10 Outdoor Ceiling Fans That Aren't Total Eyesores

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With temperatures steadily on the rise, it's time to invest in an outdoor fan because, sadly, there's no such thing as alfresco air-conditioning. That said, the best outdoor ceiling fans tend to deliver a much-welcomed breeze that feels perfectly refreshing. To help you find the right one for your porch or patio, we chatted with Shani Core, founder and principal at her namesake interior design firm in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, to learn what she looks in an outdoor ceiling fan.

First off, Core is a big fan of installing them. "Besides the obvious cooling effect, outdoor ceiling fans are fantastic for keeping away bugs of all kinds," she says. "Another benefit, when placed near a barbeque or grilling station, is that smoke is cleared away very quickly."

Core's most helpful piece of advice when shopping for a fan you'll be using outside? "I take the exterior architecture into account as well as brand quality and ease of installation," she says. She's onto something here. Just like when you're shopping for a lamp or sofa, you'll want to think about the look of the rest of the space before buying a fan, which is as much about functionality as it is aesthetics.

While Core admits that she's not a huge fan of ceiling fans with included light kits, sometimes you need a two-in-one appliance that works effortlessly in your space—especially if your patio is on the small side. "The only time I have to sacrifice aesthetic for functionality is when there is no option for exterior lighting and I have to specify a light kit in a ceiling fan. Although I do my best to avoid this at all costs, sometimes recessed lighting and sconces are simply not an option," she notes. Regardless of the size or style of your outdoor oasis, a chic ceiling fan is a must, so peep our list below and prepare to cool off in style this summer.

Gauguin Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Available in three finishes, including oiled bronze, flat white, and what Minka Aire Fans calls "Bahama Beige," this outdoor ceiling fan is a not-so-subtle nod to island living, and we're obsessed. It features four all-weather blades and stainless steel supports, making it strong enough to hold up against any inclement situations. It also connects to a full-function wall control that offers three forward and reverse speeds and advanced lighting options. In other words, this sophisticated pick sets the mood in all the right ways.

Number of Blades: 4

Wet Rating: Wet

Control Type: Wall switch

Gil 5-Blade LED Standard Ceiling Fan

With its rugged, nautical look, this Beachcrest Home ceiling fan is one of the best, which is why we put it at the top. Not only does it include a dimmable light, but it's also wet rated so you can install it even in areas that aren't enclosed. It's also remote controlled, making using it quite literally a breeze.

Number of Blades: 5

Wet Rating: Wet

Control Type: Remote control

Steinsel 3-Blade Ceiling Fan

Boasting three 56-inch aluminum blades that can spin at four different speeds. This fan, which features a minimalist look, works in both wet and dry areas (and on sloped ceilings), so there's really nothing stopping you from installing this stylish find ahead of summer. Did we mention that you can connect it to WiFi to turn it on and off through an app?

Number of Blades: 3

Wet Rating: Wet

Control Type: App or remote control

Palm Valley Tropical 5-Blade Fan

This Honeywell find is another tropical-inspired piece that we couldn't resist adding to our list. Looks aside, it's also budget-friendly, at just a touch over $100. It works best in spaces up to 400 square feet, but if you're outside, you'll be able to enjoy a gentle breeze, which is what outdoor fans are for, right? This one comes in three finishes, including black, white, and the more natural option pictured. Like a few others on our list, its blades can run in two directions at several different speeds, so for extra hot days, feel free to switch it to the fastest setting.

Number of Blades: 5

Wet Rating: Damp

Control Type: Pull chain

Ceiling Fan with Lights

On sale for $100 off, this sleek fan is available in 18 finishes and styles, so there are plenty of options to consider when shopping for your outdoor space. Our personal favorite? The walnut blades on a matte, black rod. No matter which model you get, though, it will come with a dimmable LED light kit so that you can enjoy al fresco feasts that last well beyond sundown.

