If you’re one of the unlucky ones that don’t have central air conditioning in your home or apartment and you don’t want your average, run of the mill table, floor or ceiling fan mucking up your tasteful decor, then here’s a few designs that look cool while keeping you cool.

1.  Otto Wooden Fan. This Swiss somehow always come up with a fabulous contemporary design that complements nature and this fan is no exception with it’s wooden drum being made of African sapele, a wood similar to mahogany.  Light weight and sturdy with an interior high grade steel frame and components, this fan is quiet and can give a mighty wind.  The cost is $199.99.  A good price for a fan designed by renown Swiss designer, Carlo Borer.  You can buy it at stadlerformusa.com.

2.  Ecco Retro Desk Fan in pistachio.  How cute is this desk fan with it’s timeless design and happy color?  With it’s baked enamel finish, it also comes in black, red, blue, orange or chrome for $85.10,  and this fan is built to last.  You’ll even love it’s retro hum as it fans.  This model comes with one speed, but if you are looking for a little more power, check out the table model for $123.88.  Both models sold at csnlighting.com.

3.  Dyson Air Multiplier Table Fan. This is a cool looking fan and because the fan unit is in the base, this might be a safer choice for those with young children or pets.  The crisp, glossy white finish, creates a “cool blast of smooth air.”  It also has a unique “dimmer switch” that lets you set the air flow to the exact level you would like it.  It is quiet, but just don’t expect it to be silent… it does have a motor that runs on the same technology as jet engines and we all know how quiet they are (ok, not that bad).  Available at Amazon for $281.25.

4.  The Lasko 2530 Elite Wind Tower Fan.  This won in the Good Housekeeping Best Tower Fan category for it’s excellent airflow, space-saving design and minimal noise.  Like many fans today, it comes with a handy remote.  Available at Amazon for $63.99 or Sears for $65.46.

5.  Artemis Translucent Ceiling Fan by Minka-Aire.  This fan comes in a few styles: brushed nickel, high gloss white, mahogany colored, maple colored…but the translucent is the pick of the lot for it’s breezy-modern feel and translucent vanes that won’t take away from the decor of the room.  Available for $529.95 at ylighting.com.