The 9 Best Ceiling Fans of 2023

There are many different ways to cool down your home, but ceiling fans are a tried-and-true choice. They promote air circulation, which means you'll feel a nice, refreshing breeze inside without even opening the windows.

“Ceiling fans have come a long way in more recent years with designs incorporating more modern styles and coming in many different colors and finishes to coordinate beautifully with your room,” says interior designer Ashley Mecham.

To determine the best ceiling fans, we analyzed price points, cooling capabilities for room sizes, and style. We also consulted three experts to weigh in on the most important features of ceiling fans, helping you to pick the best one for your home.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Ceiling Fan:

Honeywell Carnegie Ceiling Fan at Amazon

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Best Budget Ceiling Fan:

Prominence Home Alvina Ceiling Fan at Amazon

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Best Low-Profile Ceiling Fan:

Portage Bay Hugger Ceiling Fan at Amazon

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Best Modern Ceiling Fan:

Minka Aire Artemis Smart Ceiling Fan at Wayfair

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Best Ceiling Fan for Large Spaces:

Honeywell Xerxes Ceiling Fan at Amazon

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Best Ceiling Fan for Small Spaces:

Harbor Breeze Mazon Ceiling Fan at Amazon

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Best Ceiling Fan With Chandelier:

Bayfeve Transitional Ceiling Fan at Lowe's

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Best Ceiling Fan for Bedrooms:

Fanimation SculptAire Ceiling Fan at Amazon

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Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan:

Hunter Key Biscayne Ceiling Fan at Amazon

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Amazon

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Who it’s for: People who want a smart home-compatible ceiling fan that can be installed in virtually any room.

Who it’s not for: People who don’t like rustic-industrial decor.

The Honeywell Carnegie Fan is a solid option that has everything you'd want in a quality ceiling fan. It comes in three rustic finishes: copper, matte black, and pewter. Each of those comes with five dual-color blades—one lighter side and one darker—that can be flipped to better match your room’s decor, or you can change them up if you decide to go with a new paint color on the walls.

In the center of the fan is an industrial-style mesh cage drum light that comes with three LED Edison bulbs (450 lumens, 4.5 watts, with a color temperature of 2700K). They can be dimmed anywhere from 20 to 100 percent with the included remote, which also controls the three speed settings of the fan blades. Plus, the remote is compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa.

This ceiling fan is designed to cool rooms from 12 x 12 feet in size up to 18 x 18 feet. As for mounting, this ceiling fan comes with a 4-inch downrod that can be installed in three ways: close, standard downrod, and angled up to 17 degrees. There’s also a 54-inch lead wire that can be used with a longer downrod (sold separately). All Honeywell products come with a limited lifetime warranty, so you know you’re covered if something were to happen to this ceiling fan.

Price at time of publish: $134

Diameter: 52 inches | Lighting: Mesh drum dimmable LED | Mount Type: Downrod | Control: Remote

Overstock

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Who it’s for: People looking to stick to a budget.

Who it’s not for: People with large rooms.

If you're on the hunt for a deal, opt for this affordable ceiling fan from Prominence Home that’s just a fraction of the cost of many similar models. It still has all the basics you'd need, though, like a quiet three-speed reversible motor and a frosted globe light that uses an included A15/E26 bulb.

The fan comes with a hugger mount, so it's ideal for small rooms with low ceilings; the manufacturer suggests rooms 350 square feet or less, but even more ideally rooms that measure 10 x 10 feet. It forgoes remote controls and wall switches for traditional pull chains. (Keep in mind, though, that pull chains aren’t the easiest to use if you have high ceilings.) It is, however, compatible with universal fan remote controls, which are sold separately.

The best thing about this ceiling fan is that it looks more expensive than it is, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality in order to stick to your budget. It has a more traditional silhouette with five blades and a globe light, but there are five finishes to choose from to suit a variety of decor styles: bronze, farmhouse bronze, farmhouse white, nickel, and satin nickel. Plus, the blades are double-sided, with different finishes on each side for even more versatility.

Price at time of publish: $66

Diameter: 42 inches | Lighting: Frosted globe LED | Mount Type: Hugger | Control: Pull chain

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People with low ceilings.

Who it’s not for: People with sloped ceilings.

If your home has low ceilings, that doesn't mean you can't install a ceiling fan—you just need to find a low-profile option. This model from Portage Bay only takes up about 11.5 inches (not including the pull chains), so you don't have to sacrifice too much vertical space to cool down your room. That’s thanks to its flush mount, which keeps the device anchored directly into the ceiling.

