As the weather gets warmer, simply throwing open your windows may not be enough. You need to get the air moving with ceiling fans! Before buying one, however, be sure to do some research as to what size you need to really make a difference. As for what looks best, there are a ton of choices. I've pulled together six ceiling fan styles.
Brushed metal fans with simple lines work well in both cottage and contemporary settings. On the left, a more traditional style melds with the painted wood slats and mosquito netting of an Australian home. On the right, an energy efficient home on the water in Rockland, Maine sports a contemporary ceiling fan with a light kit. Interior images: Left: Steve Ryan, Rix Ryan Photography for Queensland Homes; Right: Larson + Shores; photo by James R. Salomon for Boston Globe Magazine.
Shopping guide: 1. Emerson Loft Brushed Steel Ceiling Fan 2. Quorum Telstar Contemporary Ceiling Fan with Light Kit 3. Casa Vieja Trifecta Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan
Rattan fans are perfect for beach houses and on porches. Can't you just picture yourself on that upholstered swing, mint julep in hand, fan whirring lazily overhead? On the right, a fanciful rattan model is in harmony with the coastal decor. Interior images: Left: Terracotta Properties; Right: Karen Robertson Collection; photo by Annie Schlecter.
Shopping guide: 1. Minka Aire Terrana Kocoa Ceiling Fan 2. Casa Vieja® Tropical Leaf Ceiling Fan 3. Outdoor Tropical White Ceiling Fan
White fans are a dime a dozen at big box stores, but don't be lured into mediocrity. More interesting silhouettes can really make the room, indoors or out. Interior image: Top: Murdock Young Architects; Bottom: Heather A. Wilson Architect.
Shopping guide: 1. Midway Eco White Energy Star Ceiling Fan 2. Casa Reaction White Ceiling Fan 3. Kichler Botella White Ceiling Fan
Wooden blades can be beautiful, from sleekly sculpted teak to a more rough hewn wood style. In both rooms shown here, the fan brings out the wooden details in the decor. Interior image: Top: Tom Scheerer; Bottom: Thad Hayes.
Shopping guide: 1. Casa Vieja Windstar II Square Teak Blades Ceiling Fan 2. Quorum Flex Satin Nickel Ceiling Fan 3. Artemis Maple Finish Ceiling Fan
These fans echo the design of portable styles, and recall true factory spaces. However, as you can see, they make an interesting style statement in a home. Interior image via Pinterest.
Shopping guide: 1. Casa Vieja Big Sky Oil-Rubbed Bronze Ceiling Fan 2. Matthews Diane Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan 3. Minka Aire Vintage Gyro Brushed Nickel/Chrome Ceiling Fan
If you've got lots of ceiling height, you can go black, and keep your ceiling fan styles monochromatic. On the left, a series of black fans echoing the material of the stairs mingle among the rafters in a home in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the office on the left, your eye moves from the blackboard, to the fan, to the spindle back chair. Interior images: Left: JTJ Design; Right; via Pinterest.
Shopping guide: 1. Minka Concept II Hugger Matte Black Ceiling Fan 2. Casa Optima™ Matte Black and Espresso Ceiling Fan 3. Casa Metro LED Energy Efficient Matte Black Ceiling Fan