Think a ceiling fan can never be an integral, trendy part of your home’s design? It’s time to think again.
Ceiling fans have gotten a bad rap in recent decades, becoming associated with decor choices many of us would rather forget. But, there’s nothing inherently wrong with ceiling fans. In fact, they can elevate your space if you choose the design wisely!
Wondering how to design your ceiling fan decor for maximum impact? In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to decorate a room with a ceiling fan. Keep reading to find out how to stay cool and conserve energy while having a great-looking home!
The Top Ceiling Fan Decor Styles
If you want the ceiling fan to be a focal point of your home, you might build your decor around it. But it’s much more likely that you’re looking for a fan to match your existing decor. Maybe you are adding a ceiling fan for the first time, or upgrading an old, dated one. Either way, these styles are a great choice for lots of different home designs.
1. Geometric
A ceiling fan with a modern, abstract, geometric design fits beautifully in with a modern home. Think sleek metal, asymmetrical shapes, and clean lines. With the right design, your ceiling fan can become an almost sculptural piece.
2. Black
Who can’t recall an image of seeing a dusty, yellowed, ugly ceiling fan in a room somewhere? Although you’ll still have to clean it, you can cut down on the dinginess by getting a trendy black ceiling fan instead. Dark colors are chic, modern, and hide dust and dirt much more effectively.
3. Simple Wood
Try a clean design in bright wood for a simple yet modern take on the ceiling fan style. This works well in a home with natural decor, giving a laidback feel. You can find wood fans in traditional shapes, as well as creative ones.
5. Art Deco
A simple yet beautiful art deco-inspired fan can give a lovely feel to a home with vintage elements in the decor. Look for one with a built-in lamp for extra design cred.
6. Palm Fronds
For an outdoor fan or one in a room with beachy decor, try blades shaped like palm fronds. This brings a sense of natural, casual vibes to any room.
7. Crystal
A crystal ceiling fan is the best choice if you want a more elegant, glamorous look to a room. This choice pairs nicely with other luxe elements, like velvet curtains.
8. Industrial
In some spaces, such as loft apartments, an industrial-style fan can find a stylish place. Ceiling-mounted industrial fans look modern and cool with brick walls and other industrial design styles.
How to Decorate With a Ceiling Fan
Now that you’ve got your fan style picked out, how can you decorate it to fit the room around it? Here are some of our top ideas for making your fan blend in perfectly with any decor.
1. Add Paint
If you have a design you love in a color you’re not crazy about, a simple coat of paint will turn that fan into the one you want. This is also a great way to make any fan match any room.
You can use spray paint to give an old fan a new look. Try a sleek color like cream, black, or even silver for a neutral, trendy look. You can also use fun colors if you want a more whimsical feel.
2. Match Styles
It’s easy to update the color of the fan, but you’ll want to make sure to choose a style that goes with the existing decor of the room. A ceiling fan in a totally different style will stand out – and not in a good way.
For example, a contemporary bedroom calls for a minimalistic fan in a sleek material like brushed steel. But if your home is more classic in decor, you might want a traditional shape with warm wooden blades instead. For a Victorian home, you can even find a fan with ornately carved blades.
Don’t forget to look at the details, like bases and light fixtures, too. These can really pull your room together with just one item!
3. Add a Pattern
In addition to changing the color of your ceiling fan, you can also add a pattern to a solid fan (or pick one that already includes a pattern).
Use paint and a stencil to paint a pattern on a plain fan. Chevrons are timeless, while a floral design can be rustic and cozy.
Or, add a more intricate design using contact paper, which is typically used for lining shelves. Contact paper already has adhesive, so you just need to cut it to the right shape and stick it on the blades of the fan.
4. Consider Size
One of the most important things about picking a fan for a room is to choose the right size. If you have a big room with a high ceiling, an oversized fan can look great. But in a smaller room, a large fan might make things look cramped.
5. Change the Lights
Ceiling fans with built-in light fixtures, you might want to change out the light bulbs to change the vibe of the room. The bulbs you already have might be harsh or too bright. Try frosted bulbs, soft white bulbs, or even colored bulbs like amber to give the room a warmer glow.
Which Ceiling Fan Decor Ideas Will You Try?
Whether your ceiling fan decor is classic or modern, simple or ornate, you’ll be able to find a fan style that works for you. Fan design has come a long way since the days of ugly white plastic. Shop around, and don’t forget you can add DIY updates to help make a style you love work better for your room.
Looking for more ways to upgrade your home’s look? Check out our guide to vintage bathroom design.