Blog, Ceiling Fans Blog
The Best Bedroom Ceiling Fans According to Our Showroom Experts
Nov
Last updated:
Published:
In this article:
The most common request we get day-in, day-out is from customers unsure of where to start when looking for a bedroom fan. The three ceiling fans below are our go-to recommended bedroom options, and are the same models we show customers when they come to our showroom look for inspiration.
We have just over seventy fans on display in our Oakleigh Showroom. We consider the models on display as somewhat of a curated list. We only install models we think are worthwhile installing, and we base this off a combination of customer feedback, brand reputation and judgements made from our 35+ years of industry experience.
If you are looking for a new (or are upgrading) a bedroom fan these models meet our criteria as the the best bedroom fans for your home, and are our recommendations.
What should I look for in a bedroom fan?
Quickly, before going into the fans themselves, we think its important to understand the criteria for a “good” bedroom fan.
Being brief, these are the most important factors:
- Comforting Airflow, you want airflow that helps you sleep and feels comfortable. Look for low speeds at around the 60 RPM speed.
- Low Noise, no ticking, no humming, no whirring. This matters more in bedrooms than anywhere else. DC motors are considered quieter than AC ones.
- A high-quality motor, ideally a well-built DC motor with quality internals will ensure longevity.
- A Dimmable LED Light (If you’re after one), a dimmable light with CCT is the best option. Look for models that boast lots of light options.
We will explain these factors more in depth at the end of the article if you would like to know more. Jump now:
The Flow stands out because it merges the most important considerations for a bedroom fan (unobtrusive design, low noise, good airflow) with a great light, in a hugger-fan package.
When customers see the Fanco Flow DC in our showroom, they often describe it as ‘a good-looking statement piece’ or ‘the fan that simply feels right’ – and they’re right in that assessment. The Flow has an effortless sense of balance that makes it suited to bedrooms spaces, and has become one of our bedroom favourites because of that.
Top 3 Reasons our Showroom Experts picked the Flow for the bedroom:
1. It’s a low-profile ‘hugger fan’, making it less obtrusive than a rod based fan:
The black Flow in our Showroom. The without light model still makes the most of its shape and design and regularly draws in customer attention thanks to its simple modern aesthetic.
The Fanco Flow is what’s known as a hugger fan, meaning its motor sits directly against the ceiling rather than on a drop rod. This keeps the blades close to the ceiling, only sitting at 188mm from the ceiling at it’s lowest point. For comparison, most standard fans hang around 300mm, so the Flow sits nearly half that distance.
Hugger fans like the Flow also create a calmer aesthetic. With less visual bulk and a smoother connection to the ceiling, they integrate naturally into bedrooms designed around simplicity, minimalism and modern comfort.
You can see how close the Flow is to the ceiling. Also, note how it’s integrated light sits flush within the motor housing, It’s a more considered and streamlined light design than most other ceiling fans.
This compact design makes it perfect for bedrooms with standard 2.4m ceilings, where every centimetre counts. Installed in a space that height, the blades sit around 2.2m above the floor — well above clearance regulations of 2.1m from floor to blade drop. Even in rooms with taller ceilings (typically 2.7m), this tighter fit works to visually raise the ceiling line, making the room feel bigger and less cluttered, maintaining a clean, open feeling overhead.
People often notice the Flow immediately, not because of its size but because of how different it looks compared to the more traditional shapes nearby. It’s a fan that draws attention quietly, with a presence that feels clean and well balanced.
2. It has a very attractive modern design:
There’s something quietly captivating about the Flow when it’s in motion. Its three blades curve gently around the motor housing, creating a fluid movement that’s soft on the eye yet distinct enough to draw attention. The design looks balanced and intentional — the kind of fan that feels right in a space even before you turn it on. Admittedly the business of our showroom doesn’t show this off very well, but the images provided from the manufacturer as well as other customer photos really help contextualise how much the design works in modern bedroom spaces.
The Flow in black feels a bit more striking and dramatic than its white cousin, but both fans look extremely elegant, especially in bedroom spaces. Image Courtesy of Fanco.
Despite its slim build, the Flow doesn’t compromise on performance. Its DC motor delivers six speeds and moves up to 13,386 m³/hr of airflow, which is more than enough for bedrooms of all sizes.
We usually leave it running throughout the day, both to help customers see the movement and because it adds a calming presence to what can otherwise be a busy showroom. It’s a design that feels peaceful and refined, and people naturally respond to that.
The Flow’s remote is easy to handle, has a long-lasting battery and comes with a wall cradle.
3. It has a powerful light great for bedrooms:
The Flow’s CCT LED light is one of its strongest features, with a standout range of brightness options. At full brightness it produces up to 2,588 lumens which is extremely bright as far as room lights go. This makes a Flow with a light one of the best options if your bedroom only has an existing baton or single downlight in the centre.
The Flow’s light has a wide selection of brightness options, ranging form soft and dim to very bright. At full brightness it outputs 2,588 lumens. For context, many outdoor security lights only output ~1400 Lumens.
If you are looking for a light for a bedroom fan, dimmability is a very core concern. Thanks to the sheer brightness of it’s light the Flow is a great fan to showcase how big the range of brightnesses can be. The Flow features a smooth dimming transition which goes its very bright task light through to a softer, relaxed dim tone ideal for the evenings.
The Flow’s light is CCT, meaning it can cycle between Warm White (3000k), Natural Sunlight (4000k) and Cool White (5000k)
In a bedroom environment this brightness has value. The higher levels are Ideal for reading before bed without needing a separate lamp, or for times when you suddenly need a burst of light (like if you’ve dropped small jewellery). You can then dim the light down at its lower settings, which provides enough soft ambient light to move around safely without fully waking you at night.
The wide range of use-cases for the Flow’s light make it a standout option for bedrooms where you’re swapping a a central baton light out for a fan, a very common situation especially for new homes.
For people who want their bedroom to feel natural, restful and grounded, the Gaia is one of the most thoughtful choices in our showroom.
It looks warm, moves gently and offers the kind of steady airflow that supports sleep rather than interrupting it, and if your bedroom needs more breeze during hotter months, the Gaia has the extra power ready without stepping outside its calm personality.
Top 3 Reasons our Showroom Experts picked the Earthfirst Gaia for the bedroom:
1. The most Sustainably minded ceiling fan on the Australian Market & Good Design Winner.
Much like the Flow, the Gaia is also a Hugger Fan, meaning it retains the same bonuses as the Flow. The Gaia’s two sizes both sit at a modest overall drop of 206mm from ceiling to blade.
The Gaia is one of the first fans you see when you walk into our showroom, and it has a way of setting the tone instantly. Where many modern fans lean into sharp angles or minimal-white finishes, the Gaia takes the opposite approach. Its blades are carved from FSC certified solid timber, and the subtle grain running through each piece gives the fan a warmth you feel long before it starts spinning.
The Gaia’s motor housing comes in a single’ Ecru’ finish and is made of a special Bio-based plastic. This plastic is made from plant-derived materials rather than petroleum and has a unique terrazzo- like texture. It sadly doesn’t show up too well in photos but is noticeable in person in our showroom.
When our team explains that the Gaia’s blades are FSC-certified and its motor housing is made from bio-based plastic, the reaction is usually the same: genuine surprise and appreciation. It’s the kind of thoughtful detail that makes people look twice and say, “Oh wow, that’s really clever.”
The combination of authentic materials, sustainable design and Good Design Award recognition gives the Gaia a quiet confidence. It’s a fan that looks at home in nature-inspired interiors, bringing a warmth and balance that makes bedrooms feel instantly more grounded and inviting.
