Featured in this article
.png)
.jpeg)
.png)
Shopping for the best ceiling fans might not be as enjoyable as perusing a boutique (or scouring the internet) for a unique piece of decor, but we believe no detail should go unconsidered. Whether you’re into something simple or lean ornate, need something for a small space or to accommodate a funky ceiling height, any of these stylish options may convince you to forgo the air conditioner. We also made sure to find fans that actually look good, whether you’re rocking modern design or something more vintage-inspired.
Here, find a 12-blade option that looks more like a windmill in the European countryside than it does a contemporary remote-control-operated appliance. Or, feast your eyes on an elevated, monochromatic ceiling fan with a light. In short, any of our top picks also work as art installations for your ceilings. Plus, there’s hardly anything more soothing than that gentle breeze and soft white noise to ease you into a restful sleep. Read on for the best overall ceiling fans that will add cool factor in more ways than one.
Best Wood Option
Specs
- Diameter: 52 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: 3229 CFM
- Mounting Type: Downrod
Crafted from distressed koa wood, the Minka Aire Wave boasts that coveted tropical look without going overboard. Its blades curve in all the right ways, making this contemporary piece one of our favorites. Its easy-to-use remote control lets you stay where you are so you don’t have to interrupt the relaxation to either turn it on or off, or adjust the speed of the fan blades.
The Budget Pick
Specs
- Diameter: 52 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: 5,000 CFM
- Mounting Type: Flush mount
Simple and streamlined, this ceiling fan cuts through warm air while contributing to a modern ambience. Its sleek silhouette also makes it a clash-free addition to even more upscale parts of the house like the dining room. With a 52-inch diameter, its large wingspan is ideal for cooling large rooms. Ringing in around $100, we recommend this budget choice for any indoor or outdoor space.
For an Industrial Look
Specs
- Diameter: Up to 33 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: 7239 CFM
- Mounting Type: Downrod
An original design from Rejuvenation, the Peregrine’s energy-efficient design reminds us why we’re partial to that sleek industrial look. The best part is that it’s completely customizable, with a variety of metal and wood finishes to choose from. You can even place it on a patio or porch as an outdoor ceiling fan (or use take advantage of its light kit, complete with LED bulbs).
Best for Low Ceilings
.png)
Specs
- Diameter: 22 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: 867 CFM
- Mounting Type: Flush mount
If you’re on the hunt for a new ceiling fan, but you’ve got to keep the fan size pretty small—low ceilings, closet-sized bedroom—sometimes keeping it petite is best—this caged design is pretty nifty. The ideal room size for this tiny-but-mighty fan is 120 square feet and it can be placed in damped environments… like the patio you always avoid because it’s too hot. Problem solved.
The White Lotus-Inspired Pick
Specs
- Diameter: 52 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: 4834 CFM
- Mounting Type: Downrod
Calling all White Lotus fans: This ceiling fan is your ticket to a villa-inspired escape in your home. This is designed with four large, leaf-like blades that move in three speeds—also in reverse directions—and look straight out of the tropics. Plus, it’s equipped with all-weather blades and stainless steel supports to make it durable enough for indoor and alfresco use.
Best Modern Ceiling Fan
.jpeg)
Specs
- Diameter: 52 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: 5409 CFM
- Mounting Type: Downrod
If you want to live like Lenny Kravitz, this ceiling fan inspired by the decor we spotted in his Brazilian home will get you one step closer. While it has a minimalist design, its cool blades—literally—move up to six speeds to add airflow throughout your space. Even though the fan is a great find for an open-air compound like Kravitz’s, we’re pretty sure this sleek silhouette can fit in just about any home style out there.
For a Coastal Oasis
.jpeg)
Specs
- Diameter: 22 inches
- Control Type: WiFi and remote-enabled
- Airflow: 2,600 CFM
- Mounting Type: Downrod
For a smart home that doesn’t skimp on style, consider this Tulum “fandeilier.” Like the name implies, it’s a chandelier-meets-ceiling fan that can cool and illuminate your space in elevated fashion. It is also WiFi-compatible and comes with a wall-mounted remote for ease of use. Perfect for a coastal home, its style speaks to its Caribbean roots with a rattan wicker design reminiscent of airy textiles you’ll find along the tropical coastline.
Best Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
.png)
Specs
- Diameter: 22 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: 8840 CFM
- Mounting Type: Downrod
Although some people may prefer their ceiling fans to have as few blades as possible, others enjoy a more maximalist approach to cooling down. Enter Modern Forms’ Windflower. As its name implies, the smart ceiling fan’s blades take on the appearance of flower petals, cooling down your space with the touch of a button (or Wi-Fi–enabled app, shall we say). Not only can you adjust the hugger fan’s speed with a remote control, but you can also adjust the LED light’s brightness. This one is definitely a one-stop shop for anyone in favor of dual-functioning products, as it’s both an indoor and outdoor ceiling fan and a full-fledged light fixture. Gone are the days of reaching for the pull chain.
