23 Effective Types Of Ceiling Fans (Popular Design Styles)

From Nordic to flamboyant, ceiling fans have become sculptural pieces worthy of a showpiece in the contemporary household. More to these revolving contraptions’ evolution is the efficient and smart features added that make them a sensible element to consider in your next home update. You’ll find many options to choose from, and the types of ceiling fans are worth knowing to perfectly fit your lifestyle and use case.

Standard Ceiling Fan

Keeping it simple, a standard ceiling fan gives you standard blades, motors, and downrod parts. Neat-looking without any additional embellishments, the standard unit is perfect for keeping your interiors or outdoors cool and comfortable. 

The typical style is available in popular three to five blades with common materials such as metal, plastic, wood, or fiberboard.  When choosing your standard model, make sure to have a compatible downrod length to your ceiling height.

Downrod is the metal pipe connecting the brackets to the motor housing. The minimum height is seven feet from the finished floor, which makes it safe from people passing below.  

Low Profile Fans

For ceilings that have a clearance of eight feet or less, the low-profile fan is recommended as it has a shorter height. Unlike your standard ceiling fans, it does away with the downrod. Instead, they are directly connected to the mounting bracket.

Similar to your typical style, there are a variety of styles to choose from, so you get good-looking designs despite their shorter stature. Other terms used to refer to low-profile models are hugger or flush-mounted ceiling fans. 

Flush Mount Fan

Basically, similar to your low-profile unit, the blades of flush mount designs have the blades directly connected to the mounting bracket.

While these types are made to accommodate shorter clearances, wider versions can also be installed on high ceilings and give a modern and clean look. 

Bladeless Fans

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Compared to your conventional styles, bladeless ceiling fans are considered safer and more efficient with a quieter operation. Using a 360-degree vortex distribution, it sucks in air, and the main chamber cools the pulled-in air.

It also redistributes the air throughout the room faster and evenly with less use of energy. Bladeless models are safe options for bunk beds and other low-clearance rooms without blades and an enclosed design.  

Retractable Fans

Hide away your blades when not in use with a retractable ceiling fan. When turned off, the blades fold in, typically hidden behind the lighting fixture to which it is attached, thus having a dual function that can independently operate or run at the same time.

This innovative version of retractable ceiling fans come with a remote control that can set how wide the blades are spread, the speed of circulation, and other major controls. 

Smart Fan

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Almost every home appliance can be controlled using your smartphone, and this includes smart ceiling fans. The benefits of automation can also be enjoyed using a smart ceiling fan. Automated designs are no different from your usual unit when it comes to available designs. You’ll find stylish products with or without lighting features.

Smart devices will typically have a wireless connection using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, and you can integrate applications such as Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, and Google Assistant to customize operations. This makes it customizable in its functionality, making it even more efficient. 

Dual Motor Fan

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Cooling down larger areas such as the living room or dining room can be challenging. Thus, you’ll need stronger motor power to circulate more cooled air through the entire space. With a dual motor, you double the circulation and distribute more air.

The double motors are connected together using a horizontal bar. There are products with three motors instead to circulate even more air throughout a room. Having two circulating blades may not seem like an odd-looking element mounted on your ceiling, but there are attractive designs in the market to choose from. 

Fan Chandelier

Regulating the air circulation while looking luxurious is what makes the chandelier a popular choice for homeowners.

With the right size, a ceiling fan with certain types of chandeliers can be a powerful focal point in a room. Choose retractable chandelier fans to hideaway the blades when not in use. 

Windmill Fan

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Compared to those clunky oars, the blades of a windmill fan are pitched at a much shallower angle. This means each blade has a lighter workload, but they haul a ton of air together easily. That’s how it can actually save you money in the summer.

Enclosed Fan

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Enclosed ceiling fans are a great option for bunk beds or where rooms are low. The unit is enclosed in a cage to prevent people or pets from accidentally bumping into the spinning blade and injuring themselves. With that being said, an enclosed design can be hard to clean the internal blades.

