When shopping for a new ceiling fan, one of the most important factors to consider is the quality and brightness of the light. Choosing a fan with good lighting can make a big difference in how well a room is illuminated. The right ceiling fan light kit can provide plenty of illumination for tasks like reading or working, while also adding style and ambiance to the décor. But with so many options on the market, how do you determine what ceiling fan gives off the best light?
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What to Look for in Ceiling Fan Lighting
Here are some key factors to evaluate when comparing ceiling fan lighting:
- Number of lights: Fans can come with one, two, three or more lights. Generally, more lights will provide brighter illumination.
- Wattage: Higher wattage bulbs produce more light. Many ceiling fans accept bulbs up to 100W.
- Light kit size: Larger light kits, measured in inches, can accommodate more or bigger lights.
- Light coverage: Wide distribution of light is better for broadly lighting a space. Downlight-only kits concentrate light directly below.
- Light color: The color temperature (measured in Kelvins) impacts the tone of the light. Warm white is good for relaxation, while cool white is energizing.
- Smart features: Some fans have smart lights that can change color, dim, link to apps, etc.
- Energy efficiency: LED lights last longer and use less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Control options: Look for fans with multiple speed settings and light dimmers to get the desired ambiance.
- Style: Choose a light fixture design that matches your home’s decor style.
Considering all these factors will help you select the ceiling fan with lighting that best suits the needs of a particular room.
Top 3 Ceiling Fans for Best Light
Based on lighting performance, features and style, here are my top recommendations for the best-lit ceiling fans:
1. Hunter Dempsey
The Hunter Dempsey is my top pick for the brightest ceiling fan light. This fan features:
- Three 10W LED lights with a wide light spread
- Dual Mount – works on angled and standard ceilings
- Reversible motor for winter and summer modes
- Lifetime warranty on the motor
- Pull chains for the lights and fan
- Sleek, transitional style with aluminum blades
With a 17 inch light kit and the option to use three bright LED bulbs, the Hunter Dempsey stands out for its superior lighting. The wide light spread from the frosted glass shades illuminates rooms extremely well. The LEDs make the light bright but energy efficient. This is an exceptional choice if you want really bright overhead light from your ceiling fan.
2. Westinghouse Comet
For a more affordable option that still provides fantastic light, consider the Westinghouse Comet. Features include:
- Three 14W LEDs with opal frosted glass
- Adjustable mounting for sloped or flat ceilings
- Reversible switch for seasonal fan speeds
- Three speed settings
- 13 inch light kit with white glass
- Contemporary style in multiple finishes
With triple LED lights producing over 1700 lumens, the Comet generates very impressive brightness. The white glass and frosted texture give the light a clean, attractive look while reducing glare. While not as large as the Hunter Dempsey, the 13 inch kit still accommodates ample lighting. For budget-friendly value, the Westinghouse Comet is hard to beat.
3. Hampton Bay Valdosta
The Valdosta from Hampton Bay offers customizable smart lighting. Features include:
- Three 8W LED modules (dimmable)
- 14 inch light kit with frosted glass
- Works with Bluetooth app for smart controls
- Change colors, set schedules, dim, and group lights
- Reversible mode for winter and summer
- Rustic barnwood and metal style
With the app connectivity, you can customize the Valdosta lights for any mood or activity. While the smart LEDs max out at about 1300 lumens, the app gives you so much control from soft ambient lighting to full bright illumination. The vintage rustic aesthetic also makes this a great choice for farmhouse decor. The smart features make the Hampton Bay Valdosta one of the most versatile ceiling fans with lights.
