Consider whether the room is big enough and the ceiling is high enough for a fan to be an effective decorating element. Even a well-coordinated fan can make a small room feel claustrophobic. For these spaces, choose a simple, basic design in materials and colors that match the ceiling.

Identify the predominant color of wood in the room and choose fan blades in that color. For example, if you have upholstered furniture with cherry-wood feet, oak molding around the fireplace and cherry-stained wooden floors, choose blades with a cherry finish.

Look at the metal hardware in the room and choose a fan body with a finish that matches the predominant material. For example, if the desk has brass knobs on the drawers and the doors have brass doorknobs, choose a fan body with a brass finish.

But when all is said and done it is a matter of personal preference as to whether you want to blend or contrast.