As Laurie and Hildy went about uprooting clunky, wobbly ceiling fans from homes in ‘Trending Spaces’, little did we know that the fixture was being falsely maligned for being an eyesore.
Cut to today, ceiling fans are fast becoming the norm in homes all over the world for saving energy and allowing better air circulation.
The only conundrum that still haunts a homeowner is what color ceiling fan to pick.
There are the eternal whites that seamlessly melt away into a ceiling exuding a vibe of coherence.
That’s an infallible choice.
But in a contemporary décor setup, whites seem a tad tepid, especially if the canvas is peppered with enough color pops in terms of accessories.
How then, do you narrow down on the right color for your ceiling fan that perfectly complements the décor?
Here are a few tips.
Which colour is best for ceiling fans?
While selecting between blends and contrasts, boils down to personal preferences, some designers these days prefer to go against the grain.
That means, contrast edges ahead of whites, albeit slightly – but not everyone wants that “designer” flare running throughout their house.
Don’t get us wrong here. White still works great, especially if the whole canvas is white or close to it and perfect if you want the ceiling fan to blend in and not stand out. Read our guide on when you should use a white ceiling fan.
But even then, adding some contrast, especially when there’s a whole bunch of colors, finishes and styles to pick from, is a great way to create a functional fixture that doubles up as an accent piece/ focal point.
Moreover, contrasting ceiling fans can be clubbed with art pieces, the wooden floor, the bed frame, the windows or just about anything that catches your fancy. You have a lot more options if you prefer to choose a contrasting ceiling fan.
Another thing to consider is the height of your ceiling. If your ceiling is on the lower side, you’ll most likely want to go for a light colored fan, or something that matches the ceiling color to not draw attention. Most ceilings are painted white so the ceiling appears higher than it is.
More colors and finishes
Ceiling fan design has undergone a renaissance in the recent past.
Colors like Bronze (currently trending), brushed nickel, black, brass, dark gray, polished silver, aluminum, tan gold and rust dominate the palate and you have hundreds of finishes in each of these options.
Matching the blade color with the color of the wood that’s predominant in the room is a great way to blend with the existing décor theme. For example, if the upholstered furniture, the wooden floor and the molding flanking the fireplace are all cherry-stained wood, cherry colored fan blades against a white ceiling will open the canvas offering enough contrast to keep things interesting.
Similarly, you can also match it with the metallic hardware/accessories used in the room. This takes the guesswork out of it. You don’t have to rack your brains trying to figure out what color ceiling fan with gray walls or what color ceiling fan with white ceiling.
Do ceiling fans need to match throughout the house?
One of the ways to prevent the décor from looking mundane in the entire house is to mix and match things up. You can always go for the more basic/blend options in the bedrooms so that it stays subtle and does not seem overwhelming.
Take a look at our new guide on the finding the best ceiling fan for your bedroom if you’re looking to purchase a new one.
On the other hand, the outdoor areas can use some color. A black fan blade and body against a white ceiling is a recent trend that finds many takers. However, there needs to be a hint of black somewhere in the décor for this to work.
If you are like us, then you’d hate making frequent design changes. So, do your research, consider your options and narrow down upon the right ceiling fan color. Alternatively, if you have an existing ceiling fan, you could always paint it – read our guide to find out if you can paint a ceiling fan.
Read more about our opinion on whether ceiling fans are outdated or not.
Here’s our favourite fans in a wide variety of colors:
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White
Simple, subtle and stylish – white is a great all round color to go for if you’re not sure what color ceiling fan to pick. With most ceilings being white, a white fan will blend in perfectly.
Black
Want your ceiling fan to be a feature in a room and stand out? Better go for black. Super modern and stylish, a black ceiling fan will look cool whilst keeping you cool.
Wooden
Wooden blades make for a contemporary looking fan which can fit perfectly in both modern and traditional houses. A wooden ceiling fan will always be a safe bet if you don’t want something as simple as white and want to stand out a little more.
Metal
A metal ceiling fan is most certainly more suited to a modern home. Bringing a slight industrial vibe along with it. Your fan can definitely become the focal point of the room, for good reason – they look great!