More Ceiling Fans We’re Browsing
.jpeg)
Specs
- Diameter: 13 inches
- Control Type: App or remote control
- Airflow: N/A
- Mounting Type: Flush mount
This flush mount ceiling fan is a classic: It comes with six gears for a customized cool as well as a few unique finishes to match your home’s style. When it comes to low profile ceiling fans, it’s best to have something with just a touch of personality. This one is great for small rooms or living spaces, and it is designed with a dimmer and reversible blades so you have more control over the lighting and can use this fan year-round. We think the walnut or antique oak blades are great accents for a farmhouse, while the woodgrain gray is ideal for a minimalist space. Coming in at less than $70, it’s another affordable option too.
.png)
Specs
- Diameter: 54 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: N/A
- Mounting Type: Downrod
Though the LeatherLuxe ceiling fan looks ultra-contemporary, its polished design actually dates back to the 1980s when designer Ron Rezek launched the Modern Fan Company, one of his five companies. The three milled-wood fan blades connect via a leather-wrapped cylinder that controls the fan’s six speeds. We tend to picture hard and shiny chrome when we think of super-advanced technology, but Rezek’s design is as warm and beautiful as a generations-old club chair.
Plus, since the model came on the market 40 years ago, the LeatherLuxe has some new and more modern features, including a motor that can move thousands of cubic feet of air per minute and the ability to circulate warm airflow—versus chilly air—during colder months. Because of its delicate materials, the LeatherLuxe is strictly an indoor ceiling fan.
.jpeg)
Specs
- Diameter: 22 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: N/A
- Mounting Type: Downrod
The bold flush-mount Henry fan is for those who enjoy taking a risk here and there. Only 20 inches in diameter, the matte black and super low profile piece somehow feels both retro and contemporary with its mesh cage and frosted-glass bulb shade. And like the LeatherLuxe, the airflow is reversible: You can decide which way you want the blades to turn—counterclockwise in the warmer months and clockwise in the colder ones. What’s more, the blades are pitched at exactly 20 degrees for maximum airflow. Luckily, you can use the Henry as an outdoor ceiling fan during days by the pool or for alfresco dinners.
.jpeg)
Specs
- Diameter: 44 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: 3768 CFM
- Mounting Type: Downrod
People love Hunter fans for a reason—step right onto the bandwagon. This LED ceiling fan is a bit more versatile than other options, thanks to the natural wood blades and the utilitarian light; it plays in both interior design styles in a lighthearted way. There are two blade span options (44” and 52”) and three speed settings, plus it has a remote control with dimming power. The low profile makes it a great option for low ceilings.
.png)
Specs
- Diameter: 52 inches
- Control Type: Remote
- Airflow: N/A
- Mounting Type: Flush mount
Another great Hunter option, the Cranbrook may boast a 1960s-inspired look, but it’s about as modern as ceiling fans come. The low profile design eliminates annoying wobble, and the fan doubles as an LED light fixture. Like any ceiling fan worth its weight, the Hunter design allows for reversible airflow, letting you change the direction of the fan blades depending on the season. Plus, Hunter swapped the antiquated pull chain for a sleek remote control.
.png)
Specs
- Diameter: 5 inches
- Control Type: Pull chain
- Airflow: 3766 CFM
- Mounting Type: Downrod
This brushed nickel is sleek. It could work as an anchor for a room covered in soft colors and textures, or give an all-wood bedroom a kick into the future. Best for rooms up to 400 square feet, it comes with an LED light kit and was designed with an integrated light source. What does that mean, exactly? No more replacing light bulbs!
What to Look for in the Best Ceiling Fans
When it comes to the best ceiling fans, it’s important to keep your actual space in mind—from how much space you want to cool to the style that matches your home’s aesthetic. Then, of course, you’ll want to find a style that fits your decor, but more on that below.
Whether you have farmhouse or contemporary design in your home, we recommend looking for ceiling fan styles that complement your space. If you want to go for a rustic aesthetic, opt for a wooden ceiling fan. Minimalists and modern design enthusiasts will appreciate sleek picks like the metal ceiling fans in this list. And if the coastal aesthetic speaks to you, try something woven like rattan or bamboo.
For smaller spaces, like a bedroom or office space, a ceiling fan with up to a 30-inch diameter is a great option to cool down your space. We’d recommend diameters up to 60 inches that are powerful enough to handle bigger areas like living rooms.
Downrod and flush mounting options are the two most popular you’ll find in our list. Downrod mounting consists of attaching a piece of metal—usually up to five inches long—from the fan to the ceiling mount. A flush mount, also known as a hugger, typically connects right to the ceiling without a downrod included.
If you have low ceilings, you’ll likely need to go with a flush mount since it essentially hugs the ceiling and won’t hang down low. Downrod mounts are helpful for properly circulating the air in your space. If you have a space with a slanted ceiling, there are angled ceiling fan mount options on the market to accommodate your setup.
Dry rated: These fans should only be installed inside since their materials are likely not equipped to handle harsh conditions.
Damp rated: Ceiling fans labeled as damp rated can be installed inside or outside, as they are designed to withstand spaces with some moisture—like covered patios.
Wet rated: While these can be used inside like in a bathroom, wet rated fans are best for outdoor spaces thanks to their durability to withstand inclement weather.
