5 Tips to Selecting a Ceiling Fan
The Nimbus Ceiling Fan is the epitome of sleek modern with its Matte Nickel Finish
In addition to adding a dose of style, an attractive ceiling fan comfortably circulates air in a room and can help reduce your electric bill. But it seems to me that many people have a hard time selecting one that is an appropriate size and style. I see one extreme to the other: a bodacious, over-sized fan that screams at you when you walk into the room or a boring, small white number from one of the big box stores. Based on their size alone, they are going to figure prominently in the room so it’s best to choose a style and size that complement your interior. Let’s review some basics! Soon you will be enjoying the well circulated air from your beautiful new ceiling fan.
Size - The size of your fan should be your first consideration and is based on the size of your room. Here are some quick guidelines from Hunter Fan. The measurement is from blade tip to blade tip.
- Rooms less than 100 square feet (Bathroom, Laundry) - 32″-36″
- Rooms up to 225 square feet (Bedroom, Office) - 42″-48″
- Rooms up to 485 square feet (Master Bedroom, Family Room) - 50″-56″
- Rooms up to 625 square feet (Great Room, Living Room) - 60″+
Style and Finish - While there are a number of basic styles that will meld with a variety of interiors, I feel it’s better to spend a little more money and get something that really complements your room. As a rule:
- Avoid shiny finishes. Whether it’s brass or a high gloss paint, they are too distracting.
- Take a queue from other finishes in your room.
- Blades often have different finishes on each side which is a nice option to change it up. Make sure you know what you are getting.
- If you choose a wood blade, make it darker or lighter then the other wood in your room for some contrast.
- Don’t rule out an outdoor or damp-rated fan just because you need an indoor fan. They work just as well and may be just the right fit.
The Mission Fan from Casablanca would be at home in a Craftsman Style Bungalow.
Ceiling Height - It’s important to consider the height of your ceiling so the fan it not too high or too low.
- Ceilings that are less than 8′- Fans called “ceiling huggers” have housing that mounts directly to the ceiling without any down rod.
- 8′ Ceilings - A standard fan hangs down about 12″ and that puts the bottom of the fan at 7′ above the floor, which is fine in most cases.
- For ceilings that are higher than 8′ - Consider adding a down rod (purchased separately) which will bring the fan down to a more visually appealing height. Ideally the fan should be 8′-9′ above the floor.
- You also might want to consider a ceiling medallion for a decorative touch.
Light - Do you need an overhead light? I prefer not to include a light kit on most fans but sometimes you may need it for general lighting in the room if there are no recessed lights. If you need one, then make sure you select a fan that accepts light kits. Secret Tip: If you have recessed lights in your room make sure the fan blades do not come too close to the lights or you will have a disco strobe effect that will drive you crazy.
Fan Control- In a household with multiple people, it’s good to have a remote control for the fan. The days of changing the speed by yanking on a that little chain are over. Remotes are affordable and convenient.
Fanimation was the first company to make tropical fans with palm frond blades. They still offer the best quality but there are a lot of copycats out there.
So jump in, cool down and amp up the style with a new ceiling fan that complements your room!
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Tags: lighting
