If optimum airflow is your top priority, you need the best ceiling fan for vaulted ceiling. Unfortunately, vaulted ceilings can pose a challenge when it comes to optimal airflow.
The right ceiling fan won’t just keep you and yours cool in the summer. It can also help circulate warm air throughout your home during the colder months.
Whether your home boasts a dramatic cathedral ceiling or one that’s just a few feet higher than average, check out the best ceiling fans for vaulted ceilings below!
What Is a Vaulted Ceiling Fan?
Vaulted ceiling fans are a broad category of hanging fixtures designed for use on raised or sloped ceilings. Fans marketed for vaulted ceilings are rarely much different than their standard counterparts.
They may include small variations like longer downrods, larger fan blades, and canopies that can be mounted at an angle.
How Well Do Ceiling Fans Work with Vaulted Ceilings?
In most cases, quite well! A ceiling fan can make nearly any living space more comfortable in warmer weather.
As far as homes with vaulted ceilings are concerned, efficient heating and cooling can be a challenge. The inclusion of a ceiling fan can improve air circulation and temperature regulation for practically no additional cost.
Are Ceiling Fans Effective With High Ceilings?
Yes, ceiling fans can be just as effective in a home with vaulted ceilings as they are in any other space. But it’s important to adapt the fan to the specific room and its needs.
Mounting a standard fan to a vaulted ceiling may result in weaker air circulation. This can be solved by installing a ceiling fan with a long downrod, shrinking the distance between the fan blades and the living space below.
The fan’s circumference can also impact its ability to circulate air throughout a room with vaulted ceilings. If you’re worried about sufficient airflow, consider investing in a fan with longer-than-average blades.
One thing to keep in mind is that you probably won’t have easy access to the fan once installed — at least compared to a ceiling fan in a standard-height room.
This can make tasks like cleaning or manually adjusting settings a bit difficult.
What Kind of Ceiling Fan Do You Need for a Vaulted Ceiling?
There are several factors that go into selecting the right ceiling fan for any space — namely, the room’s size, height, and the angle of the ceiling.
While flat vaulted ceilings that are only a couple of feet taller than the average room can accommodate nearly all ceiling fans on the market, particularly tall and angled ceilings require special consideration.
Long Downrod
For a space with high ceilings, be sure to invest in a ceiling fan with a long downrod. If you can find a suitable fan with an adjustable downrod, that’s even better.
Most ceiling fans are designed to perform best when hung 8 to 9 feet from the floor.
Measure the distance between your floor and the point on the ceiling where you intend to install the fan. Use this measurement to narrow down the best downrod length for the room.
Adjustable Canopy
If your vaulted ceiling is angled, you’ll need to select a fan with a compatible canopy. The canopy is the part of the fan structure that mounts to the ceiling.
Most fan canopies can accommodate angles up to 30 degrees. But there are also several options out there for ceilings with more dramatic angles.
Remote Controls
While 100% remote controls are becoming more popular in ceiling fans, many still rely on cord pulls. This control setup just isn’t practical for a room with raised ceilings.
Choose a ceiling fan that either includes a remote or is compatible with aftermarket models. Some newer fans can even connect to a smartphone app via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Lights Vs. No Lights
Before starting your search for the perfect ceiling fan, you need to decide between a fixture with or without built-in lighting.
If your new fan will be installed in place of an existing light fixture, take this into consideration.
A fan with built-in lighting is convenient and essentially a two-for-one deal if the space isn’t already sufficiently bright. But it’s not necessary for every situation.
5 Best Ceiling Fan for Vaulted Ceiling for Optimum Airflow
1. Honeywell 50614-01 Carnegie Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Sleek, contemporary appearance
- 52-inch blade span
- Dimmable integrated light fixture
- Remote control included
Cons
- The included mount can only be angled up to 10 degrees
- Not ideal for large rooms
Every ceiling fan doesn’t need to be a statement piece. This 3-speed Honeywell ceiling fan is ideal for contemporary spaces in need of additional air circulation but not a complete design overhaul.
With 5 reversible blades and an integrated light fixture, this ceiling fan offers all of the basics. The included remote control is great for use with a vaulted ceiling — you can manage all of the fan’s settings from several feet below.