2. Its super quiet, and delivers low and high airflow – ideal for bedroom spaces.
One of the reasons the Gaia works so well in bedrooms is how softly it runs on its lowest setting. Both sizes spin at 60 RPM, which is slow enough to stay whisper quiet, but still fast enough to create a gentle airflow over your skin. If you imagine the soft breeze you get from leaving a window slightly open on a warm night, that is the kind of feeling 60 RPM creates. It helps cools your body without rattling, humming or drying you out – exactly what you want you’re trying to sleep.
The Gaia 54″ has a higher maximum airflow (14,870m3/hr) than the 86″ Sanctuary DC sitting in the lobby behind it (14,052m3/hr) .
Despite its calm nature at low speeds, the Gaia has an impressive upper range. The 48″ reaches 12,973 m³/hr, and the 54″ reaches 14,870 m³/hr. For context, many of the bedroom fans push around 7,000 to 10,000 m³/hr. This means that while the Gaia excels at quiet nighttime comfort, it also has the necessary grunt to provide effective airflow throughout the room during warm days or summer heatwaves.
An example of a Gaia with the CCT LED Light, courtesy of Fanco.
The motor cap has the same texture and finish as the motor housing. Image courtesy of Fanco.
The Gaia range includes a CCT LED light model, ideal for bedrooms that rely on a central ceiling light, a Motor Cap model for rooms that want a cleaner, uniform ceiling appearance, and a Standard no light model that showcases the natural timber blades. The LED and no light versions are on display in our showroom.
In the showroom it’s one of those fans that we leave on all day, not just because it operates so quietly and doesn’t cause interruption, but because its airflow can be felt as far-away as the windows behind the sales desks, near the front of the showroom.
3. It’s extremely energy efficient, and has tiny running costs.
The Gaia’s interior materials are just as new-age and high-end as it’s blades and bio-based plastic. It uses many high-quality metals and magnets for its internal motor systems.
The Gaia is one of the most energy conscious fans we display. When looking at how the fan performs in its lower 60RPM speed, the 48″ model uses only 1 watt whilst the 54″ uses a whopping 2 watts. To give that context, a dim bedside lamp usually draws between 5 and 10 watts. When you think about what this translates to cost-wise, it means running a Gaia all night, every night would barely cost you a few cents – even during long stretches of warm weather.
The Gaia uses the same simple remote as the Flow. It is very easy to use and comes with the same wall mountable cradle as standard.
The sources of these remarkable numbers are a result of clever blade aerodynamics and a DC motor made with very high-end materials. Much like how the motor housing and fan blades use new materials to elevate the product, the interior materials are equally reflective of this design philosophy:
Nothing is overdone. Nothing is wasteful. Every part of the fan has been chosen to support the fan’s ecologically minded design.
The DC motor spins up quickly, able to provide effective airflow very quickly.
People connect with that design philosophy quickly. Once they see a fan that is efficient, quietly stylish, and thoughtfully made, they can imagine a version of their home that is a little more comfortable and a little more sustainable. People often comment that the Gaia feels purposeful, and although the timber styling isn’t what everyone is after, those who are willing to embrace the fan’s unique style and materials are rewarded with an extremely efficient product that will serve their spaces well.
The Whisper has earned its place in this list because it consistently does the simple things well. It is quiet, steady and reliable, and moves enough air to keep bedrooms comfortable without feeling overwhelming.
It’s value and reliability as a day-to-day appliance why it remains one of our staff favourites to recommend for any bedrooms.
Shop the Whisper Jump to Previous FanTop 3 Reasons our Showroom Experts picked the Whisper for the bedroom:
1. Bedroom friendly fan – thrives in areas where noise is the primary concern:
We see it all the time in the showroom: customers compare the Whisper to higher-priced models and quickly decide it’s the smartest value choice in the room.
