Ceiling Fan Buying Guide
Kiwi homes come in every shape — from a sleeper bach on the coast to an open-plan living room that never quite cools down. Get the right size, motor and style, first time
Size your room in seconds
Fan size isn't just about blade span — it's about matching airflow to the room you're cooling. Measure up and we'll point you at the right tier.
Choosing your perfect ceiling fan
Choosing the right ceiling fan size starts with its blade span. The diameter swept by the blades, measured in millimeters. A larger blade span provides wider air coverage, so consider the size of your room when selecting a ceiling fan for your space.
| Room Size | Typical Room | Fan Size |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5m² | Very small rooms | Up to 1070mm (42") |
| 5m² to 7m² | Smaller than average rooms | 1070mm–1220mm (42"–48") |
| 7m² to 13m² | Bedrooms | 1220mm–1320mm (48"–52") |
| 13m² to 20m² | Living rooms, large bedrooms and family rooms | 1320mm–1420mm (52"–56") |
| 20m² to 36m² | Large living spaces | 1420mm and larger (56"+) |
Measure the room
Multiply length by width to get your area in square metres. A 3.7m × 3.0m room comes to 11.1m² — use the Room Reader above to do the maths for you.
Allow for clearance
Leave at least 30cm between the blades and any wall or light fitting. Installing more than one fan? Keep 90cm between blade tips for balanced airflow.
Check your ceiling height
The blades need to sit at least 2.1m above the floor and 200mm below the ceiling. Higher stud? You'll want a downrod — see the table below.
Fan Blades and Airflow
When choosing a ceiling fan, consider its airflow rating, blade material and blade design to find the right fit for your room.
Ceiling Fan Airflow
A ceiling fan’s airflow rating measures how much air it moves, usually at its highest speed, in cubic metres per minute (m³/min). Bedroom ceiling fans should provide a comfortable breeze at low speeds, while larger rooms and spaces with high ceilings may benefit from high-airflow models rated at 170m³/min or more. Blade shape and pitch also influence how air moves through the room.
How Many Ceiling Fan Blades Do You Need?
More blades don’t necessarily mean more airflow. Motor performance, blade pitch, fan size and blade design all contribute to how much air a ceiling fan moves. Start with the airflow rating and size your room needs, then choose a blade count that suits your style.
Ceiling Fan Blade Materials
Common ceiling fan blade materials include ABS plastic, timber and metal. ABS plastic is durable and easy to clean, while timber adds warmth and natural texture to your space. Metal blades offer a sleek finish and robust construction.
For outdoor ceiling fans, choose a model rated for the installation location. Outdoor suitability depends on the whole fan and its finish, so check the manufacturer’s guidance, particularly for exposed or coastal areas.
No single blade material guarantees better airflow. Compare the fan’s airflow rating and overall design to assess its performance.
DC motors, doing more with less
Every Lighting Direct ceiling fan runs on a high-quality DC motor built for long life, whisper-quiet running, and a lot less on your power bill than an old-school AC fan.
Six-speed control and reverse function come standard, so you get smooth, precise airflow whatever the season, from a motor light enough to suit almost any ceiling.
70%
Less energy use than a standard AC fan
6
- Speeds with reverse
- remote controlled
Natural Wind Technology
Simulates the irregular patterns of a real breeze instead of one flat, constant speed — so the airflow feels more like the outdoors, less like a machine.
Variable Speed
Varies fan speed to mimic natural fluctuations.
More Comfortable
Reduces the monotony of constant airflow.
Smarter energy use
Intelligent speed variation optimises consumption.
Save money all year
A ceiling fan is one of the simplest ways to help your heating and cooling work smarter — not harder.
Summer Mode
- Anti-clockwise rotation pushes air downwards.
- Reduces air conditioning costs.
- Creates a cooling breeze effect, allowing thermostat settings to be raised by 2–8 °C.
Winter Mode
- Clockwise rotation draws warm air from the ceiling down.
- Gently circulates warm air throughout the room.
- Allows thermostat settings to be lowered while maintaining comfort, reducing heating costs by up to 10%.
From low-profile CTC fans for stud ceilings to statement wooden blades for open-plan living. Every model ships with a remote (or wall switch) and reverse function as standard.
Quick fix guide
Most common issues sort themselves out in a couple of minutes.
If not, our sales team can help with installation guidance, troubleshooting and warranty claims.
Wobbling or Noise
- Check blade balance and tighten all connections
- Ensure proper mounting and a level installation
- Clean the blades to remove dust buildup
Light Problems
- Check LED connections and compatibility
- Replace faulty light components
Remote control issues
- Replace the remote's batteries
- Check receiver connections
- Reset the remote and receiver pairing
Performance issues
- Clean the motor housing and blades
- Check for obstructions
- Verify proper electrical supply
Still deciding?
Pop into one of our 23 branches nationwide and one of the team will help you match a fan to your room, ceiling height and budget
no appointment needed.
Hear What Our Customers Have to Say
A Seamless Experience
Natalia was patient with our process of design and choice of lighting. Her support went way beyond our expectations. We would highly recommend her to any prospective customer needing assistance with lighting design.
Expert Guidance
The team helped us plan lighting for our whole new build. Clear advice, no pressure, and the 3D render made the decisions so much easier.
Beautiful Result
We couldn't be happier with how our living spaces turned out. Every fitting feels considered and the layout is exactly right for how we live.
