Staying cool in summer is harder than is seems.
Even the air conditioning is just not enough sometimes. Whether you're looking for some fresh air at home or a breeze at work, fans are a summer must-have.
You don't have to sacrifice style by picking up whatever is available at the local store. Invest in a high-quality fan and you'll get both durability and style.
Here are some styles I've found that would be a great addition to any sweltering space (and will look good even after the temperatures come back down).
1 This fan will add some modern design to your home. The wooden barrel and black interior make it far superior to boring white plastic models. (macys.com)
2 The original portable fan. Carry it in your bag during the summer, and you'll be prepared for any unexpected air-conditioning malfunctions. (urbanoutfitters.com)
3 This fan would look right at home both in a factory and your home. (homedepot.com)
4 A good change of pace from normal, long-blade ceiling fans. (horchow.com)
5 With its cool retro-industrial style, this fan won the the Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum. (restorationhardware.com)
6 This classic desk fan is old-world in all the right ways. It's brushed nickel frame and vintage design makes it both beautiful and practical. (restorationhardware.com)
7 I like the pill-capsule shape of this fan. It's modern and simple in design. (dwr.com)
8 This Caframo fan was a Martha by Mail favorite. So many of us in the company own one or more of them. It's grill-less and has soft plastic blades to circulate more air without the grill barrier. (caframo.com)
9 This looks like the kind of fan that could have been in an auto repair shop in the 40s. I love the bright color and retro design. (macys.com)
10 This pedestal fan is beautiful and reminds me of an old camera tripod. (modernlightinguniverse.com)
11 This innovative Dyson model has been very popular ever since it came out. It's powerful and completely blade-less, making it a safe fan for homes with with small children and pets. (homedepot.com)
12 The galvinized steel finish on this ceiling fan will add a modern, industrial touch to your space. (restorationhardware.com)
13 The blades on this fan are rubber, so you don't need to worry about the grill-less design. It reminds me of a jet engine. (dwr.com)
14 This Japanese hand-fan is so chic, and perfect to take to the beach. (muji.us)
15 I love the combination of wood with nickel on this ceiling fan. (homedepot.com)
16 I personally love adjustable fans. They let you direct the breeze exactly where you want it. (restorationhardware.com)
17 Looking for something a little bit different from the regular three-blade ceiling fan? This model comes in a unique design that looks great. (matthewsfanco.com)
18 The opaque lighting feature on this fan will give off a cozy illumination. (homedepot.com)
19 This powerful model moves air up to 40 feet. And it's clean white color will make it discreet addition to any room. (vornado.com)
20 The fan also comes in a smaller model, which makes a perfect desk fan. It also comes in some great, bright colors. (vornado.com)
21 Darker black fans add an edge of sophistication. (cinni.com)
Kevin Sharkey 
From: Trish | 7/21/11 at 5:22 pm
You certainly came across some very unique fans! I agree with your comment about the air conditioning not always being enough. We have ceiling fans in almost every room of the house and I carry a battery operated hand-held fan in my purse just in case I feel too warm in the stores. The pedestal fan in pic #10 is really different - I like it.