Many appliances are designed to be smart or can be simply controlled using a smartphone application. These are no different. The more expensive models can be controlled to run at certain times or when the room reaches a certain temperature threshold.

Fan Heater

Ceiling fan heaters are a great addition to the home, especially during the colder months. Why purchase a separate space heater when you can upgrade your ceiling fans to provide warmth? This type contains a heating element.

During operation, the blades spin in reverse to absorb cold air from below and passes that air through the said heating elements, heating the air. Not all of these have a built-in heating element, and the blades simply reverse.

Obviously, this isn’t as effective as models with heating elements. So, when buying, make sure to purchase the model that suits your living conditions.

Double Fan

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A dual-motor ceiling fan gives you double the comfort and a bold, even industrial style. These styles have two horizontal rods that are connected to a central motor housing. A motorized, adjustable motor head is supported by each rod.

For a bright, airy area, look for designs with two motors and light kits. Dual-motor fans’ ability to be tuned to different speeds to adjust comfort levels on opposite corners of the room is one of its finest features.

Because they can direct air circulation to specific areas and at genuinely adjustable speeds, these are fantastic options for commercial and public spaces. Depending on the demands of your room, dual motor fans with and without lights are also available.

Energy Star Fans

ENERGY STAR ceiling fans help you cut energy bills while all the while being friendlier to the environment. To make it easier for customers to tell whether a product has undergone efficiency testing, the Environmental Protection Agency developed the ENERGY STAR designation.

The unit must consume 20–30% less energy than necessary to meet federal regulations in order to receive an Energy Star certification. The rating is then made available to customers so they can see which companies and goods may help them save energy costs and have a smaller environmental effect.

Fans that have earned the ENERGY STAR label are available in both standard and low-profile models. They can cut through the air with little effort because of their aerodynamic blades. To assist light up the space, many energy-efficient products also have LED Light functions.

Remote Control Fans

Ceiling fans are devices we normally install high up to get the most efficiency and coverage in a given area. But with need comes some disadvantages, primarily trying to gain access to the device when adjustments must be made. Old fans can be controlled by pulling cables or using a special switch that has buttons that correspond to certain speeds. But what if there is a way to control the unit without having to stand up?

Remote controls have been used in many home devices, like the radio or television sets, for decades. So it’s only a matter of time before they are standard issue. Remote controls can come bundled when purchasing a new product. But for old fans that we still want to keep around, there are kits that can be purchased that will allow homeowners to modify the circuitry to work with remote control.

Homeowners should ensure that they are confident and knowledgeable when working with electric circuits to prevent accidents or fires.

Wet Rated Fans

Ceiling fans are made differently for different purposes, such as those meant to be used in places where they can experience rainfall. A wet-rated unit is such a device.

These are meant to be used outdoors or in places with the electrical components cannot be protected adequately against the elements like a partially enclosed patio.

Quiet Fans

Ceiling fans are great utilities for lowering the temperature of a given area, but they can also be noisy. Anything from bad design or just the plain acoustics of the area can be a factor as to why they can be noisy. Thankfully, quiet fans are a thing. By taking advantage of brushless motors, noise is reduced as well as heat.

Quiet fans equipped with DC motors have magnets that do not generate any electrical buzz. By operating at a cooler temperature they can avoid the clicking and humming normally associated with the noisier AC motor.

Kid’s Fans

Designing the interior of a kid’s room won’t be complete if there’s just one element that is off. In order to stick to the theme, manufacturers designed special fans made to go with the aesthetic of a child’s room.

Kids’ ceiling fan types come in colorful designs; some even have distinct shapes and forms to make them more fun to look at. A specialty product could be used to help create a themed room design.

Outdoor Fans

We just have to deal with summer heat when we are outside, especially in places with high humidity. When spending time outdoors, we still want to stay cool. Humidity is especially annoying, so we want to get rid of as much as we can.

An correctly sized outdoor ceiling fan may just be the solution to the issue. Blowing air and circulating it can help prevent heat from building up in an area, and this can also help move humidity around and assist in cooling down an area.

