There are a variety of great kids room ceiling fans on the market today. Each have unique designs that your children might enjoy. We went through dozens of different designs and fans to find the very best. Please also read through our detailed guide at the bottom. It covers everything you need to know about buying a kids room ceiling fan.

  • Airflow: 3295 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 2.54 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 5 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • Reversible blades
  • Light fixtures in Frosted

The Vaxcel Lighting Alex Ceiling fan comes with pink blades making it most appropriate for kids rooms. It comes with a single light fixture engulfed in a frosted opal glass. The light fixture uses one 19W medium base CFL bulb to offer you an energy-saving lighting solution.

The model has a 153mm x 12 mm AC motor inside that makes it run on an average efficiency of 73 CFM/Watt. The airflow is below average at 3295 CFM. The 12 degree blade pitch produces enough breeze to cool you off in minutes. A 3-speed pull chain control gives you an ease of operation.

The Vaxcel produces some of the most coveted designs for kids rooms. These fans are not just visually appealing but also perform better than most fans in this category. The Vaxcel Lighting Alex Ceiling fan  is designed for indoors only and will not disappoint in its efficiency.

  • Airflow: 5570 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: Not Specified Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 6 speed DC motor
  • Rated for damp locations
  • Includes 6” downrod

The Craftmade Fluid ceiling fan has the most interesting design that features inward curved blades. This fan is fit for both indoor and outdoor usage. The 54” blades produce a decent airflow at 5570 CFM – enough to cool off a large room fast.

With a super efficient DC motor it consumes only 38.7 watts per hour at its highest speed. The fan offers an overall efficiency of 153 CFM/Watt. The DC motor used is three times more energy-efficient than any typical AC motor fan. The model comes with both a handheld remote and a wall control. Moreover, the wall control only needs a single hot wire for installation.

Craftmade fans are known for creating style statements. The retro-inspired designs instantly uplift your whole room décor, just like the Craftmade Fluid in Cyber Yellow does with ease. Indeed, they are best-buy to meet your home and office requirements.

  • Airflow: 4953 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 2.87 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 4 Blades, 3 speed motor
  • Illuminated glass basketball
  • Includes InTCS remote control

The Craftmade ProStar Basketball Ceiling fan comes with an illuminated basketball glass fixture. The fixture has one 18W GU24 CFL bulb to create that perfect warm illumination. If you love basketball or sports in general then you will love this fan. The blade holders have details of small basketballs and maple finish to give that sport aesthetics. With a 12 degree blade itch the fan provides an average airflow.

The fan is designed for indoor use only and is operated by a 3 speed TCS remote control system. The model also has a functional built-in uplight that casts a mood setting glow on the ceiling. There is also a light inside the basketball that shines down. The fan comes with an efficiency rating of 99 CFM/Watt which is above average for a fan in this range.

Craftmade fans are fun in design and amazing in performance. This model is perfect for your kid’s room if basketball is their favorite sport. Who nows, maybe it will inspire them to be the next Michael Jordan? 🙂

  • Airflow: Not Specified Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: Not Specified Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 2 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • Airplane design
  • Flush mount available

The Craftmade Warplanes is a kids-sports airplane style ceiling fan designed after a famous fighter aircraft. How cool is that? The fan is controlled by a 3-speed TCS remote control with a full range light dimmer and reverse speed functions.

The fan comes with black blades with 15-degree pitch to create an average airflow. It delivers the medium cooling breeze you need for your kids playroom. The 153mm x 8mm AC motor makes it lightweight, run smooth but is not as energy-efficient as any DC motor.

Craftmade fans designs attract people of every age bar. This series of fans is perfect for inspiring kids as they have been modeled from real life creations. The fan type model will surely please your kids and impress their friends. Moreover, it is the best in style and performance under the $300 price range.

  • Airflow: Not Specified Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: Not Specified Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 2 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • Unique design
  • Smooth functioning

The Craftmade Warplanes Blacksheep is a b/w checker pattern airplane style kids bedroom ceiling fan designed for indoors only. It is inspired by a real life model of a war plane which your kids will certainly find fascinating. The fan is controlled by a TCS remote control system with a full range of light dimmer, and 3 speed control. It can rotate forward and reverse.

