How to Choose the Best Ceiling Fan For Your Home

Ceiling fans effectively cool your space while letting you turn down your air conditioning. You can bump up your thermostat setting by 4 degrees and still stay just as comfortable. Sometimes you can even bump it up more if you have a more powerful ceiling fan that moves more airflow than average.

Picking a ceiling fan seems easy enough until you start looking at all of the options available. Narrowing them all down to find the best ceiling fan for your space can seem overwhelming.

Style is a big factor in finding a fan that fits well into your decor, but the specs of the fan are also important. You need a ceiling fan that fits the room and offers the cooling power that you want.

Keep these things in mind when choosing the best ceiling fans for different space.

Consider Ceiling Height

Ceiling fans come with different mount types that affect how far down from the ceiling they hang. This is important if your ceiling is lower or higher than normal. 

Fans usually have a downrod, which is simply a pipe that connects the fan to the bracket in the ceiling. The downrod can be different lengths to affect how far down the fan extends into the room. Knowing your ceiling height helps you evaluate the downrod size and how it'll sit in your room. 

Ceiling hugger, or flush mount, fans attach directly to the ceiling without the downrod. This is ideal when you have a low ceiling because the fan doesn't stick down into the room as far. However, there is a disadvantage to flush mounted fans; since the blades are closer to the ceiling, flush mount fans don't always kick out as much airflow. Because of this we suggest trying to avoid them unless more headroom is absolutely necessary.

If you have a taller ceiling, look for ceiling fans with extended mounts. They have longer downrods with a range of lengths available. Ideally, when installed from a higher ceiling you will want the fan about 8 to 9 feet above the floor for optimal airflow during the summer months, so choose a downrod length that accommodates that range.

If you have a sloped ceiling, you'll want a fan with a special mount designed for the slant.

Choose the Right Fan Size

The size of the ceiling fan not only affects how it looks, but it also affects how well it works to cool your space.

A fan that's too large or too small for the room throws off the proportions of the room. It looks out of place and can ruin the aesthetics of your room design.

When a fan is too small for the space, it can't cool efficiently. It has to work harder to cool down the room, which uses more energy. Your room might not every really feel cool enough.

A fan that's too large can be dangerous with oversized blades that can get in the way. The blades need enough clearance between them and the wall to work safely and provide ideal airflow. 

To choose the fan size, you'll need to know the square footage of your room. Multiply the room's length and width to get that measurement. 

Ceiling fans often list the recommended room size to help you choose an appropriate size. You can also use this guide to compare the room size and blade span:

• 120 square feet or smaller: 44" or smaller fan
• 120 to 200 square feet: 48" to 52" fan
• 200 to 300 square feet: 56" to 60" fan
• 300 square feet or larger: 62" or larger fan

Consider any other things that might get in the way, such as another light fixture or anything that hangs from the ceiling or sticks out from the wall. You want clearance around the blades to keep them away from those objects.

Look at the Style

Think about the room's overall style when choosing a ceiling fan. You can find them in all types of decorating styles, including contemporary, traditional, mid-century modern, farmhouse, coastal, and rustic. The fan doesn't need to match everything in the room, but it should complement the general style you've already established.

The blades play an important role in creating that style. Thin, sleek blades with no embellishments work well in a contemporary or industrial room, while wide, detailed blades might work better in a traditional space. Blades shaped like giant palm leaves can create a coastal vibe.

Consider Finishes

You'll find ceiling fans in all types of finishes, from crisp white to almost every wood tone imaginable. The metal brackets and accents on the fan also come in a range of metallic finishes.

Keep in mind the finishes and colors you currently have in the room, ensuring that the fan you choose goes with them. If you have a very light room with all neutral colors, a dark espresso finished ceiling fan will stand out and might look out of place.

Light Up Your Look

Ceiling fans can come with and without a light kit. Decide if you want a light integrated into the ceiling fan for the space. If you do, you have multiple light styles to choose from.

Bowl-style lights feature a glass shade that covers the bulbs and diffuses the light. They often have a traditional look with a range of colors, designs, and shapes in the bowls.

Other fans feature multiple lights with individual shades. Some of the shades have open bottoms, which let more light out into the room. Others use shades that completely enclose the bulbs.

Compare the Control Options

The control type for different ceiling fans affects how convenient it is to use. Fans can often be connected to a light switch, so you can easily turn it on and off. Pull chains on the fan let you adjust the speed.

Some fans come with remote controls. This makes it easier to adjust the settings without getting up from your seat.

Smart ceiling fans can be operated from a phone app, which means you don't have to worry about keeping track of a remote. You might be able to preprogram them to follow a certain schedule. Some can also connect to your virtual assistant device so you can control them using voice commands.

Find the Best Ceiling Fan for Your Room

Comparing the features and details helps you choose the best ceiling fan for your room. With the perfect fit, you get efficient cooling and a ceiling fan that looks beautiful in your space.

Are you ready to replace an old fan? Check out our selection of ceiling fans to find the perfect choice for your room.