Home Outdoor Living These Overhead Fans Will Make Your Porch a More Comfortable Place to Spend a Summer Afternoon Upgrade this outdoor space with some built-in climate control. By Emily Popp Emily Popp Instagram Emily is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on July 20, 2021 10:10AM EDT Share Tweet Pin Email We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Photo: Courtesy of Wayfair Nothing beats the simple pleasure of lounging on your porch while sipping a glass of lemonade (or rosé), surrounded by good company. But during the summer months, the days and nights can be sweltering, which is why an overhead fan is necessary. Unlike a standing iteration, an overhead appliance is more discrete and doesn't take up precious square footage, making them well worth the investment. To help you find the correct one for your space, we tapped home improvement and lifestyle expert Kathryn Emery and asked her to share a few general buying tips. "Outdoor ceiling fans should withstand moisture, humidity, and overall weather," she notes. "If the fan is directly above where you're using it, a standard 52-inch option will work well. If you need more air flow across a wider space, consider larger blades or installing two fans." Finally, make sure the cooler isn't mounted too high or else you won't be able to feel the circulated air. Explains Emery, "If your ceiling is higher than 10 feet, you'll want an extended down rod to bring it closer to you." Ahead, the breeziest porch fans to keep you and your loved ones cool during summertime lounge sessions. Top Picks Bay Isle Home Reversible Blades Ceiling Fan Honeywell Wet Rated Wicker Blades Ceiling Fan Casa Vieja Damp Rated Outdoor Ceiling Fan with LED Light Quorum International Patio Fan in Oiled Bronze Minka Aire Indoor/Outdoor Oil Rubbed Bronze Ceiling Fan Our Favorite Front Porch Ideas for Summer Vacation-Inspired Courtesy of Wayfair Looking for something with a tropical vibe that will make you feel as if you are on vacation? This option is a great choice; one side has a palm leaf design and the other is classic wicker. Shop Now: Bay Isle Home Reversible Blades Ceiling Fan, $147, wayfair.com. Wicker Courtesy of Amazon rainy or humid climate "If you live in a rainy or humid climate, then a 'wet rated' fan is for you," says Emery. This white wicker piece from Honeywell fits that bill, and also has three versatile mounting positions. Shop Now: Honeywell Wet Rated Wicker Blades Ceiling Fan, $98.53, amazon.com. Minimal Courtesy of The Home Depot outdoor space This standard-sized overhead fan is minimalistic, and will blend seamlessly into any outdoor space. It also comes with a remote control, so you can adjust the speed from the comfort of your porch swing. Shop Now: Minka Aire Indoor/Outdoor Oil Rubbed Bronze Ceiling Fan, $339.95, homedepot.com. Nighttime Courtesy of Target hosts guests late into the evening "If you're using your space at night consider a fan with a light—preferably LED bulbs since they use minimal energy," explains Emery. This iteration is ideal if you're a night owl who often hosts guests late into the evening. Shop Now: Casa Vieja Damp Rated Outdoor Ceiling Fan with LED Light, $269.95, target.com. Bronze Courtesy of Houzz environmentally-friendly This sleek steel fan has a DC motor, which is crucial if you are prioritizing sustainability. Says Emery, "DC fans use 75 percent less energy. If you're looking for an environmentally-friendly fan, then it has to be DC." Shop Now: Quorum International Patio Fan in Oiled Bronze, $808, houzz.com. Oversized Courtesy of Target At 60-inches wide, this fan has larger blades than your average appliance, making it perfect for bigger outdoor spaces. It's damp rated (as opposed to wet rated), and is ideal if you want something elegant that won't be exposed to salt water or extreme humidity. Shop Now: Possini Euro Design Damp Rated Porch Fan in Nickel Wood with LED Light, $459.95, target.com. Petite Courtesy of Rejuvenation smaller porch or patio Designed for smaller spaces, this brass fan, which has a 27-inch wingspan, is best suited for a smaller porch or patio. You can also purchase it in multiples if you love the design but need to cover a wider area. Shop Now: Rejuvenation Kestrel LED Ceiling Fan, $479, rejuvenation.com. Classic White Courtesy of The Home Depot If you want an outdoor overhead lamp in classic white with all the trimmings (wet rated, efficient airflow, LED lights) then this one from Lumens is your best bet. Shop Now: Lumens Lighting Gauguin Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan with Light, $470, lumens.com. Modern Courtesy of Target This damp rated ceiling fan is perfect if you prefer a more industrial, modern style as opposed to traditional white or wicker designs. Shop Now: Casa Vieja Damp Rated Industrial Cage Outdoor Ceiling Fan, $429.99, target.com. Subtle Industrial Courtesy of Lamps Plus If you like the industrial vibe of the previous piece, but want something a bit more subtle, consider this wet rated model that has an LED bulb inside a vintage Edison style cage. Shop Now: Casa Vieja Orb Marlowe Wet Rated LED Ceiling Fan, $260, lampsplus.com. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit