15 DIY Steampunk Home Decor Ideas

By

Andreas Jones

Hey! I’m Andreas Jones and I am the founder of KindaFrugal.com. I’m passionate about all things personal finance, side hustles, making extra money, and lifestyle businesses. I have been featured in major publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur On Fire, Lifehack.org, Influencive and Goalcast.

| Published on March 8, 2024

Steampunk home decor

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Looking for home decor ideas can be both exciting and overwhelming. Decorating your space is a personal journey—some prefer a clean, minimalistic look, while others are drawn to themed aesthetics. One popular niche in online decor communities is steampunk. While implementing a full steampunk-inspired theme in every room can be tricky, creative home decor ideas like these can help enthusiasts bring the look to life in a practical and stylish way.

1. Light Switch Covers

Brass color switch covers
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There are many ways to revamp dull neutral switch plate covers into something more interesting. Use super glue to attach multiple small gears to the covers. A brass color makes it look even more historical. People with metalworking skills could remake the plastic covers using brass.

2. Apothecary Jars

Apothecary Jars
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Apothecary jars are a quick way to add a unique touch to desks. These jars come in all sizes and can be found at most stores. There are multiple options for filling the jars. Some might prefer to fill a jar with old mechanical parts, while others may add vintage paper rolls. The contents can also be changed occasionally, depending on mood.

3. Candle Holders

Candle decors with wine bottle
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Using candles inside the house gives the rooms a soft, mysterious glow. Instead of throwing out any wine bottle, it can be repurposed as a candle stand. People can cover the bottle with retro tissue paper to add a touch of steampunk. This can then be sealed with a coating on top. Complete the look by tying a few old keys at the neck of the bottle.

4. Storage Boxes

Retro Storage Box
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The older the box looks, the better. Paint the boxes with textured metallic paint with hints of copper. This will give the box the appearance of being worn out. Cover the lid with gears and keys using super glue. Torn-up pieces of paper can be pasted between these to make a collage. These boxes can be used for any storage or just for display.

5. Industrial Lighting

Retro style effect lights
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Industrial lighting can make any place look more Victorian yet modern. However, homeowners don’t need to buy more lighting. Removing the light shades around the house and exposing the bulbs gives the same effect. Bits of rope can be glued around the bottom of the fixtures to enhance the industrial look.

6. Chairs

Woman modifying old wooden chair
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This is the perfect opportunity to reuse any abandoned chair with a wooden frame. If the seating has started to disintegrate, replace it with a more interesting alternative. Some people weave a seat from old leather belts around the wooden frame. The weaving makes it sturdy enough for people to sit comfortably on it.

7. Mirrors

Cogwheel mirror
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Circle mirrors are trendy, affordable, and accessible. Many homes already have them. These mirrors can be steampunked with custom borders. A cogwheel boundary around the mirror transforms it from generic to unique. Cut a wooden frame for the mirror to place the cogwheels. They can also be pasted directly on top of the mirror.

8. Accent Walls

Accent Wall
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Creating an accent wall is an effective way to transform a room. This wall automatically stands out from the rest and sets the mood for the space. A long-term option could be to use vintage map wallpaper. A quicker alternative is printing and pasting the vintage map on the wall. Smaller prints of mechanical parts can be pasted alongside.

9. Globe Lights

Globe Lights
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Instead of buying steampunk lighting fixtures, people can make them at home. All they need is a globe and a bulb. Cut a world globe in half and place the bulb inside. Additional holes can be made on the globe depending on how much light is needed. These smaller holes will let light stream out and create an otherworldly glow.

10. Suitcases

Old Suitcase
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Most people have old suitcases at home that can no longer be used for traveling. Their worn-out look makes them perfect for steampunk shelves. Remove the top cover of the suitcase and place wooden shelves inside. It can then be attached to the desired wall for storage or display.

11. Drapery Decor

Chain curtains
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Even the tiniest trinkets and details can have a lovely effect on a home. Traditional curtain holders can be replaced with a metal chain, and other trinkets and charms can be attached to the chain itself. Decorating your living space with these tidbits is sure to make an impression.

12. Coasters

Gear coasters
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Gears have multiple uses when it comes to creating something steampunk. Some of them can be used as coasters if they’re wide enough. The more rusted a coaster gear looks, the better it fits the steampunk vibe.

13. Doorknobs

Door knobs
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Finding specific fixtures can be complicated and expensive. As a result, makeovers are a great way to get the look you want. Instead of looking for steampunk doorknobs, people can create their own with resin. Anything that matches the theme can be added to the resin before drying.

14. Wall Art

Steam punk wall decor
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Wall art includes more than posters and printouts. It can also include installations and objects. Old metal pipes can be fixed onto the walls to create an exciting look. These pipes can also be used for other purposes, such as hanging coats or keys. Use bronze spray paint to make the pipes look more appealing.

15. Clocks

Steampunk clock
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Vintage clocks have a certain charm that isn’t found in modern styles. Since they are less common, they can be expensive. However, thrift shops can have unexpectedly lovely clocks. People can find wooden clocks with gears to use in their homes.

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