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How do I Choose the Best Chandelier Ceiling Fan?

Judith Smith Sullivan
Judith Smith Sullivan

Chandelier ceiling fans come in many styles and sizes. The best chandelier ceiling fan will accommodate the size of your room, provide appropriate lighting and have multiple speed settings. There are many styles of fan, from rustic chandeliers which integrate the fan into the light fixture, to dainty crystal chandeliers which hang below the fan. For a statement piece, choose a fan which contrasts the ceiling color. If the space is already busy, choose a color that blends into the walls and ceiling.

The size of the room typically dictates the size of the chandelier ceiling fan. A 10 by 12 foot (3.04 m by 3.6 m) room does not need a fan with a 60 inch (1.52 m) span. It might overpower the room. Conversely, a small fan in a large room is equally disproportionate. Choose a fan that is roughly one-third the length of the shortest wall in the room. For instance, choose a 36 inch (91.4 cm) fan for a 10 by 12 foot (3.04 m by 3.6 m) room.

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Some chandelier ceiling fans are quite tall, so it is important to measure the height of the room before choosing a fan. There should be at least 7 feet (2.13 m) from the base of the fan to the floor. A flush-mount ceiling fan is the best choice for lower ceilings. Vaulted ceilings and ceilings higher than ten feet (3.04 m) may require a extended down-rod so that the fan is close enough to the floor to provide adequate circulation.

Consider the wattage of the chandelier ceiling fan before purchasing the fixture. The item's specifications will dictate the maximum wattage for each bulb on the chandelier. Multiply the maximum wattage by the number of bulbs for the total wattage. If the chandelier ceiling fan is too bright, you can use lower wattage bulbs in the fixture or install a dimmer switch.

Make sure to find a fan with at least three speed settings. A fan which only has one setting might be too fast or too slow for the area where the fan is installed. Higher ceilings, like an outdoor porch, need fans to turn faster so that the air has enough momentum to travel downward. Small rooms with low ceilings need a fan to turn more slowly so that the wind current is not overpowering.

For your safety, have a professional electrician inspect the light fixture mount to ensure that it can support the weight of a ceiling fan chandelier. If you are unfamiliar with electrical outlets, also have the professional install the fixture. The fan should not wobble, even on the highest speed setting. Regularly check the chandelier ceiling fan for any lose parts which might disconnect and fall.

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