Retro-style fans
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Genuine antiques or retro-style designs?
On flea markets, in junk-shops and antique shops around the internet you will find a lot of classic fans. Designs of the past have a wonderful nostalgic flair and are ideal for homes with a vintage touch. We still recommend to stay away from old fans unless it only serves a decorative purpose.
There is a simple reason for that: Spare parts are rarely available for old electric device since technology has advanced tremendously over the past few decades. That means rusty toggle switches or defective motors cannot be replaced. The biggest problems antique ceiling fans have are deformed or broken blades. They create an imbalance and have a negative impact on airflow and operational noise.
Even in the rare case that the device is fully functional and in good condition, the power consumption of antiques does not match the modern state of technology because back in the day appliances used up much more energy than our current units. Furthermore, in case the fan was used in commercial areas such as a restaurant, it might show grease spots or smell of cigarettes. A “used look” patina does have a certain appeal, but we recommend looking into brand new models with a retro design, such as the CasaFan Airstyle pedelstal fan (see picture).
Charming details one might associate with antique fans like pull cords are still available today. The only difference is that nowadays a major part of contemporary fans can be upgraded with remote controls or wall controllers. Another thing to keep in mind is that you need a competent contact person for all matters relating to installation, technical parts, etc. This is not always the case for second hand purchases. When buying a new fan you are guaranteed to have a knowledgeable contact as well as any suitable accessories you might need, e.g. drop rods.
Our tip: In shops, restaurants and bars the fan is likely to run often and over extended periods, meaning it should consume as little power as possible. It should be easy to use for everyone, and in case of several employees that have access to the fan a remote control kit might be useful.
How does a retro-style fan look?
Our fans today originate from mechanically operated systems that were invented centuries ago. In India the first Punkah devices were operated manually by slaves, later they were mounted to the ceiling and driven by steam and belts. The Fanimation BREWMASTER pictured here is reminiscent of early technology. In the year 1882 Philip Diehl was granted a patent for the first ceiling fan with an electric motor. Smaller pedestal and desk fans followed in the 1930s, nowadays their designs continue to be a popular choice.
In order to transfer antique designs into our modern times as closely to the original as possible, opt for a housing in dark colours with an antique finish (e.g. oil rubbed bronze). Metals with glossy brass or shabby finish are a great match as well. Popular retro colours are rose gold, copper and even pastel tones like mint and light blue. High-quality solid wood blades or imitations decorated with wooden lamination go very well with metal housings. Ceiling fans often include reversible blades that are finished with a different décor on the front and back, in some cases cane inserts are used as well. Light kits are available with floral shaped glass shades, bell shapes, and many more. Frosted opal glass ensures sufficient illumination without any glare. Warm white lighting is perfect for home environments. LED bulbs can be used without problems.
➔ Want to know more? Find out who invented the fan and how it evolved throughout the years.
It is important to choose a model that you find appealing because the ceiling fan takes up a central position in the room and will attract looks. Retro pedestal and ceiling fans are suitable for representative indoor spaces such as bars, cafes, hotels. Naturally they can also be applied at home in the living room, study or bedroom. A stylish fan is also a cool addition to offices and conference rooms.
A retro fan like we know it from movies and contemporary documents often runs on a very characteristic slow speed. Usually, ceiling fans have more than just one speed though. A slow rotation allows you to have an undisturbed sleep and conversation. Lower speeds are whisper-quiet, especially when the fan has a DC motor. These models start with power consumptions as low as 3 Watts. The integrated rectifier converts AC (alternate current) power supply from the building’s grid into DC (direct current). Ceiling fans with a forward and reverse function can be used all the year round. The reverse winter function helps reciculate heat during the cold months to reduce heating costs. If the fan incorporates a light kit, you can completely replace your previous fitting. By using LED bulbs you can further decrease power consumption.
In order to transfer antique designs into our modern times as closely to the original as possible, opt for a housing in dark colours with an antique finish (e.g. oil rubbed bronze). Metals with glossy brass or shabby finish are a great match as well. Popular retro colours are rose gold, copper and even pastel tones like mint and light blue. High-quality solid wood blades or imitations decorated with wooden lamination go very well with metal housings. Ceiling fans often include reversible blades that are finished with a different décor on the front and back, in some cases cane inserts are used as well. Light kits are available with floral shaped glass shades, bell shapes, and many more. Frosted opal glass ensures sufficient illumination without any glare. Warm white lighting is perfect for home environments. LED bulbs can be used without problems.
➔ Want to know more? Find out who invented the fan and how it evolved throughout the years.
It is important to choose a model that you find appealing because the ceiling fan takes up a central position in the room and will attract looks. Retro pedestal and ceiling fans are suitable for representative indoor spaces such as bars, cafes, hotels. Naturally they can also be applied at home in the living room, study or bedroom. A stylish fan is also a cool addition to offices and conference rooms.
