Already have the perfect fan chosen, but not sure if the mount included in the box is going to work?
Some key considerations for which mount to choose include the downrod length needed, when a flushmount fan is best, and what to do if your ceiling is angled.
Ceiling Fan Downrod Length
The height of your ceiling determines how long of a downrod you need for it to function optimally. Higher ceilings require a longer downrod to get the fan closer to you, allowing for better airflow.
With most downrod-style ceiling fans, they are sold with a downrod that works best with an 8-9ft ceiling, which is most common. If you ceiling is higher, here are some rules of thumb for the extended downrod you will want to purchase along with that fan.
- 10ft ceiling: 12’’ downrod
- 11ft ceiling: 18’’ downrod
- 12ft ceiling: 24’’ downrod
- 13ft ceiling: 36’’ downrod
- 14ft ceiling: 48’’ downrod
- 15ft ceiling: 60’’ downrod
- 16ft or higher ceiling: 72’’ downrod or longer may be needed
These downrods are typically purchased separately, so you won’t need to search around to find a ceiling fan that already has the longer downrod included. For the downrod that you choose, while some brands of ceiling fans may have a specific downrod required, often a standard downrod ends up being compatible with the fan being purchased.
It’s often best to purchase the ceiling fan and the extended downrod at the same place, to help ensure they are compatible.
When to Choose a Flushmount Ceiling Fan
Flushmount ceiling fans have no downrod and are mounted directly to the ceiling. These are best when a ceiling fan is being placed in a room with a low ceiling. The low mount creates the most headroom possible when mounting a ceiling fan.
For safety, it is recommended that the fan blades be at least 7ft from the ground. This provides clearance for a person to walk underneath the ceiling fan. If your ceiling wouldn’t provide enough space for the fan blades to be at least 7ft high after being mounted, consider a flushmount light fixture instead, along with a fan on a table or the floor.
Angled Ceilings – These Require an Angled Mount
When you have a ceiling that isn’t flat, you’ll want to have a ceiling fan mount that supports mounting the fan at an angle. Some fans can be purchased with a mount already included that supports mounting at an angle (often up to 30 degrees). Specifications for how the fan is mounted can be found in the owner’s manual for the fan.
If the mount included with the ceiling fan does not support an angled mount, then kits can be bought separately from the fan to provide a sturdy angled mount that will safely allow the fan to be mounted at an angle. Some of these will allow for a more sharp mounting angle, often up to 45 degrees.
Next Steps
Ready to get that new ceiling fan installed? We can get one you choose installed, and we can even choose a fan compatible with your particular situation if you’d rather not work through the vast options available.