Steampunk Softens The Look Of Industrial Style Decor

Steampunk style — it’s a little something old and something new, mixed with some goth and a touch of Victoriana. Softer and a bit funkier than the industrial look that has been popular the last few years, steampunk is on the rise for 2017. Mixing old and new opens up a wide range of decor possibilities and many design companies are producing pieces that fit right into this trend. The eclectic attributes of the pieces make for very interesting spaces.

Nick Alain designs unique lighting, clocks, and furniture that epitomize steampunk style. His pieces are an elegant “fusion of industrial Steam Punk with a classic twist of delicate sophistication.”  His entire collection is interesting, stylish and different, especially this chair, the back of which is so interesting.

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Metal knob details on each wood strip add interest to the design.

Arte in Motion specializes in retro leather furniture pieces created with recycled aircraft parts. The mix of the mechanical and leather comes together in a luxe steampunk style in the hands of this Italian company.

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A red leather bar stool is a mix of mechanics.
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A leather and steel armchair has the feel of an old airplane.
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The peaked shape of this chair from TK Home in Hudson, NY evokes a sense of history.

Steampunk style sofas are often deeply tufted, such as this mixed material version. While the neutral cushions work, swapping them out for velvet or tapestry covered pillows would enhance the style.

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A contrasting fabric seat makes in an eclectic seat.

A little industrial, and at the same time modern, the base of this table — and the stools — are a grand example of steampunk style. The old fashioned shapes in modern metals blend characteristics of different eras.

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Nick Alain’s designs could be termed luxurious steampunk.

Less shiny but still befitting of a steampunk interior, this wheeled island by Home Accents is casual and versatile.

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The legs of the stool are particularly charming.

If a large piece is too big a dose of steampunk, try adding a side table like this one from CDI Furniture. It is basic and the accessories and other furnishings can play up or tone down the eclectic nature of the piece.

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Lighting is a particularly easy way to add steampunk to a room. Ceiling fixtures, floor lamps and table lights are available in all sorts of steampunk styles, from rougher designs to more refined pieces.

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A grouping of Nick Alain’s pendants is an elegant lighting scheme.
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Alain’s floor lamp is fancy yet funky.
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A similar lamp from Luna Bella, which was started by Alain, has a heavier base.
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A table lamp from Alain is the perfect little touch of steampunk decor.

Old style trunks are a natural for steampunk decor and this side table from Luna Bella has a true vintage look. Paired with an unusual lamp of motley elements and a peculiar clock, it creates a fitting grouping.

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Elegant in its simplicity and the combination of elements, this steampunk style table lamp tends toward the industrial, but would work perfectly in an eclectic space.

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The lamp was created by the Anvil Club Co.

At the other end of the luxury spectrum is this chandelier from Luna Bella. The elegant light bases and crystals, set into a an old-fashioned structure that is highlighted by ornate details and shiny finial, are a spectacular addition to a dining room or kitchen.

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A more modest way to make a steampunk impact is to use repetition.  Here, small light fixtures are lined up for a dramatic effect. Fixtures like these, from Bobo Intriguing Objects, can be used with more standard pieces of furniture to lend a touch of techno-retro.

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Another style of small table lamp from Bobo features anthropomorphic legs and a whisk-like shade over the Edison bulbs. It looks as if the lights could start dancing along the table.

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Just a few items can give a room a totally new look. Mixing a variety of steampunk style pieces, such as the seating and table in this dining room, with other styles, such as the rustic chandelier and versatile accessories, helps prevent overkill.

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Fans of the eclectic will like steampunk, not just for its variety but also for its softer industrial vibe. A dash of history combined with the modern and mechanical provides a lot of leeway in choosing decor pieces.