Ceiling Fans

Craftmade Ceiling Fans: Ahead of the Curve

gannunzio — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:54:43 +0000

Craftmade Ceiling Fans: Ahead of the Curve gannunzio Wed, 02/28/2024 - 13:54

In the last several years, ceiling fans have seen a resurgence in popularity, marked by new technologies, materials and designs that have elevated design in a category staple that hadn’t seen many changes in decades. From smart technology to LED to innovative materials, ceiling fans have come a long way.

Craftmade is at the forefront of ceiling fan design and function. Utilizing everything from Wi-Fi to smaller motors and lighter, yet more durable blades, Craftmade ceiling fans deliver optimal functionality with a "wow" factor design. Two of Craftmade’s recent ceiling fan introductions — Bandeaux and Axel — showcase new, unique design aesthetics, all while maintaining the home comfort and smart versatility for which Craftmade ceiling fans are known.

We talk with Craftmade ceiling fan designer JJ Jones about the inspiration behind the Bandeaux and Axel ceiling fans, as well as how beauty and functionality work together.

Can you share your inspiration behind the designs of the Axel and Bandeaux fans?

JJ Jones: As designers, we tend to concentrate on fan bodies. I am drawn to and enjoy working with shapes as well as working to engineer in function. For the Bandeaux I wanted to design an unusual smooth blade shape to draw attention to the design, while maintaining an optimal level of performance.

For the Axel, I saw an opportunity for a larger version of what has come to be known as the “fandelier.” When working on these fan and lighting combinations at Craftmade, we have tended to go smaller in size. The Axle presented an opportunity for a larger “fandelier.” Years before, we had created a small version of this fan. This larger-size concept offers the possibility of more air and light covering a larger area.

When did you realize you could turn functional fans into beautiful decorative pieces?

JJ Jones: Like most product designers, we envision designs in our heads and do preliminary sketches of different concepts and blade shapes. This version of the Bandeaux was conceived during that process.

With the Axel, that concept had been in my mind for some time. What I had to do was work out the structure to make sure the light would be stable and manufacturable as that was such an important part of the design.

What research went into introducing the current finishes?

JJ Jones: We have a lot of support from our design group as to finishes that are best in the market. As a designer, we will photo render a design in several finishes or finish combinations to see what resonates with our team. The best combinations will be selected for production as a group effort.

How did technology impact these fan designs and does it enhance performance?

JJ Jones: LEDs have advanced rapidly not only in lumen performance but also in CCT control and size of the LED platform. This along with DC Motor technology advancement has made it possible to create smaller and slimmer profiles, and aggressive blade shapes that allow for modern sleek designs.

What ensures these fan designs will stand the test of time?

JJ Jones: To me Craftmade means quality. Quality of the design, materials and manufacturing. Our product development team keeps that at the forefront. We engineered these fans to include the latest technology including Wi-Fi capability, color temperature-changing technology, energy-efficient DC motors, and completed with the details and finishes that ensure that these remain relevant well into the future.

How did you ensure that fan functionality wouldn't be compromised? Do they perform better than a traditional fan?

JJ Jones: I spent five years living in Hong Kong and working directly with factories in Asia developing ceiling fan products and overseeing quality. I moved into product design and management. With this experience, I tend to look at any design from a manufacturing perspective and keep performance in mind when designing.

Did you have to overcome any design challenges?

JJ Jones: I tend to work within the framework of the technology available. When designing, I always strive to design products that can be manufactured but still push the boundaries. For the Bandeaux, the key was to split the blade into two pieces to loop the blade around to return to the housing to be stable and work within the limits of the molding process. The Axel fan utilizes axial flow design blades which are one of the best blade designs for efficiency. The challenge to designing this fan was getting the light to the outside of the blades and to work without shadowing or hot spots. Fortunately, due to its scale, with a few changes to the light channel and lens cover during the factory prototype stage, enough room was created to eliminate those issues.

What was your favorite part of designing the Axel and Bandeaux?

JJ Jones: My favorite part of these designs was working with an object that not only has to look good but also perform. I enjoy seeing a creation come to life. I also enjoy working with a great team of people. I was blessed with a small gift, but design is just the first step in a dream. Everyone’s effort in our team is needed to make these designs a reality.

Ushering in a New Era of Ceiling Fans

dfalvey — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 18:32:47 +0000

Ushering in a New Era of Ceiling Fans dfalvey Tue, 12/12/2023 - 12:32

After decades of reliable “sameness,” over the last several years, ceiling fans have preceded other lighting categories when it comes to technology.

Do you want your ceiling fans and chandeliers smart? Ceiling fans are already there.
Are you making the shift to LED technology? Today’s ceiling fans incorporate up-to-date LED light sources as well.

