This handcrafted steampunk‑inspired lamp combines industrial history with functional art. The base is built from a reclaimed farm pulley, giving the piece a rugged, vintage foundation. Mounted above it are two authentic steam‑era components: a pressurized steam oiler and a glass‑sided sight‑glass oiler, both repurposed to form the lamp’s distinctive mechanical silhouette.
The black iron piping ties everything together with a bold, industrial aesthetic, while the warm glow of the bulb highlights the intricate metalwork and original patina of each reclaimed part.
This custom floor lamp blends industrial heritage with steampunk character, creating a functional piece of art with presence and personality. The base is built from a heavy 1‑inch‑thick wood slab paired with a reclaimed farm pulley, giving the lamp a grounded, vintage‑industrial foundation. Rising from the base, black iron piping supports the structure while adding to the rugged mechanical aesthetic.
A standout detail of the lamp is the authentic Westinghouse brass vacuum gauge, mounted as a decorative focal point and showcasing the warm patina of its original instrumentation. Its aged brass finish contrasts beautifully with the dark iron framework and natural wood below.
This piece began as a bur oak root discovered while hiking in the Pembina Gorge. After years resting in my garden—waiting for the right moment—it finally revealed its potential.
A light sanding uncovered striking layers of color: warm orange tones intertwined with weathered gray grain, shaped by years of natural exposure. The outer sapwood, preserved through long periods of water immersion, contrasts beautifully with the hollowed interior where the heartwood has been naturally washed away.
This void became an ideal space to integrate lighting. A flexible silicone LED strip with a 3000K color temperature is recessed along the underside, casting a soft, warm glow. An additional slim 3000K LED strip is concealed within the upper branch, adding depth and highlighting the organic form.
The result is a piece that blends natural history with subtle illumination—honoring the wood’s journey while giving it new life.