Number of Blades: 3

Wet Rating: Damp

Control Type: Pull chain

Kestrel Ceiling Fan

These funky little fans, which come in both black and white, are some of our favorites. Here's the thing, though: The blades are less than 10 inches long, so unless you opt for several, they wont really cool you down unless you're sitting under it. That said, if you have a little outdoor cove, pool house, or any other small outdoor space, the Kestrel is the perfect get. Plus, it comes with an energy-efficient dimmable LED light.

Number of Blades: 3

Wet Rating: Damp

Control Type: Wall control

Marin LED Ceiling Fan

Since its inception in 1922, Hinkley has been crafting classic lighting with a slightly nautical feel—though the lighting brand has no connection to Hinckley Yachts. The Marin LED ceiling fan is one of our favorite Hinkley products because it's equal parts fashion and function. Though it's available in three finishes, the most stylish element is easily the weathered rope wrapped around the body. As for the fan, it can run at six different speeds and in reverse.

Number of Blades: 3

Wet Rating: Damp

Control Type: Wall control

Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Complete with simple, gently curved lines, this transitional ceiling fan is so versatile that it can work in just about any space—as long as it's covered. Though it looks like it can handle some wear and tear, it can't get wet.

Number of Blades: 3

Wet Rating: Damp

Control Type: Remote control

Modern 3-Blade Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan

Though this modern ceiling fan looks simple, it's quite difficult to install because it's hard-wired. So if you're opting for this fan-favorite, you may want to consult an expert when it comes to getting it up and running. Once it's installed, though, it will easily become your favorite design element.

Number of Blades: 3

Wet Rating: Damp

Control Type: Remote control

Henry Ceiling Fan

Another petite find we couldn't help but include, the Henry ceiling fan, which finds the halfway point between retro and contemporary. It's old-school in its appearance but brand-new in the way it operates. For instance, it's WiFi and Bluetooth compatible, so there's no need to reach for a remote to switch it on or off. It also comes with a dimmable LED light for late nights outside.

Number of Blades: 3

Wet Rating: Damp

Control Type: Remote control or app

What to Know About the Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans

When it comes to investing in a ceiling fan—especially if you plan on installing it outdoors—there are a number of factors to consider. Ahead, we break down what we’d consider the three most essential elements.

Number of Blades: Contrary to popular belief, the number of blades doesn’t necessarily impact the intensity of the breeze. Instead, they contribute to a fan’s sound. The fewer blades there are, the louder the fan’s hum tends to be. If it’s outside, though, the noise will hardly matter.

Wet Rating: Wet rating is perhaps the most important element because it determines whether or not your outdoor fan needs to be in a covered area. A fan with a wet rating can survive and function uncovered, no matter how much rain or snow it’s exposed to. A fan with a damp rating, on the other hand, can handle the mist from nearby rain but not direct rain. Core says, "An interior fan will rust and warp in the humidity."

Control Type: Some fans are hardwired and controlled by way of a wall switch, others are connected to a remote control, and a few are Bluetooth or WiFi compatible. One control method is hardly better than another, but it’s all about what you’d find most convenient and easiest to use.

Assembly: "If you have a sloped ceiling, make sure the ceiling fan you choose comes with a coordinating downrod," Core adds. "Not all manufacturers offer downrods and you’ll need to measure the height to determine the appropriate size. It's best to order too long and have your electrician cut down."

How many blades should an outdoor fan have?

Most traditional ceiling fans have five blades, but five isn't necessarily the magic number. Plenty of fans have three and four blades, and they work just as well as the ones that have five. We want to debunk a common myth about the blades: The blades do not correspond to the amount of breeze you'll get from the fan. The strength of the breeze has more to do with the fan speed than it does the number of blades, so if you see a three-bladed fan you love but are hesitant, just make sure it boasts a few speed settings.

Why trust us?

Shani Core founded her full-service design firm in 2016. Since then, she has completed more than 40 projects across the U.S. She specializes in luxury residential interiors. Because she's based in Florida where indoor-outdoor living is popular, you can trust that she knows how to keep an al fresco area cool.

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