As with much of the latest technology in the lighting industry, ceiling fans is a category that has paved the way. As technology continues to evolve, ceiling fans continue to turn ahead of the curve.

Functionally, ceiling fans have long been a workhorse, enhancing a space’s comfort levels as well as shedding some much needed light. Aesthetically? Ceiling fans had historically been seen as a sometimes necessary, but not so stunning option in a space. Fast forward to today’s ceiling fans, and we’re treated to more robust functionality as well as considerably enhanced aesthetics. So what’s changing to give ceiling fans a new appreciation?

Circulating Beauty

New blade materials in ceiling fans allow for curves and unique configurations, such as Tern, which features two blades that resemble a bird in flight.

Aesthetically, there have been a number of changes to ceiling fans, says Karen Johnson, Special Projects | Brand Manager at Craftmade. Smaller motors and motor housings, new blade materials and LED have opened the door to opportunities for new styles — by now, you’ve all heard of the fandelier — and new ways to disseminate light beyond a center bowl or four-bulb light kit.

To this end, Craftmade takes on both structure and lighting with fan introductions such as Alexis, a fandelier that cloaks clear acrylic blades within a decorative cage that allows the light to stream from all around the fan rather than through a light kit in the center.

Clear acrylic blades are just one of the latest materials to take the ceiling fan to new heights. Where fan blades were previously pressed materials (MDF) or wood, now materials such as composites and polycarbonates allow for different blade sizes and shapes — think curves — as well as those clear blades that virtually disappear.

These materials not only enhance ceiling fan aesthetics, they can also benefit functionality. Newer materials are lighter weight and offer more flexibility in design, so fan blades can provide more efficiency in a variety of shapes and sizes, and fan motors don't have to work quite as hard. Newer blade materials stand up to the elements as well, enhancing damp and wet ratings for ceiling fans destined for the great outdoors.

Let There Be Light

Craftmade's new Alexis ceiling fandelier features acrylic blades, flush mount housing and a ring of LED light.

As a centerpiece in many rooms, ceiling fans can be as much about the light they project as they are about home comfort. The advent of LED has paved the way for ceiling fan lights to move beyond the traditional downlight, even to where a light ring can encapsulate the blades.
For fans designed with a single center light source, LED light applications can be recessed or delivered in more creative modern shapes and sizes, adding to the aesthetic appeal and allowing for expanded design choices. “LED’s are much more compact and can be integrated into the motor housing,” Johnson says. “LED light kits present a seeker silhouette as well, unlike traditional light kits which added 6 to 9 inches below the motor.” For older homes with 8- to 9-foot ceilings, this can make a huge difference.
LED doesn’t just offer flexibility in the shape and size of the lighting portion of a ceiling fan anymore either. It also allows for adjustability of light output. For Craftmade, many of the new smart ceiling fans offer dimmable LED light that can be adjusted from 3,000K to 5,000K for warmer or cooler light. A remote control that comes with the ceiling fans allows for the adjustable range.
In addition, use of Craftmade’s Bond app allows the end user to control the light even more definitively, finding incremental values between 3,000K and 5,000K.

Ceiling Fans: The Smart Choice

The Reserve Fandelier from Craftmade takes a more traditional style approach, but can also be connected to the Bond app to allow for Wifi connectivity and Smart applications.

Controlling light output as well as the ceiling fan’s functionality has been made possible by another innovation in lighting — Smart controls. With Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, the ability to connect with a home’s appliances has added convenience, safety, and more nuanced functionality.
An early adopter of Smart technology, ceiling fans can now have factory-built integrated Smart technology, and existing fans can be retrofitted with hubs that pair with existing Wifi and Bluetooth.
Craftmade utilizes Bond’s integrated Smart technology in many of their ceiling fans, for example. With the Bond app, consumers have access to their fans via voice control, smartphones, and systems, with no additional hub needed, allowing the user to control breeze, light output and timing via an app on the phone or voice command. A remote control is also available for those who prefer not to connect to via Smart devices.
Some of the advantages of Smart controls, however, allow for adjustments from home or away from home via an app on a smart device, keeping home environments at optimum comfort levels.

Since inception, ceiling fans have delivered convenient comfort and light in homes and commercial spaces. And while necessary for some, for others, the clunkiness of this workhorse has been polarizing in home design. You either loved ceiling fans or you tolerated them. Fast forward to today’s offerings, ceiling fans are delivering even better functionality in smarter and more aesthetically pleasing configurations that have helped to elevate this category as a staple of functionality and design.

