Bedroom Ceiling Fan Guide

In Australia a ceiling fan is an essential addition to any bedroom, providing comfort, enhancing air circulation, and adding a stylish touch to your décor. When it comes to selecting the ideal fan for your bedroom, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the perfect blend of function, style, and efficiency. 

How to Choose the Right Bedroom Fan

To make the process simple, we’ve broken this guide into the clear elements that go into finding the right bedroom fan. The right bedroom fan is the one that feels invisible at night, and the way to find that perfect fan is to consider each of these points:

  • Bedroom size,
  • If you need lighting,
  • Your ceiling height,
  • Fan noise
  • & Energy use

Each section will help you focus on what matters most, so you can find a ceiling fan that delivers comfort and a better night’s sleep.

1. Consider the Size of Your Bedroom

Why Bedroom Fan Size Matters

Getting the size right is essential for bedroom comfort. Choosing a fan that suits your bedroom’s dimensions ensures quiet, efficient airflow and a balanced look that helps create a restful space. A fan that’s too small won’t circulate enough air to keep the room evenly cool, while an oversized fan can feel overwhelming and out of proportion. That’s why fan size should always be your starting point.

If you would like to see more about fan sizes, check out our fan size guide here.

Good things to know:

The average Australian bedroom is approximately 3.2m x 3m (or approx 8m2).
The most popular fan size for bedrooms is either 122cm or 132cm.

What size fan is right for my bedroom?

Small Bedrooms
(approx up to 7m2)

Opt for a fan 122cm or less. We have some wonderful options in compact sizes, including our Mini (see below).

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Regular Bedrooms
(approx 7m2 – 13m2)

The most commonly selected size is 122cm (48 inches). Typically anything 122cm or 132cm will be well suited.

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Large Bedrooms
(approx over 13m2)

Choose a fan with a blade span of 132cm (52 inches) or greater. We have options to cater for larger bedrooms.

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Why Fan Size Should Be Your First Decision

  • Airflow performance:
    The blade span controls how much air the fan can move, directly impacting comfort levels.
  • Even circulation:
    The right size ensures airflow reaches all corners of the room, avoiding draughts or stagnant spots.
  • Energy efficiency:
    A properly sized fan runs at lower speeds to maintain comfort, saving power and keeping noise down.
  • Room proportion:
    Size affects aesthetics — a fan that’s too big can overwhelm, while one that’s too small looks underdone.
  • Fit and clearance:
    The fan must physically suit the room, with enough clearance from walls, furniture, and ceiling height to operate safely and effectively.
  • Long-term comfort:
    Getting the size right first means other features, like quiet operation or lighting, can work as intended.

2. Bedroom Fan with a Light?

Many ceiling fans include integrated LED light kits, providing both illumination and air circulation. LED lighting is energy-efficient and available in various colour temperatures to suit your preference.

Popular Fans with LED Lights

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Our range of ceiling fans feature class leading LED technology, with many models incorporating features such as CCT (colour changing technology) and dimmable functionality.

Shop all Bedroom Fans with Light

3. Your Ceiling Height

The height of your ceiling will determine the type of fan mount that is most suitable. For optimal air circulation and safety, the fan blades should be approx 2.1m – 2.4m from floor to blade. Here are some options to consider:

Low Ceilings: Choose a low profile or flush mount fan that hugs the ceiling to maximize headroom.

Standard Ceilings: (2.4m – 2.7m): A standard ceiling fan will position the fan at the ideal height. Most ceiling fans drop approx 30cm from ceiling to blade, meaning that the blade will sit 2.1m from floor to ceiling.

High or Vaulted Ceilings (2.7m or above): For optimal performance purchase a fan with an additional extension rod to bring the fan closer to the optimal height for air movement.

4. Prioritise Quiet Operation

Needless to say, you want your bedroom fan to operate quietly. There is nothing more frustrating than a ceiling fan that ticks or hums! At Claro we have prioritised low noise – many of our models offer 6 selectable speeds, with a very low speed 1. This lower RPM can facilitate a very gentle breeze, as well as being very quiet. Our popular Whisper DC range is well known for its quiet operation, and has become a very popular option for bedrooms.

