When selecting the right kind of ceiling fan for your home, it is important to consider how it will be mounted. There are four main categories of mounting types: flush mount, standard, extended, and sloped. The choice of which one to use depends on the height of your ceiling and also any special needs you may have based on the shape or angle of your ceiling. Flush mount is suitable for ceilings up to nine feet, standard mounting can be used for ceilings up to nine feet as well, and downrod mounting is necessary for ceiling heights above nine feet. Specific slanted or angled brackets may also be required for vaulted or angled ceilings.
To ensure proper placement and optimum safety, airflow, and aesthetic appeal of your ceiling fan, it is important that you determine the correct mounting type for your space. We have put together a guide containing information about each mounting option to help make the selection process easier. With this information, you can decide which one is best suited for your particular needs and ceiling height.
Ceiling Fan Mounting Types/Options
Ceiling fans are one of the most popular home additions, as they provide a cooling breeze on hot days and can even be used to circulate warm air in the winter months. There are several different mounting options for ceiling fans, each suited for a variety of ceiling heights and styles.
Standard Ceiling Fan Mount
Installing a standard ceiling fan mount is an easy and affordable way to provide ventilation in any room. The standard mount is most commonly used for ceilings with typical heights, as it requires a downrod that extends from the ceiling bracket up to the top of the fan. Generally, these downrods measure around 3 to 5 inches in length. For best results, the fan should be installed at least 7 feet from the floor and 18 inches away from the walls. This allows for optimal air circulation throughout the space.
Extended Mount
Extended Mounts are a great way to ensure that a ceiling fan is hung at the proper height, even if the ceiling is higher than normal. The optimal airflow of a ceiling fan is achieved when it hangs approximately 8-9 feet from the floor. An extended mount can give you the ability to hang the fan at this height, even if the ceiling is taller. The downrods on an extended mount can range in size, from 6 inches up to 120 inches. This makes it easy to adjust the height of your fan to get the best airflow possible.
Flush Type
Flush mount ceiling fans are a great choice for any space that has lower-than-average ceilings. This type of fan is designed to be flush with the ceiling, reducing the risk of anyone coming into contact with the spinning blades, as well as helping to ensure that any additional light fixture does not extend too far down from beneath the fan. To achieve optimal air circulation, it’s important to maintain a minimum clearance of 12 inches between the ceiling and the fan blades; 18 inches is even better.
Sloped Mount
A sloped mount is an ideal way to hang a ceiling fan on vaulted or angled ceilings, as it allows the blades of the fan to maintain a level and consistent height that can maximize air circulation in the room. It works in conjunction with an extended downrod, which ensures that the fan is installed at the proper height regardless of any ceiling slopes. This can be an effective way to ensure that the fan is optimally placed and will help maximize the airflow in the room.
What Size Downrod Does My Space Need?
When choosing a fan for your space, it is important to keep in mind the size of your ceiling and the ideal height of the fan from the floor. To ensure maximum safety and airflow, ceiling fans should hang at least seven feet off of the floor and have a minimum of 10 inches of air space between the ceiling and fan blades.
Low ceilings
For low ceilings, typically under eight feet tall, a flush mount fan is recommended. This type of fan does not include a downrod and sits very close to the ceiling. While this mounting offers maximum safety regarding distance from the floor, there may be limited airflow due to limited space between the ceiling and fan blades.
Standard ceilings
For standard ceilings that are at least eight feet tall, a short downrod model with a mounting kit is suggested. These models provide excellent airflow while still allowing a sufficient distance between the fan and the floor for safety purposes.
High ceilings
High ceilings that are over eight feet tall require more consideration when selecting a model as such ceilings usually require extra height for both aesthetic appeal as well as optimal air circulation. Ideally, fans should be hung between eight and nine feet from the floor to allow for both maximum safety as well as optimal performance.
When selecting a fan for any space it is important to assess all factors such as height from the floor, air clearance from the ceiling, size of the room, and desired style or finish among other criteria before making an informed decision on what type of fan would work best for your specific needs.
Wrapping Up
When shopping for a ceiling fan, it is important to consider the type of mount and size of downrod needed for your space. Flush mounts are great for low ceilings while extended mounts provide flexibility in height adjustment even if the ceiling is higher than normal. Sloped mounts are perfect for angled or vaulted ceilings where level blades are necessary to maximize airflow. If your ceiling is over eight feet tall, then a short downrod and mounting kit are needed to ensure optimal safety and performance of the fan. Understanding what type of mount and length of downrod you need will help you select the right product for your home.
Once you have determined these details, consider other factors such as the size of the room, desired style or finish, and any additional light fixtures before making a purchase. With the right ceiling fan, you can be sure to enjoy optimal performance and comfort in your space!