The right choice of ceiling fan can make a room look and feel amazing. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose by trial and error. Instead, just apply a few simple guidelines:
Ceiling Fan Size by Room
Ceiling fans lend an attractive aesthetic to a space, but they serve a functional purpose—moving air to better cool or heat an area. While we most often appreciate their cooling effects in warmer months, they can also send warm air from ceiling heights back down into a room in cooler months.
KITCHENS come in every size and shape imaginable. Long, narrow kitchens may need two small fans to ensure fan blade tips allow for cabinet door clearances. A spacious, open kitchen may be able to handle a very large fan. FAMILY ROOMS are often large rooms that present ceiling height considerations. The heights involved with open or vaulted ceilings often require that fans be installed on downrods. Inversely, rooms with lower ceilings may require flush-mount fans. BEDROOMS can become stuffy on warm days. Dressing areas or large walk-in closets can create stagnant air pockets without sufficient ventilation. Adding a fan or two can keep air moving and maintain consistent temperatures throughout personal living areas. BATHROOMS tend to be the most humid and damp rooms in a home. Due to the moisture and humidity associated with bath areas, ceiling fans installed there should be rated to withstand those conditions. LAUNDRY ROOMS often lack sufficient ventilation, yet they’re a constant source of heat and humidity. A small ceiling fan can disperse heat and cut drying times for line-dry items. PORCHES, POOL HOUSES AND GAZEBOS are common features of Southern homes. Long, narrow areas often benefit from multiple fans that are smaller, while spacious areas offer options for larger, statement fans. Since these areas are outside and subject to weather, moisture and humidity, choices should be limited to ceiling fans designed for outdoor use. GARAGES AND CARPORTS often do double duty as workspaces yet rarely benefit from air-conditioning. Ceiling fans can offer some much-needed ventilation on humid, still days and help to clear fumes and exhaust from the area. Matching fan ratings to a space is important to safety. Ceiling fans can be designated as dry-rated, damp- rated or wet-rated. The fan’s rating determines whether it is for indoor-only use or can be used in outdoor or more challenging applications.
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