Last Updated on May 1, 2023 by Barry Gray
There are numerous ways a ceiling fan can be mounted. While flush mounting allows a fan to sit flush with a ceiling, a metal downrod allows homeowners to mount a ceiling fan at an optimal height. When choosing the right fan mount for a space, you need to consider the height of your ceiling.
For ceilings lower than 8-feet, flush-mounted ceiling fans are ideal. For ceilings higher than 8-feet, however, downrod mounts should be used. Generally, flush-mounted fans are noisier and move less air than those mounted with a downrod. Many ceiling fans can be mounted in numerous ways.
When deciding between flush mounting a ceiling fan or using a downrod mount, there are a few factors that need to be considered. Of course, you need to consider the height of the ceiling where the fan will be installed. However, different mounting types have certain benefits and drawbacks.
Comparing Flush Mount And Downrod Ceiling Fans
When comparing different ceiling fans, you’ll come across different mounting options. One option is flush mounting a fan, which allows it to be flush with your ceiling. However, it’s also possible to use a metal downrod, which allows a ceiling fan to be positioned lower.
Many options today will have numerous ways the fan can be mounted. For instance, a ceiling fan may be compatible with a flush mount and a downrod mount. Let’s consider this 52-inch Madison ceiling fan from Hampton Bay to demonstrate this.
Consumers who purchase this model will be able to choose between three mounting types: flush, downrod, or angled. Of course, this allows for greater compatibility with different spaces. However, many consumers are unsure how to choose the right mounting type for a particular room.
Whether you’re trying to choose between fans with different mounting types or deciding which mount type to use, you need to consider the height of your ceiling. Ultimately, the height of an area’s ceiling is a key factor when determining which type of mounting is better for a certain space.
In order to determine which mount type will be better for your needs, you need to measure the height of your ceiling. If you don’t already know how high your ceiling is, you’ll want to grab a tape measure. Once you’ve measured this, you can decide which mount should be used when installing a ceiling fan.
When Should Ceiling Fans Be Flush Mounted?
As we explained above, the type of ceiling fan mount you use depends on the height of your ceiling. When installing a ceiling fan, homeowners need to ensure that the fan’s blades are at least 7 feet from the ground. Due to this, flush mount fans are ideal for rooms with low ceilings.
If your ceiling height is 8-feet or less, you should use a flush mount. Of course, this will ensure that there is at least 7-feet between your floor and the fan blades. For homeowners with ceilings that are lower than 7.5-feet, downrod mounts will not meet the 7-feet minimum distance.
Luckily, flush mounts are the perfect solution to this! In addition to the practical advantages of flush-mounted fans, there are also other benefits to consider. By eliminating a downrod, flush-mounted ceiling fans look more modern. By sitting flush with your ceiling, your fan will have a more contemporary feel.
However, when a ceiling fan is flush-mounted, the fan will move less air than if it was mounted using a downrod. Ultimately, the positioning of flush ceiling fans resulted in more restricted airflow. Due to this placement, fans that are flush with the ceiling tend to be noisier than those that are downrod mounted.
For ceilings that are around 8-feet high, a short downrod may also be used in addition to flush mounting. When this is the case, consumers will have a choice of preferred mount. If you want your fan to look modern, you might prefer using a flush mount. However, if you’re concerned about air circulation, a short downrod may be preferable.
When Should Ceiling Fans Be Downrod Mounted?
In the previous section, we established that flush mounts are ideal for low ceilings. On the other hand, downrod mounting is ideal for homes with high ceilings. Generally, high ceilings are classified as those taller than 8-feet. With the use of a downrod, you can position your ceiling fan at an optimal height.
Of course, you’ll still need to ensure the minimum 7-feet distance is maintained between the floor and the blades. Ceiling fans are commonly sold with more than one downrod, allowing customers to choose the best downrod. For ceilings that are uncommonly high, a longer downrod may need to be purchased.
Depending on the length of your chosen downrod, you may need to purchase an extra lead wire to connect the fan to the power source. By using a downrod mount, you can ensure that you maximize airflow while minimizing the amount of noise that’s generated.
While there are many benefits to downrod mounted fans, such as versatile designs, they tend to cost more than flush-mounted counterparts. However, as we explained, there are many ceiling fans that are compatible with numerous mounting methods.
Flush Mount Vs. Downrod Ceiling Fan: Which Is Right For You?
When choosing between flush mounting or downrod mounting a ceiling fan, the height of your ceiling is a primary consideration. The best ceiling fans for lower ceilings are those that are flush-mounted. If the ceiling is higher than 8 feet, downrod mounts should be used.
Of course, many ceiling fans support numerous mounting types. For homeowners with average ceiling heights of around 8-feet, they will be able to choose between a downrod mount and flush mounting. In these instances, it’s important to consider the functionality of each.
While flush-mounted ceiling fans tend to cost less than downrod mounted counterparts, they generate more noise and have restricted airflow. With downrod mounted fans, you can tailor the height of your ceiling fan to a certain space through different downrod lengths.
Conclusion
A flush-mounted ceiling fan is ideal if your ceiling is less than 8 feet high. If your ceiling is higher than 8-feet, however, you should opt for downrod mounting. Flush-mounted fans tend to be noisier and move less air than downrod-mounted fans. Many ceiling fans sold today can be mounted in more than one manner.
