Updating your ceiling fan is a breeze with these six easy ideas
Updating a ceiling fan without replacing it gives your space fresh style through paint, new light shades, fabric-covered blades, decorative pull chains, or blade replacements.
Replacement blades cost $50 to $200, while ceiling fan light kits range from $20 to upwards of $300, depending on your style preferences and design choices.
You can paint your ceiling fan's brass fixtures and blades after turning off power, using painter's tape to protect surfaces and choosing paint suited to each material.
Hiring a local ceiling fan professional keeps wiring work safe when you add remote controls or light kits, ensuring proper electrical connections throughout the upgrade.
Your ceiling fan is great for keeping you cool, but the more you look at it, the more you think it looks like something that belongs in a house from decades ago—and not in a cute, retro way. However, replacing it entirely seems like a lot of work, especially since it works perfectly fine. If you’re still itching to give this fixture a new look, here are six ways to update and upgrade your old ceiling fan.
If you’re working with an outdated ceiling fan, an easy way to give it a facelift is to slap on a coat of paint.
Make sure you turn off the power to that fixture before starting your updates. You’ll also want to be sure you’re buying a type of paint that’s appropriate for the different materials on your fan. Remember to use painter’s tape and maybe some newspaper, so you don’t end up with paint on your ceiling.
Paint brass fixtures with a more subtle color like gray or copper to tone down the look. Update the blades by removing them and painting them with a shade that better suits your taste. Reassemble, and voilà! Total makeover.
While the white scalloped edge ceramic bulb shade is lovely, maybe it’s time to update your shades to something a little more modern. You can choose from an array of different shapes and materials at your local hardware store, including glass cylinders, hand-blown shades, and more.
Try something funkier like using wire baskets or a drum shade over the light, or see if any local artists do glass work that would work as a shade; you may even be able to commission something that’s one of a kind.
Really express yourself and make the room unique by putting fabric over the blades for a fun, modern look. The possibilities are endless—just visit your local fabric store for inspiration.
You’ll have to take the blades off for this update as well, so be sure to turn off the power to your fan before you start pulling them down. While you’re at it, be sure to clean your ceiling fan blades to get a beautiful finish. About a yard of fabric and some fabric glue will allow you to turn your boring old shade into a work of art.
Pull chains are another great way to express yourself and update your ceiling fan. Some of the newer pull chains come with symbols that distinguish the light from the fan pull, so you’ll never confuse the two again. You can also opt for a serious upgrade by adding a ceiling fan remote control that eliminates the need for pull chains entirely. Unless you’re a certified electrician, this may not be a job you’ll want to DIY. Call in an electrician near you to do the wiring work.
If the blades are looking tired or warped and you’re not feeling the painting or fabric options, you can replace the blades instead. It’s a good idea to stick with the same manufacturer to ensure a snug fit, and new fan blades usually run between $50 and $200. With the number of possibilities out there for design and style choices, you’re sure to find something you’ll like.
If your ceiling fan doesn’t have a light attached already, adding light can spruce it up and brighten up the room. You can find ceiling fan light kits in all kinds of shapes and sizes, from single domes to clusters, and they range in price from $20 to upwards of $300. Again, adding a light requires some wiring work, so unless you’re a certified electrician, skip the DIY and hire a professional.
Great company! Price was competitive, technician showed up on time and completed the job (exterior electric Radon fan replacement) quickly. Would hire them again.
MaGen Property Inspections and Radon MitigationBest decision was going with PatchMaster. Greg was wonderful / responsive & Dave did wonderful work. Got me on the schedule quick, matched my popcorn ceiling perfectly, finished the job quick, and was so kind & reasonably priced. Will absolutely be hiring again
PatchMasterJeff was a consummate professional. Responsive, courteous, and focused on meeting our needs. I had a small project of installing and replacing two ceiling light fixtures. He responded to my Home Advisory inquiry within 24 hours and in a span of two weeks our light fixtures were installed. ...
Involved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Stamos Flooring and Remodeling LLCMike and his crew did a great job working through a very challenging task. The job required a full demolition of our ceiling, removing the blown in insulation and removing all the material from the site daily. It involved multiple inspections from the city and many challenges to get the...
Rising Height UnlimitedAwesome company. Had a jacuzzi tub taken out and replaced with huge walk in shower with partial glass enclosure. Onyx to the ceiling with a decorative border, moved plumbing and installed hand held shower, new ceiling, flooring, and paint. Replaced window with glass block. Everything was done...
Columbus Bath DesignThere isn't much I can add that hasn't already been said about Rhino Painting. Outstanding service and communication from the first phone call through the end of the project, we could not be happier with this company. They painted our kitchen, living room, ceiling, starirwell and wood work,...
Rhino Painting & Color Consulting LLCCharlie recommended a separate fan with new lighting to clear steam from the room better. Several weeks ago I contacted Charlie via email to ask about pricing and scheduling, after one follow up he did reply with cost and said it would be about two weeks before he could do the work. I replied...
Settle Muter ElectricScott was awesome! This job was not an easy one, especially the relocation of the cable in the Great Room. I had called several other companies on Angie's list only to be turned away due to the tight timeline I was under or the anticipated difficulty of the work. <br /> Scott was realistic...
SIGNAL DIRECT SYSTEMSAfter struggling throgh attempts to fix a persistently leaky skylight, I called Bob at Skylights Plus to check it out. Given the fact that previous attempts to repair the flashing/roofing around the skylight didn't work, he recommended a full replacement. <br /> Even though the weather...
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