Ceiling fan light covers add a decorative element to your fixture while reducing the brightness of a room. They come in many different styles, from bowl shapes that can house one or more light bulbs to glass shades that enhance the look of a fan. These shades are available in a wide array of colors and finishes to complement your decor. They can even create a more comfortable environment by reducing the amount of heat emitted from a fan.
To determine the best size shade for your fixture, consider its height. The bottom of the fan should not fall closer than seven feet from the floor in rooms with low ceilings or ten feet in rooms with high ceilings (unless you have sloped ceilings). For this reason, flush mount fans are the ideal solution for smaller rooms with lower ceilings while chandelier and lantern style fixtures are better options for larger spaces with higher ceilings.
Many fans come with lighting built into their design or can be upgraded with a separate kit. If you’re adding a light kit to a fan, choose one that offers ENERGY STAR certification. This label indicates that the fixture and its light bulbs use 60 percent less energy than models without this designation.
When choosing a light bulb for your ceiling fan, be sure to read the packaging for recommendations on color temperature. Generally speaking, warm bulbs offer a cozy atmosphere while cool ones are more energizing. If you’re installing a new light, consider choosing LEDs as they’re more efficient than traditional incandescents.