Our August ceiling fan feature focuses on large, powerful fans that keep their cool in expansive spaces, but that was just one trend we spotted at June’s Dallas Market. For a glimpse of what else will be worth watching, we’ve summarized our notes from exhibitors’ showrooms in this exclusive cyber sidebar.

Emerson

• Outdoor fans that can stand up to the elements but complement indoor décor are very popular.
• Fans to watch: Midway Eco fan (highly efficient); Carrera Grande (for large spaces); Carrera Bella (for smaller spaces); Carrera Veranda (outdoor); Zurich Luminair (with LED technology); St. Croix series (pictured)

Ellington/Litex

• New universal light kits with 13W GU24 lamping had acrylic lenses and domestically handmade silk drum shades in four textures and patterns
• Fans to watch: Austonia (indoor/outdoor model with stone-textured side band and New Orleans style light kit), Antoinette (large-scale with crystal details) and Asheville (featuring brown tortoiseshell glass and smoked crystal accents, and independently dimmable uplight/downlight)

Fanimation

• Soft-contemporary/transitional look remains popular
• Now offering pre-packaged fans (that ship all in one box)
• More fans now come with touch screen or digital remote capabilities
• Increased focus in products that are Energy Star certified
• Fan to watch: The Extraordinaire

Vaxcel

• New six-speed multi-rotor fans offer quiet operation without a centralized motor
• Other introductions had dimmable compact fluorescent lamping
• In the works: Fans incorporating LEDs

Craftmade

• Seeing more chrome and polished nickel finishes versus bronze
• Fan to watch: 5th Avenue

Progress Lighting

• Trend toward larger-scale fans intended for bigger environments
• Builder customer base asking for fans without light kits, so company is developing more fans that are light kit adaptable.
• Offering more compact fluorescent lamping to meet new codes

Savoy House

• Introduced “Fan d’lier” line featuring ceiling fan inside chandelier
• Many fans designed with motor accent lighting
• Fan to watch: Muscle fans with Cyclone21 motors and a muscle-car hubcap motif

Minka Aire

• Introductions had clean lines, transitional styling and full function controls
• More Energy Star rated offerings, including a universal light kit that will fit onto any light kit adaptable fan
• Emphasizing moderate price points as a response to economic climate
• Fans to watch: New Era, Zen and Riva

Quorum

• New fans with linen glass with oil bronze finishes
• Introducing more Energy Star certified fans
• More demand for soft contemporary styling
• Seeing increased interest in decorative outdoor fans

Hunter Fan Co.

• Pre-assembled, easy installation fixtures such as Pro’s Best 5-Minute Fan – installs in five minutes or less and comes 90-percent assembled.
• Concert Breeze fan comes with a wireless sound system built into light kit
• Expanded growth in 60- to 70-inch fans
• More dark finishes
• Use of highly decorative resin castings
• Trend toward soft contemporary and transitional styles are strengthening, but ornate, traditional will always be a significant part of the market
• Fans to watch: Norway and Lugano (both soft contemporary)

Casablanca

• New fans offered contemporary styling, proportions for larger rooms and customizable options
• Fans to watch: Holliston (for large rooms), Isotope (flush mounted), Vita or Whitman

Matthews Fan Co.

• Known for rotational fans, company’s modern
• Modern rotational fans gaining popularity
• Bronze and brushed nickel finish both selling well, with chrome incoming
• Oscillating wall fans gaining popularity
• Fan to watch: Italo (larger rotational fan)