These units are rated according to their use. The biggest concern here is moisture and water. Those made for the outdoors are not prone to damage due to water. They come in two classifications, damp-rated, or wet-rated with the latter being superior. Never use products meant for indoors only.

Commercial Fans

Keeping a venue cool is crucial in keeping customers happy. Whether in a restaurant or a shopping mall, people won’t stay for long if the temperature gets to them. This is why a venue in warm climates has to have some means of dropping that ambient temperature to a more comfortable level.

Serious drops in temperature will require heavier hardware, such as air conditioning units. But for places with subtropical temperatures, even a simple design is more than enough for the job. Commercial ceiling fans are designed to work more efficiently in areas where the air has to be moved quickly.

Commercial units are also designed for heavy-duty tasks over long periods. The last thing you need in your place of business is for it to be constantly breaking down. Breakdowns can cause discomfort to your customers and staff, not to mention the inconvenience it can bring due to repairmen making repairs.

Portable Fan

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Ceiling fans don’t always have to be permanent. You just need a quick solution to provide cold air circulation in certain situations. If you are camping and have built a large enough tent, you can have it equipped with a portable unit.

These fans are not mounted onto a beam permanently; some can just be tied to a beam. So, think of temporary setups like tents or other unique ceiling situations. This is perfect when you are out camping in the wilderness during the summer.

As they are portable, some models only require around 11 watts to operate, so that’s something to consider when you are planning to bring a power source.

Industrial Fans

In heavy-duty applications such as in factories, an industrial ceiling fan is going to be a must when there is a need to move air around. Industrial units are designed to be heavy-duty with little downtime.

They are not designed to look fancy as their only function is moving air. So, they look as plain as possible. They are also more expensive due to the higher quality of materials used to make them.

Agricultural Fans

Keeping cattle or fowl cool is important to lessen stress on the animals. This is why fans made for agricultural applications need to be durable and fast. Moving that air is important to keep the animals comfortable.

Birds, in particular, are prone to heat stroke. A happy cow produces more milk, so keeping those stress levels as low as possible is very important for dairy farmers. If animals are involved, the smell of manure is going to be present.

An effective cooling fan setup should keep the foul smell to a minimum. When choosing the right product, it is important to pick a design that is capable of moving as much air as possible.

Fans made for this application are not going to look fancy, just like any other industrial styles. Factors when buying one should include the size of the location that needs to be cooled down. A large barn will require powerful air circulation.

Belt Driven Fan

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Driving a ceiling fan via a belt offers more control. It also enables multiple units to be driven by just one motor. Belt-driven designs are generally quieter because of the reduction in electronics.

But as with anything that involves more parts, the belts can wear off eventually, making them less efficient. The belts may also produce unwanted residue from friction. When deciding to go for a belt-driven fan, this is something to be monitored.

Fan Size Guide

You’ll find ceiling fan diameters ranging from 29 – 84 inches – the most popular being the 52-inch model. To get the right ceiling fan sizes, consider the room size. Choose a diameter that’s proportionate to your room area.

Recommended Ceiling Fan Blade Size Span	Room Area (Square Feet)
29” or less	Less than 50
29” – 36”	50 – 75
36” – 38”	75 -100
38” – 42”	100 – 150
42” – 46”	150 – 200
46” – 52”	200 – 300
52” – 54”	300 – 400
54” – 56”	400 – 500
56” – 70”	500 – 750
70” – 84”	750 – 1,000
84’ or more	1,000 square feet or more

Aside from the diameter of your ceiling fan, another determining factor for your size to match your room area is the room clearance. That is the measurement of the height from the finished floor to your ceiling. 

Ceiling Height – Less than 8 feet: Choose a low-profile ceiling (flush mounted) 

Ceiling Height of More than 8 feet: Choose a ceiling fan downrod 

Rectangular rooms with long configurations and with an area of 300 square feet or more are best to get multiple fans for a more even distribution and circulation of cooled air. 

How To Measure A Fan for the Ceiling?

