How high do I hang my ceiling fan?
Ceiling fans are suspended from the ceiling with a pipe that in fan lingo is called a downrod. Choosing the right downrod length is both vital for proper airflow and aesthetic balance. If your fan is positioned too close to the ceiling you don’t get the circulation needed for maximum efficiency and the overall look is crowded. For low ceilings it is recommended to choose a so-called hugger fan that is designed to deal with this situation.
As a rule of thumb, the blades of the ceiling fans should be 8 – 9 feet from the floor for optimal airflow. In higher spaces with an open floor plan, this might look out of proportion. Here a height of 9 – 11 feet to the fan blades might create a more harmonious look. It is, however, important always to keep in mind that a ceiling fan doesn’t cool a room, but creates a pleasant breeze. If the fan is positioned too high and you don’t feel the airflow it is not able to do its job.
For a quick way to determine your downrod length take the height of the ceiling and deduct the height of the ceiling fan body. Then deduct 8 feet.
So, if your ceiling is 10 feet and the description of the ceiling fan says it is 12” high, you’ll need a 12” downrod. You can refer to the chart below for more sizes.
