’s inclusion of factory-style light fixtures. “The elegant simplicity of those fixtures, a white or clear glass shade on a brass base, the bakelite switch. They’re beautiful and functional,” he says. “Here, form follows function almost completely.”

One of the appeals of steampunk lies in its oppositions: domestic versus industrial, refined and polished versus coarse and gritty, Victorian versus new, fantasy versus reality. Because it is up to the individual designer to develop the right steamy mix, you will find a large range of steampunk looks.

A steampunk interior can appear much like the Victorian drawing room in your imagination — stately, restrained, proper — while at the same time containing contemporary comforts and conveniences. Another steampunk-style room can look more theatrical, much like the lair of a mad scientist. And, of course, objects with high steampunk quotient, such as brass light fixtures or Victorian scientific instruments, can add charm and interest to almost any set up.

Steampunk, by combining antique and contemporary and repurposing industrial items, offers a fresh way to enjoy Victorian style.

Find steampunk-style wall decorations, lighting, decorative objects and more on 1stDIbs.

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Style: Steampunk
One Off Kind Brass and Glass Chandelier, 18 Sputnik Style Arms, 25 Lights Total
One Off Kind Brass and Glass Chandelier, 18 Sputnik Style Arms, 25 Lights Total

One Off Kind Brass and Glass Chandelier, 18 Sputnik Style Arms, 25 Lights Total

Located in Kansas City, MO

Stunning custom made, one of a kind sputnik style chandelier. Eighteen arms and seven additional lights mounted to the central hub. 38 inch diameter. No chips, cracks, repairs or dam...

Category

1990s American Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Brass

Art Deco Machine Age Steampunk Table Lamp
Art Deco Machine Age Steampunk Table Lamp

Art Deco Machine Age Steampunk Table Lamp

Located in LOS ANGELES, CA

Art Deco machine age steampunk table lamp. Additional information: Materials: brass, bronze, lights, steel. Color: silver. Period: Early 20th century. Styles: Art Deco, Mid-Ce...

Category

Early 20th Century Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Brass, Steel

Vintage Nautical Search Lights or Floor lamp The Lamp is Large
Vintage Nautical Search Lights or Floor lamp The Lamp is Large

Vintage Nautical Search Lights or Floor lamp The Lamp is Large

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Vintage Nautical Search Lights or Floor lamp The Lamp is Large and set on a wooden tripod, it is fully tilting and swivelling The interior has a Edison screw bulb holder which has b...

Category

1920s Vintage Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Brass

Iris Balance: Modern Brass Chandelier, Two Light Pendant, Sculptural Lighting
Iris Balance: Modern Brass Chandelier, Two Light Pendant, Sculptural Lighting

Iris Balance: Modern Brass Chandelier, Two Light Pendant, Sculptural Lighting

By lightexture

Located in Troy, NY

IRIS BALANCE • Modern Brass Chandelier Two Light Pendant • Sculptural Lighting The Iris Balance chandelier is composed of two Iris shades balancing off a black stained Australian w...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Steampunk Wrought Iron Church Chandelier
Early 20th Century Steampunk Wrought Iron Church Chandelier

Early 20th Century Steampunk Wrought Iron Church Chandelier

Located in Baambrugge, NL

Sturdy wrought iron art deco chandelier from the early 20th century, France. Steampunk style. With Edison light bulbs. The chandelier is re-wired and...

Category

Early 20th Century French Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Wrought Iron

Antique Carriage Lamp by Brewster & C Mounted as a Steampunk Style Table Lamp
Antique Carriage Lamp by Brewster & C Mounted as a Steampunk Style Table Lamp

Antique Carriage Lamp by Brewster & C Mounted as a Steampunk Style Table Lamp

Located in New York, NY

Interesting Steampunk style table lamp, featuring a 19th C carriage lamp, later mounted as a table lamp. The carriage lamp bas a circular front lens, which is hinged and opens, and a...

Category

19th Century American Antique Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Metal

Pair of Nautical Copper Ship Spot Lights Original Patina
Pair of Nautical Copper Ship Spot Lights Original Patina

Pair of Nautical Copper Ship Spot Lights Original Patina

Located in Santa Monica, CA

Pair of copper nautical ship lights with amazing original patina. Very sturdy and solid lights. These have been rewired and are in working order. They look great with a large Edison ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Copper, Iron

French Mannequin Decoupage Sculpture, Floor Lamp
French Mannequin Decoupage Sculpture, Floor Lamp

French Mannequin Decoupage Sculpture, Floor Lamp

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

French Mannequin Decoupage Sculpture, Floor Lamp French floor Lamp, set on a marble and teak base supporting a shapely mannequin styled with Newsprint and a varnish finish, our Jaun...

