Bellows are essentially an expandable bag, usually with handles or casing attached, which are used to give out a blast of air.
When a pair of bellows are closed, by holding the handles tight together, there is very little air in the bag. Once the handles are pulled apart, a valve opens, allowing the bellows to fill with air. Closing the bellows again forces that air out through a nozzle and gives out the blast of air.
The most common use for bellows is to supply oxygen to fires, although you might also choose to deploy them to cheat in a game of blow football or to help blow out the candles when you’re celebrating a particularly big birthday!
Given the care that is now taken to ensure that sufficient ventilation is provided to fireplaces, and the amount of information available online on how to light a fire, the need for bellows has decreased considerably in recent years.
Nonetheless, they are still a useful fireside accessory for the occasions when you’re struggling to light a fire or to reinvigorate a fire that has started to die out.
But, increasingly, it is for decorative reasons that bellows remain popular. For anyone hoping to conjure up thought of fireplaces of yesteryear or create a traditional feel to their living room, a pair of bellows is a great way to set the scene.
Which pair of bellows should I buy?
We offers a couple of great options when you’re picking out some bellow for your own fireplace…
Traditional Plain Bellows
These are the ultimate option if tradition is high on your agenda for a pair of bellows. They are beautifully made yet incredibly simplistic. The rustic design does away with detailing and fussiness in favour of pure craftsmanship.
The design includes leatherette and brass detailing.
Bellows with Circular Design
These bellows over a little more in the way of detailing. There’s still the same quality wooden finish, but in this case a circular design has been carved into the main body of the bellows.
Once again, this pair of bellows feature a leatherette and brass trim.