To learn more about ceiling fans, visit Craftmade at Lightovation (TM 4902) and Las Vegas Market (C496) or visit craftmade.com

With new materials, Craftmade's Whiskey allows the fan blades to fold in when not in use, offering style and functionality.

Schonbek’s Secret Garden Fandelier

gannunzio — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 17:49:33 +0000

Schonbek’s Secret Garden Fandelier gannunzio Mon, 10/30/2023 - 12:49

Schonbek’s Secret Garden Fandelier. SAMS - M1000A. schonbek.com

Kichler Debuts Fashion-Forward Ceiling Fan Collections

dfalvey — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 11:56:47 +0000

Kichler Debuts Fashion-Forward Ceiling Fan Collections dfalvey Tue, 10/03/2023 - 06:56

Kichler Lighting LLC, a leader in innovative lighting and ceiling fans has introduced four new Ceiling Fans Decor families engineered for performance and comfort while boasting sophisticated, on-trend designs.

“Our latest Ceiling Fans Décor release bridges the gap between the delivery of cooling comfort and elevated design,” says Kichler Lighting’s Product Manager, Ceiling Fans, Scott Williams. “For this collection, we focused on versatility, enhancing the use of finishes and aesthetic elements to give customers more choices for their unique styles. Whether that be luxe, modern, or global, these fans are designed to meet you where you are and take your space to the next level.”

Kichler’s latest life-style inspired ceiling fan families include:

Nani
Inspired by the palm leaf, the Nani collection’s ABS fan blades can easily transform their global settings into their own slice of paradise. Its broad five-blade sweep makes it ideal for medium-sized indoor or outdoor applications. Its Weather+ rating combats the effect of certain environmental elements, like saltwater spray, and UV rays to the fan finish and blades. The Nani is available in Matte White and Satin Natural Bronze finishes.

Almere
Almere is designed to be simple yet influential. It’s tight-ribbed body, unique fan blade connections, and sprawling reach add an element of understated elegance to any room. The simplistic style and minimal details make Almere perfect for a variety of spaces. The three-blade design comes in Satin Black, Brushed Nickel, and Natural Brass finishes.

Breda
Inspired by the trend of incorporating softness into all objects, Breda adds an air of ultimate relaxation to any space. Welcome an element of tranquility into modern style settings with the soft, light curvature and simple yet sculptural form. To accommodate larger spaces, the eight-blade ceiling fan is available in 65 inch, 75 inch, and 84 inch. Breda’s finish options include Brushed Nickel, Satin Black, and Satin Natural Bronze.

LED Low Profile Light Kits
New Universal Light Kits blend across various styles to coordinate with multiple fan models and are damp rated. Updated to classic shapes, these high-efficiency LED light source fixtures offer a clean, soft, modern feel with no visible finish trim, allowing for coordination with any fan body finish. The two new shapes are available in 9”, 10”, and 14” sizes, each of which have a different lumen output of 1900, 2600 and 3100 respectively. Lumen output can be chosen if the light is used with a fan that has a remote with dimming capabilities. At installation, select a color temperature (CCT) of warm 3000k or cooler 5000k hue.

Modern Forms Introduces Aura Fan

dfalvey — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 13:49:17 +0000

Modern Forms Introduces Aura Fan dfalvey Sun, 07/23/2023 - 08:49

Modern Forms has introduced the new Aura Smart Fan, which features an extremely versatile and distinctive design. Aura appears to float melodically in the sky.

The sublime Aura Smart Ceiling Fan defines the look and performance desired in a bedroom, dining, or living area. A 72-inch sweep and a broad array of eight blades transport a swiftly moving surge of air across a room from an overhead silhouette with a cool cutting edge.

Each blade is expertly engineered with a subtle curve to push a relaxed, comfortable breeze down over the room. The remote control will commission one of its six speeds and drive the engine of comfort into your home.

Perfect for any residential, hospitality or commercial application, beautiful two-tone finish combos highlight the smart fan design in three finish combinations: matte black with brushed nickel; matte black with brass; and matte white with soft brass.

Pair it with the Bluetooth remote control or use the Modern Forms free app to save on energy costs, group fans together, or intuitively create schedules that respond to your behavior. The quiet DC motor runs 70 percent more energy efficient than traditional AC motors.

Aura is wet rated for both indoors and out with a smart fan style for seamless design continuity and connectivity with any architectural style of any home or structure.

Fandeliers: These Ceiling Fans Double as Decorative Lighting Fixtures

dfalvey — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 14:07:18 +0000

Fandeliers: These Ceiling Fans Double as Decorative Lighting Fixtures dfalvey Tue, 08/23/2022 - 09:07

The Fandelier by Kichler

igillette — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 19:10:43 +0000

The Fandelier by Kichler igillette Wed, 07/20/2022 - 14:10

Ceiling Fan Technology

gannunzio — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 17:19:33 +0000

Ceiling Fan Technology gannunzio Tue, 04/19/2022 - 12:19

Bigger is Better in Ceiling Fans

igillette — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:25:11 +0000

Bigger is Better in Ceiling Fans igillette Thu, 07/29/2021 - 11:25

Modern Forms Launches ULTRA Germicidal Smart Fan

amcintosh — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 13:23:10 +0000

Modern Forms Launches ULTRA Germicidal Smart Fan amcintosh Mon, 06/28/2021 - 08:23

While the practice for using germicidal UV fixtures to disinfect air has been well established in hospitals for over 70 years, ULTRA Germicidal* Smart Fan by Modern Forms now helps you create a safer sanctuary for residential, hospitality and commercial settings. “We didn’t intend to enter the established ceiling fan market. Our friends in the industry told us it was futile for us to even try, but here we are. We realized that we could use technology to stir things up,” says Dirk Wald, Co-CEO of Modern Forms and WAC, “And this is just the tip of the iceberg.”

ULTRA uses a patent pending system, which combines a powerful germicidal* Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) LED module that irradiates the air, with an efficient ceiling fan that circulates the air from the occupied spaces to the unoccupied upper reaches of an area. This combination can help substantially reduce the concentration of viral pathogens, including the SARS COV-2 virus, in the air of the room where it is installed and operated.**

An independent CAP (College of American Pathologists) and CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) accredited lab, Innovative Bioanalysis, has tested the efficacy of the ULTRA, which uses patent-pending technology that incorporates scientifically proven UV-C technology to reduce airborne pathogens in your space. The lab tests showed a 99.99% reduction of collectable active pathogen in the air and that the active SARS-CoV-2 virus was not detectable in the breathable air after just 30 minutes of operation of the ULTRA in the room! **

For the last 18 months, many businesses have installed in-duct UV-C radiation units in their HVAC systems. While these measures help to reduce the transmission of airborne pathogens from one room to another, according to the IES Photobiology Committee, “[they] unfortunately [do] relatively little to reduce the risk of person-to-person transmission when both an infectious source and other susceptible persons share the same air.”[1]

It is generally known that natural ventilation outdoors and in homes is effective at reducing the risk of person-to-person transmission of certain airborne pathogens when there is enough exchange between clean air and shared air. To help reduce risk indoors, the ULTRA Germicidal* Smart Fan produces 5172 cubic feet per minute (CFMs) of airflow on High and also irradiates a large area above the ceiling fan with a UV-C LED module, which operates at a wavelength range (peak wavelength of 275 nanometers) known to reduce active pathogens in the air. Combined, it can move a tremendous volume of air in an occupied space up towards the actively irradiated space above the fan, where the air is exposed to the UV-C radiation, and then back down to occupied space to help reduce the risk of airborne transmission of pathogens in an enclosed space.**

As opposed to huge, unsightly air-cleaners, ULTRA is a designer ceiling fan, available in the 54-inch size with three finishes: brushed nickel housing with matte black blades, matte black housing and matching blades, and matte white housing with matching blades to accommodate many interiors. The fan is crafted with stainless steel hardware and ABS blades giving it a damp location rating that allows it to be used in covered outdoor spaces too. ULTRA includes a Bluetooth hand-held remote which controls the six speeds of the fan and the direction of the air, upward or downward. As efficiency goes, this Energy Star rated ceiling fan utilizes a powerful DC motor that keeps things running smooth, quiet and 70% more efficient than traditional AC fans and offers the ultimate user experience in controlling the timing and duration of operation. For unprecedented control, connect with the Modern Forms app via Wi-Fi from anywhere in the world to operate ULTRA, create schedules, or integrate with building management systems and smart home devices.

ULTRA integrates seamlessly with leading smart home devices you may already own, including Google Assistant, Control4, Josh.AI, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings, as well as smart thermostats such as ecobee, using voice command and advances in automation. Enable any of these devices to turn your fan on and off, change speeds and reverse the rotation of the blades.

_{*Reduces the SARS COV-2 viruses and other airborne pathogens.}

_{**Based on tests conducted by an independent CAP and CLIA accredited lab, Innovative Bioanalysis. The report is available at modernforms.com/ultra. The effectiveness of the ULTRA will vary based upon application and surroundings, including but not limited to room dimensions and air flow.}

_{[1] IES Committee Report: Germicidal Ultraviolet (GUV) – Frequently Asked Questions, IES CR-2-20-V1, 4.15.2020.}