Chic DIY: The Art of Selecting a Ceiling Fan

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t’s all about ceiling fans on this DIY Thursday. Believe it or not, but ceiling fans are not only designed to cool us off in the warmer summer days. They can in fact increase our comfort, add to our décor, and save us money on the energy bill and add to the total value of our homes. Therefore, it is important to take the time to do our research so we pick out the right type of fan for our home. Here are a few key tips to consider when it’s time to do some ceiling fan shopping.

Size matters

Before we go and buy a ceiling fan, let’s check the dimensions of our room where we plan to put it in. We suggest calculating the size of the longest wall in our room, and using it as a reference when picking out the right fan size. Also, some ceiling fans might require a Downrod if the ceiling is too tall or vaulted. This will help bring the fan down to the desired height and is completely adjustable, so we can definitely try several heights to see which one is more to our fit.

Styles, Oh My!

There are many different types of ceiling fans and they come in all shapes and sizes. We can choose between spinner-motor, friction-drive, bladeless and hugger options, or even opt for one of those posh timber ceiling fans. It really just boils down to our particular preferences. But we should also take into consideration that the fan we chose will define our room, whether it gives the space the more elegant look or antique feel we are aiming for. One thing is for sure. This simple home improvment project is sure to add value to your home, which always a good thing is especially if you plan to resell in the future.

Mounting the Fan

After we have made a decision on which style and size we want our ceiling fan to be, the next step is to narrow down exactly where we want to place it. Is it going to be in a master bedroom,  in the screened-out porch or somewhere else? We should try to visualize where the fan will be in the room and look at all the factors such as practicality, efficiency and even aesthetics. However, the best thing to do first is to consult with an electrician to make sure we have obeyed all the regulations and codes before doing any electrical tinkering. Check out this guide on how to install a ceiling fan for more information.

Accessories, Accessories, Accessories

There are many accessories out in the market, which are good additions to our ceiling fans. Take for example fan braces. Now in order to mount these, we have to make sure that our fan weight can be supported, and that all the light cables are properly attached. If not, then we run the risk of the fan collapsing and damaging our ceiling in the process. Some people go for the remote control on the wall route. This handy addition allows us to be able to control the fan with a switch of a button. We can easily turn on and off the fan, dim the lights, adjust the fan speed, and more without even being in the room.

Also, some more modern fans have the ability to adjust the temperature electronically unlike older models where it’s done manually. Another great addition is pull chains, which are available in any hardware store. These chains come in many different styles and colors, and can fit almost any décor. For those of us with high ceilings, we suggest getting longer pull chains so it can be reached easily when we need to use it.

We hope these essential tips have been helpful to those of you who are getting into their own home improvement projects and thinking about ceiling fans in general. Now there are plenty of more key factors to consider when purchasing a ceiling fan, so we do suggest doing plenty of research before any of you take on this DIY project. And good luck!