:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/katie_begley-94b6c4f8cf8247848b2e95dcfe3df351.jpg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/katie_begley-94b6c4f8cf8247848b2e95dcfe3df351.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RichPic15-d247bd4bdc2d4e4daf3f2bb743624dfe.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bethany-Wong-2-2219bde05d9a440cad1bcb21e26cf33a.jpg)
The Spruce / Bethany Wong
Adding a ceiling fan to a room can make your home more comfortable while enhancing your decor. With many styles and features to choose from, you can find just the right balance of value, look, and function for any room—even your outdoor entertainment area. “Many homeowners are now installing fans outdoors,” says design expert and interior designer Rachel Miller. Indoor or outdoor, plenty of types, colors, and motor speeds are available.
We researched dozens of ceiling fans and had several testers install them in their own homes. We then evaluated them based on installation, range of features, effectiveness, value, and noise level.
Here are the best ceiling fans to keep cool air circulating in your home.
Best Overall
Hunter Channing LED Indoor Noble Bronze Ceiling Fan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hunter-channing-led-indoor-noble-bronze-ceiling-fan-c9baebd55a414cc8a7dca269129490e3.jpg)
Home de Pot
Good value
Remote included
Dimmable LED lights
Reversible fan blades
Included bulbs may be dim
Indoor only
For a ceiling fan that looks great and has a lot of extra features without costing a fortune, the Hunter Channing ceiling fan is our top recommended option. It comes in three different finishes to suit your decor and has LED lightbulbs. It also comes with a remote to control the fan speed and dim the lights. The motor can also reverse direction, so you can customize your airflow based on the season.
The blades themselves can be reversed to reveal a different wood finish, so you can switch them based on the season or decor. This pick also has two LED bulbs, although they may be dimmer than your liking, and can be changed out for higher-wattage bulbs. This fan is designed for indoor use and may not perform well over time in rooms that are particularly humid or exposed to the elements.
Price at time of publish: $169
Diameter: 54 inches | Material: MDF | Lighting: LED bulbs included | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: 3,069 cfm | Mounting Type: Downrod
Best Budget
Harbor Breeze Armitage Ceiling Fan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/harbor-breeze-armitage-ceiling-fan-8b12503d41fe47b5ba121c301a48af54.jpg)
Lowes
Works with a variety of styles
Dimmable light
Reversible fan direction
No remote
The Armitage ceiling fan from Harbor Breeze is a budget-friendly pick that has great features and works with a variety of styles. It's available in four different finishes, and you can get a bulk-buy discount if you outfit your entire home.
The blades operate on a reversible motor, and the light is also dimmable. It is operated by a pull chain, so just be ready to reach to adjust the fan speed or light. We love its low-profile design, which makes it a great choice for rooms with lower ceilings.
Price at time of publish: $73
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: MDF | Lighting: LED bulbs included | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 2,263 cfm | Mounting Type: Flush
Best With Curved Blades
Minka-Aire Light Wave LED 52-inch Ceiling Fan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/minka-aire-light-wave-led-52-inch-ceiling-fan-437a0a0f33c44db7a5687ba2a222ec2a.jpg)
Amazon
Modern design
Energy Star certified
Three-speed remote
Smart-home compatible
Expensive
Not well suited for all decor
If you want something high-tech that looks as modern as it performs, the Minka-Aire Light Wave ceiling fan looks like a plane propeller, and it's powerful like one too. It has an included LED bulb, a reversible motor, and three fan blades that cut through your home's air to quickly cool it. Our tester was impressed by this fan's quiet operation: "Given its high-powered motor, we were pleasantly surprised by how quiet the fan is and how smoothly the blades move."
It also can connect to Amazon Alexa or Google Home, although you need to purchase a separate hub unit. All of the high-tech functions and chic design do come at a cost, however, making this fan one of the most expensive options on our list. If controlling your fan from your smart-home device is especially important, this is money well spent on a ceiling fan that looks and performs great.
