Ceiling Fan Closeout

The actual name, “hugger fans”, has to be one of the oddest names that they could've come up with for a home appliance fixture. Now if you're like most people, when you hear that name you probably picture some type of fan that people stand under to hug one another and this happens to be why so many people prefer to call them flush-mount fans instead.

But what's in a name anyway because it's form and functionality that really matters when it comes to a fixture that's going to be included in a home improvement project. So then just what are some of the specific details that you should know about hugger ceiling fans to understand more about them? Where and why they're most commonly used.

Well for one thing the first bit of info that you may be interested in is that “hugger fan” really is a relative term. The fans don't actually have to hug a ceiling to be included in this category because some of them come with a short down rod. So no, not all fans of the style are flush mounted to the ceiling.

Who Carries Them and What Defines Hugger Ceiling Fans

Even so there are a few key specifications that you should be aware of. Installation pecs for instance that apply to pretty much everyone no matter where they live.

So the first one states that the blades can be no closer than 7 inches from the ceiling surface. Then the other one states that the blades must be spinning a minimum of 7 feet from the floor, and no more.

"Flush ceiling fans are unique because they can be installed in any room with a ceiling that is under 8 feet; for instance, low ceiling fans can be put into motor homes or installed in an attic."

Then beyond that you should know that virtually all ceiling fan companies manufacture and market a line of fans that fall into this category.

So why virtually all of them? The answer here is simple, and that is that hunger ceiling fans are the most popular style of feeling ceiling fan sold. More of them are installed in homes and businesses than models that use down-rods

Common Reasons for Using Them

Now the reason you'll find more of them in homes and offices is because they really are the only option any room that has an 8 foot ceiling. Then even if a room has a 9 foot ceiling or even one that's taller people often opt for a flush mount or hugger fans just to be safe.

You see, some people are uncomfortable with a fan spinning too closely above their heads. But there are specific rooms where you can find them more often than others.

"Decorate your little boy's room with a transportation theme! This hand crafted, hugging ceiling fan features colorful planes, trains and trucks, a schoolhouse style light, and reversible blades with a white finish on the back."

Kids bedrooms for instance. Even if they have tall ceilings you always run the risk of kids jumping on their beds and ending up with this hands, or even worse yet, their heads having contact with the spinning blade.

Then dining rooms are another place you're more likely to find a hunger fan. People just prefer to have the spinning blades further up and away from the dining room table and the folks seated there.

The Downsides of Using Them

Even so, if you're considering the option of including hugger ceiling fans in your home improvement project there are a few “downsides” to counterbalance all the pros that you should know about.

For instance one of them is that you just don't have the same number of options when it comes to up-lights. Lighting fixtures that are mounted on the top of a fan housing. Now they are available in a few models but nowhere near as many style options.

"This 42” ceiling fan features a belcaro walnut finish. It includes a full function wall control, one 4 1/2” downrod, one 12” downrod, bulbs and cap for non-light use. The turbo fan heads are adjustable upwards and downwards."

Then concerns about style aside, if you install one up to the 7 inch minimum ceiling clearance space it's just not going to move as much air as a similar powered fan suspended lower on a down-rod.

Something that you can should check out if this may be an issue to you. You might be surprised by difference in the volume with a fan doesn't have adequate free clearance space above it to allow for unhindered circulation.

Then the third downside that you'll encounter is limitations on the number of choices you have in housing designs. Now there is a lot of selection out there with regards to overall fan style but if you're looking for something with a more elaborate, “taller”, decorative housing you may find yourself somewhat limited with flush mount models. Particularly if you're interested in a fan that has an extremely tall housing.

Hugger Fans and Light Fixtures

On the other hand a hugger fan can be the perfect solution if you have your mind set on an elaborate lighting fixture and find yourself cramped for space with a standard down-rod fan.

"Pretty in pink, this three light fan light kit has a wonderfully delicate look. A hand-rubbed antique white finish is draped by clear and pink beaded droplets, and clear, pink and light blue bead strands for added sparkle."

Particularly in perhaps in an entrance-way or a living room. Areas of a home where larger fixtures tend to work so well as a decorative design feature. A hugger model moved up close to the ceiling might be your solution for extra space to fit it in.

So the bottom line here, is that it's a whole lot easier and cheaper to buy a ceiling fan to fit a room than it is to raise the ceiling.

Also while there are some limitations that come with hugger ceiling fans, at the same time there are a number of benefits that they carry with them as well. So it's for sure a “pros and cons” judgment call that each individual has to make during the design process of their home improvement project.

More Info on These Fans

What a very odd name “hugger” ceiling fans have. In fact the name hugger isn't a trade name of any sorts but rather a term in the industry used to describe ceiling fans that are hung by a short stem or down-rod and thus hug the ceiling of the room that they're installed in. For the most part, they're used when there's a shortage of height in a room that would make the installation of a regular height fan a safety risk.

The generally accepted, minimum safety clearance is seven feet from the floor. However; there can be instances where a hugger fan is called for even when there is a higher ceiling. In small children's rooms for instance, when there's the risk of a small child being lifted up by a tall adult and thus putting a child at risk even in a substantially taller blade clearance zone.

Also a family of exceptionally tall people may consider hugger fans even in a home that has nine foot tall ceilings. Most down-rods on standard fans position the fan one foot down from the ceiling for maximum wind draft. Bear in mind though that huggers positioned up close to the ceiling won't move quite as much air. However; many fans today do come with dual option down-rods that allow them to be installed either as standard or hugger fans.