Firstly, get the blade span of your ceiling fan, that is, the total diameter of the blades with their full rotation. For an odd number of blades, take the measurement of the blade from the center of the fan to the tip of your blade and multiply by 2.

For an even number of blades, measure across your blades end to end to get the diameter. You’ll also need to get the area of your room which is the length multiplied by the width (square feet and square meters). The room size is directly proportional to your fan’s diameter.  

Sample Computation: What is the fan size for a 12 inches x 15 inches dining space? Multiply 12 inches by 15 inches which gives you 180 square feet.

Refer to the chart above to determine the size. The chart recommends a 42″ – 46″ diameter ceiling fan for 150 to 200 square feet rooms. 

Types Of Fan Mounting Brackets

Standard Ceiling Fan Mount: The standard floor-to-ceiling height is 9 feet for the first floor and usually slightly lower for the second floor going for an 8 feet height.

This standard clearance makes it suitable for a mount, which is installed at least 7 feet above the floor at a distance of 18 inches from the surrounding walls. 

Extended Mount: To get optimum airflow, ceiling fans are mounted 7 to 9 feet above the finished floor, which can be problematic for unusually higher ceilings. To accommodate the shorter distance between the unit and the floor below, extended mounts use downrods.

A downrod is a metal pipe that is connected to the brackets of the motor housing. Downrods can be as long as 6 to 120 inches. 

Flush Type: As the name implies, it is a mounting system that allows the ceiling fan to be installed at lower ceiling heights. A recommended 12 inches of clearance between the ceiling and the top tip of the blades. You can go with 18 inches for a more efficient distribution of air as long as the minimum of 7 feet is accommodated. 

Sloped Mount: This mounting system is used for vaulted or angled ceilings. These are installed using a built-in ball joint mechanism or a fan adapter along a downrod extender.

Many of these products today come with the ball joint mechanism that allows it to be installed on a straight or sloped ceiling and prevents it from wobbling. An adapter has a fixed slope and ceiling pitch; the most common are 45-degree or 29-degree slants. 

Ceiling Fan Downrods: Downrods is a cylindrical piece of hardware that is connected to the motor housing and mounting bracket.

The main uses of the downrods are to prevent wobbling while rotating and to allow a safe distance between the blades and ceiling as well as from the top finished floor. Downrods can be in combination with other hardware, such as adapters and brackets, to achieve the right mounting system. 

Fan Light Bulbs

Not all bulbs are compatible with ceiling fans. When replacing your bulb, it is best to check the bulbs that came along with your fixture. You should use a similar bulb type when replacing your fixture. For the bulb size, take into account your room size. 

Major Types of Ceiling Fan Bulbs: 

• Standard Candelabra: Designated as E12 and 0.47 inches wide and 0.65 inches tall.  

• Mini Candelabra: Designated as E11 and 0.43 inches wide and 0.51 inches tall. 

• Intermediate Bulbs: Designated as E17 which is a little larger than your mini candelabra with a width of 0.45 inches and 0.82 inches tall. 

• Medium Bulbs: Have a height of 1.05 inches. 

LED or CFL bulbs are recommended as they are more efficient in energy use and cost-effective. LED and CFL are known to have a longer service life.

The average number of hours lights a LED bulb can service is 50,000 hours light; there are models that can provide as many as 100,000 hours. Typically, a home can use 10 hours of light each day which means you will be using your bulbs for as long as 14 years. 

When it comes to bulb size, the typical 36 to 56- inch fans (good for small to medium-sized bedrooms 100 to 200 square feet) can be efficiently lit with 55 to 100 watts. Add task lighting such as floor lamps. 

Brightest Light For A Fan

One of the brightest lights for a ceiling fan is a bulb with cool daylight and has a 5000 Kelvin color temperature which gives a crisp appearance and is great for task lighting and security lighting, which are utilized in basements and garages.

A bulb with a lumen output of 800 and above is sufficient for standard rooms. Dimmable and long-lasting LED ceiling bulbs are cost-effective options. 