Price at time of publish: From $435
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Wood | Lighting: LED bulb included | Control Type: Remote, smart-home compatible | Airflow: 4,453.35 cfm | Mounting Type: Downrod
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2SP4108334_Minka-Aire-Celing-Fan-1-3de401dd88cd49e3877110c6ab8e47a6.jpg)
The Spruce / Tierney McAfee
Best With Remote
Home Decorators Collection Mercer 52-Inch Indoor Ceiling Fan with Light Kit and Remote Control
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/home-decorators-collection-mercer-52-inch-indoor-ceiling-fan-with-light-kit-and-remote-control-a7bd4c6922bc4c02b9ce4dde6a4d2ab6.jpg)
Homedepot
Tri-mount installation
Ideal for large rooms
Efficient cooling power
Fan blades not reversible
Smart-home hub sold separately
The Home Decorators Collection Mercer ceiling fan is not only a powerful fan, but it's also attractive and has an easy-to-use remote. This fan can be mounted three different ways, making it a versatile choice for many ceiling and room types. Whether you choose a flush, downrod, or sloped mount, installation will be a breeze thanks to the slide-on bracket.
You can control both the light and fan speed on the remote, plus this fan can be controlled through your smart-home devices (Alexa and Google Home) when you purchase the Bond Smart Wi-Fi Ceiling Fan Remote Hub. While the fan blades are not reversible on this model, you can choose between five different finishes when purchasing this fan.
Price at time of publish: $169
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Not listed | Lighting: Integrated LED light | Control Type: Remote, smart-home compatible︱Airflow: 5,423 cfm | Mounting Type: Hugger, downrod, or sloped
Best Outdoor
Hunter Cassius Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hunter-cassius-indooroutdoor-ceiling-fan-d45d68bcc8884530a6f5b1584967f35b.jpg)
Amazon
Good for damp spaces
Reversible motor
Multiple downrod sizes
No light
No remote control
The Hunter Cassius fan is a fantastic option for outdoor use but can be used indoors as well. It lacks a light and remote but shouldn't warp or sag, even when exposed to the elements. Its whisper-quiet motor is reversible to allow for different airflow in winter and summer.
It comes with 5-inch and 3-inch downrods so that you can base the length on the height of your ceilings. If you need a longer rod, you can purchase it from Hunter separately. The blades are also reversible, so you can quickly refresh your space without purchasing a new fan.
Price at time of publish: $140
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Metal | Lighting: None | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 2,982 cfm | Mounting Type: Downrod or sloped
Best Hugger
Portage Bay Hugger Ceiling Fan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/portage-bay-50251-hugger-52-matte-black-west-hill-ceiling-fan-with-bowl-light-kit-7a23d76ffe0543778e9a3b6d331c17ef.jpg)
Amazon
Budget-friendly
Good for low ceilings
Reversible blades
No remote
A hugger ceiling fan hugs the ceiling for a closer mount, and the Portage Bay ceiling fan works for so many budgets and styles. It measures less than a foot into the room, making it work for low ceilings. The blades have two finishes so that you can choose the style you want, and the dimmable light fixture is a neutral choice that works with a variety of decors.
It lacks a remote and can’t be configured to work with one, which may be a deal breaker if you intend this fan for a bedroom. However, considering the small size and value, lacking a remote isn't a total deal breaker in our book.
Price at time of publish: $75
Diameter: 52 inch | Material: Metal | Lighting: LED bulb included | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 3,256 cfm | Mounting Type: Hugger
Best for Bedrooms
Mercury Row Bruening 3-Blade Propeller Ceiling Fan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Mercury-Row-Bruening-Fan-d2f5da4d03d540fca01243c5fc3f74d0.jpg)
Wayfair
Tri-mount capabilities
Dimmable light
Reversible fan blades
Installation can be tricky
Lightbulbs not included
We love this stylish ceiling fan from Mercury Row. It comes in three different finishes and has reversible blades and a remote. The lines on this ceiling fan are clean, making it just right for a calm oasis like a bedroom. It has three fan blades and a white frosted dome light. One of our favorite features is the ability to mount the fan using a flush mount, a downrod, or on an angle. No matter what your bedroom ceiling looks like, this fan should work with your architecture.
You need to supply your own lightbulbs if you opt for this design. Because this is a larger fan, you may find some issues when installing it and might even need to cut a large hole in your ceiling to accommodate it.
Price at time of publish: $145
Diameter: 52 inches | Material: Engineered wood | Lighting: Bulbs not included | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: 1,753 cfm | Mounting Type: Hugger or downrod
Best for Small Rooms
Home Decorators Collection Ashby Park Integrated LED Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Home-Decorators-LED-Brushed-Nickel-Ceiling-Fan-a72ef41c7d4143e0989bebb391fabcf6.jpg)
Home De pot
No bulb to change
Light temperature selections
Reversible fan blades
Pull chain operation
For a ceiling fan with an easy-to-use light—often a key feature in smaller rooms—the Home Decorators Collection Ashby Park ceiling fan is a great option. The light is an integrated LED fixture, which means you never need to change a lightbulb. It has three different light temperatures: warm white, soft white, and daylight, so you can select one based on your personal preference. The three fan blades are also reversible, with a dark finish on one side and a lighter finish on the other, allowing for a customized look.
