# I want to have a steampunk lamp. But what is steampunk anyway? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 27, 2022, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452 "2022-08-27T23:50:14Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2022, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/1 "2022-08-27T23:50:14Z")
So now that I have moved into my new place and settled down a bit, I want to populate it with knick knacks and furniture that suit my eclectic tastes. And one idea I had was to have a soft-glow table lamp with a steampunk aesthetic, for my living room. So I googled some of those terms, looked on Etsy and Amazon, and get mostly variations on the same ugly theme of what I definitely do not envisage, and sometimes almost approaching what I want, but not actually what I want. What I see mostly are people jamming brass pipes and clock parts together in a haphazard cacophony and calling it a day. They think steampunk is purely bits and pieces, and not a whole vibe. In my mind, steampunk is a practical item, something that didn’t really exist at the time, so was in their minds a science fiction device, but built using the resources available at the time (Victorian era). So the kind of lamp I want would have a base made from a candlestick, a metal switch that was large and chunky and with an audible clunk, a bulb that glows orange, and a shade made of a grille or cage. All for under $100. I have seen _almost_ this in many designs, but then they ruin it with extra ugly doodads, or the wrong materials, or just no idea what they’re doing. So my question is: Does anyone know of a store that “gets it”? Who understands that steampunk is not just gluing gears on things and spray painting it brass colour, who provides items that are simple, affordable, and fit the aesthetic I am after? ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/2 "2022-08-28T00:09:45Z")
IOW you want a decorative-looking kerosene lamp (or Argand lamp)? [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/James_Peale_by_Charles_Wilson_Peale.jpg/800px-James_Peale_by_Charles_Wilson_Peale.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/ba/James_Peale_by_Charles_Wilson_Peale.jpg/800px-James_Peale_by_Charles_Wilson_Peale.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/3 "2022-08-28T00:16:07Z")
That would be amazing, though it looks expensive. But yes, I did see some antique lanterns that were adapted into a lamp, and did go down that route a bit, but that wasn’t quite steampunky enough for what I am after. That image looks a lot more my thing. ---
**Author:** ![Retzbu\_Tox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/retzbu_tox/32/11829_2.png) [@Retzbu\_Tox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Retzbu_Tox)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/4 "2022-08-28T00:32:05Z")
Rather than including ‘steampunk’ as a search term, you might try searching for an ‘industrial’ table lamp or a ‘deco’ desk lamp. ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/5 "2022-08-28T00:36:41Z")
Can’t post link to item but try Carlisle desk lamp from Williston Forge on Wayfair. > **[Wayfair.com - Online Home Store for Furniture, Decor, Outdoors & More |...](https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/williston-forge-carlisle-29-desk-lamp-w002755073.html?piid=80820642)** > > Shop Wayfair for A Zillion Things Home across all styles and budgets. 5,000 brands of furniture, lighting, cookware, and more. Free Shipping on most items. ---
**Author:** ![Retzbu\_Tox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/retzbu_tox/32/11829_2.png) [@Retzbu\_Tox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Retzbu_Tox)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/6 "2022-08-28T01:01:16Z")
Eeeek! Angler fish lamp. [![](https://teppy.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/a-30.jpg) ](https://teppy.co/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/a-30.jpg) On eBay I see some interesting combination thermometer table lamps, or thermometer and barometer table lamps. If you paired them with one of the fancy steampunk industrial LED bulbs and/or a tiffany shade, they might look rather steampunk. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/7 "2022-08-28T01:09:30Z")
What about this? [![](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmaae_RnnQ0/U7sX_QrefaI/AAAAAAAADck/DOzZtOZ6l0I/s1600/steam+train+lamp.jpg) ](https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmaae_RnnQ0/U7sX_QrefaI/AAAAAAAADck/DOzZtOZ6l0I/s1600/steam+train+lamp.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![SeaSun](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seasun/32/14820_2.png) [@SeaSun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaSun)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/8 "2022-08-28T01:09:53Z")
I agree with using the word “industrial” in your searches rather than steampunk, as that should show more simple but “clunky” designs, if that’s what you’re looking for. This one is really nice looking, though over your $100 price range. They have another more simple one that is $99 though (it shows above the item as a suggestion). [Industrial Design Lamp](https://www.lampsplus.com/products/franklin-iron-works-glass-and-metal-industrial-table-lamp__3j541.html) ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/9 "2022-08-28T01:10:29Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > What about this? No, that is overwrought nonsense and exactly why I am struggling to find what I want. The search results are overwhelmed with that kind of crap. ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/10 "2022-08-28T01:19:48Z")
