They say the kitchen is the heart of the home, but on those hot summer days and warm evenings, the patio seems to take over. Whether potting plants, hosting a backyard brunch or lying in the hammock with a good book, creating the right outdoor ambiance can make all the difference.
No matter how you use your space, outdoor ceiling fans ensure that even the hottest days don’t make you lose your cool. And just like lighting, not all fans are created equal. When shopping for an outdoor ceiling fan, deck fan or porch fan, you’ll first want to look for a damp or wet rating. Damp rated fans are great for more sheltered areas, like a covered patio, deck or sunroom. Wet rated fans are better suited for more exposed installations, like a pergola or gazebo. From outdoor fans with built-in LEDs to micro fans for smaller spaces, here’s a look at some of the best outdoor ceiling fans, bringing both beauty and the breeze.
Damp Rated
Inspired by the expansive blades of a windmill, the Prairie Indoor / Outdoor Ceiling Fan is right at home in the great outdoors. With 14 blades, a weathered oak finish and built in LED light, the Prairie is that perfect element of rustic, farmhouse charm that brightens up any space.
Damp Rated
Sleek and chic, the Akova brings mid-century modern form into the present day, with clean, curved blades and a rounded globe center. The pared back design makes it a welcome addition to any style space, keeping you cool without stealing the show.
Wet Rated
Sleek, minimalist and engineered for performance, the Eliza ceiling fan from Matthews Fan Company works in just about any outdoor environment. The unique blade shape is designed to maximize airflow, combatting even mother nature’s hottest days. Available in a wide variety of finishes, including Matte Black, Gloss White, Gray Ash and Barn Wood.
Wet Rated
A longtime best-seller, the Java ceiling fan proves that there truly is beauty in simplicity. With three finish options, three speeds and a handheld remote, the wet rated favorite complements -- and cools down -- any style space. Summer never felt so good...
Wet Rated
Crafted from Marine-grade steel, the Maverick coastal ceiling fan withstands saltwater spray like no other. The sleek, rounded profile complements any outdoor space - from ultra modern patios to traditional verandas. The Midnight Black finish would work perfectly in a contemporary Los Angeles or Seattle home, while the Matte White is right at home in the Hamptoms or Miami.
Wet Rated
A contemporary ceiling fan is hard to find, and an outdoor version is nearly impossible. Enter the Vortex by Modern Forms. Sculptural and faceted like something from the future, the Vortex is a true statement piece. Coordinating with smart devices and available in Automotive Silver, Gloss White or Gloss Black, it’s truly the next generation of fans.
Damp Rated
Simple yet powerful, the Solaria outdoor ceiling fan from Hunter Fans packs a punch for those warm outdoor spaces. Six blades keep things extra cool, while 60” and 72” inch options mean you’re covered for just about any size space. Available in Matte Black and Matte Silver - Solaria also includes built-in LED lighting, keeping the outdoors lit well after sunset.
Damp Rated
Bring a piece of tropical paradise to your covered porch or patio. Featuring a contemporary palm leaf design, the Lucci Air Bali ceiling fan looks stunning both on and off. Six speeds, three brightness settings, two finish options and one hand-held remote make the Bali fan an excellent choice when trying to elevate your outdoor oasis.
Wet Rated
Graceful, sweeping blades and sophisticated two-tone finish options make the Swirl ceiling fan a design-lovers top choice. Equipped with an LED light, smart controls, a Bluetooth remotel, six speeds and dimming options, Swirl is in a league of its own, upgrading any outdoor space to the 21st century. Compatible with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa/Echo, Samsung SmartThings, Ecobee, Control4 and Josh.ai.
Wet Rated
Large and in charge, featuring eight fan blades and capable of withstanding high heat and unbearable humidity, the Minka Aire Xtreme H20 84 Inch Ceiling Fan can cool off a variety of porches and patios. With six separate speed options, Xtreme moves over 12,000 cubic feet of airflow per minute, getting you through every heatwave imaginable. If you’re looking for a fan with an industrial-contemporary feel that complements your space, the Xtreme H20 Fan is worth a look.
Damp Rated
Sophisticated in both design and function, the Spitfire Fan from Fanimation provides impeccable airflow that’s capable of being tuned and adjusted to meet all comfort needs. That’s not all, Spitfire Fans are built with Bluetooth as well as LED technology, which allows you to control not only the power but varying functionalities with the “fanSync” app, (available for smartphones and smart devices). It’s no wonder the Spitfire is one of the most sought after pieces for contemporary interiors – it’s stylish, it’s tech savvy and best of all, it keeps you comfortable all year round.