For a high ceiling, choose a fan on a downrod that places the blades roughly 2.4 to 2.7 metres above the floor, and size the fan up for the space. For a sloped or raked ceiling, check the fan's maximum mounting angle before you buy, because most fans only hang from a gentle slope and steeper ceilings need an angled ceiling kit made for that fan. This guide explains how to choose the downrod and mount, and which fans suit big, high rooms.
Start with the room size in our ceiling fan size guide, or let the Fan Selector narrow the range for you.
High ceilings: get the blade height right
Most manufacturers specify that the blades must sit at least 2.1 metres above the floor, and a fan moves air best when the blades are roughly 2.4 to 2.7 metres up. On a standard 2.4 or 2.7 metre ceiling, a close-mounted fan does the job. On a higher ceiling, a fan hung close to the ceiling is too far from you to be felt, so a downrod lowers the fan into the right zone.
| Ceiling height | Approximate downrod |
|---|---|
| 2.4 m | Flush-mount or low-profile fan |
| 2.7 m | None, close-mounted |
| About 3.0 m | About 300 mm |
| About 3.6 m | 600 to 900 mm |
| 4 m or higher | 1.0 to 1.2 m, or longer |
A simple check is to take the ceiling height, subtract the downrod length and about 30 cm for the fan body, and see whether the blades land between 2.4 and 2.7 metres. Treat the table as a guide, and follow your fan's manual.
Downrods are specific to the fan
A downrod is not a universal part. The diameter, the coupling and the wiring loom all have to suit the fan, and the rod is holding a spinning fan above people, so match it to your model. In our fan accessories range you will find rods from several brands, including a Martec 900 mm downrod with loom in antique brass, brushed aluminium and brushed nickel, and an 1,800 mm Domus downrod and wiring loom.
For a long rod, such as the 1,800 mm one, send us your fan's model number and your ceiling height, and we will confirm the correct rod before you order. That page asks you to do exactly that, because the rod diameter, the weight rating and which fans it fits are not all recorded.
Sloped and raked ceilings
A fan on a slope has to hang straight, so the mount must tilt to match the ceiling. Fans have a maximum angle they can handle:
- The Ventair Glacier DC lists a maximum mount angle of 15 degrees.
- The Ventair Spyda DC lists a mount angle of 0 to 18 degrees.
- Hunter Pacific sells an angled ceiling kit for pitches up to 38 degrees, in white, black and silver. It suits only Hunter Pacific fans with a 26 mm downrod, and the list includes the Polar, Evolve and Aqua. The page notes that the Aqua loses its IP66 rating when it is used with this kit.
Measure the angle of your ceiling before you choose, and if it is steeper than the fan allows, look for a fan with a higher limit or a compatible angled kit. A fan fitted outside its angle limit can wobble, wear early and in the worst case be unsafe.
Fans that suit big, high rooms
High ceilings usually go with big rooms, so size up. A fan of 52 to 56 inches suits rooms up to about 5 by 5 metres, 56 to 60 inches suits larger open-plan areas, and for very large spaces you can go bigger still.
- Eglo Surf DC, 60 inch: the Surf 60 inch is a popular choice for large living areas, with a remote for speed, direction and timer.
- Eglo Tahiti DC, 72 inch: the Tahiti comes in 52 and 72 inch spans and is IP66 rated, so it suits big covered outdoor areas too.
- Eglo Tourbillion Pro DC, 80 inch: the Tourbillion is a seven-blade aluminium fan for very large spaces.
- Eglo Kurrawa DC, 60 or 72 inch with light: the Kurrawa 60 inch adds an integrated tri-colour LED and an IP55 rating.
For large spaces, also consider a wall control as well as a remote, because remotes are easily lost on a high ceiling job. Our guide to ceiling fans with lights and remotes covers the options.
Installing on a high ceiling
Ceiling fans are fixed wiring, so installation must be done by a licensed electrician, and a high ceiling adds a safety job of its own. Make sure the mounting box is rated to hold a fan, and not just a light, and that the electrician has the right rod and any angled kit before they arrive. Tell them the ceiling height and the slope when you book.
Frequently asked questions
What size downrod do I need for a 3 metre ceiling?
About 300 mm is a good starting point, which places the blades around 2.4 metres up. Check your fan's manual for its recommended range.
Can I hang a ceiling fan from a sloped ceiling?
Yes, within the fan's maximum mount angle. Ventair lists 15 degrees for the Glacier and up to 18 degrees for the Spyda, and Hunter Pacific sells an angled kit for pitches up to 38 degrees on compatible models.
How high should a ceiling fan be from the floor?
The blades should be at least 2.1 metres above the floor, and about 2.4 to 2.7 metres gives the best airflow.
Can I use any downrod with my ceiling fan?
No. A downrod must match the fan's diameter, coupling and wiring. Confirm the fan model before you order one.
What is the best ceiling fan for a high ceiling?
A fan sized up for the room, such as a 56 to 60 inch DC fan, on a downrod that brings the blades down to about 2.4 to 2.7 metres.
Find a fan for your ceiling
Browse large ceiling fans, or use the Fan Selector. Lights For You delivers Australia-wide, and our Ashfield showroom in Sydney is open if you would like help choosing a rod or a mount.