You operate this ceiling fan using a pull chain, which some people may not like. Although this fan provides adjustable lighting for a smaller room, it lacks the remote control that would make it more accessible. However, this isn't a complete deal breaker in our book, as it's easy to install and pretty affordable.
Price at time of publish: $129
Diameter: 44 inches | Material: MDF | Lighting: Integrated LED lighting | Control Type: Pull chain | Airflow: 3,643 cfm | Mounting Type: Hugger
Best for Large Rooms
Honeywell Xerxes Ceiling Fan with Remote Control
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/honeywell-xerxes-ceiling-fan-with-remote-control-0a4ccb90309b4431a3d958e58c47e5db.jpg)
Amazon
Great value
LED light fixture
Remote included
Reversible fan blades
May require professional installation
Angled ceiling install sold separately
If you have a very large room to cool, you need a very large fan, and the Honeywell 62-inch diameter Xerxes Fan fits the bill. It is expensive, but its thoughtful design and cooling efficiency make it an option that's worth the additional cost. You will need an extra set of hands when installing this ceiling fan, and you may even want to consult a professional if you're not comfortable working with electrical wires.
The fan blades also feature a reversible finish—in addition to the reversible motor. We recommend deciding on which finish you want to showcase before you install this giant ceiling fan. This Xerxes fan is compatible with Alexa and Google Home, but you'll need to purchase a Bond smart hub to connect your devices. It comes with a standard 4-inch downrod, and an angled ceiling install kit is available to purchase separately.
Price at time of publish: $257
Diameter: 62 inches | Material: Alloy steel | Lighting: Integrated LED light | Control Type: Remote | Airflow: 3,051 cfm | Mounting Type: Downrod
Our top pick is the Hunter Channing 54-Inch LED Ceiling Fan for its great mix of value and features. It has a remote to adjust the speed and light as well as a reversible motor and blades. For a more budget-friendly option, the Harbor Breeze Armitage 52-Inch Bronze LED Ceiling Fan has many of the same features but lacks a remote control. Depending on your needs, this may be just the right thing for you.
What to Look for in a Ceiling Fan
Mounting
As you’re shopping, consider how you plan to mount your new ceiling fan because you may need a special mounting kit. If you have low ceilings, you probably need to mount your fan flush with the ceiling (flush-mounting), so make sure the product you buy is compatible with this mounting style. Similarly, if you have higher ceilings, you need a downrod of the appropriate length. If you plan to mount the fan on a sloped ceiling, you need a special angled ceiling adapter, which attaches to the outlet box to ensure that the fan hangs properly.
Motor type
Several types of motors power ceiling fans. Alternating current, or AC, motors, which have been used in ceiling fans for decades, are the popular option. This style of motor is affordable and reliable, and modern AC motors are relatively quiet as well.
However, direct current, or DC, motors have gained popularity in recent years, as more homeowners switch to energy-efficient appliances. While more expensive, ceiling fans with DC motors use up to 70 percent less electricity and are incredibly quiet. Further, these motors are lighter weight, which makes for easier installation.
Size
Ceiling fans come in a variety of sizes, with blade spans ranging from 29 to 56 inches or even greater. When choosing the best fan size, consider the size of the room you plan to place it in. You may also want to consider the size of furniture and even wall decor that you display in this space to create a cohesive design that's still versatile through the years.
Here’s a breakdown of the recommended fan size for rooms based on square footage:
- Less than 80 square feet: 36 inches or less
- 80-150 square feet: 36-42 inches
- 150-250 square feet: 42-52 inches
- 250 square feet or more: 52 inches or more
If your space is on the cusp or you prefer stronger airflow, you can opt for a larger fan size.
Adjustability features
Think about how you want to control your ceiling fan; the three common options include a remote control, wall switch, or pull chain. Arguably, remote controls are the most convenient option, as they let you control your fan from anywhere in the room. However, some people don’t want another remote to keep track of, in which case a wall switch may be better. If you have low-profile ceilings, you can opt for a pull chain. While these can be confusing to operate, they’re a simple option that may minimize installation costs.
