Ceiling fans are very popular, whether you want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, create a sense of style, or just feel cooler when you sleep by moving the air around your bedroom. A ceiling fan with lights does double duty as a fan and a lamp.
Ceiling fans come with many different kinds of lights, some of which are very bright some of which are more for decoration than illumination. The fans themselves come in many styles and sizes, too. It’s important to match the size of the blades to the size of your room. And you might also want to choose a ceiling fan that matches the room’s décor.
Selecting just the right ceiling fan with lights requires some information, and we’re ready to help. Our buying guide outlines the various types and features available. We’ve also included a few of our favorites to make your selection easier.
A ceiling fan with lights isn’t bright enough to provide task lighting, but it does provide ambient lighting for the room.
Key considerations
There are a few key factors to think about when it comes to ceiling fans: size, airflow, mount, and smart features.
Size
The size of the fan is important, and the size you buy will depend on the size of the room where you want to install the ceiling fan. Manufacturers measure ceiling fan size as the diameter of the circle made by the blades. Here are some examples of fan sizes and appropriate room sizes:
- Room size up to 100 square feet: Choose a fan diameter up to 42 inches.
- Room size 100 to 200 square feet: Choose a fan diameter of 40 to 48 inches.
- Room size 200 to 300 square feet: Choose a fan diameter of 46 to 54 inches.
- Room size 300 or more square feet: Choose a fan diameter of 50 inches or more.
Airflow
Manufacturers measure a ceiling fan’s airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM). An average ceiling fan has an air movement rating of about 4,000 to 5,000 cubic feet per minute.
Mount
You can mount a ceiling fan in a variety of ways depending on the ceiling height. Options include flush mount (the fan sits close to the ceiling), downrod mount (the fan hangs a few inches to a few feet from the ceiling), and angled mount (the fan hangs from a slanted ceiling).
Smart fans
Some ceiling fans are equipped with Bluetooth technology, which means you can connect them to a smart home network and change the settings with a smartphone app or a voice-controlled smart assistant.
Remove and clean the glass globes on your ceiling fan occasionally. Wash them in warm water with dish soap and thoroughly dry them before reinstalling them.
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Features
Lights
Ceiling fans with lights use a few different types of bulbs.
Standard: A fan with standard light sockets takes E26 bulbs, whether LED or fluorescent.
Candelabra: Some ceiling fans have small sockets that hold candelabra bulbs, also called E12 bulbs. These typically don’t emit as much light as standard bulbs, but their shapes give them a bit more style.
Integrated: Some ceiling fans have a built-in light, called an integrated light. This is a panel of LED lights rather than a replaceable bulb.
Sockets
Most ceiling fans with lights have three, four, or five sockets. On some fans, all the sockets fit underneath one large glass globe, while on others the sockets are exposed or under individual globes. An integrated LED ceiling fan has a single LED light panel inside a globe.
Style
Ceiling fans with lights come in many different styles from rustic to contemporary, and many different materials from wood to plastic to stainless steel to bronze. You’ll find ceiling fans that have three blades and as many as twelve, though most have four or five. You can find lights with brightly patterned blades, though most are neutral colors. The lights may be hanging down from the fan or pointing upward for softer ambient light. The housing for the motor may be simple and sleek or elaborately embossed. The ceiling fan you choose will depend on the style of your room and your personal preference.
DID YOU KNOW?
A ceiling fan with long blades is more energy efficient than one with shorter blades.
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Ceiling fans with lights prices
Ceiling fans with lights vary quite a bit in price depending on the style, the size of the blades, and the type of lighting.
Inexpensive: Ceiling fans with lights that have 35-inch or smaller blades cost about $50 to $250.
Mid-range: Ceiling fans with lights that have 35- to 50-inch blades cost about $50 to $400.
Expensive: Ceiling fans with lights that have 50-inch or larger blades cost about $150 to $900.
