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.
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...
Brass, Steel
Antique Victorian Industrial Fabric or Wallpaper Printing Roller Lamp
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Dating from the 1890s, this industrial fabric or wallpaper roller has been up cycled at some point in time into a table lamp. The roller itself is cl...
Metal
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...
Metal
Queen Elisabeth Ships Valve Walnut Base Table Lamp Conversion MINT!
Located in Rockaway, NJ
Queen Elisabeth Ships Valve Walnut Base Table Lamp Conversion MINT!
Brass
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...
Brass
Antique Chinese Bronze Vessels Mounted as Lamps, a Pair
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Chinese bronze vessels mounted as lamps, a pair Offered for sale is a pair of antique Chinese bronze vessels mounted as lamps. ...
Bronze, Brass
Pair of Antique English Style Riding Boots as Table Lamps
Located in Mt Kisco, NY
A pair of English riding boots and there original boot trees mounted and wired as table lamps. Shades not included.
Leather, Wood
Midcentury Industrial Table or Hand Lamp, Czechoslovakia, 1960s
Located in Praha, CZ
- In original condition - Chrome and wood - Adjustable shade - Shade is put down for hand - Fully functional - Electric cable is 150cm.
Chrome
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...
Marble, Carrara Marble, Brass
Elegant Art Deco, Machine Age Chromed Table Lamp, Skyscraper
By Kem Weber
Located in Buffalo, NY
Elegant Art Deco, Machine Age nickeled table lamp... skyscraper design. Exceptional quality, stunning....
Chrome, Nickel
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...
Metal
Art Deco Modernist Double Shade Table Lamp
Located in Devon, England
Originating from France is this very stylish 1930s Art Deco Modernist table lamp. Looks as equally attractive switched on or off. Features a chrome circular stepped base with central...
Chrome
$1,295 / set
H 24.25 in Dm 12.25 in
Fine Pair Of Antique 19th C. Brass Candlesticks, Mounted As Table Lamps
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A fine pair of antique 19th century brass candlesticks mounted as electric table lamps. Both on squared bases with cantered corners and turned candlestick forms. Mounted with candle ...
Brass
Elisabeth Loholt, Table Lamp, Ceramic, Rattan, Fabric, Denmark, 1960s
Located in High Point, NC
A painted black-glazed ceramic, rattan and white fabric table lamp designed and produced by Elisabeth Loholt, Denmark, c. 1960s. Dimensions of Lamp with Shade (inches): 12.0"H x 6.0...
Rattan, Fabric, Ceramic
Danish Modern Table Lamp, Walnut Base with Capiz Shell Shade, 1960s
Located in Round Top, TX
Capiz shell shade + Danish Modern walnut table lamp, circa 1960s. An exquisite and uncommon combination of materials and forms that are complementary and please the eye. Capiz shad...
Brass
Vintage Chinese Ginger Jar Conversion Lamp
Located in Delray Beach, FL
A beautifully detailed hand painted vintage Chinese ginger jar that has been converted to a lamp. With a white and gold colored background t...
Bronze
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
H 39 in W 24 in D 15 in
Monumental Tang Dynasty Style Horse Mounted as a Lamp
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A good Mid-Century Modern painted plaster Tang dynasty style horse, on a black plinth with brass rods supporting a custom box shade. Very Hollywood Regency and Billy Haines style. Th...
Plaster
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...
Steel
Pair of Early 20th Century French Empire Marble Lamps
Located in Charlottesville, VA
Love these lamps. Substantial. Great looking.
Marble
Vintage Industrial Steampunk Rotating Gear Adjustable Brass Table Lamp
Located in Chicago, IL
Vintage Industrial Steampunk Rotating Gear Adjustable Brass Table Lamp This rustic, industrial, steampunk table lamp features an exposed cast i...
Brass
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...
Steel, Iron
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...
Enamel, Steel, Iron
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...
Brass, Iron
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...
Enamel, Steel
RTO Copper and Glass Found Object Table Lamp #15
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 tabl...
Brass, Copper, Steel
Vintage Dark Blue Enamel and Steel Clamp 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 clamp lamp has a vintage metal shade and a hammer-head counter-balance weight. Vintage gears lock the articulating arm in place while the vintage clamp...
Metal, Brass, Steel, Enamel
Vintage Green Painted Glass and Steel Clamp 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 clamp lamp has a vintage asymmetrical green...
Steel
RTO Enamel and Steel Found Object 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...
Enamel, Steel, Brass
Vintage Silver Painted Mirror Glass and Steel Clamp 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 clamp lamp has a vintage asymmetrical painted glass shade with a beautiful ribbed texture and warm silver reflective interior. Vintage gears lock the articulating arm in place while the vintage clamp...
Steel