A retro fan like we know it from movies and contemporary documents often runs on a very characteristic slow speed. Usually, ceiling fans have more than just one speed though. A slow rotation allows you to have an undisturbed sleep and conversation. Lower speeds are whisper-quiet, especially when the fan has a DC motor. These models start with power consumptions as low as 3 Watts. The integrated rectifier converts AC (alternate current) power supply from the building’s grid into DC (direct current). Ceiling fans with a forward and reverse function can be used all the year round. The reverse winter function helps reciculate heat during the cold months to reduce heating costs. If the fan incorporates a light kit, you can completely replace your previous fitting. By using LED bulbs you can further decrease power consumption.
Examples: Retro-style fans with pastel colours
Streamlined, curved shapes of the 50s are finished with chrome as well as pastel colours. The latter have experienced a revival over the last few years. Today, pastel aesthetics enjoy a lot of popularity on Instagram and Tumblr where they receive countless likes and clicks. Retro-style ceiling fans in pastel colours are also available in our shop, for example the Nordic in mint green.
This colour scheme is also used for the floor fan Ariante® 30 multicolor. Its housing design has been awarded with the Italian prize Compasso d’Oro. The model combines pastel green, blue, pink, yellow and light grey. Each produced model is one of a kind. The famous Ariante fan by Vortice was designed in 1975 by Marco Zanuso. Originally, the fan was finished with a rich tomato-like red colour.
Best pedestal fans with vintage looks
Streamline was the most dominant shape in first half of the 20th century. Designers and architects looked for inspiration in technology during a time engineers were researching and developing zeppelins, automobiles and a vast amount of other innovations. Reminiscent of aerospace details on a fan such as the impeller were fashioned in a similar style. The propellers were often protected by a grille. Our best retro-style pedestal fans include the 3-in-1 Westinghouse Silver Stream and Stadler Form Charly with the latter winning the iF product design award in 2016.
One of our most stylish retro fans with a pedestal made from solid wood is the Fanimation ARDEN range. It looks wonderful on wooden floors next to a cosy chair.
Buying antique desk fans
Vornado Vintage V circulator reminiscent of the 50s
Vintage-style desk fans are often made to resemble the predominant styles of the 1950s since it was the first time in the industry that appliances were produced in huge quantities. Oftentimes the designs were oriented on Italian or German models. Due to the fact that desk fans are out in the open at all times, customer preferences and demands for appealing design increased. Today the majority of desk fans is equipped with an oscillation feature for improved performance, a protective grille for safety and a long lead wire for more convenience.
CasaFan 50s Retrojet desk fan
The CasaFan Retrojet desk fan range comes in a variety of colours, such as Ruby Red or British Green. All models feature a protrective grille with a glossy chrome finish.Ceiling fans with antique finishes
Antique interior can generally be described as massive and bulky. Heavy Chesterfield leather couches, colonial and country-style furniture with dark and sober colours are characteristic. In order to prevent the ceiling fan from darkening your room even further or making it seem frumpy, it is important to choose the right combination. For example, choose a traditional ceiling fan above the wing chair but keep the rest of the room open and in light colours. The focal point is now on the fan so the other furniture and appliances should have a calm and minimalist appearance. Green indoor plants further break up the tense atmosphere. The light and speed of the ceiling fan are controlled with pull cords or optional remote kits and wall controllers.
Antique-style fans
Antique-style fans
- Design: classic, traditional, elaborate
- Blades: solid wood, high-quality imitation with visible wood grain
- Timber: mahogany, yew, oak, root wood
- Metal housing: dark shades of brown, green or red, black
- Light fitting: brass, cast-iron, ornate
- Glass: floral shapes, Tiffany, Tulpenform, Tiffany, marbled
- Brands: Fantasia, Hunter, Pepeo, Westinghouse, CasaFan
- Models: Classic, Savoy, Potkuri, Kisa, Santa Pepeo, Princess, Royal
Don’t forget:
If you decide in favour of a brand new ceiling fan, make use of the benefits of modern direct current technology. These fans consume only between 3 – 35 Watts, feature 5 to 6 fan speeds and operate even more quietly than AC fans. This technology is even found in antique style fans, we have several classic design fans with state-of-the-art DC motors.
If you decide in favour of a brand new ceiling fan, make use of the benefits of modern direct current technology. These fans consume only between 3 – 35 Watts, feature 5 to 6 fan speeds and operate even more quietly than AC fans. This technology is even found in antique style fans, we have several classic design fans with state-of-the-art DC motors.
Contemporary fans
Our retro-style ceiling fans, floor fans and desk fans still feature state-of-the-art economical motors despite their antique looks. If you prefer a more clean and straightforward design, just take a look around our shop: We offer a variety of sleek fan designs, slim tower fans and no-frills desk fans. Luckily it is always possible to furnish all rooms in a different style, allowing for your study to look ultramodern while your living room has a cosy vintage flair. We have the right model for every taste.
➔ Overview of all ceiling fan styles
➔ Overview of all ceiling fan styles
Toledo with propeller blades
If your central spot on the ceiling is already taken by a cool light fitting you simply don’t want to let go of, you can still add a fan to your room. The Toledo by AireRyder is adjustable in three different angles so that you can mount it in the corner of a room and target the airflow in a specific direction.
Pictures:
creoven and pixabay.com
Pictures:
creoven and pixabay.com
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