Industrial Chic: Decorating With Vintage Metal Fans
Sometimes you just have to buy an item for no particular reason except that you like it. It’s not practical. It may not serve any purpose. You just like it. And, that’s okay. At least I tell myself that.
I tell myself that because I’m the kind of person who wants random items like a 50-75 pound ceramic elephant planter. (I’m still kicking myself for not buying that at my local Goodwill.) I’m also the kind of person that scours antique stores across Missouri and Kansas to find the perfect vintage metal fan. Just because I wanted one. Obviously I wasn’t drawn to vintage fans for their superior cooling capabilities. I like the look.
Lately I’ve seen retro electric fans in almost every home magazine I open. One will be perched on a dresser, adding a splash of vintage style to the room without looking girly, as a lot of vintage items can. Or, one will sit atop a stack of books as a makeshift bedside table. Vintage fans just add a bit of industrial charm to a room. Plus, their look can fit with all types of decorating styles. See:
Photo courtesy Better Homes and Gardens
Photo courtesy Design*Sponge
Photo courtesy Vanilla and Lace
Photo courtesy Paint Me White
Photo courtesy Apartment Therapy
After much searching, I finally found a vintage electric fan that I love. But now that I have it, I’m not completely sure what to do with it. Its current home is perched on a stack of magazines atop the radiator in my living room. The mix of the vintage patina of the radiator and the vintage fan go well together, but I want to put the fan in a more prominent location.
I’ll keep you updated on what I decide to do with it. In the meantime, tell me your thoughts on vintage fans. Do you own one? Do you think they can look cute? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.
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4 Responses to “Industrial Chic: Decorating With Vintage Metal Fans”
I don’t have a vintage fan, but I understand having things that serve no purpose. I’ve recently purchased an old yellow Bakelite Astor radio….for no other reason except that I like the colour!
@RedCandy: Glad I’m not the only one! And that radio sounds adorable!
I like the look of this vintage fan! I am not the best thrifter, but I am interested in getting into it more. I have a vintage wine holder….but I just recently purchased a new wine rack. Fail. Keep these fun tips coming…I am inspired!
Thanks Kim!! I feel like thrifting is a lot easier if you have something in mind that you’re looking for rather than just hoping to find something cool. I’ll try to keep up with the posts more!