I would switch to a modern three or four blade fan - it will make a big difference

That's a great idea. I was prepared for everyone to tell me to take it out. I feel ceiling fans are ugly! But in the bedrooms I will never get rid of them.

Depends where you live and the styles available there. I could never live without fans in nearly every room since I love fresh air and mine are usually at least on low. That being said get out there and find a better style maybe a tropical one if that's your style or old world if you prefer... The point is it most likely is not the fan but the style you need to improve on. Get one with a cool light or? So what is your style? Do you have a lamps plus or fan diego? where do you have a large selection in your area?

We live in northern Illinois! I run the fan on low even in the winter! The walls are only 9 foot so I feel the fan is bringing the ceiling down.

I live in Southern CA and my ceilings are only 8 foot. I have a decorative medallion around some of mine to ground them more. I also run the fan on low year around. Have you checked out any fan styles you might like more? What is your style?

Look up the modern hugger fans. Try minka or the modern fan company.