Ceiling height
Your ceiling height is another important consideration when choosing a ceiling fan, as it dictates the optimal downrod length. A downrod is the piece of metal that connects your fan to the ceiling mount. In general, seven feet should separate the fan and the floor. If you have a low-clearance ceiling—or tall family members—consider purchasing a hugger fan, which does not have a downrod, offering the most clearance possible.
Placement
With advancements in motor speeds and damp-control features, ceiling fans can now be installed indoors or outdoors. If you plan to install a ceiling fan in an outdoor space, you'll want to ensure it will last through cold and wet weather. “Just make sure that you are choosing a ceiling fan that can withstand the elements, especially damp weather,” says Rachel Miller, an interior designer.
If you're searching for an indoor ceiling fan, consider whether there are existing electrical wires for the fan. You might also look at which room in your home would best benefit from having a fan in it, especially if one part of your home does not receive the same amount of HVAC power.
-
What type of ceiling fan is best for a living room?
While the style of ceiling fan you choose is often dependent on your aesthetic, you can eliminate a few options based on the height of your living room's ceiling and the size of the room. Ceiling fans with downrod mounts are often used in living rooms because the pull chains become more accessible, especially if you have lower ceilings. However, if your ceiling is high and you have a larger living room, you might want to consider a long downrod mount with longer fan blades to fill and efficiently cool the space.
-
Are three- or five-blade ceiling fans better?
The number of ceiling fan blades actually does not impact the cooling power of your ceiling fan. A fan's efficiency will be determined by its motor power and speed adjustability.
-
How do you measure airflow on a ceiling fan?
The amount of airflow a fan can produce is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). Most retailers will list the airflow of a fan with the product description and specs. A higher cfm rating leads to a better cooling efficiency.
-
How do you clean a ceiling fan?
Before cleaning your fan, make sure it's turned off. If you can't quite reach the fan on your ceiling using a sturdy chair or a stepladder, you may need to uninstall it.
Take an old (clean) pillowcase and insert one blade at a time to remove excess dust. Then, use a mild cleanser (1 part water and 1 part distilled white vinegar) to wipe down the base and each blade.
Typically, modern ceiling fans with encased LED lights don't collect a lot of dust inside. However, if yours has a glass globe base, you may need to remove it to empty out dirt, dead bugs, dust, and other debris.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Bethany-Wong-4-94190ef9822b4a4f97d4857bfbc0f44f.jpg)
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. After remodeling a late 1800s farmhouse, Melynn learned how important it is to have adequate airflow, especially in bedrooms and living spaces. For this article, she looked for ceiling fans that would work with a variety of budgets and consulted with home design expert Rachel Miller to learn which finishes and styles appealed most to today’s homeowners. Emma Phelps, updates writer for The Spruce, updated this roundup to include additional shopping information and refreshed the product list.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-outdoor-ceiling-fans-4588812-bb7821ffe5a44501af828a9d92ad04b8.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-window-fans-5425443-v1-5338044cbd5f4c1eadcb17643f9df6ad.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-how-to-fix-a-wobbly-ceiling-fan-6828400-hero_30683-c30bcf9100de428f8eb7fad357c58704.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/group-shot-test-fans-RM-09.jpg-8f9beef4858e40e3b0e4a69e36ac2d0c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ContemporaryCeilingfan-b4269d986aaa40979f96833a09bf8941.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/eliminating-ceiling-fan-noise-1152644-hero-01-7665b785165a484bbc99281f12cfe1c1.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/8-Best-Attic-Fans-4847296-19187b7fad5145fcbb4c246732f59ecf.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-ceiling-fan-rotate-direction-1907533-hero-bdc94bc9b34f4c03aec16d6ac9acd346.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ceiling-fan-over-white-living-room-763163773-5afb462730371300378a63f4.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-SPR_BHG405-SpeedTower_RM_027_031-595cd69abaef4f0aa336b4d1ee9a0aaa.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-how-to-balance-a-ceiling-fan-5070763-hero_30659-b657d0cf929e4ffeb763776dfc7fc9d5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Best-Evaporative-Coolers-5191053-0e0abb1cd272485d810b42dded2ad40c.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1450315989-9b182972433648c9bac7e352373c66b9.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_1500-SPR_LaskoFH500Fan_SpaceHeaterComboTower_RM_008_022-7fd54b55ab244607bc950e9f1a988fef.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-Home-best-retractable-awnings-5224050-final-6f2e0632488942bdb46ac448f29d8321.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spr-duraflame-3d-infrared-electric-fireplace-stove-at-amazon-rmarek-02-0200-2e0b58bafa4d47f4879c8df978a5a2f5.jpg)