If you watch any of the TV design shows, the ceiling fans seem to be ignored in makeovers. By omission, you could easily get the impression they have become a design faux pas. The fan industry sees things otherwise and has some sleek designs hitting the market.
Fan makeover. Forget the brass trim and pressed-wood blades. Today’s newest designs include sleek, modern and old world designs. First up: the caged fan, which borrows from the look of the vintage tabletop fan inside a circular wire cage. Single-, double- and triple-fan models are available with LED lights and metal choices in chrome, brushed nickel and oiled bronze. Prices start at $300 but go as high as $800.
For a more formal look, how about fans that look like a chandelier, with the blades barely noticeable, discreetly tucked above the sparkling dangles?
European designs also abound. Consider the Minka Aire Lightwave with distressed KOA, a sleek wood fan with a single light centered under the motor, for $280. The Kichler Link Ceiling Fan has only two blades, made from wood, at the end of looped polished nickel rods, for $600.
Shedding some light. One of the most welcome changes has been more creativity when it comes to lights. The three- or four-bulb nests are history.
The Possini Euro Segue 24-inch brushed nickel fan has five lights mounted in a circular frame with the fan mounted in the middle. It is an elegant choice at $350. The caged fans described above are also available with caged lights underneath, all in oiled bronze for a cool, industrial look.
Install it yourself? If the power supply is already in place, with a corresponding wall switch, this can be a DIY project. Be sure to turn off the power at the breaker box and be careful on that ladder.
Bonus tip: Ceiling fans should turn counter clockwise in summer, blowing downward for a cooling effect. In winter, the blades should turn clockwise, which draws air upward, forcing the warm air at the top of the room down to floor level.
