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:
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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August 13, 2012
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! 🙂
August 13, 2012
@RedCandy: Glad I’m not the only one! And that radio sounds adorable!
August 13, 2012
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! 🙂
August 13, 2012
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!
January 28, 2014
Love the fan! I have three items that I have on my radar: a vintage fan, an old Brownie camera(found a couple on Craigslist and intend to get them tomorrow), and vintage luggage.
January 29, 2014
Thanks Sandra! I’m always on the look out for something too. How do you plan to decorate with the fan, camera and luggage?
January 29, 2014
I wish I knew how I will use them. Hopefully when I get them the idea will come to me. I am picking up the vintage suitcases on Saturday and I will keep some of them to work into my decor and the rest will be listed in my Etsy shop, called ChicColors.
January 31, 2014
Sandra,
You’ll figure it out! Cute Etsy shop by the way. Love your furniture!
February 1, 2014
I got my fan yesterday for only ten bucks at a consignment shop where they were gonna throw it away and it’s perfect! How do I send you a pic of it?
February 1, 2014
What a great deal! Unfortunately, the comments on my blog don’t accept images. But I’m dying to see it. You can definitely post a picture on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/redleafstyle. I can’t wait to see it!