Choosing the right ceiling fan size

Fans are sized by sweep

Ceiling fans are measured by their sweep, the diameter of the circle the blade tips make as they turn. You'll see sizes in millimetres or inches. Bigger sweep generally means more air moved, but the shape and pitch of the blades and the motor also matter, so two fans of the same size won't always perform the same.

A rough guide by room

These are general starting points, not hard rules:

• Small rooms, studies and smaller bedrooms: roughly 900 to 1100 mm.
• Standard bedrooms: roughly 1200 to 1300 mm.
• Larger bedrooms and living rooms: roughly 1300 to 1400 mm.
• Big living areas and open-plan spaces: 1400 mm and up, or more than one fan.

Measure the room before you shop. A room that's 3 by 3 metres and one that's 4 by 5 metres need quite different fans.

Open-plan areas

Newer homes in Calderwood, Tullimbar and Shell Cove often have long open-plan kitchen, dining and living areas. One fan in the middle won't reach the far ends. Two fans spaced evenly, one over the lounge and one over the dining table, usually gives better coverage than a single oversized fan. Keep fans away from directly over the cooktop, where the airflow can interfere with the range hood.

Clearance and ceiling height

For safety and comfort, fans need enough clearance between the blades and the floor. The wiring rules and fan makers set minimum heights, and in practice most standard ceilings around 2.4 metres are fine with a fan mounted close to the ceiling. Check the clearance from the blade tips to walls, cupboards and light fittings too, so nothing gets clipped.

With high or raked ceilings, a fan mounted too far up won't move much air at living level. A downrod extension brings it down to a more effective height. Raked ceilings may also need an angled mounting kit.

Bedrooms

In a bedroom you usually want a gentle, steady breeze at night rather than a gale. A fan with plenty of speed settings lets you find that point. DC motor fans tend to offer more speeds and run quieter, which is why they're popular for bedrooms. Position the fan roughly over the bed where possible.

Light or no light

Many fans have an integrated LED light. In a room where the fan replaces the only ceiling light, that's useful. In rooms that already have downlights, a fan without a light keeps the look cleaner. If you choose a light kit, check its colour temperature matches the rest of the room.

Outdoor areas

For alfresco and patio areas, choose a fan rated for outdoor or damp locations. Indoor fans used outside can corrode and fail, particularly near the coast where salt air is in play. Covered patios in places like Gerringong and Kiama see plenty of that.

Where should it go

Ideally the fan goes in the centre of the space you want to cool, with solid support above. Many fans go where an existing light was, but a different position may suit the room better. If we need to move the point or add support, we'll explain what's needed before starting.

Ready to choose

Our ceiling fan installs page explains how we fit fans, and our indoor lighting page covers fans with integrated lights. Building or renovating? Our new home electrical work can include fan points from the start.

Call or text Kalani on 0424 400 346. A quick photo of the room and its measurements makes it easy to recommend a size.