There's something in the air

Winter is not the best time to be talking about ceiling fans, but then you know the oft-quoted Shelley line "" "If winter comes..." On the practical side, you're likely to get the best deals on ceiling fans and ACs this season.

Besides, what you see here isn't the run-of-the-mill stuff, the usual, boring three blades-and-a central body design. (Incidentally, why haven't designers who've got their hands on everything, from cars to cell phones, done something about a product that three-quarters of India uses?) This is, fancifully put, poetry in motion...

Ceiling art

The Enigma, as the line of single-blade fans in the picture above is called, may not look like it could take on the Delhi summers, but Raj Jain, owner of Anemos Lifestyle, assures that it circulates air just as efficiently.

It sure looks good. Anemos is a chain of lifestyle stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad, which specialises in these fancy fans, sourcing the designs from abroad. And there's a range of designs, which could fit into any decor, however plush.

There's the quaint multi-bladed "Punkha" (picture on top), that's the reworking of a very traditional motif into a contemporary idiom. It's beautiful enough to work independently as a wall fixture.

Designs on the wall

Or check out the whimsical Palisade (above). What's more, many of these fans come with remote controls, so you don't have to get up each time you want them to be turned on or off. Reversible blades mean they give out cold air in summer "" and warm in winter.

Many of them also come fitted with lights. Also, you could change the blades depending on the effect you want "" bamboo or wood ones to create an effect of the outdoors, pewter, chrome and nickle for a more sophisticated look.
Price: Rs 15,000-3,75,000

Antique shapes

At the more mass market level, Usha International has a new line of stylish and decorative range of ceiling fans with hand-woven rattan or antique wicker blades with a rich finish.

A few designs like Fontana Maple and Fontana Orchid come with a 4-lamp underlight arrangement in a choice of three colours: antique brass, silver and gold. Cabana, with hand-woven rattan blades, includes weatherproof coating for both indoor and outdoor use.

There is also a line of elegant leaf-shaped wooden blades that come in mahogany, amber bronze and cherry finish. Prices range from Rs 3,000-Rs 40,000.