Gothic and Steampunk are two distinct aesthetic styles that emerged in different eras, yet share some key similarities in their visuals, themes, and cultures. Understanding how these darkly romantic styles compare and contrast can provide inspiration for fashion, decor, events, and more.
Gothic style has its origins in the Gothic fiction of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, with authors like Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Edgar Allan Poe.
Steampunk, a more recent aesthetic, came about in the 1980s and draws inspiration from 19th century industrial steam-powered technology and the Victorian era.
Though emerging in different time periods, Gothic and Steampunk share an affinity for the darker side of history, a Victorian-era retro sensibility, and extravagant, dramatic flair.
Examining their key elements of fashion, architecture/decor, music, and literature reveals both striking commonalities and differences.
Fashion
Gothic and Steampunk fashion both dramatically evoke the past, particularly the Victorian era. Corsets, lace, feathers, and hats play prominently in each style.
Gothic Fashion
The Gothic look has some distinguishing fashion features:
- Black clothing
- Chokers and crucifix necklaces
- Fishnet tights
- Dark makeup with pale skin
- Tattoos
- Spikes and studded leather
- Fiery red or purple hair
As this article explains, Gothic fashion draws influence from punk, Wicca, and the supernatural.
Steampunk Fashion
Steampunk fashion differs in some key ways:
- More earth tones like brown, copper, brass
- Elaborate fabric textures and patterns
- Gears, goggles, aviation caps
- Corsets over bustles and petticoats
- Top hats and tailcoats for men
Steampunk style pulls inspiration from explorers, inventors, industrialism.
So while both feature dramatic retro flair, Steampunk opts for more rugged elegance while Gothic is more darkly provocative.
Architecture and Decor
Gothic and Steampunk aesthetics extend into architecture and home/event decor as well.
Gothic Decor
True to its medieval influences, Gothic decor has some signature go-to elements:
- Gargoyles and grotesques
- Vaulted ceilings
- Dark wood furnishings
- Candelabras
- Patterned stained glass
- Heavy velvet drapery
- Crosses and religious icons
Poe’s Gothic manor in The Fall of the House of Usher exemplifies the style.
Steampunk Decor
Steampunk style combines industrial and Victorian elements:
- Edison Bulbs
- Gears
- Leather furniture
- Telescopes, compasses, globes
- Shadowboxes and display cases
- Metallic accents like copper and brass
Steampunk decor evokes futuristic technologies as imagined in the Victorian era. Jules Verne likely inspired some of its signature looks.
Music
Music is core to expressing the spirit of each aesthetic.
Gothic Music
Gothic musical genres include:
- Goth rock
- Dark cabaret
- Goth metal
- Deathrock
- Ethereal wave
Common elements are minor key tones, electronic effects, and often dark, supernatural or romantic themes. Bauhaus’s Bela Lugosi’s Dead launched the goth rock genre.
Steampunk Music
Steampunk music uses historical and acoustic instrumentation but with modern rock/electronic influences:
- Strings – violins, cellos, acoustic guitars
- Piano, pipe organ, harpsichord
- Brass – trumpets, tubas
- Percussion – drums, bells
- Electronic beats and synth
Abney Park helped pioneer the Steampunk musical style.
So while both feature minor keys and atmospheric tones, Steampunk music tends to be more orchestral and acoustic.
Literature
The origins of each aesthetic come from distinct literary movements.
Gothic Literature
The Gothic fiction genre emerged in the late 1700s emphasizing:
- Supernatural and horrific themes
- Magic and medieval settings
- Mystery, suspense, and terror
- Ancient prophecies and curses
- Ruins and decay
- Doubles, doppelgangers, evil twins
Signature works include Horace Walpole’s The Castle of Otranto, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, and Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Steampunk Literature
Steampunk literature became popular in the 1980s as a branch of science fiction. Common literary elements include:
- Retro-futuristic technology, like airships and steam-powered robots
- Mad scientists, tinkerers, inventors as protagonists
- Alternate histories, combining Victorian era with advanced tech
- Adventure stories, detective tales
Seminal works are Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novel.
So Gothic fiction favors supernatural horror while Steampunk incorporates tech and science fiction.
Comparing Key Elements
To summarize the key similarities and differences:
| Element | Gothic | Steampunk |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion | Dramatic, darkly provocative | Dramatic, rugged elegance |
| Decor | Medieval, dark, haunting | Sci-fi industrial with Victorian flair |
| Music | Goth rock, dark cabaret, minor key | Orchestral, acoustic and electronic, minor key |
| Literature | Supernatural, horrific, medieval | Retro-futuristic technology, science fiction |
Wrapping Up: Gothic Vs Steampunk
While emerging completely separately, Gothic and Steampunk share a flair for the darkly dramatic. Both incorporate Victorian-inspired fashion while using literature, architecture, and music to create distinctive brooding, retro atmospheres.
Yet Steampunk balances its darkness with science fiction optimism while Gothic indulges in supernatural melancholy. Each style offers inspiration, whether designing a costume or outfit, hosting an event, or crafting a compelling fictional world.
Their shared Gothic Revival and neo-Victorian influences speak to common human fascinations with macabre eccentricity, retro technology, and romanticizing the past.
With striking visuals and literatures, Gothic and Steampunk will continue evolving while leaving dark, elegant marks on art and culture.