Cost To Install A Fan On The Ceiling

As of August 15, 2022, the average cost for a straightforward ceiling fan installation cost $247, with a range of $144 to $352. The more complex installations can go up as much as $600, with labor costs running from $50 to $250. 

Factors that affect the ceiling installation cost include labor, which takes up the largest portion of the fee. Handyman services charge -$25 to $50 per hour, while a certified electrician charges twice, which is $50 to $100 per hour. As mentioned, the complexity of your installation dictates the labor costs. 

Materials are another factor to consider where metal products are more expensive than wicker or wood. Stainless steel, for instance, costs around $200 to $800, while wood materials will get you $100 to $400. 

Additional features such as light and smart features can add to your labor and material costs. Wiring is another factor to consider, which averages from $350 to $2,000 for simple to mid-range jobs, and complex wiring can add $1,000 to $2,000 to your labor costs. 

Best Fan Brands

Kichler Company

One of the trickiest things to do when trying to purchase a new fan is trying to match it with the current or desired aesthetic. This is especially difficult when trying to install units in an already established setting.

But thankfully, there are businesses out there that specialize in designing products that will match the desired aesthetic of a customer. The Kichler company is one of the top manufacturers of these products.

It’s always a pleasure to see ceiling fans with matching light fixtures. Replacing established light fixtures for the sake of new fans isn’t exactly economical, so why not match the two?

The Kichler company also provides designs that add to the current or desired aesthetic of the setting. Now when it comes to durability, these products are expected to work in rugged conditions.

Anything mechanical tends to break down, but with excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail, they can be designed to be sturdy. However, they don’t have a wide selection when it comes to smart versions. Website: Kichler Company

Hunter Fan Company

If you are a big advocate of efficient and smart appliances, then this might just be what you need. Hunter has been around for more than a century. They are a trusted brand with an established name repertoire that you can fall back on when you don’t know what to choose.

They stress the need to innovate. Anything from the latest silent motors to implementing smart options, they have options. When it comes to designs, they have a diverse catalog of light fixtures, motors, blades, and other various components. Website: Hunter Fan

Minka Aire Group

A good fan design contributes a lot when it comes to aesthetics, but what about when it comes to lighting? Matching your light with your fans will certainly complete the look and change the ambiance room entirely with the proper lighting.

Minka Aire is a company that specializes in this area. But that is not to say that they lack in other departments. They have a diverse portfolio of blades and body designs that can fit into any era, from classic to contemporary.

If you are looking for a stylish option, you can try to browse their selection, and you might just find what you are looking for. Website: Minka Aire

Best Fans For Bedrooms

1. Finxin Remote Ceiling Fan: We rest and sleep in our bedrooms, and one factor affecting our sleep quality is temperature. Some people prefer to stay warm, but a vast majority of people can agree that a room too warm is not comfortable to sleep in.

Sometimes it’s even impossible. If an air conditioning unit is not available, then lowering the temperature can only be done with a proper product. The Finxin Remote is an example.

If you need a unit that will cool down your room and can also double heat up the room, then this product is for you. It can only be operated with the remote control it comes with. It also comes with an LED light that can add to your room’s existing lighting setup or replace it entirely.

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2. Minka Aire LED White Flush: If you need serious airflow for your bedroom, then the Minka Aire LED White Flush is going to be your first choice. It sports blades with a wide diameter of 44 to 52 inches.

The three blades whirl with some audible noise, but it does its job well enough to make up for the con. If you need it to provide warmth, then this unit will sit right in well for your bedroom. It also has an included LED fixture that can replace or add to your existing lighting setup.

See this product at Home Depot [sponsored link]

3. Hunter Hepbum Ceiling Fan: Want to cool down your room and add lights at the same time? This brand comes in a wide 52-inch diameter with an included globe light. Its stylish white blades and brass casing should have no problem hanging on your ceiling.

See this product on Amazon [sponsored link]

What Are Hugger Fans? 

Hugger fans are low-profile fixtures than don’t have a downward rod. They are installed flush against the ceiling.

They are perfect for a room with less than 8 feet of vertical clearance. They work well on regular ceilings as well as sloped ones.

