Steampunk is a fantastic and ever-growing subculture. Whether you’re a fashionista, tech enthusiast, or a collector, there’s something for everyone when it comes to this niche culture. Steampunk has taken on many different forms in popular media, from movies like The Fifth Element, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and Pacific Rim to television series such as Galavant.
The key to successfully incorporating this subject into your lifestyle is having an open mind. The possibilities are endless, so long as you keep an eye out for the various elements that are commonly found in steampunk artwork and designs.
In this guide we’ll not only discuss some of the best ways to incorporate steampunk into your everyday life but also give you ideas on where you can find steampunk merchandise in your hometown and what type of home decor works best for showcasing this alternate architectural movement.
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk is an architectural movement that incorporates Victorian, science fiction, and fantasy themes. It’s like a mash-up of the past and the present. The movement started in the UK in the mid-1980s, but it really took off in North America from 1995 to 2005 with authors like Neal Stephenson and Cherie Priest.
The key to successfully incorporating this subject into your lifestyle is having an open mind. The possibilities are endless, so long as you keep an eye out for the various elements that are commonly found in steampunk artwork and designs.
In this guide we’ll not only discuss some of the best ways to incorporate steampunk into your everyday life but also give you ideas on where you can find steampunk merchandise in your hometown and what type of home decor works best for showcasing this alternate architectural movement.
Make Your Home Steampunk-Appropriate
Before you buy a steampunk-inspired home decor item, you’ll need to decide what type of steampunk design you’re looking for. There are three main themes in this subculture:
The Victorian Era
Industrial Revolution
Victorian Age
Your favorite piece might fall into one or more of these categories but the point is that it will depend on your personal taste and what makes sense for your family.
If you have an interest in Victorian era pieces, then you might want to explore some furniture from that period like an antique desk or other items. If you’re into industrial revolution designs, then consider a steampunk-inspired lamp or something with a bit of a utilitarian look. And if you love the idea of mixing old and new, then go with a Victorian age piece that also incorporates modern elements like LED lights.
Find Merchandise in Stores and Online
The first step to incorporating steampunk into your lifestyle is to find the perfect piece of merchandise. There are many different options for you to choose from, with various businesses and stores carrying a wide range of goods. With so much variety, it can be difficult to decide which piece of gear is best for you. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
If you want something functional, then go for a brass chain necklace or bracelet that looks amazing with any outfit. If you want something more luxurious, consider getting some steampunk-inspired earrings made out of sterling silver or gold. Another option is getting a new accessory as an engagement present such as a set of cufflinks or a ring that says “love conquers all” in 18th century cursive lettering.
If you need help finding out what type of gear would work best for your lifestyle and personality, then check out our guide on the different types of steampunk styles. This will help you decide which pieces are right for you rather than just picking up whatever catches your eye at the store.
Browse for Inspiration
There are many places that you can find inspiration for your steampunk lifestyle, from your nearest fashion boutique to the latest best-selling novel. The Internet is an even greater source of inspiration, with countless artists and craftsmen sharing their designs and projects online.
The best way to get a handle on this active subculture is to start browsing the web for what’s available. When you see something you love, it’s time to pick up the phone or make a trip to your local store and have them order it for you.
Build a Diorama or Replica
Steampunk is a movement that incorporates various pieces of technology from the Victorian era. For example, a popular piece of steampunk art is a functional top hat modified with mechanical gears, cogs, and other pieces of technology. To replicate this piece of artwork you’ll need to build a diorama or replica. This can be done in many ways, such as using cardboard and glue to create an unfinished model or using clay to mold your project. You can also use construction paper and acrylic paint or your personal original designs to decorate your work of art.
The key element in creating a diorama or replica is to make sure it has lots of detail. You have a lot of freedom when it comes to designing your diorama or replica because you can use whatever materials you like. You can use anything from plastic boxes, vintage books, and broken watches to old cigar boxes, antique jewelry boxes, and even antiques themselves.
In this guide we’ll give you some inspiration on what type of items you can use for these projects as well as some helpful tips on how to put them all together in one cohesive design.
Conclusion
The movement known as Steampunk has seen a rise in popularity over the last few years, with a variety of styles and interpretations of the genre to suit any taste.
Although Steampunk is a genre that’s been around for quite some time, it’s still not as common as it should be—especially when you consider all the wonderful and creative things that can be done with it.
So if you’re looking for a new hobby or just want to learn more about Steampunk, then this blog post is for you.
FAQ’s
What is the definition of steampunk?
A medieval and Victorian air, with some technology and machinery mixed in, particularly steam.
Steampunk is a subculture that started in the 1980s as a fusion of science fiction and fantasy with Victorian era aesthetic and culture; an ‘alternative history’ that repairs the world by removing machinery from it.
In short, modernity (technology) is depicted as bad and out of control, while moving back to a less complicated and regulated life. Steampunk has inspired people for 40 years, from its invention in the 1980s to today.
What are some of the key elements of steampunk?
A common theme in steampunk is the incorporation of technological advances combined with a Victorian aesthetic. Some of the key elements that this style of art incorporates include:
-3D models and printed clothing
-Constant use of gears and machinery
-Copper bronzes, etched glass, and brass
-Use of color pallets from hues of green, red, and gold to grays and blues
-Faerie tale motifs and ghostly characters
-Pigeon holsters and parasols are always optional
What are some of the benefits of steampunk?
There are many benefits to steampunk fashion and lifestyle. The most obvious is that it is highly fashionable and often incorporates fantastical and daring elements. Steampunk style offers a unique and distinctive look that will definitely turn heads. It is also well suited for both men and women because of its masculine appeal, bohemian sensibility, and refinement.
The technology found in steampunk fashion is also especially awe-inspiring. Steampunk outfits often feature intricate, mechanical details like cogs, gears, pistons, circuits boards, and other electronic components. This technology has a very real look to it, making it appear much more real than it actually is.
Lastly, the subculture of steampunk is incredibly diverse. There are fashion designers, cosplayers, collectors, and much more! There is something for everyone when it comes to this niche culture!