If the light bulbs in your ceiling fan are visible, choose decoratively shaped or softly colored bulbs.
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Tips
Installing a ceiling fan can take one to a few hours. Here are some tips for doing it safely.
- Turn off the power to the room. You must be able to cut the electrical power to the wiring in the room. Do not just turn off the switch on the wall. Turn off the power at the fuse box.
- Install a ceiling box if necessary. Because of the weight of the ceiling fan, you must attach it to a secure ceiling box. Newer homes should already have one in place. In an older home, you’ll need to attach a ceiling box to a ceiling joist before installing the fan.
- Follow the instructions. Although the installation process for most ceiling fans is similar, don’t assume that every fan is exactly the same. Even if you’ve installed a ceiling fan before, read the instructions before you begin.
- Attach the light kit securely. Attaching the light kit is one of the easiest parts of installing the ceiling fan. The wiring for the light kit should be inside a socket that connects to a matching socket for the fan’s wiring.
A ceiling fan doesn’t cool the air in the room, but it helps you feel cooler by moving air throughout the room.
FAQ
Q. Is it hard to install a ceiling fan with lights?
A. Installing a ceiling fan isn’t the most difficult DIY job, but it isn’t for the complete novice either. If you’re going to install a ceiling fan, you need to know how to turn off the power to the room, and you need to be comfortable lifting 20 to 50 pounds over your head.
Q. Should I pick an integrated LED light ceiling fan?
A. LED technology provides significant energy savings over other types of bulbs. With an integrated LED ceiling fan, the LEDs are a permanent part of the fan light kit, so you don’t need to replace any bulbs. The built-in LEDs will give you 50,000 to 100,000 hours of operation. The downside is that once the LEDs fail, you’ll have to replace the entire fan.
Q. Couldn’t I just add a light kit to my existing ceiling fan?
A. Possibly, but many older ceiling fans don’t have the capability to receive a generic light kit. Your existing ceiling fan may not have the mounting bracket or the extra wiring required to support a light. Additionally, some people don’t like the look of generic light kits, preferring a ceiling fan with lights that match the design.
Q. Can I hang my ceiling fan on an exterior porch that’s open to the elements?
A. You need to make sure the fan has a rating that allows for use in wet or damp locations. All ceiling fans are safe to use indoors, but only certain units are safe for outdoor use where exposure to the elements is possible.
FAQs
What is the best time to buy ceiling fans? ›
Why the Winter Time May Be the Perfect Time to get a Ceiling Fan. Winter is usually the last time during the seasonal calendar to think about cooling your home. However it may actually be a good time to get a ceiling fan.
Do 5 blade ceiling fans work better than 3 blades? ›The answer is, for the most part, no. With the current innovation in fan design, you are unlikely to notice any major difference in performance between fans with fewer or more blades. Even if they do matter slightly, there are many factors at play here to simply say that more blades will generate more airflow.
What is the latest technology in ceiling fan? ›BLDC Motor
Not only do new DC fan motors achieve an impressive improvement in energy efficiency and quietness over the traditional AC fan motors, but many times they can generate better power at less power consumption, allowing for much increased air movement.
1. Atom Berg. It is India's fastest-growing fan company.
What ceiling fans does Joanna Gaines use? ›During a recent episode of HGTV's Fixer Upper, Chip and Joanna Gaines installed the Casablanca's industrial-style ceiling fan in room that doubled as both a home office and mudroom. Casablanca Designer Patrick O'Connell notes that the room's wooden desk paired wonderfully with the Caneel Bay.
Are more expensive ceiling fans worth it? ›Besides longer-lasting bearings, premium fans include higher-quality remote control electronics, switches and speed controls. If you plan to run the fan constantly and want to avoid trouble, buy a premium fan.
What color ceiling fans are best? ›Crisp white is the most common ceiling fan colour and there's a reason people love it so much! No matter the style of your home, a traditional white ceiling fan looks perfect.
How much does a decent ceiling fan cost? ›Indoor ceiling fans average between $200 to $800, while outdoor fans range from $300 to $900. Our guide highlights the different kinds of ceiling fans available, factors influencing price, and how to determine how much fan you need for a particular room.
How many blades on a ceiling fan make the best airflow? ›5 Blade Ceiling Fans
However, more blades can increase drag on the motor. Most ceiling fans deigned for the home come with 4 to 5 blades for the ideal balance between the amount of air circulated and the amount of ambient noise.
A powerful floor fan is usually most effective at moving the greatest amount of air in larger spaces, but anyone who needs to save space may want to look into a tower fan with a smaller footprint, such as our best overall, the Better Homes & Gardens 40-inch 3-Speed Tower.
What shape of fan blade is most efficient? ›
With a curved blade design, the backward curved fan is one of the most efficient centrifugal fan options available. It's able to move high volumes of air at high static pressures and can be a great option for many industrial applications.
What size ceiling fan is best? ›Buy the Right Size
Select a fan with the appropriate span: 36 inches for rooms up to 100 square feet, 42 inches for up to 200 square feet, 52 inches for up to 400 square feet, and either one 60-inch fan or two 52- or 56-inch fans for rooms larger than 400 square feet.
While it is normal for your fan to make some noise when operating, too much sound is an obvious ceiling fan problem. A loud ceiling fan is another sign of loose connections in either your fan, fixture or box. These loose parts will clank together when your fan rotates creating a loud sound.
Is Harbor Breeze a good ceiling fan? ›The Harbor Breeze Parklake ceiling fan received an average of 4.3 stars out of 5 stars for overall ratings by buying customers. A satisfying 81% gave this ceiling fan either a 5 star or 4 star with only 7% giving it a 1 star rating, as can be seen by the reviews to the left.
Where are Hunter ceiling fans made? ›At the main Hunter plant in Memphis, Tennessee, demanding engineers and inspectors will not accept fans that whir, wobble or break down. Each fan is carefully tested for maximum performance, quiet operation, and overall quality of finishes. No other manufacturer puts its products through such rigorous tests.
Are longer blades on a ceiling fan better? ›The most common ceiling fan blade spans are 52 and 42 inches. Longer blades work best for larger rooms and create softer, more comfortable airflow. Shorter blades offer more direct airflow and are ideal for smaller rooms.
What is Chip and Joanna's style called? ›They've gone from the debut of their smash hit, HGTV show “Fixer Upper,” in 2013 to running their own network, Magnolia. A large part of their success (aside from their adorableness as a couple) is their keen sense of design, which they've honed into a highly marketable style known as modern farmhouse.
Why do the Gaines use Magnolia? ›As he's talking to the pair's children, he explains that they named their company after the plant because it reminded them of their first date. “You know what's interesting about a magnolia tree?” he asks his kids after they plant one together.
What do I need to know before buying a ceiling fan? ›- (1) Energy Savings. ...
- (2) Larger Rooms Need Bigger Fans. ...
- (3) Bathroom and Outdoor Ceiling Fans. ...
- (4) Fan Blade Pitch and Size. ...
- (5)The Motor. ...
- (6)Choose a Lighting Style and Kit to Match Your Decor. ...
- (7) Consider the Warranty. ...
- (8)Installation.
The higher the CFM rating, the more powerful the airflow. Most fans, whether household fans or commercial/industrial fans, have more than one fan speed so you have a range of airflow. You want to look for the maximum CFM in the specification section to find the highest rate of airflow.
What is a fair price to install a ceiling fan? ›
The cost of an electrician per hour varies in different areas, but the average ceiling fan installation cost ranges from $60 to $250. It can take one hour or upwards of two and a half hours depending on the ceiling fan, current electrical work in your home, and ceiling height.
