Choosing the right ceiling fan for your home may seem like a daunting task. Below is our comprehensive guide to allow you to make the best choice for any space.

CEILING FAN LOCATION

When it comes to selecting a ceiling fan for your home, it’s important to consider the location where the fan will be installed. Different locations require different types of fans to ensure maximum efficiency, comfort, and safety.

Ceiling Fan 101 Guide
Loft 62 LED - Midnight Black w Brushed Steel (6LFR62MBKD) by Visual Comfort

CEILING FAN SIZES

The ceiling fan width and number of blades is determined by your room’s ceiling height and square footage.

Higher ceilings and larger rooms require more cooling power, which require wider span fans and more blades. The most common ceiling fan sizes are between 44 and 60 inches, however, models measuring up to 84” or even 90” are available for great rooms or for outdoor spaces. Also, more blades alone may not mean more cooling power. The blade pitch is what gives a ceiling fan more air movement: a higher blade pitch results in more airflow.

CEILING FAN STYLES

Your home’s décor is the best guide for your choice of ceiling fan. Modern décor allows for a broad range of styles ranging from sleek contemporary metal designs to classic wooden blade fans.

Cruise 52 Outdoor - Roman Bronze (5CU52RB) by Generation Lighting
Aspen 70 - Aged Pewter (5ASPR70AGP) by Visual Comfort & Co. Fan Collection

CEILING FAN MOTOR

The ceiling fan motor determines its efficiency and airflow. There are two types of ceiling fan motors: DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current). Which one is right for you? In general, DC motors are regarded as the most efficient technology. They use less power, are quieter than AC motors, and more water-resistant in severe environments. However, they require an AC to DC converter, which can make them expensive to install. Because they are a newer technology, there are also fewer style options available, and they generally cost more than AC motors. Most homeowners are satisfied with the combination of good quality AC motor ceiling fans with their wide range of design options and styles.

CEILING FAN FEATURES

In addition to attractiveness, your ceiling fan choice will determine the features that are important to you. Do you need a remote control or will a pull chain suffice? The newest Smart models offer an app that uses Bluetooth technology to allow you to control them. Do you need a light source on your fan? Most fans come with a built-in LED kit, but a well-lit outdoor space may mean you can skip the light and spend more money on other features.

Prairie 62 LED - Aged Pewter (14PRR62AGPD) by Visual Comfort & Co. Fan Collection
60 Inch Ahrendale Fan (310170AUB) by Kichler

EXTERIOR CEILING FAN

The most important consideration for outdoor ceiling fans is that they are weather resistant. For a covered porch or bathroom, a UL damp rating is sufficient. For open spaces such as decks or outbuildings where the fan is directly exposed to rain, snow or ambient moisture, you will need a UL wet rated fan. These fans are mold and mildew resistant, so they will last for years.

Damp Location Ceiling Fans

DAMP-RATED FANS

Damp-rated fans are designed for use in covered outdoor spaces, like covered patios or porches, or inside places like bathrooms and laundry rooms that aren’t directly exposed to water but may come in contact with humidity. These fans withstand exposure to moisture and all hardware is constructed with rust-resistant stainless steel.

Wet Location Ceiling Fans

WET-RATED FANS

Wet-rated fans are designed for use in outdoor spaces that may be exposed to elements like snow or rain. Ideal for outdoor decks or a garden gazebo, wet-rated fans are engineered to withstand direct contact with water and moisture. These fans are built with moisture-resistant motors and all-weather blades for long-lasting and safe performance.

CEILING FAN MOUNTING TYPE

The two basic fan mounts are flush mount or downrod. A low ceiling or small room requires a flush mount (close to the ceiling) fan for safety. A taller ceiling requires a downrod to center the fan in the space and allow it to function efficiently.

60 Inch Canfield XL Patio Fan (310193TZP) by Kichler

Talk With The Ceiling Fan Experts

Talk to our ceiling fan experts about choosing the best ceiling fan for the interior or exterior of your home. They are trained to ask the right questions to help you make the best choice and get the features you need.

Visit our showroom for the full selection of indoor/outdoor ceiling fans

Loft Collection 62” 6-Blade Ceiling Fan in Midnight Black with Midnight Black Blades and Integrated LED Light 6LFR62MBKD

Loft Collection (Damp Rated for Outdoors)
62” 6-Blade Ceiling Fan in Midnight Black with Midnight Black Blades and Integrated LED Light.

Avila Collection 54” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Satin Brass with Matte White Blades and Integrated LED Light 3AVLR54SBD

Avila Collection (Damp Rated for Outdoors)
54” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Satin Brass with Matte White Blades and Integrated LED Light.

Cruise Collection (Wet Rated for Extreme Environments) 2” 5-Blade Ceiling Fan in Roman Bronze with American Walnut Blades 5CU52RB

Cruise Collection (Wet Rated for Extreme Environments)
52” 5-Blade Ceiling Fan in Roman Bronze with American Walnut Blades.

Era Collection (Damp Rated for Outdoors) 44” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Aged Pewter with Light Grey Weathered Oak Blades and Integrated LED Light 3ERAR44AGPD

Era Collection (Damp Rated for Outdoors)
44” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Aged Pewter with Light Grey Weathered Oak Blades and Integrated LED Light.

Clarity Collection (Indoor Fan) 56” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Brushed Steel with Light Grey Weathered Oak Blades and Integrated LED Light 3CLMR56BSD-VI

Clarity Collection (Indoor Fan)
56” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Brushed Steel with Light Grey Weathered Oak Blades and Integrated LED Light.

Maverick Collection (Damp Rated for Outdoors)60” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Matte Black with Dark Walnut Blades and Integrated LED Light 3MAVR60BKD

Maverick Collection (Damp Rated for Outdoors)
60” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Matte Black with Dark Walnut Blades and Integrated LED Light.

Jovie Collection (Damp Rated for Outdoors) 52” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Brushed Steel with Silver Blades and Integrated LED Light 3JVR52BSD

Jovie Collection (Damp Rated for Outdoors)
52” 3-Blade Ceiling Fan in Brushed Steel with Silver Blades and Integrated LED Light.

Haven Collection (Indoor Fan) 52” 5-Blade Ceiling Fan in Brushed Steel with Silver Blades 5HV52RZW

Haven Collection (Indoor Fan)
52” 5-Blade Ceiling Fan in Brushed Steel with Silver Blades.