Steampunk is all about functional art, and making your own lampshades can be functional too. If you have a certain DIY streak, or maybe an artistic side that wants to come out, steampunk lampshades are a great option. In this article we’ll look at the various materials you can use to make your own lampshades, tips for making them so they don’t require any wiring and also how to make lamp shades out of old books or magazines if you have nothing else available. But before we get into it, what is steampunk? . . .
If you love vintage style as much as we do here at Vintage Up Then Down, then chances are you’ve come across the term ‘Steampunk’ from time to time. It’s like a magical word that inspires us to decorate our spaces in old-fashioned ways and gives us ideas for alternative uses for everything around the house! We discovered this style when we were looking for vintage furniture ideas for our Victorian home and found it was perfect as an alternative to modern décor.
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk is a subcategory of fantasy, alternate history and science fiction that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Artists in the steampunk genre often adopt Victorian clothing styles and fashion during their works.
Steampunk’s effects vary widely. In some works, steampunk is a dystopian tale with an unpleasant social or environmental message. Other works incorporate more lighthearted themes such as anachronistic celebrity culture, romance, and comedy.
But what does Steampunk mean to you?
For jamie at Vintage Up Then Down, Steampunk means dressing up in all sorts of old-fashioned clothes and making sure your house is full of vintage furniture that you’ve restored yourself!
Why Make Steampunk Lamp Shades?
Steampunk is a creative fusion of science fiction and 19th-century industrialism, often with a focus on technological innovation. But it’s not just about style, it’s also about function. Steampunk can give you a fresh perspective on lighting as well, since these lamps are so functional. They also make great gifts to give friends and family members who like to stay up to date with their decor.
How To Make A Steampunk Lamp Shade
Here’s a step-by-step guide for making a lamp shade out of old books or magazines:
Step 1: Cut your magazine into strips
Step 2: Fold the strips in half
Step 3: Braid the strips together
Step 4: Add ribbon, lace, or other trims to finish it off
Tips For Making Steampunk Lamp Shades
1. Start with a plain, white shade
The first step in making your own steampunk lampshade is to start with a simple, white shade. If you’re worried about painting it yourself or don’t have any old sheet to paint on, you can buy a plain white shade from most hardware stores for less than $10.
2. Choose a color for the motif
Once you’ve got your plain white shade, the next step is to choose your motif and get painting! The choice of color is up to you but we like to use dark colors like black and brown so it doesn’t clash with our décor.
3. Add embellishments
Add some string, ribbons or other decorations around the edge of your frame using sharpies or fabric paints if you’re feeling artistic! This will help make it look more authentic and aged-looking. And yes, this is one step that requires some wiring as well; just be careful not to burn yourself!
4. Seal it all up with Mod Podge or another sealer product
Sealing the edges of the shade will not only preserve its shape but act as protection from light bulbs and dust particles too! There are various different types of sealers available such as Mod Podge which can also be applied directly onto surfaces without needing paint at all!
Variations of Steampunk Lamp Shades
Steampunk lamp shades are not just one style of lampshade – they come in many variations. You can have a steampunk reading lamp, a steampunk table lamp, and so on. There are countless ways to make your own version of a Steampunk Lamp Shade with all kinds of different materials; this means that you can change the style according to your taste or needs.
The most popular materials for making these beautiful lamps are:
– metal
– wood
– books or magazines
– leather
There are tons of other options – you don’t need to limit yourself! Be sure to give your lampshades as much detail as possible and make them unique from other variations. These lamps are bound to become the centrepiece of any room in your home or office space!
Conclusion
Steampunk is a genre of science fiction, horror and fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. Steampunk also incorporates historical events from the 19th century, such as the French Revolution, the Napoleonic wars, the British Victorian era, and the American Civil War.
Steampunk is a genre that is broad in scope and has a large following. It can be hard to find some of the specific materials needed to make these lamps, so consider going to a thrift store or Etsy to find inspiration.