Even though this ceiling fan is pretty compact, there's still room inside for a light kit. The frosted white dome holds one E26/A15 bulb (which is included!). Though the bulb itself is dimmable between 10 and 100 percent, the fan does not have a remote control to control the dimming capabilities. Instead, you’d have to connect the light wire to a dimmer switch on your wall. (But don’t connect the fan motor to a dimmer switch—the manufacturer notes in the user manual that controlling the fan speed with a dimmer switch could cause the fan to make a loud humming noise, and it puts you at risk of fires or electric shock.)

This model is offered in two colors—matte black and light brown with silver accents—and has five dual-sided fan blades that can be reversed to display different colors. With three rotation speeds, this ceiling fan is designed to cool rooms up to 20 x 20 feet, which is on the larger side as far as typical ceiling fans go. And that’s especially impressive given its low-profile nature!

Price at time of publish: $75

Diameter: 52 inches | Lighting: Frosted dome LED | Mount Type: Flush mount | Control: Pull chain

Minka Aire Artemis LED Smart Ceiling Fan

The Home Depot

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Who it’s for: People who are looking for a well-designed, high-tech fan.

Who it’s not for: People keeping an eye on price.

Minka Aire has upped the ceiling fan game with its strikingly modern suite of products, such as the Artemis fan with a 20-watt dimmable LED bulb. For starters, there's its sleek look—the variable pitch blades mimic the shape of wind turbines and airplane engine fan blades, which is not just an aesthetic choice: This design ensures optimal airflow at each of the six speed settings, all of which are whisper-quiet. Plus, the fan comes in six different finishes, from contemporary-looking metals to earthy woods.

Then there are the smart features. The fan is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, and this smart capability allows you to operate the fan entirely from your cell phone—from the blade pitch to the speed settings to the brightness of the LED light (which, by the way, can be covered by an included cap if you don't need extra overhead lighting). If you'd prefer to go "old-school," there's also a remote to control the fan's features. The only downside to this fan is the price, which will likely take it out of the running for budget-conscious shoppers.

Price at time of publish: $870

Diameter: 58 inches | Lighting: Dimmable LED | Mount Type: Downrod | Control: Remote

Amazon

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Who it's for: People who want a heavy duty fan with smart home compatibility.

Who it's not for: People who don't want a fan with a high number of blades.

Measuring 62 inches in diameter, the Honeywell Xerxes fan is the biggest option on our list. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it's designed to promote airflow in large indoor spaces that are at least 400 square feet. That makes it a solid choice for larger areas in your home like a great room, a large living room, or a primary bedroom with a vaulted ceiling. It's available in four colors (black, white, brushed nickel, and bronze), but since the reversible blades have different finishes on each side, there are really eight color options in total. It features a streamlined, modern design that would look great with a contemporary decor style.

This ceiling fan operates at three speeds—all of which are very quiet—that can be controlled by the included remote. The remote also controls the globe light at the fan's center, which comes with an integrated LED light that's dimmable from 10 to 100 percent.

This model features a downrod mount with three installation modes: low-profile, a standard 4-inch downrod, and angled up to 17 degrees. (If your ceiling has a steeper slope, you can buy a separate angle bracket to accommodate that.) You can also sync this fan to Google Home or Amazon Alexa with a Bond Home.

Price at time of publish: $290

Diameter: 62 inches | Lighting: Globe dimmable LED | Mount Type: Downrod | Control: Remote

Harbor Breeze Mazon Flush Mount Indoor Ceiling Fan

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People looking for a quiet yet effective fan.

Who it’s not for: People who don't want a fan with a light.

The Harbor Breeze Mazon is a simple, affordable, and easy-to-install ceiling fan that can circulate air in spaces up to 100 square feet. That makes it ideal for guest bedrooms to breakfast nooks to laundry rooms. It has a 44-inch diameter and a drop of just 10.75 inches, so it can work with lower ceiling heights. (It can be installed flush to the ceiling, too.) There are three color options to suit multiple design styles: white, black, and brushed nickel. Plus, the blades are reversible for additional looks.

The fan has three speeds that operate quietly, and it comes with a dimmable LED light—both features are controlled via a remote. Just note that the LED light can't be replaced or upgraded, so you're stuck with the light bulb it comes with—no changing temperature or brightness. The 18-watt LED light measures 120 lumens in brightness and has a warm white temperature; it sits behind a frosted glass plate that diffuses the light.

Price at time of publish: $127

Diameter: 44 inches | Lighting: LED | Mount Type: Flush mount | Control: Remote

Lowe's

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Who it’s for: People who want to hide their ceiling fan within a chandelier.

