Paddle fan is a broad term for ceiling fans. Merriam-webster defines it as a fan with paddle-shaped vanes. Thus, there’s no specific description or imagery except that of paddle-shaped blades. Paddle fans have been an integral part of every interior for over a century now.
Most of us think of handheld Chinese fans that started the tradition. Nonetheless, a modern paddle fan can easily enhance the visuals and dynamics of any room. Moreover, these fans with their reversible motor offer excellent performance.
In this blog post, we’ve reviewed some of the best modern paddle fans to help you make an informed decision.
Andover Mill’s 52” paddle-shaped fan is our pick for the best paddle fan. Not only is the product priced competitively but also offers some cutting-edge features. If you want to cool your room through air circulation or brighten it up with LED light, look no further than this paddle fan. This fan comes with a 30W bulb alongside two pull chains to shut on/off the light.
Besides a sturdy metal construction, the fan comes with five wooden blades pitched at 12 degrees. These blades change direction based on the season. Furthermore, you get a white glass dome shade at the center. That’s pretty much the focal point on this fan. Even though it’s a multipurpose fan, there’s no dearth of features. And that can be seen in the form of 3-speed settings.
For such a competitive price, you get a bulb, shade, blades, and light kit. This poplar wood finish fan is excellent for enhancing airflow in 12 x 14 and 18 x 20 sized rooms.
If noise bothers you, then you ought to choose Bexley by AllModern. This 52” 3-blade paddle-shaped fan runs silently. It looks aesthetically appealing and can complement any contemporary interior. Owing to its sleek, and edgy design, you can place it anywhere in your house.
Crafted with a precious metal finish, this fan boasts solid wood CNC cut blades. Besides, a flush-mounted cylindrical canopy houses its six-speed reversible motor. Without a doubt, it’s the blades that grab your attention. The contoured wooden finish blades mounted at a 15-degree pitch not only look stunning but provide excellent performance.
This fan has a direct ceiling mount design and thus you don’t get a downrod. Nevertheless, wall-mounted control makes up for it. As for construction materials, this fan features cast aluminum alongside heavy stamped steel. The manufacturers have designed it in such a way that it’s perfect for both commercial and residential use.
Breakwater Bay’s 52” Ares LED Propeller Ceiling fan offers the best value. Even though it’s priced competitively, you get all the standard features you’d expect in a premium fan. What’s so unique about this paddle fan is that it comes with a downrod. Thus, you can adjust the height at your convenience.
In addition to a downrod, you get shade, blades, and a light kit. You can control this fan using a remote. The glass shade looks spectacular and really complements the wooden finish on the blades. As for airflow, you can expect an efficiency of up to 446 CFM. That’s not all, the LED light can generate 1400 lumens capable of lighting a small room.
This fan is designed keeping the regulations in mind. Thus, it complies with various GSL regulations in the state of Nevada, California, and Washington. Last but not the least, it weighs just 14oz.
Mercury Row’s Twigg doesn’t necessarily fit in the contemporary paddle fan category. It boasts a unique design featuring an understated silhouette with neutral tones. However, it’s one of the most beloved paddle fans both in terms of features and design. Not only do you get a solid wood finish and a cast aluminum construction but also an LED light as a focal point highlighted by a glass.
The three solid wood blades are ultra-quiet and reversible. Not only is this fan energy efficient but offers excellent performance as well. Its 6-speed technology allows you to tweak settings based on your requirements. The flush mount design is clean and unobtrusive.
The Twigg 3-Blade fan is IP20 rated and is suitable for commercial as well as residential use. Furthermore, it’s even lighter than the fan we saw above at just 12oz. As for blade span, it’s 42’’ wide and can improve airflow in a small to medium-sized room.
Modernize your interior with this stunning paddle fan. Latitude Run’s Chanice fan offers the aesthetic appeal that one craves. This ceiling fan comes with a light kit to not just cool the space but also illuminate it. Each Latitude Run product is designed keeping the users in mind, and the 3-Blade Chanice model is no different.
This ceiling fan will help provide comfort during the summers and will act as an aesthetical enhancement during winters. Furthermore, there are multiple designs that you can choose from – Espresso Bronze with Burnt Oak and Brushed Nickel with Chocolate Blade. Each of these designs looks spectacular and would fit right into any contemporary home.
The fan comes with two E26 bulbs. Thus, you get bold light in the form of 450 lumens and a 230-degree beam angle via a lightly frosted glass enclosure. Furthermore, the dual mount capability allows you to hang this fan with a 4” downrod. If not, you can hang it on an angled ceiling.
Three Posts’ 5 – Blade ceiling fan can be an exquisite addition to any interior. Owing to its three clear glass shades and rustic brown blades, this three-light 52″ fan will bring traditional flair to your abode. The manufacturers offer a complete light kit along with a downrod to help you customize the height as you desire.
Furthermore, it features reversible blades crafted from manufactured wood with a 12-degree pitch. Simply as beautiful in your living room as it is in your master bedroom, this versatile design is a must-have in any modern home. This fan is an excellent choice if you’re looking to improve airflow in a 12 x 14 medium-sized room.
This fan is extremely powerful as it can offer airflow of up to 2488 CFM. Besides, it comes with an E26 bulb base to light up any space. You can control the fan using a remote and the lights via a pull chain.
Keeping your space chill, bright, and stylish, this 60” ceiling fan from Birch Lane is a complete package. With a metal frame and wood blades, the body gives off a sleek look. Furthermore, its three blades are pitched at 12 degrees making them perfect for cooling down large rooms of 18′ x 20′.
In the center, a dimmable integrated LED light brightens up your decor. Also included with the design is a remote control, allowing you to adjust the speed even while you are out of the room. This mid-range fan comes with a complete light kit and a downrod. Though you’ll need a professional to set it up, DIYing is not extremely difficult.
Since the fan weighs just under 13oz, you can hold it without much hassle. One notable factor is its massive blade width at 60”. If this is the product you’re choosing, make sure you have a large room, or else the fan will overshadow everything else.
If performance is a defining metric, then by all means go for this 3-blade beast. Hamler by Williston Forge is a stunning fan that not only offers performance but a visual treat. This fan offers a strikingly unique and streamlined design in the form of a monochromatic aesthetic.
On top of that, the integrated LED array simply illuminates the surrounding area and accentuates the fluid lines. This particular paddle fan comes with shade, blades, downrod, and a complete light kit. Moreover, it can produce a tremendous airflow of up to 3257 CFM. As for efficiency, you can expect 80CFM per watt. The 54” blade width ensures that the airflow is smooth throughout the room.
However, you must know that this is amongst the heaviest fans on the list. Weighing 22.3oz, setting up the fan by yourself won’t be easy. Thus, we’d advise you to seek professional help.
Foundstone’s Alex is a 3-Blade LED fan that can breathe life into any dull setting. Add this ceiling fan to your modern home to complete your contemporary decor. Its sleek steel body has a neutral color finish, with three double-sided blades and squared-off blunt ends. Moreover, the clean steel design grabs your attention and leaves you marveling.
Other than an excellent finish, this fan comes with an innovative LED light kit. The manufacturers have offered 3 color temperatures and an opal glass cover to suit different moods. Thus, can be a valuable addition to any room.
It has three-speed settings and is quiet even on its highest setting. The fan’s blades spin in opposite directions for improved air circulation in both winter and summer. Furthermore, you can control the fan using a remote control. This makes it turning the fan on/off easier and efficient. Last but not the least, this fan can offer maximum airflow up to 5800 CFM.
If customization is what you seek, then customization is what AllModern has to offer. Their 52” 3-Blade paddle fan called Bexley comes in 6 finishes – Textured Bronze, Brushed Brass, Gloss White, Matte Black, Brushed Nickel, and Polished Chrome. Not only that, you can even customize the blades and choose from four options – Walnut, Barn Wood, Matte Black, and Matte White.
The Bexley ceiling mount fan offers rustic appeal without compromising on performance. The 3-joint wooden blades can complement any minimal interior space. What we love the most about this fan is that you have plenty of variants. Thus, based on the profile of your room, you can choose the perfect model.
This fan comes with a 6-speed setting and a reversible DC motor. Moreover, it’s IP20 rated and is perfect for both residential and commercial use. Lastly, it can offer a low-speed airflow of about 1057 CFM, and a maximum airflow of 5047 CFM.
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Buyer’s Guide to a Paddle Fan
A paddle fan can add ambiance and cooling to any space – home, lodge, hotel, or office. These energy-efficient fans offer excellent performance whilst contributing aesthetically.
Most of the paddle fans come with integrated LED lighting to serve a dual purpose. Not only do they improve the airflow but add ambient lighting to an area. As we reviewed above, some manufacturers offer as many as 3 variations in the light itself. Helping you to adjust them as per your mood.
Having said that, choosing an ideal paddle fan is not easy. There are a plethora of factors that you must consider before you spend any money.
This guide will provide you with key points that you must consider when buying these fans.
Construction
Paddle fans come in different shapes and sizes. More so, in terms of construction material. From all steel finish to hardwood, and pinewood, there are plenty of options available. Based on your interior, you need to choose what type of texture will suit your interior.
Most fans are multi-layered and differ in terms of durability. Thus, you must check if the material can handle the wear and tear over a long period.
Operation
If you’re buying a paddle fan as part of your work-from-home office or for your bedroom. You must check for noise. Ideally, you’d want a fan that is extremely quiet regardless of the speed at which it runs. If not, you will have to deal with annoying noises that can be terribly distracting.
Motor
A motor is an integral part of any fan. For paddle fans, you need to check the motor casing and its capabilities. Generally, you need a motor that’s reversible and comes with energy efficiency ratings. ETL and UL Listing can be good parameters in this case.
Besides the technicalities, you want superior construction. Based on our research, aluminum motor casings are the most effective ones as they do not rust easily.
Downrod
Unlike steampunk fans, a paddle fan usually comes with a downrod. This feature is significant in helping you adjust the height based on your room size. For instance, you can hang your fan low if the room is large.
On the contrary, if the blades of your fan are wider than 55’’, you’d want to hang your fan higher. Thus, you can make a calculative decision based on your room space, and preference. Most manufacturers offer a custom downrod that can suit a ceiling that’s as high as 3m. Having said that, some even offer up to 8m.
