The Best Ceiling Fans for a Modern Home
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Best Ceiling Fans
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Ceiling fans are rather simple. They consist of an electric motor within a central hub, with three to five rotating blades that circulate the air in your room. However, the right ceiling fan for your home will go a step beyond simple function and durability. It should be tastefully designed with a silhouette that fits into your home’s aesthetic.
UPDATED: May 24, 2022.
To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best ceiling fans currently available.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the 52” Brightwatts Ceiling Fan because features an energy-efficient LED light and is powered by a three-speed reversible motor that provides up to 5,509 CFM.
What to Look for in a Ceiling Fan
First, pay attention to the design of the fan. How many blades does it have? Does it include a light? Does it come with a remote, or will you have to turn on the lights with a wall control? All these factors will affect your everyday use, so it’s important to think through them.
If your preferred fan doesn’t come with a light, think carefully about whether you may want a light in the future. It’s fairly easy to replace an existing light with a simple cap, but it’s generally not possible to add a lightbulb if the fan doesn’t include it in the first place.
Rotation Direction
Did you know that ceiling fans can be used in the winter to circulate warm air? Almost all fans have a switch on the side of the housing that changes the direction of rotation of the blades. In the summer months, you’ll want to set the fan counter-clockwise so the cool air is pushed out and down.
During the colder months, warm air will naturally rise to the ceiling and cold air will settle in the lower occupied space of a room. You can use the switch to change the direction of the fan (typically clockwise), and the blades will pull the cold air up and away.
RELATED: The Best Window Fans
Movement
Every ceiling fan has a Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) rating. This number tells you the volume of air the fan can move in a given time. It’s important to consider the CFM because this will tell you the maximum airflow it can produce, which after all, is the ultimate goal of a fan. Ceiling fans typically move around 4,000 CFM, though they can be as strong as 10,000 CFM.
Note that CFM is not the same as RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). RPM is a measure of the rotational speed of the motor or blades. CFM, on the other hand, is a measure of the quantity of air moved over time. The two are related since a higher RPM will likely result in a higher CFM. However, in addition to the fan speed, the CFM is also determined by the blade configurations such as size and angle.
Most models offer multiple settings that allow you to customize the speed to your specific needs. This is helpful to adjust it based on the room activity or weather. For example, if you are doing paperwork a rapid flow of air can cause chaos or when sleeping you may also prefer a low airflow. Obviously, if it is hot you will likely want to set it at maximum speed to increase cooling.
Size
Most standard residential ceiling fans have a diameter that measures 52 inches. In general, a 52-inch fan will fit most bedrooms and living areas. If you have a small space, you may want to go with a smaller fan, around 42 or 44 inches. You can also go as large as 60-inches for large rooms, vaulted or cathedral ceilings, gyms, or outdoor patios.
See also: Refresh Your Home With A Coffered Ceiling
Installing a Ceiling Fan
The first — and most critical — step is to make sure that your ceiling structure can hold a ceiling fan. This is especially important if you’re replacing a regular light fixture with a ceiling fan. Often, the junction or electric box that holds up the light is not strong enough to take the weight of a ceiling fan, so you will likely need to replace it first.
Here’s a short video that will give you an overview of what is involved in replacing or installing a new fan:
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the best ceiling fans on the market today, from premier ceiling fan manufacturers including Hunter, Minka-Aire, Honeywell, and Emerson.
Each fan has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy. Every unit has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
Best Overall: Brightwatts Energy Efficient LED Ceiling Fan
Based in southern Florida, Brightwatts, Inc. creates a range of energy-efficient solar products. Their ceiling fans are built for the everyday homeowner while being friendly to the environment. The company has been manufacturing top-notch fans for the past 37 years, and you can rely on their friendly customer service to help you through any installation hiccups.
Thanks to a powerful motor, the Brightwatts LED ceiling fan is perfect for large rooms— as big as 400 square feet. The fan has three settings: low, medium, and high. It’s completely silent on low and medium, and only makes a slight noise on high. The high-speed setting delivers 5,509 CFM. The deep nutmeg espresso finish will blend in with most design styles: it makes a subtle statement without being too overpowering.