Who it’s not for: People who want a large ceiling fan for open spaces.

When viewing this pick from different angles, you might not even notice that the light fixture has a fan hidden inside it. The chandelier-fan combo has a unique design, with a black metal frame and gray wood detailing. It addresses two practical issues: lighting up a room with its industrial-meets-farmhouse chandelier and adding some effective air circulation with the fan.

The Bayfeve Transitional Ceiling Fan has room for eight light bulbs with a 25-watt maximum. It can accommodate a variety of bulbs, including LED, Edison, and incandescent, so you're free to pick whatever suits your taste. As for the fan function, there are three quiet speeds, and you can switch rotation directions to cool your space during the summer or improve heating during the winter months. You can even set the fan to automatically turn on at certain temperatures. That said, the fan is relatively small at 32.7 inches in diameter, so it's not necessarily as powerful as larger options—it's better for people who prioritize lighting over the fan but still want the benefits of both.

Price at the time of publish: $449

Diameter: 32.7 inches | Lighting: 8 bulbs, 25-watt maximum | Mount Type: Downrod | Control: Remote

Fanimation SculptAire Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Amazon

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Who it’s for: People who want a stylish fan.

Who it’s not for: Budget-conscious shoppers.

When considering the ideal ceiling fan for a bedroom, we prioritized the following factors: a simple yet stylish design that can work with different decor styles, a fan powerful enough to cool down the average-sized bedroom, a remote and/or app to make operating the fan from bed a breeze, and a light source. The Fanimation SculptAire has all of these features, which makes it the best ceiling fan for a bedroom. Its 52-inch blades can easily cool most bedrooms; an 18-watt LED light will help brighten up your space; and a remote and smartphone app makes it easy to operate the fan from afar.

What really makes this fan stand out, though, is its look. Whereas most ceiling fans are something of an eyesore, this one has acrylic blades that blend in better with the ceiling. The base, however, has an elegant satin brass finish that makes it something of a statement piece, but not an overly obtrusive one. While this fan is on the pricier side, we think the combination of its aesthetic and its features makes it worth the cost.

Price at the time of publish: $484

Diameter: 52 inches | Lighting: LED | Mount Type: Downrod | Control: Remote, app

Hunter Key Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan

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Who it’s for: People looking to cool down a covered patio or porch.

Who it’s not for: People looking for a more affordable ceiling fan and those who live in places that get hurricanes.

Since you can't take your air conditioner outside with you, a ceiling fan is the best way to cool down a covered outdoor space. (Plus, it can even help keep some flying insects like mosquitoes away!) But not all ceiling fans are designed to work in damp outdoor conditions, so we recommend the Hunter Key Biscayne model for indoor and outdoor capabilities. It's ETL damp rated, which means it can withstand moist conditions—use it on a covered patio, in a garage, or even in a bathroom.

Though the fan has a sleek, five-bladed silhouette, it comes in two rustic-industrial finishes: onyx bengal with barnwood drifted oak blades and weathered zinc with burnished gray pine blades. And yes, those blades are reversible to include additional color options. The included light kit is lantern-like with a cylindrical metal cage ensconcing frosted glass that holds two LED E26 light bulbs (also included). Both the fan speed, of which there are three options, and the dimmable lighting are controlled by pull chains or a remote control.

This ceiling fan comes with a downrod mount that can be installed at an angle for sloped ceilings. It's best suited for medium-size rooms up to 12-by-14 feet with a ceiling height of 9–11 feet, according to the manufacturer.

Price at time of publish: $330

Diameter: 54 inches | Lighting: Dimmable LED | Mount Type: Downrod | Control: Pull chain, remote

Final Verdict

Overall, the Honeywell Carnegie Ceiling Fan is our top pick for its rustic-chic style, versatile color options, dimmable light, and multiple fan speeds. It’s suitable for rooms measuring 12 x 12 feet in size up to 18 x 18 feet and can be installed three ways, so it offers a great deal of versatility for all types of living spaces.

For a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Prominence Home Alvina 42-Inch Ceiling Fan. This pick is just a fraction of the price of its competitors, yet it still has all the basic features and comes in multiple finishes.

How to Shop for Ceiling Fans Like a Pro

Diameter

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a ceiling fan is its size. "Installing a fan that's too small for your space won't circulate air effectively to make the room feel cool," says John Alexander, the CEO of Hunter Fan Company. "Alternatively, if you install a fan that's too large for the space, it could overpower the room even on a lower setting."

Basically, the larger the room is, the larger the diameter of the fan should be. Here are Alexander's general guidelines for choosing a ceiling fan size—but when in doubt, reference the brand's room size recommendations for any model you're thinking about buying.