The fan comes with a 153 mm x 8 mm AC motor. The AC motor gives it a bit less efficiency as a DC motor ceiling fan. The yellow tipped blades have a 15 degree blade pitch that produces an average airflow rating. The fan will provide moderate cooling breeze in a small room.

Craftmade fan designs always inspire people, in a positive way. They always create fans inspired by role models that will certainly intrigue your kids, just like this Warplanes Blacksheep model. Nevertheless, they don’t disappoint through their performance.

  • Airflow: 5863 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 3.39 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 3 speed DC motor
  • 3 Light Fixtures
  • Vintage inspired design

The Hunter 550310 Hartland features clear seeded glass with Edison style LED Bulbs. This rustic and industrial style design comes together with vintage inspired rivets and coin-edged thumb that secures the blades. The barn style open white hood reflector maximizes the light to diffuse on a larger radius. It is rated for indoor use only.

Besides its style signature, the fan gives a high impact performance with 5863 CFM airflow. The 3.39 MPH wind speed factor immediately produces a cooling effect in a moderately large room. The efficiency rating is 90 CFM/Watt which is fairly above average saving you on energy bills in the long run.

Since its invention a century ago, the Hunter Fans have carried on the legacy of creating inspiring designs with latest technologies. With a barn red finish, the Hartland model wins hearts without compromising in quality.

  • Airflow: 3413 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 2.27 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 3 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • 3 Speed Pull Chain
  • Realistic Airplane design

The Hunter Fantasy Flyer is a kid friendly ceiling fan. It features an airplane design body and propeller shaped blades with wings glued to the ceiling. This indoor ceiling fan has a 48” blade span but  gives an average breeze at 2.27 MPH. Thus it’s ideal for small rooms.

It utilizes WhisperWind technology to deliver a powerful yet smooth performance. It consumes only 34 watts per hour which is extremely low in comparison to other fans. The 3413 CFM airflow is below average which again makes it ideal for small rooms where little airflow is needed.

Hunter fans have been dominating the industry for over ten decades now. The Fantasy Flyer is one of the most sought-after designs parents want for their kids. It deserves applause for featuring a perfect balance of modern design and average performance under $200.

  • Airflow: 4202 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 2.43 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 10 Blades, 3 speed AC motor
  • Petal design blades
  • TCS remote control

The Craftmade Bloom Ceiling Fan comes with independently rotating upper and lower blades. The blades are available in four customized combinations. The light fixture comes in a single white globe that hosts two 13W CFL bulbs inside. It can easily illuminate a large room without consuming much energy.

The design suits kid bedrooms and is UL rated for indoor use only. With a 52” blade span, it cools you off with an average airflow of 4202 CFM. The 13.5 degree blade pitch allows it to distribute air evenly across medium to large spaces. The DC Motor inside saves energy and guarantees for a long-lasting performance. You get a TCS remote control with speed, light and direction controls.

Craftmade’s exquisite collections of ceiling fans, lightings, vents and chimes have always inspired the industry. Their knack for creative décor items clearly reflects in this Bloom series. Its captivating design is an eye-candy not only for kids, but also for adults.

  • Airflow: 6498 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 2.93 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 4 Blades, 6 speed DC motor
  • Integrated Dimmable LED
  • Includes 6” Downrod

The Minka Aire Spectre in Orange is a contemporary indoor fan with an airflow rating of 5/5. With a 6 speed DC motor, it creates a massive airflow of 6498 CFM. It comes with both wall and remote controls. It is also sold in several other color finishes if orange is not your style. The 60” blade span and the 14 degree blade pitch make it an ideal choice for large spaces.

The Spectre features a super efficient DC Motor to save energy thus is perfect for long hours of use in home or office. The model comes with a light fixture containing a super slim LED Light of 1100 Lumens. The light fixture provides ample illumination without consuming much power.

