Which design is right for me?
Details about diameter, performance, consumption and special features such as controller units are stated in the item description of each ceiling fan, making it easy to compare different brands in terms of technical data. However, the question of the best design for your home can only be answered by personal judgement. The most important, the crucial factor is whether the fan makes you feel good and comfortable at home. When choosing a fan for a commercial environment keep in mind that it can be a tool to give the room that certain something, that special indefinable atmosphere. But which designs and décors actually go well with each other? Find out here.
Reading time complete guide: 8 min
Content:
- Elegant everyday appliance
- What kinds of designs are there?
- Lighting: yes or no?
- So which one is the “one“?
- Overview
Elegant everyday appliance
Circulating air is all that matters? Buying a fan should not just be an emergency solution, there are always less pricey alternatives to well-known brands. Furthermore, simply going for functionality would mean missing out on the fun that is choosing and furnishing. The first look at the product line, however, shows just how many different models, versions and designs there really are. First-time buyers might not know yet how overwhelming the abundance of products can be: There are not just the classic fans with wide wooden blades you know from old movies or beach bars. Like any other appliance designed for use at home, a fan too should meet the individual requirements for performance and appealing aesthetics.
Manufacturers of appliances in domestic environments mainly conform to customers‘ preferences when it comes to body structure and invest a large amount of time and effort into market research. Even highly pragmatic items such as humidifiers are designed in a way that makes them unique, lively devices. Fans with rather functional design are usually used in professional environments, to ventilate large-scale plants, or in sloppily assorted DIY markets.
There is just as much diversity in terms of different tastes, as there is when it comes to workmanship and styles of the fans. Many customers find it difficult to get a general idea. If you have been dealing with ceiling fans for as long as we have, you will recognise certain recurring shapes and trends. We want to use this experience to give you an overview of all design categories and help you in your quest to find the ideal match.
What kinds of designs are there?
On closer inspection you will realise that certain decorative details show up on various different models. Those details allow us to classify ceiling fans into different design categories:
Ceiling fans THE ISLANDER and Artemis
Modern
Units in this category impress with clear-cut shapes and edges. Cool and muted colours are ideal for a modern, no-frills interior. The blades often have a beech timber finish or other light types of wood, the housing is lacquered in matt metallic, grey, white or black. Aluminium and other transparent elements made of high-quality synthetics go well with a modern, structured style. The great thing about this design is its timelessness and the option to combine it with strong colours despite the fan’s own unobtrusiveness. In a nutshell, modern ceiling fans offer elegance, functionality and a cosmopolitan lounge flair. One of those models is perfect to give a rather plain office this certain je ne sais quoi, turning a sober room into an inspiring work environment.
The CasaFan Classic Royal and AireRyder CLASSIC ceiling fans
Classic
Attention to detail, soft colours and smooth, elegant shapes characterise fans in this category. Oftentimes, their design is reminiscent of models that are particularly popular in domestic environments. Those fans radiate with a nostalgic charm.
Classic fans are usually available in a variety of colours in terms of housing and blade finishes. Curved, rounded or pointed blades with small detailed ornaments are quite common. Chic ornaments as well as a striking wood grain in all colours you can image bring out the amount craftsmanship that went into the making of these models: Ranging from light to reddish and brown to almost black, the selection leaves nothing to be desired. In order to make the choice a bit easier for you, many blades have a reversible design. That means the front and reverse side are finished in a different colour, which in turn allows you to switch up the look whenever you want. For the most part, classic fans are available with curved, round light kits. Cosy hotels, rustic restaurants, tea houses and representative conference rooms are where these fans come into their own.
Exclusive nostalgic elements add to the character of the apartment, pictured here is the Westinghouse Monarch Trio.
Traditional
Attention to detail and a fondness of the baroque style: These fans create an unmistakably nostalgic and cosy atmosphere. Antique shapes and colours dominate this category, exotic woods and precious metal are often part of the construction. Historic shapes can be a great match for modern décors though as you can see in the picture, resulting in a nice, contemporary twist.
The blades are often decorated with woven willow or cane inlays. Behind the traditional outside, however, state-of-the-art technology ensures whisper-quiet operation, low energy bulbs consume a minimum of power, and angled blades move a large amount of air. It is still nice to be reminded (at least visually) of the good old days. Housings finished in antique pewter or brass create a vintage look. In rooms with floral designs and fine textiles a traditional fan appears wonderfully romantic. Traditional fans definitely convey a feeling of home and cosiness.
Models Vourdries and Mountain Gale Outdoor
Industrial
Requirements for ceiling fans in professional environments differ greatly from the demands private persons have for domestic appliances. Industrial fans are much more robust, hard-wearing and functional than units that belong to any other category. Metals and synthetic materials are usually used to manufacture these units. The focal point is compliance with protection markings, simple cleaning and long service life. Blades are often washable with a housing protected against splashing water. This is definitely beneficial at home as well, however manufacturers concentrate on other features in domestic fans. In any case functionality is a key aspect in industrial ceiling fans. Stylish design come second, but that does in no way mean industrial fans cannot look appealing. They can be set up easily in technically oriented offices or to enhance a straightforward interior style with brick-lined walls and rough timbered wooden furniture.
Outdoor ceiling fans for patios and pavilions.
Outdoor
Similar to industrial models for professional environments, safety is a top priority in outdoor ceiling fans. However outdoor fans have more options when it comes to visual nature, because they are usually designed for use in private gardens. An IP54 rating identifies fans as protected against splashing water (rain), they can also be used in green houses where there is a humid climate. Some models, such as Fantasia’s Palm Chocolate Brown, are supplied with imitations of natural palm or leaf blades. These replicas, however, are wind and weatherproof in contrast to natural materials. Furthermore, all materials used for the outer shell are robust and easy to clean. What makes these decorative yet sturdy fans so special is that they can be applied outdoors in the garden, balcony, garage, camping ground as well as indoors.