Category

1960s Vintage Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Marble

One off Kind Brass and Glass Chandelier, 18 Ornamental Glass Globes, Excellent
One off Kind Brass and Glass Chandelier, 18 Ornamental Glass Globes, Excellent

One off Kind Brass and Glass Chandelier, 18 Ornamental Glass Globes, Excellent

Located in Kansas City, MO

Stunning custom made, one of a kind sputnik style chandelier. Twelve long arms with six globes attached closer to the central hub. Measure: 34 inch diameter. No chips, cracks, repair...

Category

1990s American Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Brass

Copper Ships Style Hanging Lights - Steampunk Glass Lanterns
Copper Ships Style Hanging Lights - Steampunk Glass Lanterns

Copper Ships Style Hanging Lights - Steampunk Glass Lanterns

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Pair of Copper Ships Style Hanging Lights The lamps are round with thick bowed and ridged glass, they are in the style of nautical pieces and have an authentic look A great pair o...

Category

1960s Vintage Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Glass

A Pair of Railway Look Bedside Lamps  This is a very unusual pair of lights
A Pair of Railway Look Bedside Lamps  This is a very unusual pair of lights

A Pair of Railway Look Bedside Lamps This is a very unusual pair of lights

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

A Pair of Railway Look Bedside Lamps This is a very unusual pair of lights they are made in brass with wooden a base and designed like a 19th century candle lamp with a carrying han...

Category

1930s Vintage Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Brass

Hand Carved Pine Ships Navigation Light, Steampunk Style, 1960
Hand Carved Pine Ships Navigation Light, Steampunk Style, 1960

Hand Carved Pine Ships Navigation Light, Steampunk Style, 1960

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Hand Carved Ships Starboard Navigation Light. The lamp is flat sided with an original bowed and ridged glass front A great decorators piece the lamps is m...

Category

1960s Vintage Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Pine

T Walker & Son LTD England Cherub Brass Marine Log Spinner, Lamp
T Walker & Son LTD England Cherub Brass Marine Log Spinner, Lamp

T Walker & Son LTD England Cherub Brass Marine Log Spinner, Lamp

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

T Walker & Son LTD England Cherub brass Marine log spinner, lamp Early 20th c log spinner set on a hand made teak base and made into a Lamp some years ago, This is a lovely decorative vintage Maritime lamp...

Category

Early 20th Century Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Brass

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21st Century and Contemporary American Steampunk Lighting

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Rare 12 Flexibe Arms Octopus Design Brass and Opaline Glass Pendant Lights 1970s
Rare 12 Flexibe Arms Octopus Design Brass and Opaline Glass Pendant Lights 1970s

Rare 12 Flexibe Arms Octopus Design Brass and Opaline Glass Pendant Lights 1970s

Located in Lisse, NL

Large size and great design, 'multi-shapable' pendant light. If you are looking for a beautiful and truly stylish pendant for a midcentury, for an Art Deco or for a contemporary interior then this cool chandelier...

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Mid-20th Century European Steampunk Lighting

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Globe Linear Pendant Light / Chandelier, from Research.Lighting, Prototype
Globe Linear Pendant Light / Chandelier, from Research.Lighting, Prototype

Globe Linear Pendant Light / Chandelier, from Research.Lighting, Prototype

By Research.Lighting

Located in Brooklyn, NY

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Italian Midcentury Brass and Opaline Murano Glass Large Sputnik Chandelier
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Located in Rome, IT

Extraordinary Italian midcentury brass and 16 opaline sphere Murano glass large Sputnik chandelier. Available also a pair. The brass height is customizable. 16 E27 light bulbs.

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One Large Wooden Table or Floor Lamp, Birma
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Located in Antwerp, BE

One beautiful old antique wooden stock pot from Burma converted in the 1970s into lamps. The lamp with the damage is still available for sale. Measures: Diameter wooden base 36 cm....

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Mid-20th Century Burmese Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Wood

Statement Lighting, Sculptural Bentwood Chandelier by Raka Studio
Statement Lighting, Sculptural Bentwood Chandelier by Raka Studio

Statement Lighting, Sculptural Bentwood Chandelier by Raka Studio

By Raka Studio

Located in Cape Girardeau, MO

A chandelier made in solid ashwood using wood bending techniques. A single light is placed in a wooden cocoon which releases light with linear gaps creating a distinct lighting ambia...

