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The History of Fans: The 20th Century – Fans Become Integral to Modern Living and Technology

The 20th century marked a transformative phase in fan development, driven by rapid technological progress and changing lifestyles. Building on 19th-century mechanization, fans became more efficient, user-friendly, and accessible. Innovations like oscillation, multi-speed controls, and remote functionality turned fans into essential tools for everyday comfort, adapting seamlessly into homes, offices, and industrial spaces in a world increasingly powered by electricity.

The Dawn of the Electric Fan Era: Early Innovations and Adoption

The early 1900s marked a turning point in home cooling, with groundbreaking innovations that redefined how fans were used in everyday life.

Oscillating Fans

Oscillating Fan

Emerson oscillating fan
Images source: Antique Fan Supply Co

Oscillating fans, first appearing in the early 1900s, revolutionized air circulation by spreading airflow side to side. Safety also improved with protective cages. Inventors like Schuyler Skaats Wheeler (electric fan, 1882) and Philip H. Diehl (ceiling and oscillating fans) paved the way. Brands like Emerson, Westinghouse, Robbins & Myers, and Japan’s KDK refined and mass-produced these early electric fans. By 1910, mechanical oscillation became standard, cementing the fan as a household necessity.

Multi-Speed Fans

Emerson Multi-Speed Fan

Emerson 2-Speed Oscillating fan
Image source: Rooster Brown Store on ebay

The 1930s–1940s brought fans with adjustable speeds, offering greater control over comfort and energy use. Emerson Electric led with quieter, more efficient motors, while DC motors with multiple speed settings emerged in industrial applications. Multi-speed options soon became standard, reflecting a growing desire for customizable, energy-efficient appliances.

Mid-Century Crossroads: Central HVAC and the Fan’s Role

With central HVAC systems becoming mainstream after WWII, fan use declined in some regions. However, fans remained crucial in hotter or less affluent areas. The 1970s energy crises revived interest in ceiling fans for their low energy use and affordability, proving their lasting value.

Continued Evolution: Design and Material Upgrades

Fan in 20th century

Fan with design and material upgrades
Image source: Elaine Dunlap on Pinterest

Over the century, fan design shifted from heavy metals to lighter, more efficient materials like aluminum and plastic. Blade shapes became more aerodynamic, reducing noise and boosting performance. These changes reflected advances in material science and a focus on comfort and efficiency.

Industrial Applications: The Rise of HVLS Fans

High-Volume, Low-Speed (HVLS) fan

High-Volume, Low-Speed (HVLS) fans emerged in the late 20th century for large industrial spaces. Though slow-moving, they circulated massive air volumes efficiently, ideal for warehouses, farms, and gyms. Their ability to assist both cooling and heating made them a sustainable option.

Modern Fan Technology: Convenience and Portability

Late-century fans emphasized convenience, adding remotes, timers, and portable battery-powered designs. These features aligned with busy, modern lifestyles, offering flexibility and improved user control.

Fan Use Across Sectors

Fans became indispensable in homes, offices, and industries. Residentially, they evolved from luxury to necessity. Offices used them for productivity, while industries relied on them for ventilation and cooling. HVLS fans, in particular, transformed large-scale industrial airflow.

Conclusion: The 20th Century Legacy

The History of Fans: The 20th Century – Fans Become Integral to Modern Living and Technology

Throughout the 20th century, fans evolved into versatile, energy-efficient tools, adapting to changing technologies and user needs. Even as air conditioning grew, fans remained relevant, offering affordable, sustainable cooling. By century’s end, they had laid the groundwork for the smart, connected fans of the future.

Ready to experience the next step in the evolution of fans?

From the rise of electric fans to the game-changing innovations of the 20th century like oscillation, speed controls, and energy-saving designs, fans have long been essential to modern living. Now, that same spirit of innovation continues with a smarter, more efficient solution for today’s homes.

360º Air Circulator Fan

The 360º Air Circulator Fan is a great example of how far we’ve come. Compact yet powerful, it delivers smooth, consistent airflow to every corner of your space. Whether you’re working, relaxing, or sleeping, it keeps things cool without the noise or bulk. Pre-order here for $98 or  RM299 while stocks last!

Next in our series: see how the 21st century brought fans into the smart home era, blending convenience, portability, and sustainability like never before.

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The History of Fans: The 19th Century – Transition to the Modern Era

The 19th century was a transformative period for fans, marked by significant technological advancements and changes in societal needs. This era saw the transition from manual to mechanized fans, with the introduction of steam and electric power revolutionizing how fans were used and perceived. From their role in industrial settings to their continued presence in domestic life, fans evolved to meet the demands of a rapidly industrializing world.

Early Innovations: Steam Power

Industrial Applications

William Brunton

William Brunton
Image source: Alchetron

Before the widespread use of electricity, steam power was a crucial innovation in fan technology. In the mid-19th century, steam-driven fans were used for industrial purposes, such as ventilation in mines and factories. One notable example is the 6-meter radius steam-driven fan designed by William Brunton in 1849 for the Gelly Gaer Colliery in South Wales. This technology improved working conditions by providing better airflow and reducing heat.

Domestic Use

David Boswell Reid

David Boswell Reid
Image source: Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame

In domestic settings, steam power was less common due to its complexity and safety concerns. However, experiments with steam-powered fans in homes did occur, such as David Boswell Reid’s installation of steam-powered fans in St George’s Hospital in Liverpool in 1851. These early experiments laid the groundwork for future innovations in fan technology. 

