The key to a great lighting design is "Layers of Light" - If you use the combination of recessed cans with some table lamps, on dimmers -- You can really create a great space.

I'm personally not a big fan of fan lights, just don't like the look. But if you combine them with the some recessed cans, it can be an effective solution. Although if you have the cans, the fan light will not be used as often.

~Matt

In our new homes and remodel projects we've been installing ceiling fans w/lights and then installing 2 recessed can lights over where the bed will be. Our electrician will install a (3-way) switch next to the bed and at the entrance to the bedroom for the 2 cans. Our customers like having the cans over the bed because it offers them the flexibility of not having lamps on their nightstands.

Whatever you do, try to avoid a light on the ceiling fan, it can look tacky and lower the apparent ceiling height. Personally I would avoid the ceiling fan altogether if possible. Omega Audio Video has the best suggestion.

I love ceiling fans, but not always the lights that come with them. Sometimes they can be kind of cool, tho: [houzz=]

Thank you all. I live in Alabama so ceiling fans are good to have. I think I'll forego the light on them.

I agree with what Omega said. Layers of dimable light will make any space look good and you can't go wrong with Lutron RadioRA2 dimmers.

also consider up lite trim as in these examples. LED have vastly increased in luminosity in the last 6 months so most of the images do not convey the amount the new lights give to an application.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Image+up+light+crown+molding&qpvt=Image+up+light+crown+molding&FORM=IGRE

I use fans in most rooms for comfort and energy efficiency. They shouldn't have lights, but they need not be limited to the old paddle types. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Image+contemory+ceiling+fans&qpvt=Image+contemory+ceiling+fans&FORM=IGRE#view=detail&id=9226E53E864CD55CDF6CE69DB509F2B9771EC9A2&selectedIndex=392

I would like to suggest you look at Rejuvination Hardware - out of Portland Ore. They have the greatest light fixtures I have ever seen and now have an entire line of fixtures which fit over canned - recessed lights. Rejuvinationhardware.com. I am thinking of putting these over the old recessed lights in my kitchen.

I also agree with using both ceiling fan light and recessed lights that are dim-able.

Old post 2012