What to Consider When
Buying an Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans aren’t just for inside! Outdoor ceiling fans can create a pleasant breeze in your outdoor space on stagnant days, allowing you to enjoy your patio or porch on days when you would normally stay inside to beat the heat. Air circulation is key to comfort, and the gentle air flow created by ceiling fans can enhance any space.

As always, we want you to have all the information you need to make the best decision for your space. This is our guide to buying the best outdoor ceiling fans for your project!

What is an Outdoor Ceiling Fan?

The most important distinctions between indoor and outdoor ceiling fans is their location rating. Only damp and wet rated outdoor ceiling fans should be used outside due to the versatile conditions. Even if you plan to install the fan in a covered patio or other space where you don’t expect the fan to come into contact with moisture, you should only use damp and wet rated outdoor ceiling fans outside. There are too many variables and different climate conditions (wind, humidity, etc.) outside that can cause damage to a ceiling fan that is not designed to handle them.

However, you can use outdoor ceiling fans indoors! If you want your indoor and outdoor ceiling fans to match, double-up on the model you choose to install outdoors and install it inside as well. We have a wide selection of gorgeous outdoor ceiling fans to choose from that will also match your interior design aesthetics!

What is the Best Outdoor Ceiling Fan?

The best outdoor ceiling fans are the ones that fit your project! And with the number of different models and styles available, you’re sure to have multiple options available to you. So, which one do you choose?

Let’s take a look at some of the criteria you’ll want to use to evaluate your outdoor ceiling fan choice.

Rating: As stated, any outdoor ceiling fan should be wet or damp rated. But which goes where? If you live in a relatively dry area or have a well-covered patio space, you can use damp or wet rated ceiling fans. If you live in an area with high rainfall or humidity, you should choose a wet rated ceiling fan to ensure the longevity of your fixture.

Sizing: Measure the length and width of your space to get the area in square feet. Then, use this handy chart to calculate the size of the ceiling fan you’ll need to effectively move air in that space! For extra-large spaces, remember you can also use more than one ceiling fan to help circulate air flow. In this case, section off the total space as needed and calculate fan size based on those sections.

Style

There are just as many different styles for outdoor ceiling fans as indoor ceiling fans! Whether your tastes are traditional or modern, coastal or farmhouse, there’s an outdoor ceiling fan to suit your tastes.

Traditional Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Featured Fixture: Estate by Quorum Lighting (light kit not included)

Traditional outdoor ceiling fans usually feature five fan blades with a variety of neutral and wood-based finishes. Though the designs trend toward minimalistic in terms of details, some decoration can usually be found in the arm attachments. These outdoor ceiling fans are subtle and natural, blending into many different design styles!

Modern Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Featured Fixture: Vast by Progress Lighting

Modern outdoor ceiling fans make use of metallic finishes and usually feature a simple blade design. This style is minimalistic and chic, lacking in almost any ornamentation because the outdoor ceiling fan is the décor!

Coastal Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Featured Fixture: Key Biscayne by Hunter Fans

Coastal outdoor ceiling fans evoke the breezy aesthetic of living by the beach. Expect natural finishes and decorative fan blades that resemble palm leaves or decorative light kits that harken back to coastal lighthouses. A must-have for beach homes, or homes that seek a coastal aesthetic!

Farmhouse Outdoor Ceiling Fans

Featured Fixture: Galveston by Quorum Lighting

Farmhouse outdoor ceiling fans are similar to traditional outdoor ceiling fans, but feature more decorative elements in metallic finishes like bronze, brass, and nickel. The farmhouse design style has become more and more popular in recent years, so you’re sure to find plenty of fixtures for both your home’s interior and exterior to match your farmhouse ceiling fan!

Accessories: Ceiling fans are versatile fixtures that feature a lot of different accessories to let you enjoy your fixture to the fullest. Some ceiling fans come with light kits pre-installed into the fixture; others offer optional light kit options. Some ceiling fans have multiple different light kit options to choose from for more personalization of the fixture! Remote controls are also common features of ceiling fans. If you’re worried about losing the remote, don’t be concerned! These ceiling fans also usually come with wall-mounted control options. If you would rather control your fan from your phone, smart ceiling fans can be controlled from your phone or mobile device in place of a remote. Remote controlled fans are especially helpful for fans that are installed in hard-to-reach areas, like high ceilings.

Hanging Length: Depending on the height of your installation surface, you may need to look into down rods. Down rods are extensions that allow the fan to hang lower, closer to where the air will be the most useful for cooling your guests. If you have a low clearance, you may need to install a flush-mounted ceiling fan to allow the proper distance between the fixture and your guests. Please see the below table for information on how high the ceiling fan should hang. Variables will depend on the design of the fan and whether or not you are using a light kit that extends the base of the fan further from the ceiling: