Ceiling fans are amazing energy savers that can help with cooling and heating a room. Unfortunately, ceiling fans do tend to be a bit ugly, especially for those of us with a minimal aesthetic. When I discovered a ceiling fan with disappearing blades, it was like the answer to a minimalist's ceiling fan prayers!
I've met many interior designers who claim that ceiling fans are an abomination that should never be installed in the first place. While I do agree ceiling fans tend to be an eyesore in a perfectly designed room, there's no denying how convenient they are. The Hunter Fanaway is the best of both worlds! When not on, the blades of the Fanaway rest above the motor and the unit looks like a simple light fixture. Turn the fan on and the blades swing out with centrifugal forces to become a fully functioning ceiling fan.
I first came across the Fanaway while helping a friend choose a new ceiling fan at Lowe's. I stood under the Fanaway watching in amazement as the blades retracted when the fan was turned off. When the unit is off, the light fixture is actually quite handsome. And while I'm not crazy about the clear plastic blades of the fan, I can overlook that since they would be hidden when not running.
The Hunter Fanaway is available at Lowe's for $329. I also found the fan available online at other stores for roughly the same price.
Image: Oh!Gizmo
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Comments (12)
I'm surprised people hate ceiling fans so much! Right now there are some very beautiful ones out there.
Then again I live in a tropical climate, so my perspective might be a bit different.
The disappearing blades idea is pretty cool! My only concern is that short blades tend to not make much difference.
I live in Ontario & I love our ceiling fans! They are butt ugly but I don't have central air, so they are so lovely in the summer! Thanks for this tip - I've been looking for a pretty one to replace our ugos.
That is a very cool idea! I'm going to have to look into a few of those!
A friend has a similar fan (only not with clear blades), and loves it. (As do I!) The blades are fairly short, but they make a huge difference.
I replaced my main lighting with industrial ceiling fans. They are hardly noticable. This on the other hand is just ugly... the blades might not be out, but it doesn't look like any other ceiling light that I would want.
Sorry: still ugly. I much prefer a naked man with a huge ostrich feather fan. ;-)
LOL at FengShuiByFishgirl! Lowes sells a decent one where the blades are concealed in a drum, so it looks like a regular ceiling light. At least more options are coming available...
How about you U.S. people learn to isolate buildings properly instead?
This is an australia product from 2 years ago and while the pictures of it look nice when you see it in person it's bigger and not really curved.
It outputs a decent amount of air but on high speed it can have an annoying sound it's a great idea and i wanted to get two for my house but the picture doesn't live up to the look when in person sadly
Still would work in alot of places i just suggest you see it in action and listen to it on high first
Oh, the ceiling fan hate (and thanks to last week's Trading Spaces where-are-they-now, I'm having all kinds of Lori flashbacks). They're not my favorite thing, either, but here in the south, they're a necessary evil. Really, really necessary. In the summer, that moving air is the only thing that keeps me sane. I, too, prefer the industrial look, but I think this would be great, especially in a small space...like our bonus room with the slanted walls...
Transparent blades?
If you are like 98% of human beings (not cleaning fan blades often)..... you'll be surprised at how much they catch dust and how much they show it.... It's just gross!
Honestly, as minuet42 reminds us, I think the whole hated ceiling fan thing CAME FROM Trading Spaces.
Ridiculous.
I've never understood what the problem with ceiling fans is in general. YEs, there are some hideous, disgusting examples out there, but if it is unobtrusive or decorative in a way that marries with the space and in good working condition, hello?? Such a useful, energy efficient thing!
Or maybe an ugly box or table fan that you need to find a place to store off-season is better??