The last thing you want overnight is a ceiling fan that is endlessly ticking, humming, wobbling or grinding through the night. You do not get this with the Whisper DC, It’s motor is remarkably quiet, and – even at higher speeds – if you closed your eyes the only indication the fan would be active would be the sound of the air moving past your head and the airflow pushing against you.
This super low noise is why the Whisper has become one of our go-to recommendations when someone walks in and simply says, “I just want a really quiet bedroom fan.” It does what it needs to do, and runs smoothly and quietly across all speeds, even when you increase its airflow.
The Whisper shows its strength best in motion. It’s another fan we leave running all day and we don’t think we’ve ever heard it make noise in operation.
We quite often keep a Whisper running in the showroom for this exact reason. It shows customers what a well-tuned DC motor can do when it is specialised around bedroom use. It has a range of airflows which consistently feel even and smooth. The lower gentle speeds are designed to be silently sleep under, whilst the higher speeds work well to clear the heat out of a room on warmer nights.
The Whisper DC comes in many finishes, including timber-look options. Showroom customers are particularly fond of the Beechwood finish (seen above, image courtesy of Claro).
Another thing that makes the Whisper a go-to for us is the sheer variety of models and finishes. The Whisper DC is part of a family of fans that include specialised Low-Profile, AC and Outdoor models (more on that later). For bedrooms though, the Whisper DC is the best option for most bedrooms. It comes in multiple sizes (48″, 52″ and 58″) and a variety of black, white and timber-style finishes.
These large variety of options makes matching the Whisper to your interiors an extremely easy process.
2. Organic Style creates good bedroom airflow and blends seamlessly into any aesthetic:
It’s very easy to get a good sense of the Whisper’s organic styling when seeing the black model in person.
The Whisper has a shape that people warm to almost immediately. Its smooth, curved blades have an easy flow to them that feels simple and familiar, and that natural form is what helps it stand out amongst the sharper, more angular designs around it.
White fans on white ceiling are by far the most common type of installation. Whilst many fans are deliberately as unobtrusive as possible, the Whisper designs quietly thrives here, adding calming aesthetics to the surroundings, without becoming a major focal point.
Because the design is so balanced, the Whisper tends to blend in across a lot of different bedroom styles. That quiet versatility is what gives it such broad appeal. Coastal rooms can make great use of the light timbers to match their soft furnishings, whilst modern spaces with white walls and clean lines, or more neutral family bedrooms all suit the Whisper in white easily.
In the showroom the Whisper has a presence that feels calm, and people often describe it as the fan that “just looks right.” We have found that (compared to some of the other fans around it) customers can easily picture the Whisper in their space.
3. Approachable Value for money – Has quality and performance of a much more expensive fan:
One of the reasons the Whisper has become so popular is that it offers DC motor performance and bedroom friendly design without chasing luxury pricing. Many customers often come into our showroom intending to look at other models, but once they compare the price and performance of the Whisper to those other models, they often decide it is the more sensible choice for their home and end up leaving us with a few in hand.
The Whisper DC can be used outdoors, as seen here (image courtesy of Claro). There are also IP66 rated Whispers that can be used in more wet outdoor installations, like poolside areas.
What also helps is that the Whisper DC is part of a larger fan family. It has a variety of sister models designed for more specialised spaces and applications, like low-profile spaces, or outdoor wet environments.
We have the Whisper DC in Black, Whisper DC in White with CCT LED light, Whisper AC, and Whisper DC Low Profile in display in our showroom. Here you can see the AC (top right) compared to the DC with light.
For us, that flexibility is a big part of its value. Customers might start by looking for a fan for their main bedroom, but after seeing specialised models like the outdoor IP66 model or the AC version – it’s not uncommon for them to broaden their plans and return later to grab other Whispers to use in their living areas, or outdoor spaces.
If you liked the talk of hugger fans from earlier, the Whisper also comes in a Low-Profile hugger model. It retains all the positive qualities the other Hugger fans have, and has the same organic styled blades and DC motor as the normal Whisper.
