The Ceiling Eyesore That Will Instantly Date Your Home

When you live in a home for years, there are certain things you start to overlook, like that door that never fully shuts without a little kick, the wobbly bathroom tap, and those outdated elements that you avoid looking at for more than three seconds. One feature you can kind of ignore (if you never look up) is the old-fashioned ceiling fan with its cheap chain controls dangling and wiggling when the fan runs. And it may be time to get rid of this aged home accessory. 

You probably know the kind we're talking about: Those fans with big, bulky motor housings, boring blades, brass accents, and chains that are either tangled or broken. They immediately feel dated and seriously affect any sleek and modern vibes you are trying to achieve in your home. Modern aesthetics value hidden hardware and seamlessness, and dangling chains feel like the antithesis of this.

Thankfully, ceiling fans have evolved alongside technology, so you don't have to stick with an old-fashioned one to circulate air in your home. Back in the day, it often felt like you had two options for ceiling fans: Wooden and ornate or white, bulky, and clinical. All that has changed, and even though shopping for ceiling fans isn't the most riveting activity, you may be surprised at how much you enjoy finding a stylish solution to this common home eyesore. 

Convinced you need to throw out the old one and update your fan? When shopping for a new one, it is helpful to reflect on what makes certain fans look outdated and what you can do to avoid that again. First, you need to avoid fans that have chains on them, as this screams last century. Thankfully, there are loads of modern options that have remote controls linked up to them. This means that the fan looks streamline and up to date. 

Another thing to consider when picking the best ceiling fan for your space is the simplicity of the design. Older fans tend to look more complicated and in-your-face, with showy designs and patterns. This can overwhelm a room, so opting for a simple, minimalist silhouette will help your fan blend into the background. Certain old-fashioned fans are made from darker metals and wood, whereas more modern ones are lighter, either white or in light wood shades. Again, this is all about the fan blending into your room rather than being a focal point.

You may want to purchase a fan with lights, and if so, avoid large, drop down lights. Those chandelier-style ones may look fancy, but they do nothing to modernize your home. Go for one simple, singular light. Blade number is also a factor to consider. Older fans that may date your home tend to have five or six blades, whereas contemporary ceiling fans look sleeker and cleaner with three. By sticking with a simple design, you can avoid adding another eyesore into your home and have a fan that will stay looking fresh as the years go by.