“When shopping for a ceiling fan, it’s important to consider the size, location, mounting type, and features, such as style and control of the product,” says Christy Edwards, merchant of ceiling fans at Home Depot. To help you decide which is the best ceiling fan for your home, we researched the best picks, keeping in mind the number of blades, air flow, motor speed, and safety certifications. We also consulted Christy Edwards; Sierra Fallon, lead designer at Rumor Designs; and Erin Shelton, senior brand marketing manager at Hunter Fan Company. Overall, we recommend the Hunter Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan based on the fan’s sleek good looks that work with almost any style. It’s also quiet and includes dimmable lights. Keep in Mind: This fan operates via pull chain, which can be difficult for some to access. Overall, the best ceiling fan is the Hunter Builder Deluxe Indoor Ceiling Fan for its cooling power, lighting capabilities, and versatile style. The ceiling fan features a brushed nickel and wood finish, making it a great addition to a bedroom, kitchen, or living room. Plus, the blades are reversible if you want to change up the look of the fan. The fan features a multi-speed motor, which delivers significant air movement with a quiet operation, which is ideal if you’re a light sleeper or if you just don’t want any distractions while you’re binging the latest TV show. This ceiling fan has two dimmable LED light bulbs that’ll ensure you have the light you need for any occasion, whether it’s soft and moody for bedtime or bright to give you a well-lit view for detailed tasks. It’s also worth noting that you can adjust the height of the fan to best suit the needs of your space thanks to the included 2-inch and 3-inch downrods, which ensure proper distance from floor to ceiling and optimize air movement. It also comes with a reversible motor to circulate warm air back down during the winter. Price at time of publish: $150 Number of Blades: Five | Diameter: 52 inches | Air Flow: 5,110 CFM | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: 159 RPM | Certifications: ETL Keep in Mind: The low-profile fan is designed to be used on lower ceilings, so it may not move air as well in high-ceilinged rooms. If you’re furnishing your home on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Hunter Conroy Indoor Low Profile Ceiling Fan. This traditional-style ceiling fan operates quietly and has a light-diffusing amber glass shade, making it a great pick for a bedroom. Plus, the ceiling fan has a reversible motor, moving hot air up in the summer and warm air down in the winter. The Conroy is designed to be used in rooms with ceilings under nine feet. The fan is a low-profile flush mount and does not include an adjustable downrod, meaning it may struggle to provide enough airflow for rooms with high ceilings. The ceiling fan also features energy-efficient, dimmable LED light bulbs that let you control the lighting and ambiance in your room. Price at time of publish: $140 Number of Blades: Five | Diameter: 42 inches | Air Flow: 2825 CFM | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: 175 RPM | Certifications: ETL Keep in Mind: It has a rustic, farmhouse look that may not match every home’s design style. The Springer Collection Distressed Walnut Coastal Windmill Ceiling Fan is is sure to make a big statement in your home. With 12 blades and a 60-inch spread, this fan delivers both high performance and a stylish look. The distressed walnut blades and bronze finish, which are inspired by the form and function of windmills, are great for those who like farmhouse, coastal, and rustic styles. No matter your aesthetic, the 12-blade ceiling fan is best for spaces over 360 square feet to accommodate the 5-foot spread of the blades. When it comes to this ceiling fan, you’ll appreciate the included remote that makes it easy to adjust the settings from the couch. In addition to the ability to change the direction of the blades, you’ll also be able to control the speed of the fan (it has six speeds) as well as the ceiling fan’s light. It’s also worth noting this fan has an 8-inch drop mount, meaning you cannot install this fan flush to the ceiling. Price at time of publish: $697 Number of Blades: 12 | Diameter: 60 inches | Air Flow: 6,485 CFM | Speeds: Six | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: This fan doesn’t come with a remote, so you’ll have to rely on pull chains to operate it. Small and simple, this 28-inch Prominence Home Hero Ceiling Fan is just right for petite rooms in your home, whether it be a spare bedroom, nursery, or small sunroom. The compact design