Minka Aire is a relatively new company that offers an extensive line of interior products. Their fan designs are very contemporary and unique just like the Spectre model. The distinctive blade irons hugging the fan body create a very complimenting vibe for any modern décor.

  • Airflow: 3753 CFM Airflow quantifies the amount of air a ceiling fan delivers and is measured in CFM which stands for cubic feet per minute. CFM measurements are taken when a fan is on high speed, then that number is divided by the watts used. This means that the higher the CFM, the more efficient the fan, and the more air it moves.
  • Windspeed: 2.17 MPH Wind speed from a ceiling fan is sort of the same as the breeze between the two buildings that created the wind tunnel effect. To feel the more powerful wind speed you will need to be directly underneath the ceiling fan, or at least very nearby and not far from the tips of the fan blades.
  • 4 Blades, 3 speed DC motor
  • Vintage inspired design
  • Low Profile hanging system

The Hunter Cranbrook flaunts both vintage and modern designs with a low-profile hanging system. The fan seamlessly flows into the open hood that surrounds an exposed bulb for an authentic look. With a blade span of 52”, it is suitable for providing adequate cooling breeze to large rooms.

The fan comes with a WhisperWind DC motor to run quietly. Even after years of usage the fan will still function smoothly. You can expect a light breeze at a Wind Speed Factor of 2.17 MPH. The efficiency is below average (60 CFM/Watt) – not energy-efficient when used more heavily. Moreover, it will consume more energy when used on high speeds and with the lights on.

Hunter entered the market in the early 20th century and now its designs are setting benchmarks in the fan industry. The Cranbrook Low Profile Ceiling takes its design concept from the mid-century and serves as a center-piece for any living space.

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Everything To Know When Buying Kids Room Ceiling Fans.

We have a deep love for ceiling fans and live to help others understand these products as well as we do. That is why we took the time to write a ceiling fan buyers’ guide.

Buying a ceiling fan for the first time can be overwhelming. This is particularly true if buying a fan for your kid’s room. You will want it to be highly functional, safe, durable, and fun.

There are many options for fans and each fan has different styles, sizes, functionality, blades, and installation steps.

Fortunately for you, we have distilled all of the key variables down into an accessible and digestible guide. You can read this guide if you want an in-depth understanding of ceiling fans or you can skim it if you only want to better understand certain aspects of the fan itself. 

This includes how to select a fan to buy, the types and angles of a fan’s blades, the pros and cons of the AC and DC motors that power fans, and how to install the fan on your ceiling. If you follow this guide you can be confident that you are making a well informed buying decision.

We know all things ceiling fans and want to pass on our learnings and insights to help you. 

What makes a ceiling fan great for kids rooms?

  1. The fan is safe and the blades unreachable and unbreakable to sports balls or sports equipment. This means the blades are thick and usually made of strong plastic or metal or wood.
  2. Your child (and you) enjoy the way it looks.
  3. The fan matches the wall colors or general aesthetic of the room and its design.
  4. It will keep your kid cool while sleeping during the warm seasons. The fan can heat the room in colder months.
  5. The fan is not loud so that your kid can enjoy better quality sleep.
  6. The fan produces a moderate amount of consistent noise, like white noise, which has a calming effect and assists with study and rest.

We know that once you evaluate, select, and install a ceiling fan it will likely remain in place for many years to come. That is because ceiling fans can be heavy, expensive, and labor intensive to install. 

A central air conditioning system consumes 3 kiloWatts, which is about 36 cents per hour. Running a fan only runs at 30 Watts, equivalent to only a cent per hour. 

This makes fans affordable and energy efficient alternatives that many people love as they are good for you, your wallet, and the environment.

Running a fan that turns off when a certain temperature range is reached is even more affordable.

Take the time to do research now before buying because the switching costs of changing your mind can be high.

Go through this evaluation check-list so that you better understand the types of motors, blades, installation units, and fans that exist. We encourage you to optimize for:

  1. Overall quality: in particular the speed of the motor to optimize for cooling efficacy and quietness.
  2. Aesthetics: in particular ensure that you are happy with how the fan looks, its color, shape, design, and blade count.
  3. Size: select the right size fan for the room you will be placing it in. Larger rooms require larger fans to create strong air flow.

When placing the ceiling fan in your kids room, first measure the size of the room.

Knowing the approximate size of the room in which the fan will be placed is important. 

Larger fans are best suited to larger rooms as their blades and motors move greater volumes of air.

Ceiling Fan Size Chart for Your Kids Room

Room (in feet) Cubic Feet/Minute Fan Size
6′ x 6′ 3,000 – 4,500 Shop: 24″ to 36″
10′ x 10′ 4,000 – 5,500 Shop: 37″ to 48″
12′ x 12′ 6,200 – 7,500 Shop: 49″ to 56″
15′ x 15′ 7,000 – 9,000 Shop: 60″ to 72″
Larger 9,000 – 11,000 Shop: 80″ to 99″

The length of the blade of the fan and the size of the room go hand in hand.

In short, if you have a large bedroom to fill, buy a larger fan. The bigger the fan the better.

The common sizes for ceiling fans are 36, 44 and 52 inches, with the large fans having a blade wingspan of 60 inches. 

Of course you can technically go even larger, with the largest recreational home fans having up to 99 inches of wingspan.

99 inches is 8.25 feet. That is a large fan indeed.

Measure the height of the ceiling and allow at least 7 feet and 6 inches of space.

It is wise and safe to place your fan at least 7 feet above your flooring. 

Placing a ceiling fan high up in a kids room protects tall individuals from hitting their head or having their hair caught while the fan is in motion. Fans need to be installed on ceilings and these installation bases take space as well. 

An installation base is adjoined to a downrod, which is a simple piece of metal that the fan is connected to and hangs from. 

The average American ceiling height today is 9 feet (2.7432 meters). This means that the average room can support a fan but with a shorter downrod. 

If you have average sized ceilings you can afford to install no more than 1 foot and 6 inch downrods.

How to measure downrods and base mounts

A ceiling fan is composed of fan blades, a downrod, and an installation base. 

The installation base attaches to the ceiling. The downrod connects to the base. And the fan itself hangs from the downrod.

Per the measurements mentioned above, the fan must be at least 7 feet and 6 inches above the ground if you have a standard 9 foot ceiling.  

There is one exception: fans placed above beds, where you will not walk, require less height.

Will your kids room ceiling fan be above your child’s bed or in another part of the room?

Many people enjoy selecting the fit and finish of the downrod as these pieces of metal or plastic come in different colors, shapes, and sizes and compliment the overall fan’s aesthetic.

As a general rule, more expensive ceiling fans enable you to have longer and more customizable downrods. The downdrods tend to be longer – between 6 and 18 inches.

This is for functionality and aesthetics. Cheaper ceiling fans sometimes have very short – or almost nonexistent downrods – because the base and the fan are fused together.

Design and Look: What to Think about the fan’s general aesthetics

A hugely important aspect of a kids rooms ceiling fan is what it looks like. If you see the fan while lying in bed or while in your living room you will want it to look great.

The base and downrod are not nearly as important as the blades for how a fan looks in a room. 

Blades come in different cuts, lengths, seizes, finishes, colors and of course quantities. 

How many blades should a kids room ceiling fan have?

At a minimum, a ceiling fan will have two blades though four or five are certainly more common. 

A two blade fan can be made of one long piece of metal connected at the mid-point or two distinct blades.

One type of ceiling fan, called a windmill fan, can have upwards of 20 blades packed tightly together.

Blades add functionality and impact the air flow.

When you look at a fan that is turned on, the blades are hard to see. When the fan is stationary, however, the design and color of the blades will need to align with your preferences for style and decor. 

Fans with four to six blades produce a lower pitch, softer volume noise output. Three blade fans use the air surrounding the fan most efficiently and require the least effort to clean as you have fewer blades and surface area to collect dust. 

Windmill fans, always popular in kid’s rooms, have the most surface area of blades. This increases the effort to clean and dust these fans.

The color, material, and quantity of the blades impact how the fan looks and performs. 

Another subtle variable is at play too: the angles of those blades. If the blades are too flat, they won’t whisk through the air and create air flows. We highly advise blades with angles between 12 and 14 degrees. 

Nearly all of the fans we provide you here have angles in that range for optimal air circulation and air flow efficacy.

More than a fan: how a fan provides lighting, symmetry, and aesthetic benefits to a kids room.

Some people buy ceiling fans simply to cool or heat a room. Others buy ceiling fans because they can be elegant and add character to a bedroom. Some fans have lights and others do not.

If you are going to place your fan in the center of your child’s room, you might do so at the expense of a central lighting system. 

For this reason, adding lights to fans in a kids room is popular. If you add lights you will want to also consider how easy it is to change the bulbs, especially if the fan is very high above your floor.

LED, Halogen, and Fluorescent lighting options are available on all fans that have integrated lighting.

Control Your Environment: Noise and Air Flow

Fans without lights produce two types of energy outputs when they are on: noise and air-flow. Both will impact your experience with the fan. Fans with lights also produce illumination as an energy output.

Firstly, noise is a byproduct of any fan. The rotation of the blades and the motor can cause distinct sounds. Larger motors produce more power and, as a result, can generate more noise.

The good news is that noise can be mitigated which can be an important factor in helping your little kiddo sleep better. 

Motors that are built from higher quality and durable screws, armature, bearings, windings, and rotors are more expensive. 

Cheaper kids rooms ceiling fans have motors that usually produce more noise as a byproduct. 

If you want a quieter fan, buy a more expensive one. You won’t regret it. And your kid will be happier!

Please pay particular attention to this when considering which type of fan you will place in different rooms in your home. If you are considering a bedroom ceiling fan, it is prudent to optimize for minimal sound. 

People tend to care less about noise when a fan is in a garage or bathroom.

The second type of energy output is air-flow.

Fans can not only cool rooms, they can also heat rooms and reduce air moisture.

They substitute central cooling or work in conjunction with air conditioning. 

Fans do not lower air temperatures. They produce air flows and circulation which can in turn create the effect of a windchill. 

The wind chill temperature is how cold people feel. The air flow, which leads to evaporative cooling (deratification), is generated by the ceiling fan.  

If you are using a fan for general room cooling, you will want a fan that accelerates the heat loss from exposed skin. 

Put simply, you will want a fan that generates significant air-flows point downwards and towards the center of the room.

Air Flow Deep Dive: Cubic Feet per Minute

Air flow is the volume of air that is produced by the fan. 

The most common way to measure air flow is Cubic Feet per Minute (or CFM). 

All of the fans we review have a CFM rating so that you can easily compare how much air that each fan produces. 

The average CFM is around 5,000. 

For nearly all non-industrial use-cases, like your home bedroom, kitchen, living room, or garage, a CFM of 6,000-7,000 is optimal. 

At this rate you will be left feeling cooler without greatly enhancing your energy bill or having papers strewn all over the place from the powerful wind currents that larger fans produce.

You might also see a measurement similar to CFM which is air (or wind) Miles Per Hour. 

Much like measuring the speed at which one drives, a fan can have its air speed measured too. 

Nearly all fans produce between 3 and 5 Mile Per Hour air flows. Naturally, the higher the MPH, the stronger the air flows.

Controlling Your Fan and Your Energy Output for Efficiency

Mobile apps and the internet have changed how we communicate, manage, and control various technologies. 

Ceiling fans are no exception. 

Kids rooms ceiling fans are well suited for management by a digital switch, remote, or mobile app because you can power the fans on or off (or even alter the speed) from afar. 

A connected fan is controlled via a remote control or smartphone. In contrast, less expensive and simpler fans are controlled via a manual switch.

Lastly, some ceiling fans are controlled by pull chains.

While chains are usually made long enough for all users to reach them, please keep in mind that this can cause discomfort or annoyance on high ceilings or fans that need to be frequently turned on or off.

If your kid is not tall enough, they might not be able to reach the chain.

If you plan on installing your fan over 9 feet above the ground, you should buy a fan that can be controlled digitally.

All ceiling fans can create air-flows bi-direactionally. 

Usually a simple switch exists on the fan’s motor or external base that enables you to change the direction in which the blades rotate. 

Changing the directional air propulsion is critical during the winter months. 

Rather than have air convected from the center of the room for cooling, you will want air to move from the blades horizontally down through the walls. 

Lateral air-flow is used for heating rooms and maintaining central warmth while reducing your energy bill.

Choosing the right ceiling fan direction

How you control your fan is correlated with how much energy your fan uses. Will you leave it running all the time? Or will you use smart logic to power it down after a certain amount of time? Will your kid turn it on and off before school or bed?

We have gone above and beyond to think about fans not just as cooling mechanisms but as a tool that can help you save money while lowering your ecological footprint. These efforts will, most importantly, save you money.

Let me explain further.

When you use central cooling or air conditioners, you are physically reducing the temperature in a room. 

An air conditioner sucks air into its ducts through a vent. This air cools the gas in the evaporator and as the heat is removed from the air, it is cooled. Cool air then flows into your room.

This process is energy intensive and expensive.

In contrast, a ceiling fan does not cool the room or remove heat. Rather, it moves air around which creates the feeling of cooling. Actual cooling is not occurring. Less energy out means less energy in. And in total this means a lower energy bill.

What A Ceiling Fan Looks Like To You and Your Kid

This guide provides ample information pertaining to how a kids room ceiling fan works and things you should be aware of before buying one or many fans for your home. 

What we have not discussed in great depth is how a fan looks and the importance of design aesthetics. 

A kids room fan will need to fit aesthetically into your room and, as a result, you should think about material (wood, metal, plastic), color, and design patterns. Some questions to reflect on:

  • Is the room light or dark? Is it naturally well lit or does it require lots of electrical light?

If your ceiling fan is going in the center of your living room, for example, you will likely want a fan with built-in lighting. This is because many living rooms have existing fixture hardware and wiring.

  • Do you want a smart fan that connects with your digital applications and services (Google Home, Nest Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa)?

If you control other aspects of your home – like the temperature and humidity – via smart apps, you might want to add a ceiling fan as another connected Internet of Things device. Likewise if you have high ceilings and plan to install a fan that you can’t easily reach by hand. 

Smart fans can be controlled via your phone, tablet, or voice, and these controls will make turning them on or off easier.

  • Do you want a windmill fan?

Windmill fans are harder to clean (more blades means more surface area for dust to land and accumulate). On the other hand, windmill fans are quiet and elegant.

This type of fan is also hugely popular in kids rooms as well as living rooms. 

The windmill fans pay homage to an older design aesthetic. Kids love how they look and how they can be decorated with stickers.

While this fan is not modern chic it goes very well in rooms with wooden floors or darker walls because it is made of simple plastic or wood finishes, glass fiber reinforced polyester, and thin pulp-plastic infused blades.

  • What color do you want the fan? What style finish do you want? Do you want kid themed design and painted colors?

Sleek and minimalist fans have fewer blades. These fans, made of lightweight metal, have universal white, grey, or black finishes. Kids fans can have bright colors, polka dots, or sports themed finishes (like a basketball top or a local sports team).

Where to buy kids room ceiling fans?

Ceiling fans are often not too heavy but can be difficult to fit in a car or to transport yourself unless you have a large vehicle or flat-bed truck. Given this, it makes a lot of sense to have your fan shipped to you so that it arrives ready for home assembly.

You can self-install a ceiling fan in your child’s room. This work requires moderate technical skills and physical strength. This is because you will need to install not only the fan (the blades) but you will need to connect the fan’s base to the ceiling and its electrical fixture hardware and wiring.

How much do ceiling fans cost? What impacts the price of a fan?

Ceiling fans range in price from $75 on the cheap-end to over $600 on the high-end. There are several reasons why the range in price is so large.

A kids room ceiling fan, made of plastic instead of more durable wood or metal, is cheaper.

Additionally, less expensive fans have weaker motors. This means that they are capable of producing less air flow or have smaller Cubic Feet per Minute scores.

More expensive fans are akin to those you would experience at a resort or high end hotel. These will likely come packed with high tech solutions built-in. 

These fans will enable you or your child to:

  1. Program the fan based on motion, temperature, or humidity. 
  2. Turn the fan on or off based on preset logic or rules for maximum physical comfort. 
  3. Enjoy very efficient and quiet DC motors that have multi-decade support and lifetime expectations.

Moreover, these pricer fans come with app based (smart phone, iPad) mobile management and remote controls. 

It is common for expensive ceiling fans to come with mount options so that you can install a panel adjacent to your light switch. These wall mounts enable you to control not only the fan (on/off) but also the fan speed and direction. 

Cheaper fans do not come with these in depth level of controls or sophisticated management features. 

And that is ok. Simplicity might be what you crave. 

Cheaper fans cool rooms as well and can be easily turned on/off with pull chains.

Less expensive fans (in the $100-$300 price point) still come with energy-efficient dimmable lightbulbs, classy finishes, and kid-centric designs.

AC vs DC fans: Understanding a fan’s power source

Most inexpensive fans leverage AC motors.

Although AC motors are more powerful than DC motors, they typically are less efficient and are not as good at using their energy output. 

This can cause additional noise (thereby making it harder to sleep if that fan is in your bedroom). 

When buying a fan, please take a moment to see the Power Source listed in the fan’s essential product information that all suppliers provide. If you buy a fan with an AC motor, it will be louder.

As a result, we highly advise buying a DC powered fan if you will be sleeping near it.

AC motors are durable and longer lasting. While this might seem positive, DC motors are better (and therefore more costly). 

DC motors are simpler to install into the fan’s base, have high startup power, and have a faster response time. 

This means that time will be shortened from when you switch the “on” button to when the fan is accelerating to cool your room.

Although more expensive, ceiling fans with DC motors consume 70% less power which will enable you to save money over time as you pay less to power them.

Where to place the ceiling fan: voltage and flush mounting

Many people place their ceiling fans in the center of a room or above a bed. This is to maximize comfort and the impact of the fan’s air flows.

A centrally placed ceiling fan also creates room symmetry.

Voltage is the pressure from an electrical circuit’s power, and the most common electrical outlet in any home is a 110 volt. If you live in the United States, you will need to select a fan that complies with this voltage limit. 

Luckily for you, nearly all off-the-shelf ceiling fans support this standard. 

When installing a ceiling fan in your kid’s room you will need to get a few things absolutely right. We have done this many times for ourselves, our family, friends, and of course our clients.

Firstly, some ceiling fans support flush mount integrations. Flush mount fans sit directly against the ceiling and point downwards. These fans are typically useful for cooling a small room. 

Not all ceiling fans are flush mountable. 

This means that they will hang lower from the ceiling. If you buy a fan that cannot be flush mounted, please ensure that the lower point of the fan is at least 7 feet and six inches from the ground.

Additionally, ensure that the weight bearing load of the ceiling can support the fan. 

Similar to voltage, this should be routine in many homes. 

But it is worth investigating because you don’t want to buy a fan just to see it unable to stay upright. 

For most fans that we review and see our clients deploy, a ceiling must be able to support approximately 35 pounds of downward pressure.

Buyer’s Guide Summary: Bringing It All Together

Buying a ceiling fan for your kid’s room for the first time does not need to be overwhelming.

Simply follow this guide to evaluate and buy the fan that fits best in your room and adds the most value in your home.

Don’t get too bogged down in the details. If nothing else, pick a fan that looks great, fits well within your kid’s room, and that is priced according to your budget.

Remember to install the blades last, so that they don’t break. This will be written in every installation manual.