The Globe and Mail: Are Ceiling Fans Really the ‘Kiss of Death’ for design?
Published in The Globe and Mail on August 10, 2026.
Written by Matthew Hague
We were delighted when Lindsay Eby was invited to contribute her perspective to a recent design conversation in The Globe and Mail: Are ceiling fans really the “kiss of death” for design?
Photo by Alex Lukey
The article explores the return of the ceiling fan as homeowners look for practical ways to stay cool, while also considering the age-old question: can something functional still look beautiful? With expert insight on everything from energy efficiency and placement to today's more streamlined designs, the article makes the case that a ceiling fan doesn't have to be a design compromise.
As a Vancouver interior designer, Lindsay knows the challenge of balancing comfort with aesthetics. She shared that she recently considered replacing the ceiling fans in her own condo with conventional air conditioning—a change that would have cost approximately $10,000. Instead, she sees today's better-designed fans as a compelling option.
“And it’s not like AC units are always beautiful,” Lindsay adds. “They can have awkward ducting or unsightly compressor boxes.”
Lindsay also shares her advice on placement, including one detail that can make a surprisingly big difference: never position a ceiling fan too close to a pot light, where the blades can create an unpleasant strobe effect.
It was a pleasure for Lindsay to be invited into the conversation and to share her perspective on how thoughtful design can make room for both beauty and everyday comfort.