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Blow Past the Heat With an Outdoor Ceiling Fan
Drop some degrees on your porch or patio while boosting its style, with an energy-efficient ceiling fan
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).
We are the mother and daughter behind the blog Design Chic (www.mydesignchic.com).... More »
Outdoor ceiling fans have been a practical way to cool outdoor spaces since the 1900s — particularly in the South, where they've been as obligatory as sweet tea when it comes to beating summer heat. Today, porch ceiling fans are a wonderful way to create a breeze, add light and contribute to a stylish decor. By introducing movement into otherwise still air, outdoor fans are an energy-efficient way to stay cool all summer long.
Here, a few tips on how to incorporate a fan into your outdoor room.
Here, a few tips on how to incorporate a fan into your outdoor room.
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by Jenny Carter
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| Ceiling fans create circulation, making the porch feel up to 8 degrees cooler. The drop in temperature makes outdoor lounging much more enjoyable in the summer. |
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| Placing ceiling fans 16 feet apart on the porch allows for maximum air movement and cooling potential. |
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Ceiling fans are available in styles and materials that can complement any outdoor decor. Natural materials hold up well in the weather and coordinate well with the surroundings.
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| A simple white fan blends beautifully with a white ceiling, creating an unobtrusive way to cool the outdoor space. |
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| An industrial metal ceiling fan works nicely with a more modern decor, making the outside area seem as sleek and stylish as the inside. |
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| Ceiling fans are a great way to add more light to your porch, as well. A central diffusing light — like the one on this fan — is a simple way to provide general illumination. The larger the diffuser, the softer the light. Ceiling fan lights generally do not provide as much light as a same-size pendant light, so keep that in mind when you're planning an outdoor lighting scheme. |
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A glass cluster is another element available for a ceiling fan. The cluster generally provides more light than a diffuser, but the multiple light canisters coming from the fan can create a glare. It's generally a good idea to include a dimmer on fans with glass clusters.
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| Uplights are a new feature in fan lighting; they create a pool of light facing up toward the ceiling, instead of down toward the floor. Uplit fans work well when paired with can lights or lanterns for brighter light, or on their own in areas where only minimal light is desired. |
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Even if you don't love the look of a ceiling fan, you can still have the breeze. This ceiling fan has blades inside the fixture to keep the air moving out of sight.
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by Big Ass Fans
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| This white ceiling fan is far from boring — it's a great choice for someone looking for a fan that's basic yet modern and stylish. |
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| This beautiful fan is great for coastal or tropical porches. The nature-inspired design looks like it could be a part of the landscape. More: Are Ceiling Fans the Kiss of Death for Design? |
Ideabook published on July 31, 2012.
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Traditional Porch design by Dallas Architect Symmetry Architects