Steampunk decor is a unique interior design style that manages to look both futuristic and vintage at the same time, with an industrial touch.
Today, we’ll explore how it does that and break down classic components of this style so you know exactly how to get this striking look in your space.
Above is a quick overview of what makes up steampunk interior design. Keep this cheat sheet handy when decorating!
Steampunk decor combines vintage and futuristic aesthetics, often calling back to late 1800s/early 1900s design when advancements in things like lighting and transportation were just making their way into society.
Thus, you’ll see plenty of mechanical-inspired elements like gears, cogs, pipes, wheels, bulbs, and clocks throughout this style.
Steampunk rejects naturally occurring concepts (like plants, organic shapes, and animal-inspired decor), instead placing human achievement and innovation at the forefront.
Other common features include leather furniture, metal decor, exposed brick walls, as well as dark and warm colors.
Elements Of Steampunk Decor
1: exposed brick
A classic feature of steampunk interiors is an exposed brick wall. These types of walls are meant to replicate a rugged, industrial type feel in your home.
They’re perfect for adding texture and visual intrigue to a space and can completely transform an interior from flat and boring to charming and dynamic.
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2. edison light bulbs
Edison light bulbs are a staple of steampunk decor, adding a vintage and industrial charm to any space. Their warm, amber glow creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for both modern and rustic designs.
Whether used in pendant lights, chandeliers, or exposed bulb fixtures, these bulbs create a unique aesthetic that perfectly complements an industrial interior.
3. leather furniture
Leather furniture is a timeless and sophisticated choice for steampunk decor. Renowned for its durability and luxurious feel, leather upholstery adds a touch of elegance to any space.
The durability of leather ensures longevity, as it withstands wear gracefully and develops a unique character over time that only adds to an interior.
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4. mechanical decor
Steampunk decor is famous for its seamless integration of mechanical elements like gears, pipes, and cogs. This type of machine-inspired decor fuses vintage elegance with futuristic features to create a truly captivating interior.
5. warm, rich tones
Steampunk decor embraces a palette that marries rich, earthy tones with metallic hues, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere.
Think deep browns, rusty reds, bronze, and silver. Black, brass, and copper accents contribute to the industrial aspect, infusing spaces with a metallic gleam.
6. brass & copper accents
Brass and copper accents play a pivotal role in defining the industrial allure of steampunk decor. Their warm tones beautifully complement the rich, earthy color palettes in this style.
Whether incorporated in furniture, lighting fixtures, or even candle holders, brass and copper elements exude a sense of Victorian elegance. Intricate gears, knobs, and pipes are other common places where you’ll find these metals in a steampunk interior.
Related: 18 Industrial Kitchen Elements To Know BEFORE You Start Designing
7. ceiling beams
Ceiling beams have gained popularity for their sleek and modern yet rustic look. Often used in industrial-style lofts or modern residences, beams are a striking ceiling feature that act as a focal point in an interior.
Adept at drawing your eyes upward, these stunning design features create an open, spacious, and luxurious atmosphere.
8. distressed gray walls
Another classic element of steampunk decor you’ll commonly see are gray walls. These aren’t just your typical painted walls, though.
These walls will typically have a distressed look, with plenty of texture and discoloration that imitates a factory or warehouse type setting and contributes to the industrial aesthetic of this style.
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9. victorian influence
Steampunk decor takes heavy inspiration from the aesthetics of the Victorian era. This means you’ll commonly see elements like overly intricate picture frames, doorknobs, table legs, busy patterns, and more.
Also common is decor inspired by the primary technological advancements of this time, like electricity and motor vehicles.
10. transportation inspired decor
Speaking of technological advancements, here’s a beautiful example of how that translates into a steampunk interior. This detailed 3D locomotive art features a vintage metal finish and plenty of common steampunk imagery like wheels and gears.
11. globes
This is a style that captures the spirit of exploration, innovation, and invention. And what better symbol of exploration is there than a globe?
During the Victorian era, new advances in transportation like cars, trains, and planes sparked a spirit of travel, and this is reflected in steampunk decor.
12. intricate details
Because of their heavily detailed features, steampunk interiors give a sense of elegance and sophistication. These are heavily curated spaces, where every spot is filled with a unique pattern or texture.
You’ll also find details in unexpected places, like on lamp bases, wall clocks, and bookcases.
13. dark colors
When decorating in this style, you’ll want to use a primarily dark color palette. Think black, charcoal, brown, deep navy, forest green, and so on. Accents typically include pops of warm, rich tones like rust and copper.
14. futuristic
Steampunk takes visual inspiration from the past while embodying the spirit of the future. I’ve talked about inventions during the late 1800s and early 1900s that serve as the inspiration behind this style.
A period of rapid innovation and technological advancements creates a sense of excitement and wonder for what the future could look like, reflected in this style of decor.
15. animal decor
And finally, this style takes animal-inspired decor and gives it that spirit of innovation and invention I’ve been talking about by incorporating metal, detailed patterns, and textures.
The goal here is to take natural decor (like a plant or an animal-inspired piece) and inject it with a human-made, manufactured aesthetic.
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