Although the motor is the most important part of a ceiling fan, the light kit is probably the piece that most people notice first when looking at a ceiling fan. Indeed, it’s the fashion or style of a fan that is probably the determining factor in most consumer purchases. The right kit can enhance or subtly accent your existing décor with functional room lighting. And with the variety of styles and models available today, finding one to fit your individual décor is easy. With the right ceiling fan you can add that extra "finished" decorative touch that helps make a room really come together.

Since most ceiling fans are purchased to replace existing light fixtures, you will probably want to add a light kit to your fan. Many fans come pre-built with lighting, others have light fixtures as an option (see our Build Your Own section for examples).

When buying a fan or adding a light kit, remember to take into consideration the room it’s going to be placed in. You’ll probably want brighter light for high traffic areas or task areas such as kitchens, dining rooms and hallways. In other areas of your home, such as TV rooms, children’s play areas or bedrooms, you can opt for less light. Either way, placing your fan and lights on a wall control or adding a fan remote control is a great way to create the light level and atmosphere you desire. These inexpensive controls will give you great versatility and flexibility.

There’s also the fan bulbs to consider. Many fans offer halogen bulbs for a bright, intense light source. For more general room illumination, try using glowing ‘A’ lamps or energy efficient Energy Star compact fluorescents (CFLs). These bulbs will save you money by cutting energy costs, which is what getting a fan is all about. CFL bulbs also cut the heat that halogen or normal incandescent bulbs put out by a whopping 80% or more.

Happy lighting!