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Art Deco Modern Marble Table Lamps, Pair
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$2,800 / set

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Art Deco Modern Marble Table Lamps, Pair

Located in New York, NY

A beautiful pair of solid European Art Deco Modern period Carrara marble table lamps with brass detailing, circa 20th century. Lamps are predominately white marble with black and gre...

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1930s French Vintage Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass

Elegant Art Deco, Machine Age Chromed Table Lamp, Skyscraper
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By Kem Weber

Located in Buffalo, NY

Elegant Art Deco, Machine Age nickeled table lamp... skyscraper design. Exceptional quality, stunning....

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1930s American Vintage Steampunk Lighting

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An Interesting Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal “Grotesque” Chandelier
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An Interesting Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal “Grotesque” Chandelier

Located in Long Island City, NY

An Interesting Early 20th Century Gilt Bronze and Crystal Twenty Six Light “Grotesque” Chandelier A unique Gothic Style, drop crystal, basket chandelier with different “Grotesque” faces and designs. Twenty four tiered perimeter lights (including 6 lanterns) and two tiered interior lights. Artists began to give the tiny faces of the figures in grotesque decorations strange caricatured expressions, in a direct continuation of the medieval traditions of the drolleries in the border decorations or initials in illuminated manuscripts. From this the term began to be applied to larger caricatures, such as those of Leonardo da Vinci, and the modern sense began to develop. It is first recorded in English in 1646 from Sir Thomas Browne: “In nature there are no grotesques”. By extension backwards in time, the term became also used for the medieval originals, and in modern terminology medieval drolleries, half-human thumbnail vignettes drawn in the margins, and carved figures on buildings (that are not also waterspouts, and so gargoyles) are also called “grotesques”. A boom in the production of works of art in the grotesque genre, characterized the period 1920–1933 of German art. In contemporary illustration art, the “grotesque” figures, in the ordinary conversational sense, commonly appear in the genre grotesque art...

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Early 20th Century French Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Bronze, Ormolu

Regency Style Black Painted Tole Canister Mounted as Lamp
Regency Style Black Painted Tole Canister Mounted as Lamp

Regency Style Black Painted Tole Canister Mounted as Lamp

Located in Palm Beach, FL

Antique Black painted tole canister mounted as lamp with handsomely illustrative English coat of arms motif and Greek key borders, early 20th century. *S...

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Early 20th Century English Steampunk Lighting

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Metal

Florian Schulz Dome Pendant Light, Brass Counterweight Counter Balance, 1970
Florian Schulz Dome Pendant Light, Brass Counterweight Counter Balance, 1970

Florian Schulz Dome Pendant Light, Brass Counterweight Counter Balance, 1970

By Florian Schulz

Located in Hausmannstätten, AT

A height adjustable pendant lamp by Florian Schulz, Germany, manufactured in midcentury, circa 1970 (late 1960s or early 1970s). The fixture is made of solid polished brass which has...

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1970s German Vintage Steampunk Lighting

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Brass

Previously Available Items
Weathered Ships Masthead Copper Navigation Light.  This is a large ships light
Weathered Ships Masthead Copper Navigation Light.  This is a large ships light

Weathered Ships Masthead Copper Navigation Light. This is a large ships light

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Weathered Ships Masthead Copper Navigation Light. This is a large ships light, it has an addition to allow it to be used as an electrical lamp, the oil burner has been left intact s...

Category

Early 1900s Antique Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Copper

French Late 18th/ Early 19th Century Empire Chandelier
French Late 18th/ Early 19th Century Empire Chandelier

French Late 18th/ Early 19th Century Empire Chandelier

Located in New Orleans, LA

Grand scale for dramatic presence. Beautiful gilded anthimeons on top. Teardrop crystals adoring the bottom. Ornately detailed medallions are removable. Wired for US not UL listed.

Category

19th Century French Antique Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Articulated Hand Table Lamp
Articulated Hand Table Lamp

Articulated Hand Table Lamp

Sold

H 53 in W 9 in D 9 in

Articulated Hand Table Lamp

By Early Electrics Design Studio

Located in Peekskill, NY

These amazing desk lamps will become the focal point of any room it's placed in. It's a bit Steampunk, Adams family and the nightmare before Xmas rolled into one. All the joints incl...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Steel

Pair of Early 20th Century French Empire Marble Lamps
Pair of Early 20th Century French Empire Marble Lamps

Pair of Early 20th Century French Empire Marble Lamps

Located in Charlottesville, VA

Love these lamps. Substantial. Great looking.