Installing the Brightwatts LED fan will usually take somewhere between 60-90 minutes, depending on your existing wiring. If you have a sloped ceiling, just use the support rod that comes with the product. It supports installations at angles up to 20°. The blades are pitched at 12° to improve airflow. They’re also reversible, so you can use the fan in the winter to circulate warm air.
Because of the bright lights and powerful airflow, this fan will work just as well in gymnasiums and event spaces as it does in bedrooms and rooms with high ceilings. The 52-inch blades come with a remote, so you can control the speed and light from anywhere. However, if you decide to install it in a bedroom, just keep in mind that the LED lights can’t be dimmed.
Runner-Up: Minka-Aire F843-WH Wave Ceiling Fan
The Minka Group is a top player in the decorative lighting industry. Their fans are functional but have a strong emphasis on design. Their Wave ceiling fan is eye-catchingly beautiful. The stylish yet minimal silhouette adds a subtle statement to a room. And, with a wide range of finish options — the fan comes in black, distressed koa, driftwood, silver, and white — it will match most design schemes.
The 52-inch fan comes with a remote, so you can easily switch between three speed settings. While it’s running, the motor is completely silent. This is the perfect choice for bedrooms, offices, living rooms, or coffee shops. Just note that there’s no lightbulb in this fan, so it’s best for rooms with lots of natural light or existing lamps.
If you’re a technology lover, you can purchase a Bond hub separately and program the fan to work with your smart home devices (such as Alexa or Google Home). It also ships with a 6-inch downrod, though you can purchase a different length separately to install at your desired height from the ceiling.
Be careful: if you set out to only purchase one of these fans, you might just fall in love with it and replace every fan in your house!
Best for Outdoor Use: Emerson CF765BQ Ceiling Fan
Emerson is a Fortune 500 electric company based out of Missouri. The company has been manufacturing high-quality electric products since 1890, and their ceiling fans are the perfect blend of durability and functionality.
The Emerson CF765BQ ceiling fan boasts a simple, contemporary design with industrial touches. The fan comes in three finishes: barbecue black, appliance white, and brushed steel. If you plan to use the fan outdoors, go with either the black or white finish. Both are rated for use in wet or damp areas, with protective UV coating and weather-resistant resin blades. It’s an ideal choice for covered porches or 3-season rooms.
With a powerful motor, 6-inch downrod, and a 4-speed wall-mount slide control, this fan is also perfect for large rooms with high ceilings. The 60-inch blades have an incredible 7,579 CFM rating (for reference, the average for ceiling fans is 4,000 CFM). Basically, this ceiling fan moves a large volume of air.
The only downside is that the fan is not built to accommodate a light fixture. It is reversible for winter use, however.
Best Reversible: Hunter 59211 Sentinel Ceiling Fan
The Hunter Fan Company is one of the oldest ceiling fan manufacturers in the business. Their fans are well-known for their quality construction and rigorous inspection process. The Hunter 59211 Sentinel fan features a contemporary, three-blade design with a reversible mode so you can continue to use your fan in the winter.
With standard 52-inch blades, the fan includes an energy-efficient LED light to brighten up your living space. The fan is equipped with a WhisperWind motor. True to its name, the motor is as quiet as a whisper, yet extremely powerful, so you can enjoy the cooling breeze from the fan without the noise.
You can control and dim the light using the included remote. Choose from several modern finishes — brushed slate, brushed nickel, premier bronze, and white — for the perfect fit for your kitchen, bedroom, or living room.
Best for Low Ceilings: Minka-Aire F518L-WH Concept II LED Ceiling Fan
With 44-inch blades, this Minka-Aire model is slightly smaller than your average fan. It’s built for compact rooms or low ceilings. With a sleek white finish and three blades, the fan boasts a minimal design. The motor is very quiet even when the fan is running on high.
