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 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 AC.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The Hunter 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.
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 dimmable LED lights, and the ability to improve air circulation in large rooms quickly.
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.
If a pop of color is what you’re after, consider this downrod ceiling fan. The sleek downrod design provides just enough structure for a jolt of crimson (but it does come in more neutral tones, if that’s more your style). It’s a bit retro with just the right amount of modern.
There’s something about the sage green hue of this flush mount ceiling fan that feels like a full-body sigh. The matte and monochromatic look is chic without trying too hard, and the tech will keep you cool on the hottest days: It has high-speed blades for improved air circulation, three options for installation (standard, low, or angled, making it easier to customize for your space), and it can even be used outdoors.
With nine different finishes—including brushed nickel—this three-blade ceiling fan gives us midcentury-modern sunken living room vibes. Though it doesn’t come with a light kit, this particular design falls more into the sculptural category of lighting.
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.