For us, that flexibility is a big part of its value. Customers might start by looking for a fan for their main bedroom, but after seeing specialised models like the outdoor IP66 model or the AC version – it’s not uncommon for them to broaden their plans and return later to grab other Whispers to use in their living areas, or outdoor spaces.
What separates a good bedroom fan from a bad one?
Before settling on a bedroom fan, it’s worth understanding the key factors that separate the quiet, comfortable performers from the ones that end up keeping people awake.
The accordions below walk through airflow, noise, controls and design in plain, practical terms. Open any section to see what to look for and why these details matter more in bedrooms than anywhere else.
The important factors to focus on when looking at bedroom fans:
A range of Airflows (and how it helps):
A fan’s job is to provide airflow in your space, so let’s start here.
Bedroom airflow requirements differ from those of larger living and outdoor spaces. Most people tend to prefer gentle soft airflow, and it’s common for many people to find stronger airflow disruptive to their sleep.
Both sizes of the Fanco Gaia have a 60PRM low speed ideal for bedroom use. They also both feature high max speeds (48” – 12,973m3/hr and 54” – 14,870) that exceed the 12,000m3/hr mark. These airflows are more typical for larger bedroom spaces or outdoor areas.
Good bedroom fans will have speeds specifically designed around this, and offer a spectrum of lower, less disruptive airflow options as well as speeds designed for more intense airflow relief – like those used in larger spaces. That said, this is not a hard rule, and whilst not as common many customers do enjoy sleeping to the more intense airflow, especially in the middle of summer.
These softer speeds typically spin at a low RPM (60 or below) and create air movement that takes the temperature ‘edge’ off the surrounding air, or airflow that mimics a natural breeze (think leaving a window open). If you want higher airflows, the best fans will be ones that provide solid airflow without making lots of noise (more on that in a bit), so if you’re in a position where you can test and hear the fan before you buy it, we strongly doing so.
Regardless, the best bedroom fans offer a spectrum of airflows that cover both these requirements, and will give you a range of speed options that fit your preferences.
What does the science say?
How does airflow actually help you sleep?
It’s important to note that ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air, they do create a ‘wind-chill’ effect which helps your body self-regulate its own cooling. As you are stationary when in bed, the still air millimetres above your skin warms from your bodies radiant heat. Airflow against your skin removes this hot air.
If you tend to sweat whilst sleeping, or live in a humid environment with lots of moisture in the air, that same wind-chill effect can be very beneficial. Even low-airflow speeds will help evaporate and reduce the moisture on your skin and in the air which naturally supports your body’s own internal convection cooling.
These effects are only possible if the airflow in your bedroom is gently brushing over your body, something that devices like de-humidifiers and air conditioning systems are not specialised for in the same way.
Using your Fans & Air-conditioning together:
There is a misconception that because wind-chill doesn’t actually cool down the air that you’re better off foregoing a fan entirely, and just using Air Conditioning overnight.
As outlined above, this couldn’t be further from the truth. That said, there is significant advantage to using your air conditioning and fan to support each other, especially for spaces like bedrooms where you will be spending many hours in one spot.
This article by Fanco (based off this paper from Building & Environment Science Direct) offers a great breakdown of this and explains how running a ceiling fan in conjunction with your air conditioning reduces energy costs from cooling by 32%.
When you combine cool air from your air conditioning and the benefits of wind-chill airflow, it paints a pretty clear picture that the optimal way to support your bodies sleep through the heat is with comfortable airflow from a ceiling fan.
Low-Noise:
After airflow, the noise your fan makes is the other most important concern for your bedroom. Afterall, who likes being kept up all night from the hums and whirrs of a noisy fan?
Many customers who we meet in our showroom come to us for this exact reason, and are replacing older fans that have become noisier and more annoying over time.