Using the handheld remote control, you can switch between three speed settings, turn on and dim the LED light, or reverse the fan direction in the winter. You can also purchase a Bond hub separately in order to control the fan with an Alexa or Google home device. The LED light is soft, not bright, so it’s perfect for bedrooms but may not be ideal for a kitchen or an office with no extra lighting.
With snap-in blades and no wall controller to set up, the fan is easy to install for one person. Whether you live in a studio apartment or you need a fan to complete your attic renovation, the small yet powerful Minka-Aire Concept II will fit right into your modern home.
Best Minimalist Design: Hunter 59269 Anslee Low Profile
This contemporary fan by Hunter has a low-profile design that allows it to fit snugly against the ceiling. With 46-inch blades, this fan is just slightly larger than the Minka-Aire Concept II, and it will also work well in rooms with low ceilings. It also has a covered LED bowl light that can be dimmed.
The rounded edges on the fan body resemble a refreshing drop of water. You have several finish options (fresh white, brushed nickel, matte silver, and premier bronze): all timeless choices with modern appeal. The fan is one of a few modern models with an included pull chain, and it will work well in children’s bedrooms, offices, or living rooms.
Best Weather Resistant: Home Decorators Kensgrove LED Ceiling Fan
This LED-equipped ceiling fan by Home Decorators stands out for many reasons. The 8 (eight!) maple blades are extra long at 72 inches, making a sleek and slender statement. Thanks to a powerful motor, the fan has a CFM rating of 10,484, more than 2.5 times the average. And, while the blades can move a large volume of air throughout the room, the motor is Energy Star rated so you don’t have to worry about a spiking electric bill.
This extra-large Kensgrove fan is also wet rated, so you can use it indoors or outdoors. The rich espresso bronze finish has a rustic feel. The included battery-powered remote allows you to toggle between 9 different speed settings. Most fans only have 3. You can also dim the light with the remote.
With easy-to-follow installation instructions and a warm dome-style LED light, this unique fan is the perfect way to make a statement in an open-concept kitchen, living area, porch, or patio.
Best Contemporary Style: Minka-Aire F524-WHF Roto Ceiling Fan
The Minka-Aire Roto ceiling fan features 3 sleek blades with a slight fold in the design for extra dimension. With a flat white finish and standard 52-inch diameter, the fan will blend into your ceiling for a subtle, contemporary accent. It’s also available in a deep coal finish or an industrial brushed aluminum.
You will control the fan with a wall control, which allows you to switch between 4 speed settings. You can also purchase a remote separately if you want. The fan comes with a 6-inch downrod, though you can purchase longer or shorter lengths to install at a custom height. The motor is powerful and makes a humming sound, but it is not loud or disruptive.
Best Budget: Hunter 51061 Low Profile III
This Hunter fan has all the modern features you love with a traditional design. The low-profile housing allows the fan to sit flush against the ceiling — ideal for low ceilings. The WhisperWind motor is quiet but powerful, and the fan is equipped with old-fashioned pull chains to complete the classic look.
The fan comes in antique pewter, silver, and new bronze finishes. The 42-inch blades keep the fan compact, and you can reverse the blades in the winter for energy efficiency. Each weathered blade is coated with patented Dust Armor nanotechnology that resists up to 58% of dust build-up.
At an affordable price, this fan will work well in bedrooms, kid’s rooms, or small apartments.
Best Rustic Style: Honeywell 50614-01 Ceiling Fan
This high-quality fan by Honeywell offers a modern rustic design to add a unique design element to any room. It comes with a three-speed remote control which makes it easy to control from anywhere within a room. The fan includes energy-efficient Edison LED lights housed within a metal ring. The included lights make it a good choice for a renovation on a budget since it offers a two-in-one package.
The blades have a standard 52-inch reach, and they match well with rustic themes. The fan comes in pewter, matte black and copper hardware finishes so you can find the right looks for your interior design style. It also includes a reversible motor for the summer and winter seasons and is designed for rooms up to 18 ft. by 18 ft.
I hope this list of the best ceiling fans was helpful. If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