The Westinghouse Bendan and Globo’s Ugo are true all-rounders.
Basic
These all-rounders fit in any room and go with every kind of décor, the combination of neutral colours and plain shapes turn those fans into “chameleons“. If you are looking for a subtle device that matches the existing furniture, you are on the right track browsing this design category. The models are usually available in several different colours.
The Fanaway Evo with retractable blades and Westinghouse Comet with Tiffany light.
Playful extras
If you have a soft spot for gadgetry or want to turn attention to the fan, modern, classic and traditional models can also have features that really stand out. In the end, why should a fan not be equipped with playful, stylish elements?
The Westinghouse Turbo II and LEDS C4 Tiga are as useful as they are adorable.
For children
Colourful blades, easy to clean materials, impact-resistant construction and whisper-silent running – all are decisive factors when it comes to cooling appliances in nurseries or kids‘ bedrooms. And between us, one or the other “grown up“ enjoys luscious candy colours. They put us in a good mood and their see-through blades have a fascinating way of reflecting light. Everyday life can be so dull - think pink!
Lighting: yes or no?
Before you worry about all other design features you should ask yourself whether you require a ceiling with light kit. Integrated lamps can be used independently from the fan feature, just like a normal ceiling light. As the ceiling fan usually takes up a central position in a room, a 2-in-1 unit is a great solution. The power consumption of the light bulb can be kept at a minium, energy-saving bulbs and LED lamps optimise wattage. The light colours range from clear and bright white light to calming warm golden shades. In some cases different styles of the light kits are offered, for example with different colours to match the fan. The shapes of the lamp shades themselves vary as well: There are floral and bell-shaped glasses, spots, spherical, flat, pointy and asymmetrical shapes, acrylic sockets or colourful mosaics. Depending on the fan model up to five light kits are available for one fan. The shade can be clear and transparent, opal, matt or textured. Slightly roughened glasses are generally more low-maintenance, because fingerprints and dust are less noticeable. The rotation of the blades does not have any impact on the light beam, it illuminates the room evenly. Thus, there is nothing to be said against a fan with light… unless you have already fallen for a unit without light kit.
Still not quite sure? Don't worry. Many fans can be retrofitted with a variety add-on light kits.
So which one is the “one“?
Certainly not everyone will find the perfect match. There are a few indicators that can help choose a suitable appliance, though. First of all there is the size of the room, the fan diameter depends on this value. The required blade diameter and airflow already narrow down the selection. Then you need to decide if you want a fan with light kit or not. If in doubt, most fans can be upgraded with add-on lights in retrospect. You should also pay attention to the structural situation, e.g. slanted ceilings or the humidity contents in the room (open kitchen, utility room). On top of that the existing décor is important as well. A traditional ceiling fan might perhaps be perceived unfitting in an ultra-modern apartment. Though, oftentimes details like carpets, cushions and wallpapers are the determining factors that complete the whole picture. Those basic fittings are usually already present. The colour of the new fan should match the surroundings. However, it is your personal taste that counts, and if you like a ceiling fan at first sight, chances are that you will still be fond of it a year later.
In the best case you decide the model when you are inside the room in question. Shopping online is ideal when looking for decorative household appliances because you can go back and take measurements whenever needed. If you have the device up on your screen or picture it in your mind you can imagine easily if it harmonises with your layout and rest of the interior. In a retail shop many articles look appealing, and it is only at home when you realise the purchased item is actually not that suitable after all.
If you keep other parameters such as interior and size in mind when selecting your fan, there is nothing that could go wrong. Our filters with different selectable features help you narrow down the options. On the other hand, go ahead and browse the entire product line, just looking around can be fun as well. It is not unusual at all to find the right model by thinking about what you are not searching for from looking at the pictures.
In any case we hope you have a good time selecting and furnishing.
Decision-making aid
Design category | Characteristics | Goes with | Brands |
---|---|---|---|
modern | straightforward, clear-cut, graceful, rather cold | living space and culinary establishments furnished in a Scandinavic style, light colours and timbers | AireRyder, Beacon, CasaFan, Fanimation, Faro Barcelona, LEDS C4 |
classic | partially with elements of craftsmanship, wood grain, curved design | warm, cosy furnishings, domestic and commercial environments | AireRyder, Beacon, CasaFan, Hunter, Pepeo, Westinghouse |
traditional | baroque, cane ornaments, often dark timbers and antique metal | dapper homely interior, in bars, hotels and cafés | CasaFan, Deko Elektro, Fantasia, Pepeo, Westinghouse |
industrial | purposeful, plain, IP ratings | hall, warehouse, production facility, workshop, garage, utility room | Westinghouse, CasaFan, Faro Barcelona, Pepeo, Vortice |
outdoor | synthetic material, ranging from plain to replica of natural material | conservatory, greenhouse, gazebo, covered green space and outdoor areas | Hunter, Fanimation, Fantasia, Westinghouse, Faro Barcelona |
basic | unobtrusive, clear-cut, often combines curved and straight shapes, metal and wood, light and dark | any kind of décor, from office to living room | Globo, Westinghouse, CasaFan, Faro Barcelona, LEDS C4, Pepeo |
playful, individual | eyecatcher, unusual design from romantic, extravagant to maritime | themed hotels, restaurants, foyers, domestic and commercial environments, party and hobby room | Fantasia, Faro Barcelona, Globo, Deko Elektro, Beacon, Fanimation, Hunter |
for children | strong colours, clear-cut shape | playroom and bedroom, also as eyecatcher in corridor and workspace | LEDS C4, Faro Barcelona |
Image source bedroom: originator Robert Kneschke, fotolia.com/id/104285857