Stylish ceiling fans: now in circulation
A new generation of ceiling fans is blowing away the much-maligned category’s reputation as the bane of interior designers everywhere.
“Today’s ceiling fans can function as accessories or art,” says decorator Brian Patrick Flynn, who frequently appears on HGTV. “Contemporary fans are game-changing. In all-white or all-gray rooms, a stainless or pewter ceiling fan can ground the space without taking over.”
Whatever your style, you can now find a ceiling fan to complement your décor. Metal industrial chic models look like something out of a 1940s French factory while island casual fans with blades woven from sea grass or other natural fibers bring a relaxed vibe to any space.
The latest ceiling fan features
Not only do fans look better than ever, many are also harnessing new technologies. Handheld remotes, energy-efficient engines, and silent airflows are becoming standard features.
Ceiling fans aren’t limited to the indoors anymore, either. Companies like Fanimation, Minka Aire, and Emerson offer wet-rated outdoor fans with light kits and in a host of materials, from polished chrome and antique brass to walnut and wicker blades.
Shopping for a ceiling fan
Looking to create some serious breeze in your rooms? Consider the following when shopping for a new ceiling fan:
- The more tilted the blade, the more the air circulates.
- The more powerful the ceiling fan’s motor, the more air it moves.
- Look for longer-bladed models for bigger rooms.
- Make sure you can switch your fan to rotating clockwise for summer in order to circulate cold air; reverse it in winter to pull down hot air, which can help trim your heating bills.
