Del Mar Fans & Lighting has created a simple guide to help you find the right ceiling fan downrod length for any room in your home. After reading, browse Del Mar Fans & Lighting’s selection of indoor ceiling fans, outdoor ceiling fans, and fan downrods from leading ceiling fan brands.
Table of Contents- What is a Downrod?
- Best Ceiling Fan Height?
- Ceiling Fan Downrod Sizes
- Calculate Downrod Length
- Are Downrods Universal?
- Downrod Diameter
- Threaded vs Non-Threaded
- Color & Finish
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What Is a Ceiling Fan Downrod?
A ceiling fan downrod is a metal pipe that connects the motor housing to the mounting hardware, stabilizing the ceiling fan and reducing the potential for wobbling. A downrod also aids in proper airflow by ensuring a safe distance between the ceiling fan blades and the ceiling (at least eight to 10 inches) and between the fan blades and the floor, which requires a minimum distance of seven feet.
What Is the Optimal Ceiling Fan Height?
Ceiling fans provide optimal airflow when suspended between eight to nine feet from the floor. If you have a ceiling that is between eight and nine feet, it is recommended that you use a flush mount ceiling fan. If your ceiling is less than eight feet, a ceiling fan is not recommended as the fan blades would be less than seven feet above the floor. Lastly, if you have a vaulted or sloped ceiling, please see our guide on how to calulate the angle of your ceiling to determine the length of downrod needed.
Not only would installing a ceiling fan too low be dangerous for taller individuals, but hanging a ceiling fan too low or too high can result in poor airflow in a room. Therefore, your ceiling fan would have to work harder and use more energy than is necessary compared to if it were hung at the proper height. The wrong height can also result in a ceiling fan that looks too small or too large in a room.
Ceiling Fan Downrod Sizes
Downrods range in diameter and length, depending on the type of ceiling fan you’re using and its application. Standard ceiling fans include a downrod ranging in length from 2 inches to 10 inches, which is suitable for standard-size rooms with a ceiling height of eight to nine feet. However, fan downrods can range all the way up to 72 inches, depending on the manufacturer.
How to Calculate Ceiling Downrod Length?
The most common method used to find the right downrod length is to take the ceiling height, subtract the height of the ceiling fan (most fans are between 12 and 18 inches in height depending on the fan), and then subtract the desired hanging height (usually eight feet). For example, if your ceiling is 12 feet high and your ceiling fan is 12 inches in height, you will need a 24 inch downrod to mount the ceiling fan between eight and nine feet above the floor. You can also refer to the downrod length chart below for additional guidance in selecting the right measurement.
Shop Ceiling Fans with Downrods by Brand
| Brand | In-Box downrod |
|---|---|
| Minka-Aire | 4, 4.5, or 6 inch |
| Kichler | 4, 4.5, or 6 inch |
| Craftmade | 4, 6, 8, or 12 inch |
| Hunter | 3 inch |
| Casablanca | 2, 2.5, or 3 inch |
| Fanimation | 4.5 or 6 inch |
| Matthews | 3 inch |
| Modern Fan | 4.5, 6, 8 and/or 13 inch |
| Visual Comfort Fans | 4 Inch |
| Quorum | 3.5, 4, or 6 inch |
| Savoy House | 4.5, 6 or 8 inch |
| Generation Lighting Fans | 4, 4.5, or 6 inch |
| Westinghouse | 4 or 6 inch |
Are Ceiling Fan Downrods Universal?
It is not recommended that ceiling fan downrods be treated as universal or interchangable across brands, but it is possible to find a match. In the interest of safety and ease of finding the correct match, it is recommended that you purchase a ceiling fan downrod that was manufactured for use with that particular ceiling fan model.
The easiest way ensure a match is to purchase a downrod that is from the same manufacturer as your ceiling fan. You should first identify what brand and model your fan is to determine which downrod you need. Some models have specific downrods, but most often the downrods are compatible as long as its from the same manufacturer. Once you've determined the length you need and identified the manufacturer of your fan, then you need to determine the internal diameter, threaded vs. non-threaded, and color and finish.
Shop Downrods by Brand
| Brand | Under 12" | 12" or larger | Coupler Part # |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minka-Aire | 3, 3.5, 4.5, 6, 8, 10 | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | DR500 |
| Kichler | - | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | 337007 |
| Craftmade | 3, 4, 6, 8 | 12, 14, 15, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | COUPLER |
| Hunter | - | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | - |
| Casablanca | - | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | - |
| Emerson | 2.5 | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 70 | CFDCORB |
| Fanimation | 6 | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | DR1-CP |
| Matthews | 5, 10 | 20, 30, 48 | - |
| Modern Fan | 8, 11 | 12, 14, 20, 23, 24, 26, 32, 35, 36, 38, 48 | - |
| Monte Carlo | - | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | MC80 |
| Quorum | 6 | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | 6-059 |
| Savoy House | - | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 | - |
| Sea Gull | - | 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72 | - |
| Westinghouse | - | 12, 24, 36 | - |
Ceiling Fan Downrod Diameter
Downrods are commonly available with 1/2-inch interior diameters and 3/4-inch interior diameters. However, some ceiling fan manufacturers, like the Fanimation Fan Company, offer downrods with 1-inch interior diameters. If you are selecting a downrod after purchasing a ceiling fan, verify that the interior diameter of the downrod matches the fan you have at home. Again, to ensure compatibility, choose a downrod from the same manufacturer as your ceiling fan.
Threaded vs Non-Threaded
Both threaded downrods and non-threaded downrods are safe to use when you install a ceiling fan in your home. The downrods are secured by hitch pins and set screws, which stabilize the downrod and prevent the rod from swaying.
Color & Finish
Choose a fan downrod from the same manufacturer as your ceiling fan to ensure the downrod finish and the motor housing finish match. Some ceiling fan manufacturers may not offer a downrod in all available finishes, but they may offer a similar finish to ensure harmony. Many ceiling fan brands offer decorative downrod sleeves that sit on top of the motor housing, which add an eye-catching ornamental detail.
More Helpful Resources
If you would like more assistance tracking down the perfect product, you can always reach our ceiling fan experts at 1-800-724-5501, or you can click to chat!
What other questions about ceiling fan downrods would you like us to answer?
We are constantly updating our blog posts based on feedback from our customers and would welcome your thoughts!
