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How do I Choose the Best Brushed Nickel Ceiling Fan?

Anna B. Smith
Anna B. Smith

The best brushed nickel ceiling fan will provide the type of lighting and air circulation desired by the purchaser, while coordinating with existing home decor. To make the best choice, homeowners may wish to measure the room into which it will be mounted and note any existing hardware already present. This will allow them to determine the maximum bulb wattage and fan blade length required to both light and cool the necessary space, while providing insight into design needs. These fans are available in a wide range of sizes at home improvement stores, home decor stores, and on the Internet.

As far as fan designs go, a brushed nickel ceiling fan can create a modern, art nouveau look in any room. Brushed nickel complements most common wood finishes, including beech, cherry, and walnut; it also works well with classic white and can be combined with any type of glass or fabric light shade. Brushed nickel also offers the added benefit of resisting tarnish and rust, providing a timeless piece that will maintain its appearance for many years.

Man with hands on his hips
Man with hands on his hips

A brushed nickel ceiling fan can provide design style, light, and air circulation. Depending on the purchaser's primary needs, he or she may wish to examine the unit's wattage and blade size prior to making a final selection. These fans may accept bulbs ranging between 40 and 100 watts. The size of the fan typically determines its maximum wattage and bulb outlets. Smaller fans tend to use bulbs with lower output and may only provide a few bulb connections. An individual whose primary need is increased light should purchase a larger fan that offers three to four bulb placements in the 60 to 80 watt range.

Blade size refers to the length of the fan blades. Most brushed nickel ceiling fan assemblies provide blades between 42 and 52 inches (about 106.7 to 132.1 centimeters). Larger blades will provide a higher degree of air circulation throughout the room. Smaller blades are ideal for rooms with more than one fan present or with a limited amount of usable ceiling space available for installation. Blade colors are available in most styles of wood veneer as well as solid white, solid black, and brushed nickel.

A brushed nickel finish is also commonly used in a variety of bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Brushed nickel faucets, handles, and shower heads may be found online or at local home improvement stores to complete any decor. If the brushed nickel ceiling fan is being installed in the same room as or near a fixture with the same finish, the homeowner may wish to coordinate the pieces with one unifying design concept. For example, curved handles and nozzles can be paired with a fan that utilizes a similar curving design throughout the blade and light assembly. Finials, which are the decorative ends at the bottom of the light fixtures or central rod, may also be matched with any exposed capping on the fixtures.

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