100 square feet or less: Choose a ceiling fan between 30 and 48 inches for small rooms like home offices and laundry rooms.
100–400 square feet: A fan between 48 and 54 inches is best for rooms like bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
Over 400 square feet: For large spaces and open floor plans, choose a ceiling fan that's 56 inches or larger.

Another way to make sure your ceiling fan can handle your room size is by checking the cubic feet per minute (CFM). According to Alexander, this "refers to the measurement of how much air is moved by a ceiling fan. More energy-efficient ceiling fans produce higher airflow while consuming less energy than standard fans." But not every brand advertises the CFM of its ceiling fans, so that metric may be hard to find.

Lighting

Many ceiling fans come with LED light kits, but there are also standalone ceiling fans available if you already have light fixtures in your room. Some even take it a step further and have smart home capabilities, so the speed and light settings can be easily adjusted through an app on your smartphone or other device.

Mount Type

Depending on how high your ceilings are, your fan might require a different type of mount. If your room has low ceilings, you'll probably want a flush mount (also called hugger) ceiling fan. There are also downrod mounts, which are very common and come in various lengths. A downrod "ensures an appropriate hanging height of eight to nine feet from the floor," says Alexander. But if your ceiling is sloped or angled, he says you might need a special mounting kit or adapter—be sure to double check the manual for whichever fan you choose.

Controls

There are two main types of controls for ceiling fans: pull chains and remotes. Pull chains hang from the base of the fan—there's usually one chain for controlling the light and another for controlling the blades. Remotes have buttons to control a fan's features. If your ceiling is extra high, it's probably a good idea to opt for a ceiling fan with a remote, since the pull chains might not be that easy to reach.

Questions You Might Ask

Which direction should a ceiling fan run?

Ceiling fans can run in two directions: clockwise and counter-clockwise. Each has a specific function, so you'll want to make sure your blades are rotating the right way. Clockwise rotation creates an updraft, which pulls air up towards the ceiling and spreads it around the room—this is ideal in the winter to disperse heat evenly throughout a room. Counter-clockwise rotation creates a downdraft, which creates a cooling breeze that's best used in the summer. To change the direction, you can either flip a switch found on the base of the fan, or you can select the setting on a fan's remote control.

How many blades should a ceiling fan have?

The number of blades on a ceiling fan doesn't make a difference in airflow or how well it cools a room—it's actually just a personal style preference. "If you are looking for a modern style, look for a ceiling fan with two to three blades," says interior designer Ashley Mecham. "A smaller number of blades feels more modern and open, while a fan with four to five blades feels more traditional."

What should I do if my ceiling fan is wobbly?

Wobbly ceiling fans are often caused by loose screws, so check to make sure those are all in place first. If your fan is still wobbling after you’ve tightened them, your blades might have become unbalanced. “If you find that the blades and canopy aren't in perfect balance, you may need to take the time to balance them by hand,” says Ray Charles, an HVAC professional.

Start by checking the distance between each blade and the ceiling using a tape measure. If they're not equal, you can use a ceiling fan balancing kit to even them out—many ceiling fans come with one, or you can pick one up at a hardware store. You should also inspect your ceiling fan blades to see if they've warped, which can happen over time, particularly in humid environments.

How do I clean my ceiling fan?

Ceiling fans are notorious for collecting dust, so you should dust regularly. You can use any type of duster, but ideally one with a long handle and an angled head to reach the top of the blades. Or you can simply take a pillowcase, place the fan blade inside it, and slide it off—the pillowcase will trap all the dust!

Besides dusting, you can also clean your fan blades with an all-purpose cleaner, but don’t spray the liquid directly on the fan. Instead, spray it onto a cloth until lightly damp, and then gently wipe down the blades.

How do you measure the airflow of a ceiling fan?

As mentioned above, not every manufacturer advertises the airflow of its ceiling fans. Luckily, you can still measure a ceiling fan’s airflow by using an anemometer, which is available at most hardware stores. This handheld device is specifically designed to measure airflow. You simply turn the device on, set it to measure cubic feet per minute (CFM), and place it next to a ceiling fan so it can measure the airflow.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Amina Lake Abdelrahman, a commerce editor for Real Simple, and Stefanie Waldek, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To come up with these recommendations, we spent hours researching ceiling fans and ultimately narrowed down the list based on style, price, and room type. We also tapped three experts for professional input: interior designer Ashley Mecham; John Alexander, the CEO of Hunter Fan Company; and HVAC professional Ray Charles of Household Air.