The best ceiling fan for a bedroom is a quiet DC fan with a wide range of low speeds, a handheld remote with a timer, and a blade span that suits the room: about 42 to 48 inches (1070 to 1220 mm) for a small bedroom and 48 to 52 inches (1220 to 1320 mm) for a standard one. If the fan will also be your main light, add a dimmable, warm-white LED. This guide explains what matters at night, and lists bedroom fans from our range.
Not sure which suits your room? Try the Fan Selector, or browse DC ceiling fans now.
What matters in a bedroom fan
Quiet running. A bedroom is the one room where you will notice a hum or a click. DC and EC/DC motors run quieter than traditional AC motors, which is why most of the fans below use them. Our guide to the quietest ceiling fans covers this in detail, and our motor guide explains the technology.
Gentle low speeds. Overnight you want a soft movement of air, not a strong breeze. A fan with several low settings lets you find the right one. Power draw on the lowest speed is a useful clue: the Hunter Pacific Polar V2 lists as little as 3 watts, and the Ventair Glacier DC 900 mm lists 2.5 watts on its lowest speed.
A sleep timer. A timer switches the fan off after a set time, so it is not running all night. The Ventair Glacier remote lists 1, 2 and 4 hour timers, and the Eglo Noosa 46 inch lists a timer, dimmer and six-speed remote.
The right size. A fan that is too big for a small bedroom can feel like a draught even on a low speed, and a fan that is too small will not move enough air on a hot night. Use a span of 42 to 48 inches for rooms up to about 3 by 3 metres, and 48 to 52 inches for rooms up to about 4 by 4 metres. Our ceiling fan size guide has the full chart.
A bedroom-friendly light. If the fan is your main light, choose an integrated LED that dims, and a tri-colour (CCT) option so you can pick a warm white of around 3000K for the evening. See our guide to ceiling fans with lights and remotes for what to look for.
Reversible operation. A reverse mode helps in winter by moving warm air gently down from the ceiling. See which way a ceiling fan should spin in each season.
Bedroom ceiling fans worth a look
Hunter Pacific Polar V2 DC (48 or 56 inch). A quiet brushless DC motor, nine speeds and a remote. The page lists as little as 3 watts and describes whisper-quiet cooling on low speeds, which suits bedrooms and study areas. The optional 18 watt LED is dimmable with CCT colour settings. View the Polar V2.
Hunter Pacific Evolve EC/DC (48 inch). An EC/DC motor with a remote, described as quiet and suitable for bedrooms, living rooms and offices. It comes in white, black and black with koa blades. Fan only or with light and remote.
Eglo Noosa 46 inch DC. A DC fan with ABS blades, six speeds and a remote with timer and dimmer, available with or without a light and in four finishes. It is a good fit for small to standard bedrooms. View the Noosa 46 inch.
Eglo Surf 48 inch DC with LED light. One of our most popular fans, with a remote that controls speed, direction and timer. The 48 inch with LED light works as a bedroom's main light, and a fan-only version is also available.
Ventair Glacier DC 900 mm (36 inch). A compact DC fan with a five-speed remote and 1, 2 and 4 hour timers, for small bedrooms, studies and nurseries. It is available with or without a light. View the Glacier 900 mm.
Eglo Iluka DC flush fan (52 inch). For bedrooms with low ceilings. The Iluka sits close to the ceiling at 235 mm high. It is rated for indoor use only (IP20). View the Iluka 52 inch.
Where to hang it
Centre the fan in the room where you can. Avoid positioning it directly over the bed if you plan to run it at higher speeds, and keep the blades at least 2.1 metres above the floor. If your ceiling is high, you will need a downrod, as our guide to high and sloped ceilings explains. Ceiling fans are fixed wiring, so installation must be done by a licensed electrician.
Frequently asked questions
What size ceiling fan is best for a bedroom?
Choose 42 to 48 inches for a small bedroom up to about 3 by 3 metres, and 48 to 52 inches for a standard bedroom up to about 4 by 4 metres.
What is the quietest type of ceiling fan for a bedroom?
DC and EC/DC fans, because their motors run quieter than traditional AC motors and offer more low speeds. See our guide to the quietest ceiling fans for what else to check.
Should a bedroom ceiling fan have a light?
If the fan will be your main light, yes. Choose a dimmable LED, ideally with a tri-colour setting so you can use warm white in the evening. If you already have good lighting, a fan-only model is simpler.
Is it safe to sleep with a ceiling fan on?
Many people do. Use a gentle low speed rather than a strong breeze, and consider a timer, so the fan switches off during the night.
Which ceiling fan suits a bedroom with a low ceiling?
A flush-mount or low-profile fan, such as the Eglo Iluka, which sits close to the ceiling.
Find your bedroom fan
Use the Fan Selector, or browse the full range of ceiling fans. Lights For You delivers Australia-wide, and our Ashfield showroom in Sydney is open if you would like to see the fans in person.
