Outdoor Ceiling Fans

The idea of using outdoor ceiling fans may sound a bit odd at first; however if you have a covered outdoor area of your home - such as a deck, a patio, a gazebo, or any kind of covered structure that functions as outdoor living space, using a ceiling fan for air circulation can make this special area of your home a more comfortable, fun and stylish place to spend time in. When it comes to selecting an outdoor ceiling fan, there are many options to choose from. These include models that are designed specifically for different weather environments, as well as ones that are more contemporary and stylish; fans that have a more rustic outdoorsy appeal; and functional ceiling fans with lights to provide extra lighting to your outdoor areas. Read on to learn all about the various ceiling fans that can bring new life and ambiance to your outdoor space!

One of the first things you want to consider is the size of the space where you'll be installing your outdoor ceiling fan. A smaller space will benefit the most from a fan with shorter blades, whereas a larger area can easily contain a larger ceiling fan with more expansive blades, which help to increase the amount of air circulation provided. The next thing to consider is the style and design aesthetic that best matches your outdoor space. For example, if you were to install outdoor ceiling fans on the porch of a cabin, you might want a more rustic look. In this case, you would want to look for fans with wooden blades and brass or copper elements. On the other hand, if your outdoor space has more of an airy, beachy vibe to it, you might prefer to look of a tropical ceiling fans. These often have blades that are uniquely shaped and designed to mimic the fronds of tropical trees, and can often be found in materials such as bamboo, rattan, and lighter colored woods. You'll definitely want to consider purchasing ceiling fans with lights as well, as these will provide extra outside lighting options without the need for additional outdoor lamps. Purchasing a ceiling fan that comes with the dimmer, or that uses lower wattage light bulbs, is also a fabulous way to providing a unique sense of ambiance to your outdoor living space.

Once you have an idea of the outdoor ceiling fan styles that you're looking for, it's now very important to purchase a fan that is specially rated and designed for outdoor use. Installing an indoor ceiling fan in an outdoor environment can be a recipe for disaster. The reason is that an outdoor ceiling fan will be made from special materials and are specifically rated as safe to use in outdoor environments, while indoor fans are not. (Although indoor-outdoor ceiling fans are available.) You'll notice when you go to purchase your outdoor fan is that some fans will be rated specifically for damp conditions, and others for wet environments. A damp rated fan is ideal for a covered space that does not come into direct contact with rain, mist or moisture of any kind. If you live in a drier climate, or if your outdoor space is well covered so that the fan will not come into contact with rain, a damp rated fan should work fine for you. However, environments that experience heavier rains and winds, and any outdoor area that does not provide adequate coverage and protection from moisture, should be equipped with a wet rated fan. These fans are specifically rated to work well in environments where they may come into contact with rain or moisture. Choosing correctly will ensure that your fan has the longest lifespan possible and performs the most efficiently in your outdoor area.

Installing an outdoor ceiling fan can be quite a job if you're not familiar with the process, and may require you to gain access to the roof of your outdoor space. When you purchase your ceiling fan, be sure to ask a customer service representative about the installation process, and find out if it's something that can be reasonably performed by someone who's not a professional. Customer representatives at home improvement and lighting stores can provide you with the tools and information you need to ensure a safe and efficient installation. If this is not something that you can comfortably carry out yourself, they can also recommend ceiling fan installation professionals who can get the job done quickly and safely for a nominal fee.

So take a look online and find out which home improvement and lighting stores are in your area. In order to not be overwhelmed by the selection, be sure that you decided upon a general design aesthetic for your outdoor space, and you have a good idea of what kind of fan - either damp rated or wet rated - will be most beneficial for your needs. Your outdoor living space will truly come alive with the addition of unique, stylish, and functional outdoor ceiling fans.