Whisper Low Profile DC

Our Whisper DC Low profile seamlessly and elegantly blends in, operates quietly whilst offering 6 selectable speeds via the remote control

5. Consider Running Costs

Claro ceiling fans are amongst the most energy efficient options in Australia today – the vast majority of our DC ceiling fans cost very little to run. For example our 122cm Whisper draws only 3.5 watts on the lowest speed. Run this fan for 8 hours a night all year and you are looking at less than $3. This is a specific example, all of our DC fans will be similar to this. To put it simply, a Claro ceiling fan is easily the most energy efficient means of keeping you cool in the bedroom.

Customer Feedback

I purchased 5 Claro Whisper fans to install throughout my home. Having lower ceilings limited my choices but the Claro looks great. I’m really impressed that it really is only a whisper you hear when the fan is on low which is especially important when trying to sleep. Very happy with my decision to go with the Claro fan.

Rob / Product Review

Due to low ceilings we had to get a low profile fan, we were after something with a simple streamlined design. Really happy with the Claro Whisper Low profile – looks great and meant we didn’t use our air conditioning as much over summer.

Cathie / Product Review

I am very happy with the 4 x Claro Whisper 52″ Fans we had installed and are working very well. These fans are low energy with DC motors and LED lights. The features of the fans are great with very quiet operation, 3 x white light colours that are dimmable as well. The 6 x speeds plus timer operation plus the sea breeze / varying speed option are also great.
These are neat fans that we have installed in the bedrooms and office and will save on cooling costs particularly during the shoulder seasons when air conditioning can be avoided on many occasions.

Des / Product Review

Common Questions about Bedroom Fans

Choosing the Right Size

Sizing a bedroom fan correctly is key to comfort, airflow balance, and aesthetics. Here’s how to match fan size to your space:

What size ceiling fan is best for small bedrooms?

For bedrooms under 12m², a 106–122cm (42–48″) ceiling fan provides balanced airflow without overwhelming the space.

Do large bedrooms need bigger ceiling fans?

Yes. For rooms above 15m², a 132–140cm (52–56″) fan ensures air reaches all corners of the bedroom for consistent comfort.

Can one ceiling fan cool both a bedroom and an ensuite?

A larger fan may help, but it’s best to size fans separately for each room to achieve the right airflow and avoid draughts.

Quiet Fans for Better Sleep

Sleep quality depends on silence. Choosing the quietest ceiling fan ensures airflow without unwanted noise at night:

What is the quietest type of ceiling fan for bedrooms?

Fans with DC motors are the quietest option. They produce minimal noise, making them ideal for light sleepers.

Do ceiling fans disturb sleep?

No—modern bedroom ceiling fans operate almost silently. On low speeds they provide gentle airflow that actually supports deeper rest.

Are DC ceiling fans quieter than AC models?

Yes. DC fans use advanced brushless motors that are significantly quieter than traditional AC motors, while also being more efficient.

Bedroom Fans with Lights

A ceiling fan with a light can replace your main fixture, combining illumination with comfort in one streamlined unit:

Should I choose a ceiling fan with a light for my bedroom?

Yes, if you want to replace your main light fitting. Ceiling fans with dimmable LED panels can serve as both a light source and comfort solution.

Do ceiling fan lights affect noise levels?

No. Integrated LED light kits are silent and don’t interfere with the fan’s quiet operation.

Are fan lights dimmable?

Most modern ceiling fans offer dimmable CCT LED lights, letting you set warm light for relaxation or cool light for reading.

Energy Efficiency in the Bedroom

Running a ceiling fan in the bedroom costs only cents per night, making it one of the most energy-efficient comfort options:

Do ceiling fans save energy compared to air conditioning?

Yes. A bedroom ceiling fan costs only cents per night to run, making it far cheaper than air conditioning for overnight comfort.

How many watts does a bedroom ceiling fan use?

Modern DC bedroom fans use as little as 3–5W on low speeds and around 25–30W on high, delivering powerful airflow at minimal cost.

Installation and Placement Tips

Correct placement and professional installation ensure your bedroom ceiling fan performs safely and effectively:

Where should I place a ceiling fan in the bedroom?

Centre the fan above the bed for the most direct cooling. Ensure it has adequate clearance from walls and wardrobes.

Do I need an electrician to install a bedroom ceiling fan?

Yes. Ceiling fans must be installed by a licensed electrician in Australia to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

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