Yes, you can live in a world where ceiling fans are stylish and contemporary! Don't let your fan become a last-minute decision where function trumps everything. Find the best ceiling fan for your bedroom, living room, dining room or even the porch to take your space to the next level.
Living in the South, I know how hot things can get. Ceiling fans are a must-have, yet so many of them become an eyesore in the room. Especially the ones from the 80s and 90s!
SHOP THE FANS
So you can bet I had to make some changes to the fans in my house to make them chic and elegant rather than plain and unattractive.
When decorating, people often forget how much you can do with the space above your head. Whether you want to draw the eye upward with a statement piece or have a fan blend into the style of the room, ceiling fans can truly be an integral design decision.
Most people see ceiling fans as a necessity and miss the chance for them to become a stylish part of the room. In reality, there are many contemporary and interesting fans out there that can add to the overall feel of a space. You don't have to compromise on either!
We have several original ceiling fans in our home, namely in the living room (seen above) and the primary bedroom. I've wanted to change them since we moved in, so I started doing my research. I hope to replace them before too long! Thankfully, ceiling fans have come a long way in the design department.
To show you that there are plenty of stunning (yet functional) ceiling fans out there, I've put together a list of some of my favorites that you can find online. Whether you're shopping for a cozy fan for the bedroom or an industrial style for the dining room, there's an option for you.
Tips for Choosing the Best Ceiling Fan
The first thing most people consider for a ceiling fan is its appearance. Ask yourself:
Will it look good in your space?
Will it match my other colors and decor?
Or will it blend in and fade into the ceiling?
I can't tell you whether something looks stylish to you. But here are some other things to keep in mind while shopping for a ceiling fan:
- Choose the right blade size for your room. For smaller spaces up to 75 sq. ft., choose blades 36" or smaller. For rooms of 75 to 144 sq. ft., look for 36" to 42". And for larger rooms of 144 to 225 sq. ft., opt for 44" to 50".
- Hang your ceiling fan in the center of the room. If you're using multiple ceiling fans, such as outdoors, space them out evenly to maximize their cooling.
- Consider the lighting as well as the fan. Smaller spaces can get away with diffused lighting, which creates a cozier effect. More open spaces, such as living rooms or entryways, may need something brighter and more direct.
- Downrod length plays a big part in your ceiling fan's height. For standard ceilings, you want the fan suspended 7' to 9' above the floor. For 9-foot ceilings, choose a downrod between 4" and 8", while 10-foot ceilings can range from 12" to 72".
The Ceiling Fan That Blends In
Honestly, the two ceiling fans in my primary bedroom are the least offensive ones in my home. They are white (with brass accents) and blend in pretty well with the ceiling. I swapped out the light globes on the bedroom fan a few years ago, so the frilly glass is gone. I still want to spray paint the shiny 80s brass parts in a more antique brass finish. I think that will make a huge difference without having to replace them.
This basic white ceiling fan is a perfect choice if you want it to blend in with the ceiling and not draw attention. Plus, it's under $100! It may seem old-fashioned or out-of-date, but you'll find simple white fans like these in traditional homes, both new and old.
A similar fan appears in this gorgeous bedroom, where it looks perfect without drawing attention to the ceiling.
If you need a light in your ceiling fan and want a more modern choice, this 52-Inch Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Lights and Remote Control would work nicely, too! And it's right around $200!
Best Contemporary Ceiling Fans on Any Budget
But if you want a ceiling fan that makes a more contemporary statement, I've got you covered.
Now that you have a general idea of the criteria we're looking at, let's look at some ceiling fans! There's a little something for every style and home out there.
Here are a few of my favorite ceiling fans to spark some design inspiration:
1. Hepburn Modern Brass
The Hepburn is perfect for lovers of vintage-inspired pieces. Not only does the brass hint at the 1920s, but the round globe light reminds me of something I'd see in a retro home.
The fan is also available in modern black, which gives it a much more contemporary look. It all depends on what you're going for!
2. Hilmouth Matte Silver
The clear glass lights let this ceiling fan straddle the line between farmhouse style and modern industrial. The blades are a light matte gray with a warm wood finish that complements both cool and warm-toned rooms.
All in all, it's a subtle, rustic yet modern look that would blend well into most homes.
3. Modern Natural Wood
This ceiling fan is simply stunning! The blades remind me of driftwood, yet they create a very sculptural effect. The rounded edges soften the fan and make it feel cozier.