Should the ceiling be lighter or darker? ›How to Choose Ceiling Paint Colors. As a general rule, ceilings that are lighter in tone than the walls feel higher, while darker colors will make the ceiling feel lower. That doesn't necessarily mean the room will feel claustrophobic, however. Visually lowered ceilings can evoke a cozy, intimate feeling.
How many lumens is good for a ceiling fan? ›If your ceiling fan light fixture is the sole source of light for the room, you'll want a bulb that can provide the most illumination as possible. Look for a bulb with a high lumen output (800 and above) to ensure that the bulb provides enough light for completing daily tasks in the room.
How many watts is a good ceiling fan? ›The average Ceiling Fan uses 75 watts. Your devices wattage may be different depending on the brand, size, or other factors.
How long does a good ceiling fan last? ›Homeowners who use their ceiling fan heavily to keep cool throughout the summer should expect to be replacing a ceiling fan before the decade is up, or at least have to do some maintenance on their fan. Higher quality ceiling fans may last 15-20 years before needing to be replaced.
What size motor is best for a ceiling fan? ›Motor. The motors in ceiling fans range between 1/60 and 1/3 hp. A higher-power motor helps meet the demands put on the fan by the resistance of the blades. In other words, the greater the span and pitch, the more powerful a motor is needed.
Is 3 blades better than 5? ›When it comes to design and aesthetic look, the 3 bladed ceiling fan is more pleasing than the 5 bladed. However, the 5 blades can generate more wind because the blade to blades distance is nearer, thus the wind it produces is more consistent.
How many CFM ceiling fan do I need? ›| Room Size (In Sq. Feet) | Room Type | Recommended CFM Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 144-225 | Medium Bedrooms, Kitchens, Dining Rooms, Dens, Patios | 1,600-4,500 |
| 225-400 | Master Bedrooms, Family Rooms, TV Rooms, Small Garages, Gazebos | 2,300-6,500 |
| Over 400 | Great Rooms, Large Garages, Basements, and Open Floor Plans | 5,500-13,500 |
So, it is ideal to find three blade ceiling fans for optimum airflow that works with lesser friction. In this case, the motor load is also manageable, and you are protected from unnecessary noises. While having four blades might improve the aeration, it can increase the amount of load on the motor.
Do the number of blades on a ceiling fan matter? ›A common misconception is that the more blades a ceiling fan has, the better air circulation it creates. However, this isn't always the case. Most industrial sized ceiling fans only have two to three blades for a reason; fewer blades put less pressure on a traditional motor and create more powerful airflow.
Which fan blade design is quietest? ›
Aerodynamic blade design: Laminar airflow is quietest. Blades that change their pitch (twist) and chord (width) between hub and tip promote laminar flow by managing the relative vector velocities of the incoming airflow and advancing blade.
Are curved or straight fan blades better? ›Curved blades are blades that have some degree of curvature when viewed from the side. As the newer design, curved blades are generally better than straight blades, but they also have some drawbacks related to longevity, maintenance, and cost of ownership.
What size room is a 52-inch fan good for? ›Install a fan with a 52-inch sweep in rooms from 225 to 400 feet. Larger rooms may need more than one fan.
What size fan for a 12x12 room? ›A 42-inch ceiling fan is just right for a 12×12 room. As you can see, the size of ceiling fans is measured in the diameter of the blades. We talk about 36-inch, 42-inch, 48-inch, 52-inch, 60-inch ceiling fans, and so on.
Is a 72 inch fan too big? ›...
Fan Size.
| Small rooms less than 8 x 8 feet | 30-inch diameter fan or smaller |
|---|---|
| 12 x 12 feet and 16 x 16 feet | 51-inch to 60-inch diameter fan |
| More than 16 x 16 feet | 61-inch to 70-inch diameter fan |
Atomberg fans consumes 65% less power than the ordinary ceiling fans, which means you save more on your electricity bill.