Motor noise, even at lower speeds, is a common indicator a fan is beginning to show its age and may be due for replacement. If you have an AC fan, we recommend upgrading to a DC fan, like the Whisper DC here. Their motors are more quiet than AC fans, especially on middle and high speeds.
The common culprit for this is older AC fan motors, who’s internal motor bearing begin to wear out and generate clicking or grinding noises.
Other factors that can cause similar noises are things like fan wobble, loosening blade fittings, loosening mounting brackets and/or electrical issues. All of those issues will require the expertise of an electrician to repair and it is generally cheaper to replace an older fan exhibiting those issues than it is to try and repair them.
Fans that are factory balanced with modern precision manufacturing will be wobble-free during their operation and will reduce the likelihood of noise from wobble and age.
Control Options:
A close up for the remote both the Flow and Gaia use. Its small, comes with a wall cradle and is very easy to use. Remotes tend to be preferred for bedroom fans and the majority of DC fans use remotes.
Control is another question that comes up daily. Most people prefer remotes in bedrooms because they allow you to adjust the fan or light without getting up, and they make installation simple. Wall controls still have their place, especially in shared areas, but for bedrooms, convenience usually wins. Customers often realise this the moment they use a remote in the showroom, finding that it feels natural and practical to keep near the bed.
If your fan uses a remote a device like a Bond Bridge can be used to make it SMART compatible and you can control it through your phone or Home Assistant.
The fans in our showroom are powered. You can ask our staff to try them out if you want to see how the remote or wall controls (those on the right) look and feel.
The fans in our showroom are powered. You can ask our staff to try them out if you want to see how the remote or wall controls (those on the right) look and feel.
Aesthetics:
Design also shapes every conversation. White is still the most common choice, as it blends easily into most ceilings, but we often remind customers that sometimes the best fan is the one that stands out, and often being more adventurous and daring with your fan’s material or blade shape can improve the aesthetics of a space, just as much as the airflow helps improve the comfort of it.
Again, the Gaia in our showroom. Compared to the white and black fans around it, the softness of its FSC-certified timber blades really stands out, and it really creates a warm welcoming feeling thanks to this natural texture.
The EarthFirst Gaia is a brilliant poster-child for this. Its timber blades bring a sense of warmth and calm to a space, and the character of their texture can really amplify the atmosphere of a bedroom. As we said during our evaluation of the Whisper, white fans with timber blades are very popular for this, and although many people start out wanting something plain – once they get a sense of how a natural finish transforms the feeling of a bedroom, they quickly change their minds.
Don’t forget about how much of an impact a fan’s light and Colour temperature can have on your space too. In bedrooms especially-light brightness and temperature can have huge impacts on how you approach your space and how relaxing or focused you want it to feel.
In the end, a good bedroom fan is one that feels effortless. It runs quietly, moves air gently, fits naturally into the space and offers control that matches how people actually live. That is what our customers are searching for when they come in, and it is why the Flow, the Gaia and the Whisper continue to stand out as favourites in our showroom.
How to get the most out of your ceiling fan:
Visit our showroom, meet the airflow experts and feel our fans in person:
The best way to understand how a fan feels is to stand beneath it. In our Oakleigh showroom, more than seventy working displays let you see and feel the difference that airflow, lighting and design make to a room. You can experience the Flow’s sculptural form, the Gaia’s calming timber finish and the Whisper’s quiet, balanced performance all in one place.
Our showroom has 70+ fans on display. Seeing the products in person and testing them out is one of the best ways to get a feel for if they are right for your space.
Our team are here every day to help people find the right fit for their homes. They know the details that matter, from airflow and lighting to control and finish, and are always happy to share their experience.
See our full range of Bedroom Ceiling Fans online:
See more about the products featured today, or shop any of our other ceiling fans Here:
> Bedroom Ceiling Fans.
Universal Fans is a family business that has been helping Australians choose ceiling and ventilation solutions since 1988.
Visit our Oakleigh showroom or explore our range online to find the fan that makes your space feel complete.