Light Kit Upgrade Recommendations
Many ceiling fans on the market support upgrading the light kits. This allows you to get improved brightness and features compared to the stock setup. Here are some of my top light kit upgrade suggestions:
| Fan Brand | Upgrade Light Kit | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter | Heritage 3 Light Kit | Larger size, sculpted opal glass, takes 3 x 100W bulbs |
| Westinghouse | Alloy 3 Light Kit | Triple bright LEDs, wide light spread, smart compatible |
| Harbor Breeze | Mazon 3 Light Kit | Beautiful modern design with etched glass, takes 3 x 60W |
| Minka Aire | Wave Light Kit | Award winning carved glass wave panels, takes 3 x 60W |
| Emerson | Schoolhouse 3 Light Kit | Vintage Edison bulb style, takes 3 x 60W |
Installing one of these upgraded light kits is an easy DIY project. Simply remove the existing lights on your fan, disconnect the wiring, and connect the new light kit wires matching the colors. Screw or snap the new kit into place and insert your preferred light bulbs. With just a bit of work, you can drastically improve the light performance and style of an existing ceiling fan.
Light Bulb Recommendations
Don’t forget the importance of the light bulbs! Even quality ceiling fan light kits need good bulbs to shine brightly. Here are my top bulb recommendations for optimal brightness:
- LED: LED bulbs are the gold standard – they last forever and use a fraction of the energy of incandescents. Look for name brands like Cree, Philips, GE. 60W equivalent (800+ lumens) bulbs provide plenty of light.
- Halogen: Nearly as efficient as LEDs, halogens cast a bright, crisp white light. The Philips 80W equivalent (1300 lumen) floodlights work great.
- Incandescent: While inefficient, old fashioned incandescent bulbs cast a warm inviting glow. Use the highest wattage allowed by your fixture – 100W adds serious brightness.
- Smart: Bulbs from Philips Hue, LIFX and others enable app and voice controls. Schedule colors and brightness to suit any activity or mood.
Be sure to check your ceiling fan manual for the maximum recommended wattage. Trying to use bulbs that are too high wattage for the light kit can cause overheating, electrical issues, and fire hazards. Stick within the guidelines and use the most lumens allowable for optimal brightness.
Consider Hiring an Electrician
If you’re uncomfortable working with electrical wiring, it’s best to call in a professional electrician for ceiling fan installations and light kit upgrades. They have the right tools and training to safely get the job done right. Some benefits of hiring an electrician include:
- Making sure electrical connections are properly secured
- Checking the circuit breaker can handle the fan load
- Confirming the ceiling box is rated for fan support
- Installing any required new wiring and junction boxes
- Applying UL-approved mounting and hardware
- Testing the fan to ensure it operates safely after installation
Electricians may charge around $100 to $250 to install a ceiling fan with lights depending on the complexity. More elaborate smart fan systems with app programming can run $300 or more. This peace of mind is worthwhile to ensure proper installation and electrical safety.
Top Ceiling Fan Light Brands
When evaluating all the options, it helps to stick with top brands that consistently deliver quality and performance. Here are my picks for ceiling fan companies with the best lighting:
Hunter Fan Company
With over 130 years in the industry, Hunter is one of the most trusted names in ceiling fans. They offer a wide selection of light kits and smart fan options. Many of their models use energy efficient LEDs for bright, long-lasting light.
Westinghouse Lighting
Known for technology innovation, Westinghouse makes high quality ceiling fans with premium light features. Their LED light kits provide some of the brightest, most wide-spreading illumination.
Progress Lighting
With beautiful decorator styles and advanced lighting features, Progress makes very attractive and well-lit ceiling fans. The quality craftsmanship adds value to any home.
Minka Aire
Focusing on aerodynamic blade design and decorative details, Minka Aire makes unique statement-piece fans. Their light kits often use artistic glass for both form and function.
Emerson
Emerson has origins going back to 1890. Today, they make a diverse range of ceiling fan models including smart app-controlled options. Their light kits provide both ample brightness and classic decorative style.
Sticking with leading brands like these will maximize your chances of ceiling fan satisfaction. They have extensive experience engineering fans that not only look great but also provide excellent and long-lasting illumination.
Conclusion
The choice of ceiling fan can make a big impact on a room’s light level and ambiance. To maximize brightness, look for models with multiple LED lights, large light kits, and wide light distribution. Smart features provide fun options to control lighting moods. Top brands to consider include Hunter, Westinghouse, Progress Lighting, Minka Aire and Emerson. With the right ceiling fan selection, you can enjoy the style and illumination your home deserves for years to come.