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Shopping for the best ceiling fans isn’t quite as enjoyable as perusing a boutique (or scouring the internet) for a unique piece of decor, such as a vintage rattan bar cart or a hand-knotted wool rug. However, like a lavish kitchen range that’s as much of a financial investment as it is an emotional one, modern ceiling fans prove that style and function are one and the same. Whether you’re into something simple or ornate, need something for small spaces or a funky ceiling height, if you’re working with a ton of square feet, or just looking for a home improvement project, any of these stylish options may convince you to forgo the air conditioner. Plus, we made sure to find options that actually look good, whether you’re rocking modern design or something a little nostalgic.
From a 12-blade option that looks more like a windmill in the European countryside than it does a modern remote control-operated appliance to a chic monochromatic downrod ceiling fan light, our top picks for stylish fans also work as art installations for your high ceilings. Plus, there’s hardly anything more soothing than that gentle breeze and soft white noise to ease you into a restful sleep. Whether you’re optimizing your smart home, looking for an alternative to air conditioning, napping in the living room, or getting in an REM cycle in your bedroom, this beautiful piece will surely do the trick. Read on for the best overall ceiling fans, no matter the room size you’re working with, from retailers spanning all budgets.
- Best Wood Option: Minka Aire Wave by Lamps Plus, $295 [BUY NOW]
- Best Industrial Look: Peregrine Ceiling Fan by Rejuvenation, $569 [BUY NOW]
- Best for Low Ceilings: Evaro 3 from Wayfair, $246 [BUY NOW]
- Most Design Forward: Leather Luxe Ceiling Fan from DWR, $735 [BUY NOW]
- Most Attention Grabbing Wingspan: Odyn LED Ceiling fan by Schoolhouse, $969 [BUY NOW]
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Crafted from distressed koa wood, the Minka Aire Wave boasts that coveted tropical look without going overboard. Its blades curve in all the right ways, making this contemporary piece one of our favorites. Its easy-to-use remote control lets you stay where you are so you don’t have to interrupt the relaxation to either turn it on or off, or adjust the speed of the fan blades.
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If you’re on the hunt for a new ceiling fan, but you’ve got to keep the fan size pretty small—low ceilings, closet-sized bedroom—sometimes keeping it petite is best—this caged design is pretty nifty. The ideal room size for this tiny-but-mighty fan is 120 square feet and it can be placed in damped environments… like the patio you always avoid because it’s too hot. Problem solved.
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An original design from Rejuvenation, the Peregrine’s energy-efficient design reminds us why we’re partial to that sleek industrial look. The best part is that it’s completely customizable, with a variety of metal and wood finishes to choose from. You can even place it on a patio or porch as an outdoor ceiling fan (or use take advantage of its light kit, complete with LED bulbs).
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This design is proof that the number of blades doesn’t always relate to air circulation strength—this one only has three, and it really packs a punch. The blades are hand-carved and made of balsa wood, and it manages to have a bit of a personality without going overboard. (We think it would look great in a midcentury-inspired living room.) And forget wall switches—this one comes with a remote control.
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Although some people may prefer their ceiling fans to have as few blades as possible, others enjoy a more maximalist approach to cooling down. Enter Modern Forms’ Windflower. As its name implies, the smart ceiling fan’s blades take on the appearance of flower petals, cooling down your space with the touch of a button (or Wi-Fi–enabled app, shall we say). Not only can you adjust the hugger fan’s speed with a remote control, but you can also adjust the LED light’s brightness. This one is definitely a one-stop shop for anyone in favor of dual-functioning products, as it’s both an indoor and outdoor ceiling fan and a full-fledged light fixture. Gone are the days of reaching for the pull chain.
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Though the LeatherLuxe ceiling fan looks ultra-contemporary, its polished design actually dates back to the 1980s when designer Ron Rezek launched the Modern Fan Company, one of his five companies. The three milled-wood fan blades connect via a leather-wrapped cylinder that controls the fan’s six speeds. We tend to picture hard and shiny chrome when we think of super-advanced technology, but Rezek’s design is as warm and beautiful as a generations-old club chair.
Plus, since the model came on the market 40 years ago, the LeatherLuxe has some new and more modern features, including a motor that can move thousands of cubic feet of air per minute and the ability to circulate warm airflow—versus chilly air—during colder months. Because of its delicate materials, the LeatherLuxe is strictly an indoor ceiling fan.
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The bold flush-mount Henry fan is for those who enjoy taking a risk here and there. Only 20 inches in diameter, the matte black and super low profile piece somehow feels both retro and contemporary with its mesh cage and frosted-glass bulb shade. And like the LeatherLuxe, the airflow is reversible: You can decide which way you want the blades to turn—counterclockwise in the warmer months and clockwise in the colder ones. What’s more, the blades are pitched at exactly 20 degrees for maximum airflow. Luckily, you can use the Henry as an outdoor ceiling fan during days by the pool or for alfresco dinners.
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Another energy-efficient and low-profile option, the Odyn will definitely be the star of any space because its fan blades span a whopping seven feet. Plus, it’s utterly modern in a matte white or black finish. It also comes with a lighting cap in case your recessed lighting is enough to get the job done. The Odyn also doubles as a statement-making light fixture (using LED light bulbs) that shines a diffused and romantic glow on the scene below.
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People love Hunter fans for a reason—step right onto the bandwagon. This LED ceiling fan is a bit more versatile than other options, thanks to the natural wood blades and the utilitarian light; it plays in both interior design styles in a lighthearted way. There are two blade span options (44” and 52”) and three speed settings, plus it has a remote control with dimming power. The low profile makes it a great option for low ceilings.
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Another great Hunter option, the Cranbrook may boast a 1960s-inspired look, but it’s about as modern as ceiling fans come. The low profile design eliminates annoying wobble, and the fan doubles as an LED light fixture. Like any ceiling fan worth its weight, the Hunter design allows for reversible airflow, letting you change the direction of the fan blades depending on the season. Plus, Hunter swapped the antiquated pull chain for a sleek remote control.
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If you’re going for a monochromatic look, and you have a white ceiling, the quirky blade shapes on this ceiling fan will add the perfect amount of fun to your space. When it comes to low profile ceiling fans, it’s best to have something with just a touch of personality. This three-speed ceiling fan is great for small rooms or living spaces, and it is designed with a dimmer and reversible blades so you have more control over the lighting and can use this fan year-round.
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This brushed nickel is sleeeeeek. It could work as an anchor for a room covered in soft colors and textures, or give an all-wood bedroom a kick into the future. Best for rooms up to 400 square feet, it comes with an LED light kit and was designed with an integrated light source. What does that mean, exactly? No more replacing light bulbs!
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Sometimes you need a basic fan to get the job done. We’re talking about the kind of fan that doesn’t create an eyesore overlooking your entire room. This dimmable ceiling fan features a reversible motor (reversible blades mean you can direct warm air upward for heat retention or downward for a cooling effect), energy efficient LED lights, and the ability to improve air circulation in large rooms quickly. This model can be used both indoors and outdoors, if you have a patio or covered space that needs fresh air.
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The Maverick fan is about as streamlined as it gets. A minimalist blend of hand-carved wood (dark walnut or rich koa) and metal (brushed steel or aged pewter), this ceiling fan’s sculptural design is inspired by the propeller of a 1950s airplane. Plus, its ultra-quiet motor means that the fan is as silent when it’s running as it is when it’s not.