This is a good site! I found these ones that I like [here](https://www.lampsplus.com/products/ulysses-oil-rubbed-bronze-industrial-lantern-desk-lamp__1g374.html), [here](https://www.lampsplus.com/products/oldham-industrial-uplight-9-and-one-half-inchh-edison-bulb-table-lamp__8x335.html), and [here](https://www.lampsplus.com/products/lite-source-laterna-ii-deep-bronze-metal-table-lamp__6k814.html). I particularly like [this grille shade](https://www.lampsplus.com/products/uttermost-ledro-charcoal-concrete-accent-buffet-table-lamp__32p60.html) (but not the concrete plinth). And then I found [this](https://www.lampsplus.com/products/jalome-vintage-20-inchh-black-metal-and-burlap-cage-table-lamp__9p803.html), which is exactly what I was describing I was looking for. [![](https://image.lampsplus.com/is/image/cropped/9P803cropped.fpx?qlt=65&wid=780&hei=780&op_sharpen=1&fmt=jpeg) ](https://image.lampsplus.com/is/image/cropped/9P803cropped.fpx?qlt=65&wid=780&hei=780&op_sharpen=1&fmt=jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![SeaSun](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/seasun/32/14820_2.png) [@SeaSun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaSun)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/11 "2022-08-28T01:37:15Z")
Awesome! Glad I could help. 🙂_Except_…a bit of a bubble burster…did you see the International Shipping info? ---
**Author:** ![WildaBeast](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wildabeast/32/6_2.png) [@WildaBeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildaBeast)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/12 "2022-08-28T02:09:05Z")
> [@GuanoLad](#): > > In my mind, steampunk is a practical item, something that didn’t really exist at the time, so was in their minds a science fiction device, but built using the resources available at the time (Victorian era). That was what I always understood “steampunk” to mean – imagining what modern technology would look like if it were built during the Victorian era. But in my experience, many people seem to think it means “take an item and glue a bunch of gears and brass steam gauges to it.” Of course, electric lamps actually did exist during the late part of the Victorian era, albeit they would have been brand new technology at the time. So maybe what you actually want is an antique Victorian lamp? ---
**Author:** ![GuanoLad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guanolad/32/42_2.png) [@GuanoLad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuanoLad)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/13 "2022-08-28T02:48:47Z")
> [@SeaSun](#): > > did you see the International Shipping info? It’s just reassuring the aesthetic I want is around. Maybe I can find a local supplier. ---
**Author:** ![Retzbu\_Tox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/retzbu_tox/32/11829_2.png) [@Retzbu\_Tox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Retzbu_Tox)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/14 "2022-08-28T02:53:36Z")
I am surprised someone isn’t manufacturing a Jules Verne inspired “Ruhmkorff lamp”. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Jules_Verne%27s_%22Ruhmkorff_lamp%22%2C_a_miners%27_electric_lamp.jpg?20120930001648) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Jules_Verne%27s_%22Ruhmkorff_lamp%22%2C_a_miners%27_electric_lamp.jpg?20120930001648) Adding one of these ‘Edison’ LED bulbs makes lots of things look more steampunk. [![](https://media1.thehungryjpeg.com/thumbs2/ori_3983123_ysnf669zkrihiiash2ud6pwe0us8z1vmk1txutgs_realistic-edison-light-bulbs-3d-retro-hanging-steampunk-lamps-with-in.jpg) ](https://media1.thehungryjpeg.com/thumbs2/ori_3983123_ysnf669zkrihiiash2ud6pwe0us8z1vmk1txutgs_realistic-edison-light-bulbs-3d-retro-hanging-steampunk-lamps-with-in.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/15 "2022-08-28T02:58:13Z")
Theme song for this thread. [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/TFCuE5rHbPA/maxresdefault.jpg "Just Glue Some Gears On It (And Call It Steampunk)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFCuE5rHbPA) ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/16 "2022-08-28T03:02:27Z")
Oooh, love those LED bulbs, wonder if they have solar varieties? \*_la la la googly google_\* 😜 ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/17 "2022-08-28T03:11:27Z")
I came here to post this exact song, only to find out I’ve been beaten to the punch. > 🎵 Just glue some gears on it and call it steampunk, that’s the trendy fashion nowadays. 🎶 ---
**Author:** ![Retzbu\_Tox](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/retzbu_tox/32/11829_2.png) [@Retzbu\_Tox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Retzbu_Tox)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/18 "2022-08-28T03:19:00Z")
I will be attending the Big River Steampunk Festival next week. The last time I was there, a few of the vendors had collections of steampunk lamps, which was the first time I saw some of the nifty LED bulbs. Ooo! Switching to my steampunk avatar while I am thinking about it… ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/19 "2022-08-28T04:00:44Z")
Top Hat with Goggles, and gears glued on in random places ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2022, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452/20 "2022-08-28T15:20:29Z")
These probably don’t light up a big area, but I got a Facebook spam ad for a “steampunk” flash drive. > **[Amazon.com: Handmade 128GB USB 3.1 Orange Pentode Radio Tube USB Flash Drive...](https://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Orange-Pentode-Steampunk-Industrial/dp/B01LW7VCH5)** > > Buy Handmade 128GB USB 3.1 Orange Pentode Radio Tube USB Flash Drive with Stand. Steampunk/Industrial Style: USB Flash Drives - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-have-a-steampunk-lamp-but-what-is-steampunk-anyway/970452.md?page=2)