Ceiling fans aren’t that common in the UK. Our climate has historically rendered them unnecessary. But with changing weather patterns, more people are looking for ways to address the increasingly hot summer months. And ceiling fans present a simple, attractive, and relatively low-cost solution. But which ones are right for you?
How to Choose the Right Ceiling Fans for Your Needs
Exploring the different types of ceiling fan
The first thing to know is that there is more than one type of ceiling fan. There are the standard fans that resemble the propellers of a helicopter, like the Kichler Kevlar. Low profile ceiling fans, with blades that sit closer to the ceiling, like the Kichler Zeus. Small bladed pinwheel-style fans, like the Terna. As well as oversized fans for larger spaces, dual motor fans for when cooling power is everything, and energy efficient fans for the eco-conscious. Each fan type is devised to meet a particular set of requirements. So, think about your space, and what you need from your fan.
Choosing the right size of ceiling fan
It probably goes without saying, but the smaller the room you are shopping for, the smaller the fan needs to be. So, let’s look at a few examples.
Large sitting room
If you are looking for a fan for a large, high-ceilinged room, you will need to select a large fan size in order to adequately move the air around the space. This is where a fan like the Kichler Gentry XL would work well. Available in white or walnut, it has something of a rustic, almost industrial aesthetic, but with six large blades and impressive airflow, it has the power to cool largescale rooms. While the dimmable LED light creates the perfect ambience, whatever the occasion.
Kitchen
In a kitchen, a ceiling fan can not replace an extractor fan. But it can be a nice additional feature, especially if you have a kitchen diner and want the heat and odours of cooking to disperse more quickly. And in this instance, a fan like the Eris may be beneficial. IP44 rated, and suitable for use indoors or out, the Eris has three clean, nickel blades capable of affecting between 150 and 300 square feet of air. Which is more than enough for the average UK kitchen.
Small bedroom
In a bedroom, you’re looking for three things from a ceiling fan. It must be effective. It must be as quiet as possible. And because you’re probably going to be seeing it more than in other rooms, it should ideally be attractive. And that’s where fans like the Kichler Link, with its two blades and curving organic design, or the diminutive (but surprisingly impactful) brushed nickel Terna might come in.
What should you consider before investing in a ceiling fan?
There are six main things you should think about before buying a ceiling fan.
- Where will you put it? And what height is the ceiling in that room?
- How big do you need the fan to be? All good retailers will list the capacity of fans in their specs, making it easier to work out the size of fan you need.
- How will you mount it? Some fans are mounted directly on the ceiling. Others use a down rod. The latter is rarely suitable in low ceilinged properties.
- What do you want your fan to look like? There are almost endless styles, so think of the aesthetic you need.
- Do you require any special features? Not all fans have inbuilt lights. If you want to include a light, do you need it to be dimmable, like the Sola? Do you want a remote control? How many settings do you need?
- And how much do you want to spend? Ceiling fans range in price from about £250 to £1,000+. So, set a realistic budget and stick to it.
Ceiling fans are not essential in UK homes – yet. But they can be a useful feature. Helping to both keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, a ceiling fan can be a great investment.