comes with a low-profile mount and has a distressed wood finish that offers a rustic, farmhouse look. Even though this fan is on the small side, it still quietly produces plenty of airflow. It’s worth noting that the ceiling fan doesn’t come with a remote, but the chains for the fan and light switch are long enough for most to reach. Its energy-efficient dimmable LED light bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs as well, which means you won’t have to frequently climb up on a ladder to change the bulbs. Plus, three finish options and reversible blades let you choose the right look for your space. Price at time of publish: $68 Number of Blades: Five | Diameter: 28 inches | Air Flow: Not listed | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: It’s only offered in one finish, which may not work for every style preference. The Honeywell Carmel Ceiling Fan is the best ceiling fan if you’re in need of a low-profile design. The five-blade fan is remote-controlled and is ideal for both medium- and large-sized rooms, like living rooms, dining rooms, and some bedrooms. This contemporary-style fan has reversible blades, with one side having a medium finish and the other side a dark, nearly black finish. It’s completed with a beautifully frosted white glass shade that adds an elegant touch to the ceiling fan. This fan runs quiet, and its three-speed, reversible motor can be reversed in the winter to aid in circulating warm air throughout the room. This model includes a remote control with a light dimmer, so you’ll be able to adjust the fan and light however you see fit. It’s also tri-mount compatible, allowing you to install the fan as a flush mount, use the included downrod to lower the fan, or to install it using an angle mount so that it’s positioned parallel to the floor on a sloped ceiling. Price at time of publish: $159 Number of Blades: Five | Diameter: 48 inches | Air Flow: 5,202 CFM | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: The ceiling fan is more expensive than other similar-sized options out there. Straddling the line between modern and mid-century with gorgeous curved lines and a retro-modern look, the Minka Aire Ceiling Fan is definitely a statement piece for your home. The ceiling fan is offered in five different finishes and includes a remote for easy control of the unit. This beauty has an included LED bulb housed in an etched glass shade that adds a stylish touch to the design. There’s also a reversible motor and three dramatically twisted fan blades that’ll look like a piece of art on your ceiling. Price at time of publish: $360 Number of Blades: Three | Diameter: 52 inches | Air Flow: 6,580 CFM | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: 139 RPM | Certifications: ETL Keep in Mind: The fan will make a statement, so it’s not ideal if you prefer a subtle design. The Honeywell Xerxes Ceiling Fan has a modern look and will circulate the air in large rooms with its hardworking blade spread of 62 inches. This fan is recommended for rooms that are 400 square feet or larger. The fan is offered in espresso bronze, brushed nickel, bright white, and black finishes. Each option has reversible blades that have a different finish on either side, so you can choose the look that best suits your style. This fan comes with a 4-inch downrod for mounting, but you can also purchase an angled mount if you’re installing the fan on a vaulted ceiling. There’s also a remote control for adjusting the speed settings, lighting, and more. Price at time of publish: $234 Number of Blades: Eight | Diameter: 62 inches | Air Flow: Not listed | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: The fan is ideal for larger rooms, so you’ll want to make sure you have the proper amount of space for it. The Honeywell Ceiling Fans Royal Palm Ceiling Fan is a decorative option that’ll bring a touch of coastal glam to your home, no matter where you live. The five-blade fan features leaf-like blades, and it can be installed multiple ways. The carved blades will make you feel those vacation breezes, whether it’s placed in a sunroom, verandah, or bedroom. The fan has a reversible motor and comes with a 4-inch downrod for mounting. With a 52-inch blade spread, this ceiling fan will circulate air through rooms up to 324 square feet. The ceiling fan includes a “no light” cap that you can place where the light would otherwise be if you’d prefer to use the fan without illumination. Price at time of publish: $189 Number of Blades: Five | Diameter: 52 inches | Air Flow: 5,038 CFM | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: This isn’t a projector lamp, so it won’t project stars