Choosing the right ceiling fan can be a whirlwind of decisions, as you have to consider style, size, features, and more. But it’s worth investing your time in doing the research required to find a model that works for your house and the specific conditions in the rooms where you want to install a fan.
That’s because ceiling fans are like the cool best friends of home energy efficiency and interior design panache. You can use these bad boys to refresh the house during summer and push hot air down during winter. It’s also a great way to get out the humidity and keep your house dry and comfy.
Now, we won’t blame you if you feel more lost than socks in a dryer when you reach your local home store’s aisle of ceiling fans. There are so many models and designs that it can feel tricky and confusing to choose the right one(s).
But this is where we come in – we put together a few useful tips to help you pick the right fan for each room in your house.
1. Choose the Right Ceiling Fan for Your Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the room most prone to accidental fires (according to the American Red Cross). So, good ventilation is crucial to maintain a proper and safe environment.
To choose the best ceiling fan that will be able to handle your level of cooking and fit well with the overall design, follow these steps:
Choose the Right Size
The size of the fan (its span) must correlate with the size of your kitchen. For instance, a small café-style kitchen might cozy up with a compact 29-inch fan, but a more spacious area needs 52 inches or more. The goal is to fill the room with a breeze without overwhelming the space.
Think of the Style
It may be just a kitchen ceiling fan, but this doesn’t mean it shouldn’t look good, right? But more importantly, it should be easy to clean. So, choose a classy stainless steel fan or a design with brushed nickel finishes. Wooden blades are also a great option.
Functionality
Cooking can make things hot, so choose a fan with multiple speed settings. Also, kitchens need superior air circulation to whisk away smoke, steam, and cooking odors, so make sure your model has both downdraft and updraft options.
2. What About Wet Locations?
Humidity is not something you want in your house for too long, especially in regularly damp and wet areas, like the bathroom or the basement. The good news is that you can fight it off with the right type of ceiling fan.
First off, note the difference between damp-rated and wet-rated fans. Damp-rated ones can handle moist air but not direct contact with water – perfect for your subterranean retreat or where showers steam up the place.
Wet location ceiling fans (or wet-rated) can survive splashes and are great for covered outdoor spaces or if your basement doubles as a part-time indoor pool.
In both cases, look for materials that defy rust and corrosion – stainless steel, plastics, and certain treated woods are usually unfazed by humidity. Also, the blade design is important since some are precision-sealed to keep moisture out.
Lastly, the motor housing must have a safe seal. This keeps humid air from causing an electrician’s nightmare inside the machinery.
3. Ceiling Fans for Bedroom & Living Room
The bedroom and living room are usually safe from cooking smells and byproducts or humidity. However, these are the areas in your house where you and your family spend most of the time. So, you need a ceiling fan that can do its job in a quiet and efficient manner.
Size-wise, you want a smaller design for the bedroom – aim for a fan large enough to circulate air efficiently. Also, a low-profile or hugger ceiling fan can be ideal if you have low ceilings. On the other hand, you can install a statement ceiling fan in your living room and make it the center of attention.
You may also want to choose a ceiling fan with integrated lighting fixtures to hit two birds with one stone.
4. Ventilation for Your Home Office
Fresh, cool air is a great way to keep your brain focused and refreshed throughout the day. However, you don’t want to hear the hum or rattle of the blades all day (although some may like this level of white noise).
To choose the right fan for your home office, consider size, noise level, and a nice style (you want to feature your style and look professional). Additionally, you should consider variable speed options and integrated light fixtures.
Wrap Up
The right ceiling fan adds comfort, slashes energy bills, and infuses character into your space. And, if you follow the tips we listed here, you should be able to find the perfect fans for each room in your home.
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