The Advent of Electricity

Schuyler Skaats Wheeler and the Electric Fan

Schuyler Skaats Wheeler and the Electric Fan

Schuyler Skaats Wheeler and the electric fan
Images sources: Wikiwand and ETHW

The invention of the electric fan by Schuyler Skaats Wheeler in 1882 marked a pivotal moment in fan history. This innovation introduced a more efficient, quieter, and safer alternative to steam power. Initially marketed by the Crocker & Curtis Electric Motor Co., electric fans quickly gained popularity as electricity became more widespread.

Philip H. Diehl and Ceiling Fans

Philip H. Diehl and Ceiling Fans

Philip H. Diehl and the ceiling fan
Images sources: International Sewing Machine Collectors’ Society and
ASME.org (x.com)

Philip H. Diehl further expanded on Wheeler’s invention by developing the first electric ceiling fan in 1882, which he patented in 1887. Ceiling fans became a staple in many homes, offering a more efficient way to circulate air compared to traditional floor fans.

Mass Production and Accessibility

Machine Manufacture of Fan Sticks

In the mid-19th century, Alphonse Baude perfected the machine manufacture of fan sticks in 18596. This led to mass production, making fans more affordable for the general public. However, this shift from artisanal craftsmanship to mass production reduced the fan’s status as an art object, prompting concerns in art circles.

Exhibitions and Quality Fan Production

To counteract the decline in fan design quality, exhibitions were organized in London from 1868 onwards to promote better design standards6. Firms like Alexandre in Paris and Duvelleroy in England dominated high-quality fan production, often creating fans for royalty.

Cultural and Social Impact

Fans continued to play a significant role in social and cultural contexts. In Europe, fans remained a fashion accessory and a means of communication, though their status as luxury items began to wane with mass production. In industrial settings, fans improved working conditions by enhancing ventilation and reducing heat, contributing to increased productivity and worker safety.

Conclusion

The 19th century was a transformative period for fans, marked by technological innovations and changes in societal needs. From steam power to electricity, fans evolved to meet the demands of industrialization and domestic life. As we move into the 20th century, we will explore how fans continued to adapt to new technologies and societal changes, paving the way for the modern fans we use today.

Ready to experience the next step in the evolution of fans?

360 Circulator Fan on working desk

The journey from steam-powered ventilation to electric ceiling fans has paved the way for smarter, more efficient air solutions — and now, you can bring that legacy of innovation into your own home. 

The 360º Air Circulator Fan combines sleek modern design with powerful circulation technology to keep your space cool, comfortable, and energy-efficient all year round. Whether you’re working, relaxing, or sleeping, it ensures consistent airflow exactly where you need it. Pre-order now for $98 and save $50 until 1 May!

Stay tuned for the next article in this series, where we delve into the 20th century and explore how fans became integral to modern living and technology.

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The History of Fans: The 18th Century – Fans as Pinnacles of Art and Fashion in Europe

The 18th century marked the golden age of fans in Europe. Once simple cooling tools, they evolved into exquisite works of art and essential fashion accessories. Initially exclusive to the wealthy, fans became accessible to a broader audience thanks to advancements in printing and mass production. During this era, they served not just practical purposes but also symbolized style, social status, and even silent communication.

The Golden Age of Fans

France: The Center of Fan Design

The first free ascent of a hot-air balloon with human passengers
The first free ascent of a hot-air balloon with human passengers
Image Source: 2001 National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution

During this period, France became the heart of fan-making. Parisian craftsmen produced elaborate designs using luxurious materials like ivory, mother-of-pearl, and gold leaf. Their delicate craftsmanship reflected the opulence of the time. Many fans featured hand-painted scenes, including romantic themes, neoclassical motifs inspired by Pompeii’s rediscovery (1748), and even contemporary events like the Montgolfier brothers’ first hot-air balloon flight (1783).

Types of Fans

Two main types of fans were popular in Europe:

Brisé Fan
Brisé Fan
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
  • Folding Fans – The most common style, available in various forms such as pleated, brisé, and cockade fans. These were portable and versatile, allowing for intricate decoration.
  • Rigid Fans (Screen Fans) – Less popular but used in formal settings, often made from materials like silk and parchment mounted on elegant handles.

Among folding fans, brisé fans (composed of carved sticks held together by a ribbon) gained particular popularity, showcasing fine craftsmanship.

Fans as Fashion Accessories & Social Tools

Fans became essential to a lady’s attire, serving multiple functions beyond cooling. Women used them to conceal flushed cheeks, protect makeup, and add an air of mystery and sophistication.

Fanology, or Ladies’ Conversation Fan” (1797) by Charles Francis Badini (The History of Fans in the 18th Century)
Fanology, or Ladies’ Conversation Fan” (1797) by Charles Francis Badini
Image source: Owlcation

While the idea of a secret fan language is often exaggerated, fans played a role in flirtation and social interaction. The publication Fanology, or Ladies’ Conversation Fan (1797) by Charles Francis Badini popularized the idea that certain gestures conveyed hidden messages. However, this was more of a playful concept than a widely practiced system.

Mass Production and Accessibility

By the late 18th century, printed fans became widely available. These were decorated with mass-produced etchings and sometimes enhanced with hand-painted details. The affordability of paper fans allowed even the lower classes to enjoy this once-exclusive fashion trend. As a result, fans transformed from luxury items into everyday accessories.

Cultural Significance of Fans

The History of Fans in the 18th Century in Europe
Image source: Lady BEATRIX

Beyond fashion, fans were treasured gifts and often commemorated significant events. Wedding fans depicted romantic scenes, while historical and political fans celebrated military victories, coronations, and notable public figures. This blend of art, fashion, and storytelling made fans not only practical but also culturally significant.

Conclusion

The 18th century marked the peak of fan artistry and cultural influence in Europe. No longer just tools for cooling, fans became symbols of elegance, status, and subtle communication.

Check out the previous article on the 17th-century evolution of fans, and stay tuned as we explore their transformation in the 19th century and beyond.