onto the ceiling. The Hunter Discovery Indoor Ceiling Fan is the ultimate addition to any kid’s room. Your little one will love the space-themed ceiling fan, which has an Earth design on the glass globe and reversible blades that feature stars and spaceships on one side and a black finish on the other side. Plus, the quiet motor will ensure your little one gets a good night’s sleep. It has dimmable LED lights as well, in case your child needs an extra night light. The ceiling fan comes with a simple pull chain, which means there’s no remote for your child to lose. Plus, you’ll also get both a 3-inch downrod and angle mount hardware, so you’ll be able to install it on a sloped ceiling if needed. Keep in mind that this ceiling fan isn’t a projector lamp, so it won’t project a galaxy view onto the ceiling. Price at time of publish: $200 Number of Blades: Five | Diameter: 48 inches | Air Flow: 2,903 CFM | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: 198 RPM | Certifications: ETL Keep in Mind: The fan has a mesh drum, which won’t diffuse light. You’ll want to stick with Edison or low-wattage bulbs to avoid a blinding glare. Honeywell’s Carnegie Industrial Ceiling Fan features chestnut wood blades and bronze hardware, a stylish look that’ll pair well with rustic, industrial, and farmhouse-style bedrooms. The dual-finish reversible blades let you personalize the fan to your style since there is a different finish on each side of the blades. The ceiling fan is equipped with three dimmable LED Edison bulbs that last up to 25,000 hours, meaning you won’t have to worry about changing them often. Just keep in mind that the fan has a mesh drum, so the bulbs will be exposed. Because of this, you’ll want to stick with Edison or low-wattage bulbs to keep the light from feeling overly bright. This ceiling fan has three speeds and a dimmable light, all of which can be adjusted using the included remote control. Though it’s certainly handy to keep the remote on your nightstand (no need to get out of bed to adjust the fan speed), the ceiling fan also includes a wall dock for the remote so you’ll always know just where it is. Price at time of publish: $135 Number of Blades: Five | Diameter: 52 inches | Air Flow: Not listed | Speeds: Three speeds | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: It’s ideal for larger rooms and may not work in every space. The HNDDS Black Bird-Cage Ceiling Fan is a retractable-style fan that looks less like a fan and more like a chandelier in your home. With a push of the button on the remote, the ceiling fan’s blades can expand or retract as desired, keeping the room comfortable when the fan is in use and staying hidden when it’s not. With this ceiling fan, the speed can be adjusted between high, medium, and low modes to give you the perfect amount of breeze. The motor provides powerful airflow while still being quiet, so it’s great for just about any room. Plus, it’s built with vents that can reduce the internal temperature of the main unit and extend the life of the motor. One of the biggest benefits of this ceiling fan is that the four blades are retractable, making it a great option if you don’t like the look of a traditional ceiling fan. With the push of a button, you can hide the blades between uses so the fan will just look like a modern chandelier. Price at time of publish: $203 Number of Blades: Four | Diameter: 42 inches when blades are expanded | Air Flow: Not listed | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: The fan is ideal for smaller spaces, like a small bedroom or home office, so you’ll want to keep that in mind if you need a fan for a larger room. The Ashby Park Color Changing Integrated LED Ceiling Fan is a great choice if you’re looking for adjustable lighting in your space. The ceiling fan comes with an integrated LED light kit that means you’ll never have to worry about changing the bulbs. The Ashby Park fan lets you adjust between three different light temperatures, depending on the ambiance you want to create: warm white, soft white, or daylight. The temperature designation describes how warm (yellow) or cool (blue) the color of the light is. The fan’s motor is reversible, meaning it can create a room-warming updraft in winter and a cooling downdraft in summer. Plus, the blades have a dark finish on one side and a lighter finish on the other, allowing you to choose the style that best fits your home. It’s also worth noting that the ceiling fan comes with a flush mount and does not include a downrod, so it’s best for low ceilings. Price at time of publish: $124 Number of Blades: Three | Diameter: 44 inches | Air Flow: 3,643 CFM | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: 245 RPM | Certifications: ETL Keep in Mind: The wall-mounted controls require a battery. If you live near the ocean or in a humid climate, the Hunter Oceana Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan is a must-have for your space. Designed to be used both indoors and outdoors, the fan is a great way to increase airflow on a covered patio or three-season porch. This fan is engineered to stand up against the elements, is damp-resistant, and is designed to withstand corrosion and warping from salt air. Hunter’s wet-rated ceiling fans, like this one, go through testing under jets of water and are specifically designed to keep internal components as protected from water as possible, which is an important safety feature, especially if you live in a rainy, wet climate. In addition to multi-speed functionality, the ceiling fan also features dimmable LED lights, a wall control switch, a reversible motor, and two downrods: a 2-inch option and a 4-inch option. Keep in mind that even after the wall switch is installed, you’ll still need to include a battery in it to access all of the switch’s functions. Price at time of publish: $450 Number of Blades: Four | Diameter: 52 inches | Air Flow: Not listed | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed Keep in Mind: The fan is only offered in a black finish, which may not match everyone’s design aesthetic. Keep your patio, porch, or sunroom easy breezy with the Cassius Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan from Hunter. The three-blade ceiling fan promotes airflow with its 52-inch blade reach and reversible motor for all-season use. Damp-rated and powered by a quiet motor, this water-resistant pick won’t droop when exposed to humidity and is operated by a pull chain. You can also choose from the two included downrods—5 inches or 3 inches—to install the fan at the right height for your space. This fan is also rated for indoor use, so if you like the look for a large room in your home, it’s a solid choice inside as well. Just be sure to measure your space, inside or out, as this fan has a relatively large blade spread. Price at time of publish: $140 Number of Blades: Three | Diameter: 52 inches | Air Flow: Not listed | Speeds: Three | Motor Speed: Not listed | Certifications: Not listed
What to Know About Ceiling Fans Before Shopping
Control Type
One of the more important things to keep in mind when shopping for the best ceiling fan for your home is how you want to control it. While some options will come with a handy remote control, other styles may only have a traditional pull chain, which can be difficult for some to access. Pull Chain: Standard ceiling fans include pull chains to adjust fan speed and lighting. Though they’ll get the job done, you’ll want to keep in mind the height of your ceiling and how the fan is mounted to ensure you’ll be able to reach the pull chain, especially if that’s the only way to adjust the ceiling fan. Remote Control: Handheld and convenient, a ceiling fan remote allows the fan to be controlled within a 30 to 45-foot range. You’ll be able to adjust the fan’s settings wherever you are, whether you’re already tucked into bed or enjoying a movie night on the couch. It’s also a great option for kids’ rooms since little ones are often too short to reach a pull chain. Wall Control: This option allows you to control the fan by adjusting a switch that’s secured to the wall. It’s a great option if you’re concerned about losing a remote control, but keep in mind that, like a pull chain, you’ll have to get up from whatever you’re doing to adjust the fan. Smartphone: In lieu of a remote control, some smart ceiling fans can be controlled via an app through your smartphone or Wi-Fi-connected device, allowing you to ensure you’ve turned the fan and lights off no matter where you are.
Blade Diameter
The best ceiling fan for a particular room also depends on the room’s size. “Because the ceiling fan’s main purpose is to circulate air and regulate the temperature in a room, it’s important that your fan size matches your room size,” Edwards says. “When deciding between ceiling fan sizes, measure the room before you purchase your ceiling fan to ensure you get the size that will be most effective for the space.” According to Edwards, the recommended fan widths are based on the length of the longest wall in your room. If the longest wall is 12 feet, the blade span should be no more than 46 inches. If the wall is 12 to 18 feet, you can choose a fan that’s 48 to 56 inches in diameter. And if the wall is over 18 feet, Edwards recommends the fan be 56 inches or larger.
