Photo courtesy of Arranmore Lighting
With heat and humidity, Northeast summers can be brutal. You know those dog days, when the hot, dense air feels like pea soup and is oh-so-hard to breathe. Before you switch on the AC unit, however, consider using a more cost-efficient ceiling fan to cool off your space. By pushing cool air downward, a ceiling fan can easily lower room temperature by four to five degrees. (And like magic, one can pull up and circulate warm air in winter by simply reversing the rotation of the blades.)
Science isn’t the only factor to support the use of ceiling fans: They also add plenty of style to a room. With so many models now available, there’s surely one (or more) that fits the aesthetic of your home (or outdoor setting) and boosts the overall décor. If you can’t decide, we’re here to help. Below are nine fans, listed from least to most expensive, with distinct features that can add a unique touch to any living room, bedroom, outdoor entertaining area and more.
The three blades of Arranmore Lighting’s Tamilyn Ellipse Shade fan have a steeper pitch than traditional ceiling fans, allowing them to spin faster and push more cool air downward. The dark woodgrain ellipses offset the bright nickel finish and provide visual interest.
*Available at arranmorelighting.com, $299
Two clear acrylic blades, powered by a six-speed reversible motor, give the Craftmade Illusion ceiling fan an appearance of slow motion, but don’t be deceived: They deliver powerful airflow to any space.
*Available at Lowe’s, multiple locations, $406.30
Aeratron’s dual-blade AE+2 Series fan uses less power than a cell phone charger thanks to its drag-reducing winglets. Company engineers claim the device is the world’s most energy-efficient medium-sized (43 to 60 inches) ceiling fan—we like the sound of that!
*Available at shopus.aeratron.io, $489
Don’t let its name fool you: The Kute5 ceiling fan from West Elm is all business. Five metal blades—available in seven finishes—will keep any space cool whether inside or out.
*Available at West Elm, multiple locations, $495.96
Minka Aire’s Artemis fan comes in seven finishes, including maple shown here, and an energy-efficient LED lamp that provides ambient lighting. Using smart technology, the fan can be controlled using iOS or Android app as well as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
*Available at ferguson.com, $539.91
If you’re torn between installing a chandelier or a ceiling fan, why not have both? The tiered crystal chandelier fan’s five wooden blades—powered by a reversible, three-speed motor—will keep your room comfortable, while the three-light lamp and multifaceted crystals create interesting light patterns.
*Available at neimanmarcus.com, $745
The three-blade Monte Carlo Maverick fan by Visual Comfort features an energy-efficient, reversible DC motor and is rated for damp locations, making it ideal as an indoor or outdoor device.
*Available at Capitol Lighting, East Hanover, $824.98
A pair of adjustable twin turbo fans on Minka Aire’s Gyro Wet fan provides maximum cooling comfort, while its industrial design will fit into any modern space. It comes in either a brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze finishes for a stylish look.
*Available at Capitol Lighting, East Hanover, $1,014.95
At first glance, the John-Richard Collection Ribbons of Gold pendant looks like a light fixture, but a six-speed fan is tucked in the middle of the fabric drum shade. Twelve LED lights provide ample lighting so you can admire the artistic gold ribbons on the inside and outside of the shade.
*Available at neimanmarcus.com, $6,695