Best Ceiling Fans for Rooms with 7 Foot Ceilings
Having a room with a ceiling height of just 7 feet can present some challenges when it comes to picking the right ceiling fan. Most standard ceiling fans require at least 8 feet of clearance between the blades and the floor. But with some strategic selection, you can find ceiling fans that will look great and keep you cool, even in a room with a lower 7 foot ceiling.
We'll cover proper sizing, design styles, blade pitch, installation considerations, recommended models, and more. By the end, you'll have all the information you need to find the perfect ceiling fan for your low-clearance room.
Measure Ceiling Height Precisely
The first step is to accurately measure the height of your ceiling to confirm you are working with a 7 foot ceiling. Use a tape measure to measure from the floor to the ceiling at the center point where you plan to install the fan. Remember that ceiling height may vary in different areas if you have a sloped or vaulted ceiling. In that case, measure at the specific spot where the fan will go.
Also account for any existing lighting fixtures, chandeliers, or ceiling mounts that protrude below the ceiling surface. These will take away some of your vertical clearance. Make sure to measure from the bottom of those fixtures to the floor to understand your true available space for the fan.
Key Height Measurement Tips
- Use a tape measure for accuracy
- Measure at the exact fan location
- Factor in existing fixtures
- Account for sloped ceilings
Opt for Smaller Ceiling Fan Sizes
Once you've confirmed that 7 foot ceiling height, you'll want to look for ceiling fans on the smaller size, usually in the range of 32-44 inches blade span. Standard ceiling fans are typically 44-60 inches. But with only 84 inches of floor to ceiling space, a massive 60-inch fan will be too overpowering.
A 44-inch or smaller blade span will ensure you have proper clearance between the tip of the fan blades and the floor. At minimum, you'll want at least 7 feet of distance between floor and blade tips. With a 7 foot ceiling, a fan size over 44 inches may obstruct that clearance. Don't forget the fan blades sweep a larger diameter circle during operation that exceeds the blade span size.
Blade Span and Motor Considerations
- 32-44 inch blade span optimal
- 7 feet of blade tip clearance minimum
- Motor size matched to blade span
You'll also want a motor appropriately sized for the smaller fan diameter. Oversized motors can lead to wobbling and noise issues. Aim for a mid-sized 120-180 mm motor for these sub-44 inch fans.
Explore Low-Profile Ceiling Fan Styles
To accommodate a 7 foot ceiling, you'll want to look at ceiling fan styles designed specifically for low clearance installations:
Flushmount
Flushmount ceiling fans mount directly to the ceiling without a downrod. This removes several inches of space consumed by the downrod. Flushmounts like the Hunter Dempsey Low Profile Ceiling Fan work well in rooms with ceiling as low as 7 feet.
Low Profile Styles
Low profile ceiling fans have a very short downrod of just 1-3 inches. This allows them to hang closer to the ceiling without needing full flushmount installation. The Matthews 18-inch Fan with Short Downrod is a good example.
Hugger Fans
Hugger-style ceiling fans have a standard motor housing but a low profile design. The fan motor and blades hang very close to the ceiling without needing a flushmount. Minka Aire Concept II is a popular hugger fan choice.
Contemporary or Traditional Looks
You can find low profile ceiling fans with contemporary, transitional, or more traditional styles. Match the look you want with the low clearance functionality. The Westinghouse Comet 52-Inch has an industrial modern vibe while the Hunter Dempsey has a traditional farmhouse feel.
Adjustable Blade Pitch Helps Airflow
Since airflow can suffer in lower ceilings, finding a fan with adjustable blade pitch is recommended. Fans with steeper pitched blades can move air more aggressively. So you can increase the blade pitch to compensate for the lower ceiling.
Many fans allow you to adjust blade pitch during installation. For example, the Matthews 18-inch Fan has a 12 degree blade pitch that you can customize. Optimizing the pitch helps maximize airflow efficiency in rooms with height constraints.
Blade Pitch Considerations
- Steeper pitch moves more air
- Customizable pitch at installation
- Helps overcome low ceiling airflow limitations
Careful Installation for 7 Foot Ceilings
Proper installation is key to getting your low profile ceiling fan to fit and function in a 7 foot ceiling. Here are some best practices during installation:
Downrod Length
Use the shortest downrod available, usually 4-6 inches for these fans. Or go flushmount when possible to remove the downrod.
Angled Mounting
Aim the fan at a 45 degree angle rather than straight down to maximize airflow and circulation.
Wiring and Controls
Wall controls give you easy access without having to reach the fan. Use wireless remotes when available to make operation and speed adjustment more convenient.
Added Features to Look For
When shopping for low profile ceiling fans, keep an eye out for these useful added features:
Integrated Lighting
Many low profile fans include built-in LED lighting for an all-in-one fixture.
Remote Control
Remotes make controlling the fan easy when mounted high on a 7 foot ceiling.
Reversible Motor
Blades that reverse rotation allow the fan to work year-round for cooling or heat circulation.
Energy Efficiency
DC motors, LED lights, and EnergyStar ratings improve efficiency.
Safety Considerations
With your fan installed closer to the ceiling on a shorter downrod, pay extra attention to safety:
- Ensure it is securely mounted into a ceiling joist
- Check blade balance and clearance
- Follow all manufacturer instructions
Take time during installation to carefully check that the fan does not wobble and maintains proper distance from the floor when operating. Ceiling fans that are not properly mounted can fall, making safety the top priority.
Recommended Low Profile Ceiling Fan Models
Here are some top-rated low profile ceiling fans to consider for rooms with 7 foot ceilings:
Hunter Dempsey
Pros: Flushmount style, integrated LEDs, reversible motor, Wifi connectivity, remote control. Farmhouse style
Cons: Expensive, only comes in 44 inch and 50 inch sizes
Westinghouse Comet
Pros: Flushmount installation, industrial modern style, affordable price point
Cons: Only 42 inch size, no lighting option
Minka Aire Concept II
Pros: Unique blade-less design, 34 inch hugger size, works in ceilings under 8 feet
Cons: No lighting, expensive, polarizing modern look
Alternatives to Ceiling Fans
If you have concerns about finding a ceiling fan that will work well in your 7 foot ceiling, consider these alternatives for staying cool:
- High velocity floor or wall fans
- Oscillating tower fans
- Pedestal fans
- Bladeless air circulators
While they won't provide the same look or direct overhead airflow, these types of fans can still help keep you cool in a room without requiring ceiling installation.
Key Takeaways
Having a 7 foot ceiling height doesn't mean you need to miss out on the benefits of a ceiling fan. By following our tips, you can find stylish, effective ceiling fans that work within your room's low clearance while maintaining safety:
- Accurately measure ceiling height
- Look for smaller, low profile fans
- Consider flushmount or hugger styles
- Choose adjustable blade pitch
- Install carefully on shorter downrod
- Check out top recommended models
Take the time to evaluate the options and features to find your perfect ceiling fan solution. With the right selection and installation, you can enjoy cool comfort even in a room with a 7 foot ceiling.
Low 7 foot ceilings present some challenges when installing overhead ceiling fans. But with smart planning and strategic selection of size, style, pitch and features, you can find ceiling fans that look great and move air effectively even in rooms with minimal clearance.
Follow our guide to measure properly, install securely, choose the optimal fan design, and customize components like blade pitch. Take advantage of low profile styles and flushmount options to put an on-trend ceiling fan in your 7 foot ceiling space while maintaining sufficient floor distance. With a top brand like Hunter, Westinghouse or Minka Aire, you can enjoy stylish, cooling comfort in your low-ceiling room.