How to Select a Ceiling Fan for a Living Room

A ceiling fan not only cools your home in summer. During cold seasons it can trim your heating bill by redirecting the hot air that collects at the ceiling down toward the floor. To choose a ceiling fan for your living room, follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look at the ceiling of your living room. If there is a central socket or light already installed, consider buying a lighted ceiling fan. If you don't need light from the ceiling, then look for a fan without lights.

2. Measure the room size and determine whether you need a large fan or a small one to be effective.

3. Factor in the width and length of the living room to determine the fan blade size. Small blades in a big room will do no good, and if the blades are too big, the fan will be too much.

4. Browse online for ceiling fans of various shapes, sizes, brands and models (see Resources below). Or visit a home lighting or hardware store in your area to see what's available, and then make your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want a lighted fan, determine how much light you need--ceiling fans come with one to six bulbs.