Ceiling fans have come a long, long way since they were first invented in the late 1800s. Although they've been around for well over a century, it took the energy crisis of the 1970s to make them popular with homeowners. But despite their contribution to year-round energy-efficiency, what they lacked in looks made them an unpopular choice among interior designers.

Today, however, things have changed. Ceiling fan design has improved in leaps and bounds over the last decade, and today's fans not only function more efficiently than ever, they also come in a wide range of designs and finishes to match almost any décor, making them a must-have item in warmer climates where cooling bills tend to run high. Even in cooler climates, they're catching on, thanks not only to their newfound aesthetic value, but also to their ability to reduce heating bills by up to ten percent by preventing warm air from pooling uselessly on the ceiling.

How do you know which ceiling fan is right for you? There are a few things you should consider before purchasing ceiling fans for your home. One of those things is quality. Although you can find inexpensive fans, they tend to shake and make a lot of noise at high speeds, and their fan blades are more prone to warping over time, lessening their efficiency. It's worth it to make room in the budget for a quality fan with solid construction, self-cooling motors and balanced blades. Some top of the line fans even have built-in air filters that improve the quality of the air that they circulate. That sure beats trying to sleep under a noisy, rickety fan that shakes so much you lose sleep worrying how well it's bolted to the ceiling.

Today's fans also come with options. Where twenty years ago you could only find down-rod, pull-chord fans with four down lights, today you can find fans that mouth flush to the ceiling, and fans with remote controls that operate not only the fan's speed, but the brightness of the lighting. More importantly, the lighting options on today's fans are almost endless, with single dome lights and up lights being popular options. Many modern fans have lighting kits that can be swapped out for something else if you grow tired of your current selection.

Finally, the style options of today's ceiling fans are practically limitless. Where before your choices were between five or six wide blades, brass-and-wood or all white, now your blade options are almost as broad as your finish options. For modern décor, you could choose a sleek and narrow three-blade metal design with a contemporary, industrial feel. The blades can be thin and straight or curved for optimum efficiency. More traditional homes still have a choice of wooden blades in almost any finish, as well as brushed metal, pewter, canvas, bamboo or even molded plastic. Metal finishes go far beyond the brass fixtures of old to include brushed steel, copper, verdigris or bronze.

With so many options, you're certain to find a fan that blends in perfectly with your home décor and that contributes to a comfortable, efficient and temperate living space. Happy hunting!