While this ceiling fan is sold with a 4-inch downrod, the 52-inch leadwire makes it compatible with a variety of mounting heights. Longer downrods must be purchased separately.
Honeywell recommends this ceiling fan for rooms ranging from 12-by-12 to 18-by-18 feet. However, it tends to perform best in smaller spaces.
2. Monte Carlo Maverick Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Made of balsa wood
- 60-inch blade span
- Energy Star-certified
- Remote control included
- Low-noise, anti-wobble design
Cons
- No integrated light fixture
- Weak air circulation
For a ceiling fan that doubles as a conversation starter, this Monte Carlo model is a unique addition to any home with vaulted ceilings.
This 3-blade fan is made almost entirely of balsa wood. It features 6 different speeds (controlled via remote).
The 78-inch leadwire means this fan can be paired with downrods up to 6 feet long — downrods over 6 inches must be purchased separately. The included mount can be installed at up to a 30-degree angle.
According to Monte Carlo, this fan can circulate air throughout a space up to 20-by-20 feet. However, it lacks the power most would expect from a high-quality ceiling fan.
3. Minka-Aire F844-DK Light Wave LED 52″ Ceiling Fan
Pros
- 52-inch blade span
- Integrated dimmable LED
- Compatible with a variety of downrods
- Controlled via remote or voice assistant
Cons
- Prone to noise
- Light does not illuminate entire room
If you’re looking for a stylish ceiling fan with a built-in light source, this Minka-Aire fan is a prime choice.
The hands-free design is ideal for a vaulted or raised ceiling. Control the fan settings with the included remote or connect your new fixture to Google Home or Amazon Alexa with an additional hub.
The dimmable 16-watt LED isn’t likely to light an entire living or dining room by itself. But it offers just enough illumination for a bedroom or home office.
This Minka-Aire ceiling fan comes with a 6-inch downrod but is compatible with downrods up to 60 inches long. The reversible motor will circulate air during all seasons, potentially lowering heating and cooling costs associated with vaulted ceilings.
4. Harbor Breeze Twin Breeze II 74-in Oil-Rubbed Bronze Downrod Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Dual ceiling fans
- Integrated light kit
- 32-inch blade span
- Ideal for large spaces
Cons
- Remote not included
- May wobble with long downrod
- Individual fans are small
A ceiling fan with a long downrod isn’t always enough to circulate air around a vaulted ceiling. This Harbor Breeze fixture — equipped with two separate fans — is a great alternative for such spaces.
Along with dual fans, this ceiling fixture includes an integrated light source in the middle. It is a wonderful option for large or oblong floor plans.
The fans themselves feature adjustable bases and can be rotated to best suit the shape of the room. Keep in mind that the fans cannot be used independently of each other.
This unique ceiling fan does not come with a remote. However, it’s compatible with nearly all universal remote controls.
5. Honeywell 50608-01 Xerxes Ceiling Fan
Pros
- Industrial and rustic design
- 62-inch blade span
- Integrated dimmable LED
- Compatible with Google Home/Amazon Alexa
- Remote control included
Cons
- May produce a humming noise
- Weak air circulation
- Difficult to install
This big and bold ceiling fan from Honeywell is ideal for any industrial- or farmhouse-inspired space with raised ceilings.
Available in a handful of finishes, the angular fan blades pair nicely with the integrated light fixture for a modern appearance. Hang this ceiling fan at the perfect height by swapping out the included 4-inch downrod for one up to 54 inches long.
The light and fan can be controlled via an included remote. Hands-free control is also possible using a connected Amazon Alexa or Google Home device.
Despite the size and number of blades, this fan falls short in terms of airflow in particularly large rooms.
Final Thoughts
No matter the height or pitch of your ceiling, there’s a stylish fan out there to match. But for most rooms with vaulted ceilings, we recommend the Honeywell 50614-01 Carnegie Ceiling Fan.
The classic aesthetic and convenient controls are major assets to any living area with raised ceilings. And the variety of mounting options makes this fan compatible with most spaces.
Do keep in mind that the included mount only accommodates angled ceilings up to 10 degrees — you’ll need to invest in a separate mount if your ceiling features a greater slope. You’ll also want to purchase a longer downrod to suit your particular ceiling’s height.