Modern ceiling fans have come a long way from their humble beginnings in the 1800s. In fact, ceiling fans are generally considered an important design feature. Modern fans feature incredible functionality, while being cost-effective, making them ideal to cool your home. But with the wide range on the market, it can be tough to choose the right fan for the job. So the Martec team have put together the ultimate ceiling fan buyer’s guide!
1: Choosing Your Ceiling Fan Colour
While trends in fan colour tend to vacillate between matte black and traditional white, there is a wide range of colours to suit any home décor.
Dark Colours
Ideal for industrial styles, ceiling fans come in a fantastic range of black and charcoal colours, in both glossy and matte finishes. These are perfect as a contrast piece in neutral palettes, and they are also easily matched to other colours in the room.
Metallic Finishes
Also fantastic for industrial spaces, metallic finishes like aluminium and bronze look fantastic in modern home décor.
Timber Ceiling Fans
Timber, especially warm and dark timber finishes, are always in style. They suit homes with a warm, natural, earthy style and beach-styling.
Traditional White
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.
2: Modern Ceiling Fan Blade Types
Choosing the right ceiling fan blades is as important as choosing the right colour. Metal blades create less noise than timber fan blades, while generating more airflow. This makes them ideal for larger areas. Timber blades are perfect for bedrooms, studies and smaller rooms. Finally, plastic fan blades are perfect for harsh climates and coastal areas, due to their durability.
3: Number of Blades
Most ceiling fans feature 3 or 4 blades. The number of blades generally has no effect on the fan’s cooling ability.
4: Modern Ceiling Fan Size
Having the right sized fan for your room is important. A fan that is too small while do little to improve the airflow and cooling of the room. However, a fan that is too large for a space will make a room feel smaller and impose on the décor. Before purchasing a ceiling fan, ensure you measure your room and ceiling height.
Blades should hang at least 300mm from the ceiling. There should also be at least 2.1 metres clearance to the floor. If your ceiling fan is higher than 3 metres from the floor, you may need an extension rod.
For small rooms, around 20 square metres, a fan with blades up to 122cm are perfect. For bigger rooms, you will need something with blades of at least 130cm or more. You may also need to consider having multiple fans in the room.
5: Ceiling Fan Placement
Placement is also an important consideration. You should always consider the architecture of the room when choosing how to place your fan or fans. Windows and doors will affect the impact of the ceiling fan.
Generally, it is advised you place your fan in the centre of the room but this isn’t always an option. When you can’t utilise the centre of the room, try to place the fan in an area that is equal distance from the walls. Another option is to place it directly over the main living space.
6: Always Use a Professional
You should always have a licenced electrician to ensure your ceiling fan or fans are correctly installed. Having a professional install your fan also means you keep your warranty intact.
7: Remote Control Fans
While all ceiling fans come with a wall switch, some modern fans also feature a remote control. Remote controls are ideal for fans throughout your home, but especially in bedrooms. No one wants to be up and down all night, adjusting the speed of the ceiling fan, or turning in on or off. A remote-controlled ceiling fan makes life that little bit easier.
8: Lighting Considerations for Modern Ceiling Fans
You should always take lighting into account when choosing a ceiling fan:
- Will the fan create shadows if placed in a certain point of the room?
- Do you need an inbuilt light?
- Will the airflow affect hanging lights?
- What type of bulb does the inbuilt light use?
- Is the light long lasting?
- Will the fan be the only light in the room?
- Should the light work without turning on the fan?
Make sure you consider these points before purchasing a fan.
9: Ceiling Fan Use
Ceiling fans are a popular addition indoors and outdoors. But that means you need to consider the usage of the fan when buying. An outdoor fan needs to withstand a range of weather conditions and temperatures. Look for a damp-rated fan for undercover areas that are not exposed to rain. Wet-rated fans are best suited to entirely outdoor use or in salt-air environments. The higher the rating, the more protection your fan has against the elements.
Explore Martec’s online catalogue today for more information on our wide range of modern ceiling fans.