Category

Early 20th Century French Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Marble

Rising and Lowering Large Brass Ceiling Light
Rising and Lowering Large Brass Ceiling Light

Rising and Lowering Large Brass Ceiling Light

Located in Godshill, Isle of Wight

Rising and Lowering Large Brass Ceiling Light A very good quality lamp it is an excellent design for a dining room as it can be raised or...

Category

1930s Vintage Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Brass

19th Century English Dental Surgeon Floor Lamp, circa 1880
19th Century English Dental Surgeon Floor Lamp, circa 1880

19th Century English Dental Surgeon Floor Lamp, circa 1880

Located in San Francisco, CA

ABOUT A 19th century English dental surgeon copper floor lamp. This lamp would have originally been a gas light and used outside the front door of the dental surgery of Mr. Bennett Edwards. It's complete with original wrought iron stand, two red etched...

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Late 19th Century Antique Steampunk Lighting

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Brass, Steel

Vintage Ribbon Glass Steel and Iron Gear Base Table Lamp Plug in
Vintage Ribbon Glass Steel and Iron Gear Base Table Lamp Plug in

Vintage Ribbon Glass Steel and Iron Gear Base Table Lamp Plug in

By Robert True Ogden

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This table lamp features a ribbon glass mirrored shade with an oil rubbed brass patina, vintage counter-balance weight and a vintage iron gear base. Vi...

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2010s American Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Steel, Iron

Vintage Speckled Enamel Table Lamp Adjustable Steel Gear Plug in
Vintage Speckled Enamel Table Lamp Adjustable Steel Gear Plug in

Vintage Speckled Enamel Table Lamp Adjustable Steel Gear Plug in

By Robert True Ogden

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This one-of-a-kind table lamp if crafted with a vintage speckled enamel shade, steel stand and vintage iron base. Vintage gears are in place to lock the articulating arm and the adjustable stand that moves up and down. Newly built and wired with vintage pieces and parts sourced locally and abroad. Made by hand in Philadelphia, no two lamps are alike. Twisted, beige cloth-covered cord finished with a vintage-inspired Bakelite plug. Dimensions + Shade: 9.63" diameter + Articulating arm: 22.75" L + Base: 7.75" diameter + Height of adjustable stand: 23.25 - 40" + Cord length: 8' + Weight: 11 lbs Details + One of a kind + Articulating arm that locks into place + Adjustable stand + Vintage enamel...

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2010s American Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Enamel, Steel, Iron

Vintage 1970s Rolex Brass Diving Helmet Lamp
Vintage 1970s Rolex Brass Diving Helmet Lamp

Vintage 1970s Rolex Brass Diving Helmet Lamp

By Rolex

Located in Sacramento, CA

Vintage steampunk lamp made from a 1970s Rolex brass diving helmet display, with a vintage iron base and unique details. A very unique piece, in ex...

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Late 20th Century Steampunk Lighting

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Brass, Iron

Vintage Pink Glass and Steel Adjustable Floor Lamp
Vintage Pink Glass and Steel Adjustable Floor Lamp

Vintage Pink Glass and Steel Adjustable Floor Lamp

By Lostine

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Robert True Ogden's one-of-a-like Found Object Lamps are made by hand in Philadelphia. Crafted from pieces and parts sourced locally and abroad, no two lamps are alike. This floor ...

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2010s American Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Steel

Vintage White Enamel and Steel Table Lamp
Vintage White Enamel and Steel Table Lamp

Vintage White Enamel and Steel Table Lamp

Sold

H 28 in W 10 in D 18.5 in

Vintage White Enamel and Steel Table Lamp

By Lostine

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Robert True Ogden's one-of-a-like found object lamps are made by hand in Philadelphia. Crafted from pieces and parts sourced locally and abroad, no two lamps are alike. This table lamp has a vintage enamel shade...

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2010s American Steampunk Lighting

Materials

Enamel, Steel

Steampunk lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Steampunk lighting for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage lighting created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include lighting and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, brass and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Steampunk lighting made in a specific country, there are North America, United States, and Europe pieces for sale on 1stDibs. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for lighting differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $275 and tops out at $12,850 while the average work can sell for $2,344.