If you are looking to upgrade your Steampunk Decor after reading our 14 tips or need to know more about Steampunk Lamps. This article explores the characteristics of steampunk lamps, a unique fusion of Victorian aesthetics and industrial sci-fi. It discusses the materials, styles, and specific elements that define steampunk lamps, while offering tips for creating and purchasing these decorative items.
- When is a lamp considered steampunk?
- What are steampunk lamps made of?
- Why and since when do steampunk lamps exist?
Key points
✨ Steampunk Aesthetic : Mix of Victorian style and industrial science fiction.
🛠️ Materials : Copper, bronze, brass, and sometimes unvarnished wood for the bases.
⚙️ Characteristic elements : Valves, gears, filament bulbs.
🕰️ Inspirational era : Mainly from 1850 to World War I.
💡 Steampunk bulbs : Filament bulbs, often Newtonian type.
🔧 Accessories : Pressure gauges, water meters, cogs and bolts.
🏗️ Construction : Requires specific tools and a certain level of DIY.
📜 Tips : Choose consistent materials and elements for an authentic steampunk aesthetic.
🛒 Alternative to purchase : Buy ready-made steampunk lamps for those who don't want to tinker.
🎥 Resources : Watch DIY videos for instructions and inspiration.
Definition of Steampunk
Steampunk is a cultural movement that emerged from the Victorian period in the 19th century mixed with science fiction where the industrial revolution and its machines brought a lot to the aesthetic. This means that, until that time, the main innovative technology was steam, people used oil, candles and sometimes gas for the more fortunate. When electricity began to develop, the Victorian aesthetic adapted to several changes.
If we have to specify a period from which steampunk emanates, we could say that it extends from 1850 to the 19th century until the First World War. Just after that, the Victorian and Edwardian styles transformed and the more sober and practical modern era took hold.
That's why there will be a lot of retro-futuristic lamp pieces that are unique to an era while appearing ahead of the times. Let's say, for example, Newtonian lamps. Such a lamp wouldn't be steampunk if it didn't have filament bulbs with yellow to orange hues. 
This doesn't mean that you can't put other bulbs in your fixtures. It just means that, to really feel the steampunk influence, there will be certain parts like valves, gears, and colors that we think are irreplaceable.
The same goes for the materials that bring steampunk lamps to life, and even if it's not real copper or bronze, just the tones and the look enhance the whole thing. Consider that every element that took place in the industrial revolution and that are in your retro-futuristic objects brings credibility and incredible charm.
That being said, let's dive deeper into describing the parts of the lamps in order to learn the proper way to do it and what happens when you don't follow certain rules of steampunk.
The purpose of some parts of Steampunk lamps.
If we were to dissect our lamp into several parts, we would find that there are a few basic elements that can be found. The base of the lamp, the famous valve that serves as a switch, the body and finally the bulb. In addition, steampunk gears and decorative elements can also be attached to it.
Steampunk Lamp Base
You have to be careful when choosing a lamp base. Simply because this particular object can be the main motif of the object, even if no one may notice.
When we talk about the foot, we must take into account that it must have an appropriate size. It must be able to support the weight of the rest of the structure, which will be made of metal most often.
Also, the base should be of appropriate color. We have seen around us many steampunk lamps that have light wooden bases. It should be taken into account that wood is recommended because it reflects the materials of an old post-Victorian period. But do not varnish the wood even if it is light in color.
Lamps in this style are often misdiagnosed as industrial lamps. The reason is that these lamp models contain many other industrial components.
A good alternative to overcome this problem is to take a steampunk decoration and decorate the foot. Place a brass pressure gauge, a cogwheel or a pinion.
Also try to get a steampunk base in a dark wood color. It will definitely match better with the post-Victorian aesthetic.
The red valve switch
The red valve has certain attributes that play a key role in the look of a steampunk lamp. First of all, your lamp will need a switch. There are many ways to use your red valve as a switch.
Moreover, it is cheap. It is usually affordable and you can buy it at any hardware store along with the rest of the materials.
We believe that the red valve switch is, ultimately, a great accessory that gives a real steampunk feel to your lamp. In addition, it will create an atmosphere of realism. Your lamp will not be just a steampunk accessory. It will be made of original materials.
Steampunk Tubes and Pipes
This is the cornerstone of your lamp's development. The pipes and tubes will form the scaffolding of your steampunk lamp. You need to plan your lamp design carefully, as you will need some pipe connectors to give it shape, unless you want a straight lamp.
Steampunk tubes are always made of tin, brass, or copper. Don't worry, we're not necessarily asking you to buy the ones made of these metals. But you'll definitely want gold-plated, plated, or copper tubes.
Try not to mix colors. Steampunk art has a sober side. Stick with your original color once you start your project. The tubes and pipes reflect the steampunk origins of the post-industrial period. That's why it's recommended not to choose anything else for your structure.
Steampunk Newtonian Bulbs
If you were unsure about our previous tips, and opted for other models, but now want your lamp to be more steampunk, then consider installing a Newton filament bulb .
The light bulbs invented by Thomas Edison give this dim illumination with lots of coiled filaments that look like the first versions made. At first, these bulbs did not produce as bright a light as they do today. So this is the feeling that anyone in a Victorian era would have had.
You can choose between small and large Newtonian lights. Any kind will do. Also, the warm type of lighting they provide gives a warm copper color ambiance.
Steampunk Accessories
There are many potential steampunk accessories to choose from. They can be placed at the base or ends of pipes. Steampunk accessories can range from pressure gauges and water meters to tiny cogs and bolts.
Steampunk accessories will be perfect to transform any other lamp you have at home. The only thing we recommend is that if you choose a lamp for a DIY project, you should try to choose one that is as Victorian in style as possible.
If you are planning to DIY a steampunk lamp, we recommend watching some youtube videos like the one below first.
It is not a difficult task to accomplish, but you will need specific tools to achieve your goal.
Our second tip is to equip yourself. You will need to hammer, cut, saw, glue. We think that this work is not for everyone. Although it is not contraindicated, it can be difficult to take on a lamp project and tinker in an apartment.
Steampunk Store Lamps
Finally, if you have read our article and have not taken note of our previous tips, you may think that it is easier to buy one of the complete Steampunk Lamps than to try to create your own model. And it is true in a way. If you can find a steampunk lamp that is not so expensive, then it may be a better option. Integrate it into your Steampunk Decor for a guaranteed effect
Thank you for reading, and see you soon for a new article in the Steampunk Universe.