What Are Fandelier Fans? 

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Do you want to keep the room cool and keep a fancy set of lights over your head? Fandeliers is your answer. Manufacturers simply came up with the idea of combining a chandelier and a fan, and you have this.

This will do well in settings where social gatherings are common such as the living room or dining area. Although, be aware that types under this category lack the power to move enough air because they have to sacrifice blade length to accommodate the aesthetic and lights.

Fan Direction Myth

Ceiling Fans are only for the cold: The typical standard units include controls that allow them to spin in reverse, which forces warm air upward while pulling chilly air from below.

Consequently, there will be increased air circulation if you turn the fan’s blades clockwise. This effectively stops heat from rising, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.

Fans For Vaulted Ceilings

The diameter of the fan depends on the dimensions of the room. A larger room means you will need a unit that can move air efficiently. A small room can get away with blades 42-44 inches in diameter.

But a room with a high ceiling can use those with a 60-inch diameter. For really large rooms with sloped ceilings, a unit that is 96 inches in diameter should be adequate.

Before going out there to make a purchase, you need to also consider if you have a vaulted ceiling. If you do, the product you will need should have a down rod. This is especially required if you have a steep ceiling slope. The steeper it is, the longer the down rod you need. This is to ensure efficient airflow.

1. Norden Ceiling fan with light: Just because a device is designed to simply move air doesn’t mean it has to look bare. Fans come in any design. This one, in particular, comes with wooden blades, stained with natural wood grain to add to a room’s natural theme or to break the monotony in a room’s aesthetic, particularly if the room is starting to look too clean.

This model has six-speed modes and comes in swinging with its 54-inch blades and a 13-degree pitch. It can be controlled remotely for safety and convenience.

The motor body can come in white, satin copper. Depending on the body color, the blades can come in either ash color, pink, or matte nickel, respectively.

2. Minka-Aire LightWave LED Ceiling Fan: If you have a vaulted ceiling in a large room. This product might just be what you need. It comes in with a large stylish unit with a diameter of 52 inches.

The down rod is 6 inches but can still be extended if there is a need. It can be controlled with remote control, seeing that this is expected to go in a large room, so cables and strings are out of the question.

What Is The Proper Height For A Fan?

As per the building code, the vertical distance between the fan’s blades and the floor should be at least 7 feet. Any component, such as a light fixture (for some models), can go below the 7 feet requirement. If you want to stay within building code requirements, it is important that your blades don’t drop below 7 feet.

The typical design for fans includes down rods 3 to 6 inches in height. These are also designed to be installed in a room with a standard height of 8 feet. This is to ensure optimum airflow. You must factor in these things when deciding what product to install.

Down Rod and Higher Ceilings: Some rooms may have higher than standard vertical space. A room with more than 8 feet is designed so with the intent to give it a more spacious feel, literally and figuratively.

However, installing ceiling fans too low with overly extended down rods can defeat this purpose. It can also make the room look crowded, and the oversized blades can also take away from the aesthetic of the room. So sometimes, it is wise to go against manufacturers’ recommendations, specifically if they ask to drop the unit too low.

They are designed to provide a cooling effect, and in regions that experience winter, they also double as a tool for circulating heat. We all know that heat rises, and fans reversed can pull cold air from the lower section of a room and push warm air down.

So, when installing ceiling fans, it is important to ask whether they are there only to provide cold air or should it also provide warm air. Deciding on this will affect the down rod’s length. How low the unit is dropped determines how effective it will be at managing temperature in the room.

Cleaning A Ceiling Fan: The housing and blades collect dust and grime over time, and it is important to keep a cleaning schedule. Depending on the environment’s humidity levels, it can collect anything from dust to something sticky, almost like mud.

Keeping the units clean can be done by either using a duster or going up there to wipe it with a solvent solution. They should be kept clean. Enough of those stains can make them noticeable to people visiting or living in the room. While cleaning, it is also important to lay down newspapers or fabric below to collect fallen debris.

See more related content in our article about the best ceiling fan alternatives on this page.