A ceiling fan is an elegant design choice for nearly any room and can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency. To make your ceiling fan even more functional, you can choose one with lights.
A quality ceiling fan is designed for the size and type of room where it’s installed. For instance, our top pick, the Westinghouse Lighting Brentford 52-inch Ceiling Fan, is an indoor/outdoor ceiling fan perfect for larger spaces with low lighting needs.
Considerations when choosing ceiling fans with lights
Size
A ceiling fan’s purpose is to circulate air — it doesn’t cool it; it simply moves it around. To have the most efficient movement of air, match the size of the fan to the size of the room:
- Rooms up to 75 square feet are best served by a fan 29 to 36 inches.
- Rooms 75 to 144 square feet are best served by a fan 36 to 42 inches.
- Rooms 144 to 225 square feet are best served by a fan that’s 46 inches.
- Rooms 225 to 400 square feet are best served by a fan 50 to 54 inches.
Mounting height
The height of the ceiling fan is another factor in how efficiently it moves air. With an average-height ceiling, you want a flush-mount ceiling fan. However, if you have a higher ceiling, you need to purchase a model with a downrod, which allows the fan to hang lower than the ceiling. For a 12-foot ceiling, you need a two-foot downrod; for a 14-foot ceiling, you need a three-foot downrod; for a 16-foot ceiling, you need a four-foot downrod; and for an 18-foot ceiling, you need a five-foot downrod.
Rating
Ceiling fans are rated for the type of environment they’re placed in. A dry-rated ceiling fan can only be used indoors in dry locations. A damp-rated ceiling fan can be mounted indoors or in covered outdoor areas where there may be moisture but no direct exposure to water. A wet-rated ceiling fan can be fully exposed to the elements.
Features
Lights
There are several different types of bulbs a ceiling fan may have. Some may have small sockets and feature a more narrow design (candelabra), some may accept standard-size light bulbs, and others may have the light built directly into the unit. When choosing a ceiling fan with lights, make sure the shape and style of the bulbs meet your aesthetic needs. Also, it’s important to choose a ceiling fan with lights that are bright enough to illuminate the room. Ceiling fans often aren’t designed to be the only light in a room, so they typically aren’t very bright.
Style
Ceiling fans are available in a wide range of styles, from rustic rattan to industrial-looking stainless steel. Take your time and peruse the many options to find one perfect for your needs.
Price
You can find a quality ceiling fan with lights to fit your needs for between $100 and $300. Budget models may cost as little as $50, while a top-tier designer ceiling fan could easily cost over $1,000.
FAQ
Q. Does a ceiling fan with more blades move more air?
A. Not necessarily. The greater the number of blades, the quieter a fan tends to run, but the less air it moves. If moving air is your primary concern, the pitch or angle of the blades is far more important than how many there are.
Q. Can I use higher-watt bulbs if the intended bulbs aren’t bright enough?
A. Light fixtures have a maximum wattage rating. Installing a bulb that’s higher than that rating can overheat the wires, which could cause a fire. Never place a 100-watt bulb in a 40-watt socket, for example.
Best ceiling fans with lights
Top ceiling fan with lights
Westinghouse Lighting Brentford 52-inch Ceiling Fan
What you need to know: This large, elegantly designed ceiling fan is best for spaces up to 400 square feet.
What you’ll love: This 52-inch, aged walnut fan features variable speeds and can be used indoors or outdoors. It comes with three 40-watt incandescent candelabra bulbs and a lifetime warranty on the motor.
What you should consider: The design of this fan limits its maximum brightness.
Top ceiling fan with lights for the money
Prominence Home Alvina 42-inch Ceiling Fan
What you need to know: This is a low-profile, indoor, flush-mount ceiling fan for small to midsize rooms.
What you’ll love: This highly affordable model has a three-speed motor. It also has two convenient pull chains that offer quick on/off functioning of the light and the fan.
What you should consider: With the size of the globe, some users were expecting a brighter light.
Worth checking out
Westinghouse Lighting Quince 24-Inch Ceiling Fan
What you need to know: This stylish 24-inch indoor, gunmetal ceiling fan is suitable for smaller rooms.
What you’ll love: This fan’s affordable price, compact six-blade design and integrated light fixture make it highly desirable. The reverse switch allows this model to be run in both summer and winter.
What you should consider: This fan is only 24 inches, so it’s best for smaller spaces.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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