The Best Designer Approved Ceiling Fans & How to Choose One
Today we’re talking ceiling fans. I’m an interior designer who honestly likes the functionality of a ceiling fan. Let’s unpack that. Are they outdated? Do we hate the way they look? Is their functionality worth the bulky aesthetic? During the winter months, when set on clockwise, they help push warm air down, making your home feel warmer- saving you money on utilities. Handy? Yes. A bit of a design dilemma? Also yes. I’m here to help and offer my designer opinion. Click through for the best ceiling fans, how to choose the right ceiling fan, and check out a variety of styles I actually recommend. If you’re a household that can’t live without one (which also includes my house), this post is for you.
Whether you’re shopping for a new ceiling fan for your main bedroom or you’re working on a setting up a really nice guest bedroom, great room, or living space- there are a lot of visually unappealing options available. Let’s face it… ceiling fans haven’t evolved all that much over the years.
Are Ceiling Fans Outdated?
If you ask a group of interior designers or architects for their thoughts on ceilings fans or for expert advice on the matter, you’re going to get a lot of varying (and strong) opinions. My personal design philosophy considers form and function. Therefore, I’m pro ceiling fan under the right circumstances. While they’re not the most visually appealing ceiling fixture, they certainly are functional in many spaces. I believe that’s the interior design challenge… making something feel intentional, functional, and as beautiful as possible within a room. Would you agree? Therefore, I don’t think ceiling fans are outdated, as they’re super functional.
When & Where a Ceiling Fan Makes Sense
Sometimes installing a ceiling fan is nonnegotiable. After all, they’re practical, known for their energy efficiency, can be an easy way to cool a home during the summer months, increase air flow year round, and improve warm air circulation during the winter months. If you’re contemplating installing a ceiling fan, here are the rooms I could see it being a smart choice or necessary fit…
- Bedroom – for some reason, bedroom ceiling fans seem most common to me. Is this true? We certainly like having a ceiling fan in our main bedroom and sleep with it running for air circulation year round. Anyone else?
- Informal (Casual) Living Room – I would guess this is the second most common location for overhead fans? Casual living spaces.
- Outdoor Living Space – Outdoor fans are seriously underrated. Not only do they provide air circulation and a nice breeze, but they keep bugs away. We loved having one beneath our pergola or outdoor lounge area.
- Large Room – Any space that requires better air circulation… like a great room with tall ceilings.
- Screened in Porch or Sunroom – A seasonal room that is prone to holding heat or humidity.
- Laundry Room – That could benefit from air circulating to dry clothing or linens hanging on a rack.
I mention all of these efficient examples to point out… I do think there is a time and place for installing a ceiling fan (despite their ugly reputation). I also think there is a designerly way to integrate them into a room with intention to make them less repulsive.
10 Ceiling Fan Styling Tips
If you’ve determined you need a ceiling fan, but are worried it’s going to be a hideous eye sore… fear not and read through some of my designer tips below. These can definitely help when choosing a fan for indoor use.
- Choose a fan that blends… the goal is for the fan to blend with your ceiling (monochromatic). If you have a matte white ceiling, choose a matte white fan.
- Select the right size fan… make sure you choose a fan that is appropriate for your room size. Many people choose a fan that is too large.
- Opt for a three-blade fan… I personally prefer 3-blade fans to 5-blade fans, as I think they have a cleaner aesthetic.
- Purchase a minimalistic style… I’ve got an entire board of favorites I saved for you here. Keep it modern, as a simple style will age best and look most classic (no matter your aesthetic).
- Consider the light… if you’re looking for a fan that includes a light, make sure it’s a single light with a warm temperature bulb.
- Stick to white… not all fan finishes are created equal and if the goal is minimal and understated, it’s best to opt for a plain white finish- especially if your ceiling is white.
- Save room in the budget… believe me when I say- ceiling fans are not an item to splurge on. They’re all relatively inexpensive compared to light fixtures, and they’re all pretty similar. All of the fans I’m sharing with you today are under $500! Save room in the budget for something more important- especially (if visually), the goal is to have the fan virtually disappear.
- Avoid fans with glass shades or ornate shapes… a ceiling fan is not the place to make a design statement. You don’t want to draw attention to the fan, so keep it simple. Avoid glass shades, rope or chain pulls, or ornate shapes.
- Understand the exception… my design exception for drawing attention to a fan is in a tropical (beach house) setting. Sometimes you can get away with a woven fan or palm style fan in a coastal aesthetic. You’ve got to know what you’re doing though!
- Make sure a fan is the right move… are you sure you need a ceiling fan? Search for nondescript, energy-efficient fans, and make sure you’ll put it to good use. Otherwise- you should install a beautiful light fixture (like a pendant, chandelier, or flush mount). Check out this post on tips for layering lighting like a designer.
Designer Approved Ceiling Fans
Hot take… I tend to believe three blade fans look better than five, so that’s the style I’ve curated. That said, many of these have five-blade versions and come in different finishes (other than white)– if you’re looking for an alternative ceiling fan style. Here are my top picks from more affordable to most expensive…
FAQ
The recommended room size is based on cubic feet (or square feet) and considers the blade span. The larger the room, the bigger the fan you’ll need to circulate air within the entire room. The appropriate ceiling fan size is recommend for the following…
Small rooms (75 square feet or less) need a fan with a blade span of 29-36 inches.
Medium rooms (75 – 175 sq ft) require a fan with a blade span of 42-48 inches.
Large rooms (over 175 sq ft) require a fan with a blade span of 52-inches.
You definitely want to choose a good option that won’t go out of style and is built to last. I’d recommend Minka-Aire, Hunter ceiling fans, or any options from Visual Comfort. I’d also recommend purchasing a three-blade ceiling fan or a modern ceiling fan, because I think they tend to look best.
The best choice is a flush mount or “hugger style” ceiling fan… something that is low profile and attaches directly to the ceiling rather than hanging. I’d also recommend floor planning with the fan in mind… position your bed or a large piece of furniture beneath the fan, so you physically can’t walk underneath it (which can be dangerous).
In my opinion- yes. I’d opt for a darker option that seamlessly blends. The goal is low contrast or a monochromatic look, so the fan is less likely to stand out.
Most ceiling fans these days come with both. We have one fan in our home, and it lives in our primary bedroom. It’s installed on a switch, but we also keep the remote in a bowl on the bedside table for easy access. A smart ceiling fan can be synced with your preferred smart home app so you can control it with your phone or set a schedule… another great choice!
I think all interior designers can agree… avoid a pull chain or rope. That instantly dates a ceiling fan. Opt for a hardwired option, or simple remote control that can be tucked away. Sleek designs are always a good idea, and don’t go too big unless you’re shopping for larger rooms.
Related
Looking for more helpful fixture, lighting, or home posts with my advice on tricky topics? I’ll link some of my favorites for you below!
- Timeless Tips for a Bedroom Refresh- Without Renovating
- How to Train Readymade Curtains
- How Paint Color Percentages Work and When to Use Them
- Designer Tips for Making Outlets & Light Switch Plates Look Better
- 10 Ways to Save Money on Major Home Buys
- Designer Light Fixtures That Will Never Go Out of Style
- How to Install a Hidden Kitchen Trash Can (because trash cans are the biggest eye sore)
- Replacing Our Upstairs Carpet
- How to Make Any Wired Lamp Cordless with Designer Approved Bulbs
- Hiding Cords for Wall Sconces & Picture Lights
I know that was a lot of information, but I hope it was helpful! Feel free to drop any questions for me in the comment section below. A new fan doesn’t have to be an eyesore and the energy savings are often worth it. What do you think? Do you have a ceiling fan in your home? Would you ever install one? Do you live in a climate where it’s necessary?
Here’s to a nice weekend ahead! I’m hoping to tackle some home projects- we’re moving along with our next renovation. I’m also still in organization mode over here. What is everyone up to?
