Your Complete Ceiling Fan Shopping Guide

Ceiling fans are a great way to add a decorative touch to any room, and keep it comfortable though all seasons of the year. Choosing a ceiling fan can be an overwhelming process if you don't know what to look for. Size, mounting options, and finish can all play a part in the ceiling fan shopping process. Before you choose a ceiling fan based solely on appearance, use the guidelines below to find the best one for you.

Ceiling fan size - When we speak of size in regards to ceiling fans, we are referring to the blade span. The blade span can vary from as short as 29" and as large as over 70", although the most popular sizes are 52" - 54". Choosing a ceiling fan with blades that are too short will reduce the amount of air flow. On the other hand, by choosing a ceiling fan with blades that are too long, the blades may come in contact with walls or other objects in the room. Measure your overall room size before shopping for a ceiling fan and select a size accordingly.

Mounting options - If you have a standard flat ceiling, you won't have to worry about deciding on how you want to mount your ceiling fan. However, if you live in a home with a low-ceiling, slanted ceiling, or high vaulted-ceiling, mounting will come in to play during your ceiling fan shopping.

Low ceilings - When choosing a ceiling fan that will be used in a room with a low ceiling (less than 8'), you will need to select a low-profile, also known as a hugger) mounted ceiling fan. These type of fans operate by 'hugging' the ceiling, so that adequate clearing space is left for walking.

Slanted ceilings - If your home has slanted ceilings, a ceiling fan can not be installed 'as is'. An angled ceiling adapter will be needed to change the sloped ceiling into a flat one for mounting purposes. These adapters can be purchased at an affordable price and are easy to install. A downrod may also be required.

High ceilings - Ideally, a ceiling fan should reach a height of 8 - 9 feet from the floor. Obviously, this can pose a problem when working with a high ceiling. In this case, when mounting the fan, a downrod will need to be used to bring it closer to the ground.

Downrod length - Unless you are using a low-profile fan (one that hugs to the ceiling), a downrod (a long metal rod) will be used to bring the fan lower to the ground, which helps it circulate air more effectively. This is typical in all room sizes, but the length of the rod will depend on the height of the ceiling. To decide what size of downrod to use, refer to these basic guidelines:

9' ceiling - 6" downrod
10' ceiling - 12" downrod
11' ceiling - 18" downrod
12' ceiling - 24" downrod
13' ceiling - 36" downrod
14' ceiling - 48" downrod
15' ceiling - 60" downrod

Ceiling fan finish - Ceiling fans are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Wood blades with brass accents, to sleek stainless steel with chrome motors, to everything in between, there is a style and finish that will match any home décor. When choosing a ceiling fan to fit your home, look to what's already in place. If a room has brass accents, avoid a ceiling fan with silver tones. If your room is modern in design, avoid ceiling fans with wood or plastic parts, as the two styles will clash unattractively.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

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SOURCE:

Personal knowledge and experience

Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network