The ceiling fan is a poorly represented member of the energy saving family of appliances. Dressed up in ridiculous ways, the ceiling fan has endured palm frond propellers and tacky glass chandeliers while hanging from the ceilings of many a sunroom across elderly America. The lacquered white fan has always been a favorite of mine as its capacity to gather and show off dust is top notch, but others such as the classic 1970’s wood blades or metal basket enclosed motor are close competitors. Big Ass Fans was one of the first companies to stand out for making modern, absolutely giant fans that make the most of their sustainable capabilities. For a piece of technology with such aeronautical roots, the design potential of the ceiling fan is being under utilized.

Enigma. Designed by Fanimation.

The Enigma by Fanimation is helping to thrust fan design into the space age. A single, boomerang shaped five-foot blade defies the norm of fan design, looking more like an alien scooter than an air-circulation device. With an 18 degree blade pitch and three counter clockwise speeds, the Enigma eliminates the need to figure out which way the fan should spin for the desired effect. A single halogen lamp is available as an option at the center of the lamp that is dimmable via a remote control. The Enigma is offered in a functional gray, a wildly iridescent purple that belongs on a fishing lure, and the most elegant wood blade I have seen on a ceiling fan. Instead of an eye sore, the fan looks like a design feature in every situation, mating especially well with modern furniture and high ceilings.