6 Steps to Selecting the Perfect Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans come in a variety of sizes, heights, styles, and colors. Choosing the right size fan for your space ensures it will provide efficient air flow. Though ceiling fans are not usually considered the focal point of a room, the right one can tie a room together while providing maximum comfort. Here are 6 steps to selecting the perfect ceiling fans for your home!

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1. Select the Right Size

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Getting the right fan is all about proportion. Make sure to measure your room first so you know what size blade span to be looking for. The blade span of a fan is the diameter of the blades while they’re spinning, measured from the tip of one blade to the tip of the blade across from it. A fan that is too small for a space will not provide efficient air flow to the whole room. A fan that is too large will not provide any air flow directly below it. 

BATHROOMS & SMALL SPACES (Less than 100sqft): 29” - 36” Blade Span

BEDROOMS & KITCHENS & DINING ROOMS (100-150sqft): 40-50” Blade Span

FAMILY ROOMS & LARGE ROOMS (350sqft): 52-60” Blade Span

EXTRA LARGE ROOMS (350sqft+): 60” Blade Span or Larger

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2. Height Matters

For optimum air circulation, you want your ceiling fan to be about 7-8 ft. from the floor and at least 8” down from the ceiling. For higher ceilings, you might need a downrod to suspend your fan farther from the ceiling. For spaces with lower ceilings a flush-mount model (or ceiling hugger) will keep your fan from being lower than 7 ft. 

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3. Switching Directions

Make sure your fan blades can switch directions. In the summer, your fan blades should run counter clockwise at the highest speed to push air down. In the winter, set your fan to run clockwise at a low speed so the blades gently pull cooler air up to keep your space warm and cozy.

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4. Choosing a Style

Now that you know what size and mount your space requires, you’ll need to choose the right style. You could compliment the decor of your space, or have it just blend in and disappear.

A modern fan creates clean lines and compliments a minimalist decor, communicating style and a little edge. A traditional fan can be a little more ornate and works well in warm spaces to create a sophisticated atmosphere. Period specific fans have the benefit of modern technology while still showcasing a vintage look. Transitional styles provide modern lines with a little detail, and can compliment crown moldings nicely.

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5. Controlling your Fan

Make sure your fan is controllable the way you want it. Some fans are wall controls, others come with remotes, and some are pull cord chains.

There are positive and negative aspects to all of these control options. Wall controls are the most reliable, don’t require a battery powered remote, and can’t get lost. However, they require more labor to install and cannot be easily relocated.

Remote controls can be controlled from anywhere within the room. They are cheaper and easier to install, but they do require batteries and run the risk of being lost or damaged. Replacement remotes will also need to be installed by a qualified electrician.

Pull cords are reliable, can’t get lost like a remote, but it is sometimes hard to tell what speed the fan is on. They can often hang too low in lower ceiling or may be hard to reach with a higher ceiling.

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6. Installation

Make sure you consult with an electrician to ensure proper and secure installation of your new fan. If you only have a ceiling light fixture in the room, additional wiring may need to be run to accommodate the electrical needs of the fan. A good electrician will be able to guide you with these requirements.

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Need help finding the perfect ceiling fan for your space?Schedule a design consultation today!