What to do about fans and hanging lights?

 
 

I had a question on my Facebook page asking what you should do if you want a chandelier or pendanat in your bedroom, but still want to keep a ceiling fan. Don't worry, this is an ongoing dilemma in my design world. I don't like fans - let's be honest - they are kind of ugly. But oh so essential in Queensland, Australia and the warmer parts of the world. Here's my ideas for solving the issue in a bedroom.

Solution 1 - Hang nightstand pendants

This is an obvious one but a very nice solution. Choose a smaller pair of pendants and hang one over each nightstand. No matter your decorating style, this can look lovely.





Designed by Michael Fullen

 

Designed by Natasha Baradaran



 
 
Solution 2 - Hang a pendant over the bed
This may not work unless you have a larger room. In a secondary bedroom, often the centred fan will obstruct the bed. It can be a great idea for a master bedroom though.

This is a more unusual idea but can be very effective. The key to using a feature light off-centre in a space is to hang it over an area that is a feature; whether that is a piece of furniture or an architectural feature like a bay wall.

Anthropologie via Shannon Berrey

 

The White House Daylesford

Solution 3: Hang a pendant off-centre in a corner

This idea is a little hard to find examples of, but can work beautifully. You can use it to highlight the bed, just by placing it off-centre, or bring another focal point to the room by placing it over a pretty dresser or chair.

Ivanka Trump's nursery. Via Elle Decor.

 

 

Well I hope this helps someone struggling with the fan dilemma! Do you have any other ideas for unusual light locations?