It's rated for indoor and outdoor use, and I could easily see it on a patio outside or as a bedroom fan inside.
Looking for the same look for less? Try this Obwala Walnut Ceiling Fan for a fraction of the price!
4. Crown Canyon Noble Bronze
If you want a dark and moody ceiling fan for your bedroom, I love this one by Hunter. It has Mason jar-inspired glass lights that bring out its modern style.
While the Noble Bronze finish creates a nice monochromatic look, the Fresh White version also looks stunning for anyone who wants a lighter color. It stays classic yet chic.
5. Brambling Ceiling Fan
You won't find another ceiling fan that looks like the Brambling on this list. It has a very contemporary, unassuming design that is still stylish all the same.
Besides the pictured satin brass with walnut blades, there are two other options. The matte black with black blades is ideal for industrial decor, while the matte white with white blades looks more minimalist.
6. Caneel Bay Aged Steel
This fan gives me all the outdoor, tropical vibes! The aged steel finish would look wonderful for anyone drawn to modern industrial style, and it pairs nicely with worn-in wood. The ceiling fan is damp-rated, so it's also perfect for outdoor use on screened porches or patios.
7. Viven Modern Brass
If you want the elegance of a chandelier but need the function of a fan, the Viven gives you the best of both worlds! It's a clear statement piece that would pop in your living room or bedroom.
Choose the Brushed Nickel finish if your room has cool tones, or go for the Modern brass to pair with jewel-toned colors in standout rooms.
8. Monte Carlo Ceiling Fan
Talk about a statement piece! In most cases, people want fans to blend into their decor rather than draw the eye up. But if you want a conversation piece, the Ren fan is perfect for you. Its blades remind me of dragonfly wings, and I have no doubt they stir the air through the room like a dragonfly zipping by. While it's available in white, the real statement comes from the American Walnut finish.
9. Avila Ceiling Fan
Although the fan's style is mid-century modern, its color options feel very contemporary. You have three design options, each with a very different final look: Aged Pewter with light gray weathered oak, Satin Brass with matte white, and Brushed Steel with silver.
10. Minka Aire Orb
This fan is ideal for anyone who wants a minimalist, modern fan for their home. The brass finish gives it a very industrial look that would look amazing in a dining room or entryway. At the center, the LED light is covered with etched opal glass for an energy-efficient and soft design.
11. Cranbrook Ceiling Fan
Every modern living room could use a ceiling fan like this one! Hunter describes its inspiration as mid-century modern, which gives it a blend of vintage and contemporary appeal. The central exposed bulb looks as if it's embedded in a metal lampshade.
It also comes in more colors, including Gray, Black and Blush Pink, though I must admit I'm partial to the Mint finish pictured above.
12. Clover Ceiling Fan
This four-blade design is great if you want something not too busy yet still stylish. The central light has a rustic look, complete with faux water drops on the glass. The blades have a modern wooden finish.
I could see this working well in a farmhouse living room or entryway. The fan comes in Light Gray Weathered, Midnight Black, Washed Oak and Oil Rubbed Bronze.
The Best Traditional Ceiling Fans
If you live in a traditional home, like I do, these fans may suit you better than contemporary or modern options. The white fans that blend into the ceiling are great choices, too, as I mentioned at the start of this post.
In traditional homes you'll often skip an overhead light in favor of sconces and lamps. That's why you'll see more ceiling fans without light kits in traditional homes.
13. XL Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Sometimes you want something simple and classic! I love how plain this five-blade ceiling fan is, with thin, long blades. Its extra-large 60-inch size makes it perfect for a porch or covered outdoor space.
This ceiling fan comes in tannery bronze or weathered steel. So if you like the style, you have two easy neutrals to fit your color scheme.
14. Casablanca Panama Indoor
Another simple, classic choice, this time for indoors! I love the clean, elegant lines of this fan, which comes in three classic finishes: brushed nickel, brushed cocoa and aged bronze.
15. Traditional Classic in 7 Colors
And finally, another timeless ceiling fan with simple lines and seven amazing color options, including white, black, brushed nickel with dark walnut blades and my favorite, bronze.
Final Thoughts
And that wraps up all the ceiling fans I absolutely adore! Not only will they help cool the house down, but they'll look good doing it.
Let me know which one is your favorite in the comments!
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