Ceiling Fan Sizing & Placement Guide
Fan Sizing by Area
Correct sizing is crucial for optimal performance. For open spaces or L-shaped rooms, divide the area into zones and size the fan for each one. This ensures proper airflow throughout the space, rather than sizing the fan based on the total area.
When defining zones, focus on the areas where you'll spend time. You don’t need a fan in every part of the room - just in the areas you’ll be using or sitting in.
Additionally, you don’t always need the largest fan. For instance, a smaller fan can cover up to 13 m², which may be perfect for a dining or lounge area.
Use these general guidelines based on room/zone size:
- < 13m² – Small fan (approx. 107cm or smaller)
- 13–17m² – Medium fan (107cm to 132cm)
- 17–28m² – Large fan (132cm to 165cm)
- > 28m² – Extra-large fan (over 165cm), or multiple fans for each zone
Zone-Based Fan Placement
Think about where the airflow is needed in each room when positioning a fan. For larger areas, break them into zones:
Kitchen
Place the fan above the main working or cooking area to improve airflow and ventilation. Avoid positioning it near range hoods or cabinets, as they may obstruct airflow.
If you have an island bench, position the fan between the kitchen counter and the bench to ensure even airflow over both areas.
Dining Area
Position the fan directly above the dining table for even air movement while seated.
If this isn’t possible due to an existing light fixture, consider replacing the light with a fan-and-light combo or moving the fan slightly away from the dining area.
Living Area
Centre the fan above the primary seating area (e.g., couch or lounge). This maximises comfort without wasting airflow in unused parts of the room.
Larger fans work best in living areas to avoid direct airflow on you while still circulating air. Think about future room layout changes when placing the fan.
Bedrooms
Install the fan above the bed for optimal comfort. If that’s not possible, place it near the bed or as centred in the room as space allows.
Mounting & Clearance Guidelines
Mounting Height
The minimum mounting height is 2.1m. For optimal performance, position the ceiling fan 2.4–2.7m above the floor. For rooms with higher ceilings, use downrods to achieve the ideal height. For low ceilings, Tub models are recommended due to their lower assembly height of 19–20cm.
Mounting height impacts both the fan’s effectiveness and safety. If the fan is mounted too high, it won’t deliver the desired airflow. If it’s too low, it may be a hazard for taller people.
In Winter mode, the fan pushes air down from the ceiling to redistribute heat. For cathedral or mezzanine ceilings, you may want to place the fan closer to the ceiling when heat redistribution is the main goal.
Sloped Ceilings
For sloped ceilings, models like Klim, Punt, and Heywood include a ball-joint canopy that supports ceiling pitches up to 12°.
Note: Tub models are not compatible with sloped ceilings.
For ceiling pitches above 12°, use an aftermarket sloped ceiling kit compatible with 26mm diameter downrods. These kits accommodate ceiling pitches up to 38°–45°.
Safety Clearances
To ensure proper airflow and prevent damage, maintain at least 600mm (60cm) of clearance on all sides of the fan. This prevents interference with the fan’s movement and ensures efficient operation.
If the fan is too close to walls or obstacles, turbulence may cause it to rock back and forth.
For multiple fans in the same room, maintain a minimum of 120cm (1.2 meters) between the edges of each fan.
Summer mode
Summer mode is the default setting for the ceiling fan. It circulates air around the room to improve airflow and create a cooling effect. For optimal performance, install the fan at the recommended height of 2.4m to 2.7m from the floor.
Winter Mode
Winter mode reverses the fan’s direction to draw warm air that naturally rises and gently pushes it back down by bouncing it off the ceiling. This process helps redistribute the warm air throughout the room, making it feel warmer.
Consider Existing Lighting
When choosing a ceiling fan, consider the room’s existing lighting layout. Make sure the fan blades don’t obstruct light sources, as this can create unwanted shadows or a flickering (strobing) effect that disrupts the ambiance.
To prevent this, maintain at least 60cm of horizontal clearance between the edge of the fan blades and any downlights. Since downlights have a conical beam angle, adequate spacing ensures the light remains unaffected as the fan operates.
If it’s not possible to place the fan with enough clearance from existing downlights, consider installing a light kit with your fan and using it as the main light source for the room.
Selecting the Right Downrod Length
For ceilings higher than 2.9m, a longer downrod is required to ensure your ceiling fan is mounted at the optimal height. The recommended mounting height for ceiling fans is between 2.4m and 2.7m, with a minimum of 2.1m from the floor. All fans (except Tub models) come with a 100mm downrod as standard, resulting in a typical hanging distance of 190–240mm from the ceiling. To suit different ceiling heights, additional downrod lengths are available:
- 200mm
- 300mm
- 400mm
- 500mm
- 600mm
- 700mm
- 800mm
- 900mm
- 1000mm
- 1200mm
- 1500mm
- 1800mm
Product Summary
Recommended Area | Sloped Ceiling | Fan Blade Material | Finishes | |
Heywood 90cm | < 13m² | Yes | Timber | Black & Walnut / White & Pine |
Heywood Tub 90cm | < 13m² | No | Timber | Black & Walnut / White & Pine |
Heywood 132cm | 17 - 28m² | Yes | Timber | Black & Walnut / White & Pine |
Heywood Tub 132cm | 17 - 28m² | No | Timber | Black & Walnut / White & Pine |
Klim 90cm | < 13m² | Yes | Timber | Black & Walnut / Black & Pine / White & Pine |
Klim 125cm | 13 - 17m² | Yes | Timber | Black & Walnut / Black & Pine / White & Pine |
Klim 150cm | 17 - 28m² | Yes | Timber | Black & Walnut / Black & Pine / White & Pine |
Punt 90cm | < 13m² | Yes | ABS | Black & Walnut / Black / White & Maple / White |
Punt Tub 90cm | < 13m² | No | ABS | Black & Walnut / Black / White & Maple / White |
Punt 130cm | 13 - 17m² | Yes | ABS | Black & Walnut / Black / White & Maple / White |
Punt Tub 130cm | 13 - 17m² | No | ABS | Black & Walnut / Black / White & Maple / White |