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The gentle breeze of a ceiling fan can spark memories of sultry summer days. Today’s ceiling fans have come a long way from the plain models of the past, evolving past simple function to become a conversation piece enhancing any room’s decor. There’s a design to suit every taste—from Victorian ornateness to sleek and modern minimalism. They can also help reduce energy costs by helping to circulate cool air from your HVAC system.
As you explore your ceiling fan design options, consider both functionality and how a fan would work with your existing decor. Here are five common designs that cater to different architectural styles.
Ceiling Fan Globe
For those seeking a blend of classic elegance and soft illumination, a ceiling fan with a globe light fixture is an excellent choice. The fan shown above has an amber blown-glass uplight that gives a soft warm glow with a touch of sophisticated color. With its classic details, it may fit particularly well in Greek Revival-style living rooms or libraries. Some designs offer dimmable options so you can adjust the brightness for different moods.
Vintage Ceiling Fan
If vintage elegance and class are part of your design goals, then this Victorian-style ceiling fan with rotating ventilators might be the perfect choice. This fan has intricate detailing and ornate metalwork that harkens back to a bygone era.
Vintage-inspired ceiling fans can serve as stunning focal points in rooms with traditional decor, especially living rooms, dining rooms, and studies. The rotating ventilators both add visual interest and enhance the fan’s cooling capabilities. The best part is that while they look like antiques, they’re easily controlled from the tap of a remote.
Tropical Leaf Ceiling Fan
Bring a touch of the tropics to your home with one of these fans, perfect for three-season porches and sunrooms with more structured furniture pieces. The above design has hand-carved blades designed to resemble palm fronds to create that relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere.
Tropical fans may be specially rated for damp areas like covered porches and bathrooms. Their design can also work well in bedrooms and living rooms with the right blade shape and finish.
Art Deco Ceiling Fan
Art Deco-inspired fans have clean, crisp lines and a more modern, minimalist glamor to them. The matte nickel finish of the above design adds sophistication to any space, especially with its glare-reducing louvers that create a more comfortable light. It’s also compatible with energy-efficient LED and CFL bulbs.
Art Deco ceiling fans work particularly well in bedrooms, dining rooms, or home offices to complement contemporary furniture.
Architectural Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan styled after your home’s architecture can serve as both a cooling machine and a statement piece. They’re particularly effective in great rooms, studies, and dining rooms where guests can fully appreciate their design. Some fans also offer integrated light kits.
The Arts and Crafts-inspired model shown above is one style out of many on the market. It has teak-veneer blades laminated to resist warping, so your fan can keep its shape and efficiency through time. The bronze-color motor housing and stained glass light fixture blend seamlessly with the timeless woodwork of restored bungalows and Craftsman homes.