Number of Blades
A fan can have anywhere from three to 12 blades, and while it might seem like the number of blades would make a difference in airflow, that’s actually not quite the case. “The number of blades doesn’t impact air circulation, noise, or performance—it’s really an aesthetic choice,” Shelton says. Since a multi-blade fan will make a statement on your ceiling, it’s worth considering whether you want your fixture to be a focal point of the room or if you’d prefer it to blend in with your other decor. If you want a seamless look, consider fans with three to five blades in a neutral color. Want an eye-catching fixture? Opt for a fan with several blades in a bold pattern or color.
Mount Type
In order to figure out the best mount style for your ceiling fan, there are a few key measurements you should take. “Measure your ceiling height to choose the correct downrod length,” Edwards says. “Subtract 12 inches from the downrod length if your ceiling fan includes a light kit. In addition to ceiling fan sizes, the mounting type, downrod or flush, is extremely important. Ideally, your ceiling fan height (from floor to blade) should be 8 feet. Fans mounted too close to the ceiling will trap or move less air around the space.” Most homeowners need either a flush mount or a downrod mount. Flush Mount: A flush mount anchors the fan directly against the ceiling. This option is ideal for rooms with low ceilings that don’t leave much room for a fan. Downrod Mount: A downrod lowers, or suspends, a ceiling fan to bring the breeze closer to occupants in the room. It’s a great choice for ceilings higher than 8 feet tall. Very high ceilings, such as a vaulted ceiling, may need a longer downrod, so check the downrod size prior to purchasing your fan. “If you have a tall, vaulted, or sloped ceiling, hang your ceiling fan from a downrod to lower it to the desired 8 or 9 feet from the floor,” Edwards says. “If your ceiling is sloped, check that the ceiling fan you are buying can be installed at an angle. If not, a sloped-ceiling mounting kit may be required.”
Motor
Depending on your needs, it’s advisable to look for a fan with a reversible motor. It allows you to set the blades spinning in a counterclockwise direction to create a downdraft for a cooling effect in the summer and to spin the blades in reverse to create an updraft, which circulates warm air back down, in the cooler months.
Your Questions, Answered
Which rotation direction is best for a ceiling fan?
According to Edwards, the ideal rotation direction depends on the climate where you live and what your needs are. “In warmer climates, ceiling fan blades [should] spin counterclockwise for a cooling effect,” Edwards says. “On the other hand, in cooler climates, a ceiling fan can be used for air circulation and rotate clockwise for a warming effect.”
How do you clean a ceiling fan?
In addition to general cleanliness, there are other important reasons to ensure you’re keeping your ceiling fan clean and in good shape. “Dirty fan blades can lead to imbalances, often causing unwanted noises that may sound like humming,” Edwards says. “For cleaning, first make sure the fan’s power is completely off. Drop an old sheet or cloth under the fan to collect the dust. Use a sturdy step stool or step ladder and a slightly damp rag to clean the blades of your fan. You can also use a 50/50 white vinegar and water mix.” Another handy suggestion involves using an old pillowcase you might have laying around. “Slowly insert a pillowcase over the ceiling fan blades, one at a time,” Edwards says. “Use the pillowcase to wipe the dust off the sides, top, and bottom of the blade. Once you’ve wiped each fan blade, take the pillowcase outdoors, turn it inside out and shake it. Then wash it in the laundry.”
Who We Are
Tanya Edwards is an award-winning writer and editor with bylines at The Boston Globe, CNN, Glamour, Yahoo, Allure, Refinery29, Aol, Huffington Post and many more. She spent half a decade running culinary programming for Food Network digital and has been writing about food, dining, and food products for over a decade. To make this list of the best ceiling fans, she kept in mind each pick’s style, number of blades, airflow, motor speed, and certifications. She also consulted Christy Edwards, merchant of ceiling fans at Home Depot; Sierra Fallon, lead designer at Rumor Designs; and Erin Shelton, senior brand marketing manager at Hunter Fan Company.
