Homeowners with smaller rooms - particularly bedrooms and closets - face special challenges in room decor. For example, if a ceiling fan is needed, there may not be enough clearance between the fan unit and people's heads. This problem is particularly acute where suspended ceilings have been installed, as these reduce floor-to-ceiling room dramatically.



What's your answer? Low profile ceiling fans. How are they different? Typical ceiling fans make use of a downrod - a metal shaft or rod that connects the fan unit to the ceiling overhead. While these downrods are available in a variety of lengths, but even the shortest of them may be too long and will cause the fan blades to operate dangerously close to people walking by.

Low profile ceiling fans solve that problem: they install directly to the ceiling without a downrod. This means that they will not hang down as low. They mount much closer - in some cases they mount flush with the ceiling itself.

A great thing about low profile ceiling fans is that you won't have to sacrifice on quality, or various features or accessories. You can buy a unit that has all the bells and whistles of the larger units, the only difference: they take up less space.

After looking at all the available models, you are sure to find one that you like - but what if you don't? Well, a good alternative is to buy a regular ceiling fan and install it using a flush-mount kit. You can purchase these separately, and some regular ceiling fans also include them as an installation option.

When should you use low profile ceiling fans? Well, if your room has less than 8 feet of room height you should install one. If you have children you might also consider using them in their bedrooms, as they will not be as likely to jump up on their beds and hit their head or arms on the moving fan blades.

One very important fact: low profile ceiling fans do not move as much air around in your room as other types. Why? Because the air flow is restricted due to the fact that the fan blades are closer to the ceiling.

Some safety notes: low profile ceiling fans MUST be properly installed. You have to make sure that when the unit is operational, that the vibrations (or the weight) of the fan will not cause it to tear loose from the ceiling. You will also have to make sure that your ceiling fan is installed properly - it will require the use of a special junction box. My recommendation: if you are not qualified to do the installation, hire a professional to take care of this - an electrician or home remodeling professional.