Will a ceiling fan fall if it wobbles? ›Ultimately, parts of the fan could detach and fall off, or the fan itself could fall. Use this guide to learn how to fix a wobbly ceiling fan and how to look for loose fasteners, bolts and nails.
Does it hurt to leave a ceiling fan on all the time? ›Some people fear that a ceiling fan will overheat and catch fire if left running overnight; however, these fears are unreasonable. Ceiling fans are designed and manufactured to run for hours on end, and if you invest your money in a reputable brand, you shouldn't have any fears.
What happens when you don't clean your ceiling fan? ›“Dust and subsequent dust mites accumulate on ceiling fan blades whether the unit is in use or not. When a dirty ceiling fan runs, dust and dust mites can spread throughout the room, especially onto surfaces such as carpets and bedding. These effects can be detrimental, especially if you are allergic to dust mites.”
How many blades on a ceiling fan is best? ›Most ceiling fans deigned for the home come with 4 to 5 blades for the ideal balance between the amount of air circulated and the amount of ambient noise.
Is Hampton Bay and Hunter the same company? ›
About Hampton Bay
When compared to Hunter, Hampton Bay is a much younger brand with a founding date of 1986. The brand is owned by Home Depot and is a part of their growing number of house brands.
So, it is ideal to find three blade ceiling fans for optimum airflow that works with lesser friction. In this case, the motor load is also manageable, and you are protected from unnecessary noises. While having four blades might improve the aeration, it can increase the amount of load on the motor.
How much should you spend on a ceiling fan? ›Standard. Standard ceiling fans average $50 to $300 per unit. With blades rotating parallel to the ceiling, these are the most common types found in homes and apartments. Some will also include a light fixture and dimmers to set the mood.
What's the best ceiling fan to cool a room? ›- Best Overall Ceiling Fan: Honeywell Carnegie LED 52-Inch Ceiling Fan.
- Best Budget Ceiling Fan: Prominence Home Alvina 42-Inch Ceiling Fan.
- Best Low Profile Ceiling Fan: Portage Bay 52-Inch Hugger Ceiling Fan.
- Best Ceiling Fan for Large Spaces: Honeywell Xerxes 62-Inch Ceiling Fan.
Litex Industries owns Harbor Breeze, which is primarily sold through Lowe's stores. You can contact Litex Industries via a phone call or mailing address.
Who makes Harbor Breeze for Lowes? ›Harbor Breeze is the official Lowe's ceiling fan house brand. Much like Hampton Bay, Harbor Breeze focuses on budget ceiling fan options. Although sold at Lowe's, the ceiling fans themselves are manufactured by Litex Industries.
What should I look for when buying a ceiling fan? ›- (1) Energy Savings. ...
- (2) Larger Rooms Need Bigger Fans. ...
- (3) Bathroom and Outdoor Ceiling Fans. ...
- (4) Fan Blade Pitch and Size. ...
- (5)The Motor. ...
- (6)Choose a Lighting Style and Kit to Match Your Decor. ...
- (7) Consider the Warranty. ...
- (8)Installation.
Although they are the wholesalers, they are not the manufacturers. Hampton Bay appears to be made in China, and as such is considered a poorer quality product, however when you take the price into consideration then the value for money is good.
Is it OK to leave a ceiling fan on all day? ›Although it could run for over a 24 hour period, it is still best to turn off your ceiling fan when you are at work or out of the house for an extended time to give the ceiling fans' motor a rest and reduce electricity use and cost.
How long do Hunter ceiling fans last? ›Exhaust and ceiling fans are estimated to typically last for a maximum of 10 years while air conditioners last for 8 to 15 years.
Is a 5 blade fan quieter than a 3 blade fan? ›
5 blades are quieter because as compared to 3 blades or 4 blades fans. However, due to increased blades, they can increase the drag on the motor. The major difference between 4 blades fan and 5 blades fan is aesthetics. 5 blades fans are an ideal balance between the amount of air circulation and the ambient noise.