
Harbor Breeze 52″ Bellhaven II Rustic Bronze Ceiling Fan
- 5 reversible blades
- 3-speed reversible motor
- Maple and walnut blade finish
- Light kit included
$129.00
A Homeowner’s Journey Through Selection, Installation, and Daily Use
After months of searching for the perfect ceiling fan to complete my home renovation, I finally discovered the Harbor Breeze Bellhaven. What started as a simple hunt for a functional appliance turned into an unexpected journey of discovery about what makes a truly exceptional ceiling fan. If you’re on the fence about which model to choose for your space, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about this particular gem in the Harbor Breeze lineup.
My Search for the Perfect Ceiling Fan
Last summer was brutal. As temperatures in my two-story colonial soared, I found myself constantly adjusting the thermostat, watching my energy bills climb alongside the mercury. My aging ceiling fans weren’t doing the job anymore—they were noisy, wobbly, and frankly, an eyesore. With another season of heat approaching, I knew it was time for an upgrade.
I spent weekends browsing home improvement stores, comparing models, and reading countless reviews. What I didn’t expect was how overwhelming the options would be. Blade count, motor types, mounting systems, controls, lighting capabilities—suddenly, choosing a ceiling fan felt like buying a car! That’s when the Harbor Breeze Bellhaven caught my eye.
What Exactly Is the Harbor Breeze Bellhaven Ceiling Fan?
The Harbor Breeze Bellhaven isn’t just another ceiling fan—it’s a carefully engineered cooling solution that strikes that elusive balance between form and function. Produced by Harbor Breeze, a trusted brand in the home comfort industry, the Bellhaven is one of their premium offerings that caters to homeowners who want efficient cooling without compromising on aesthetics.
What immediately drew me to this model was its sophisticated design. With its graceful curves and transitional styling, it manages to look both contemporary and timeless. Unlike some fans that scream “utility fixture,” the Bellhaven has the presence of a deliberate design choice. When installed, it doesn’t just cool a room—it elevates it.
The Harbor Breeze Bellhaven ceiling fan combines powerful airflow with designer aesthetics at a price point that won’t break your renovation budget. This was exactly what I had been searching for during my months-long quest for the perfect ceiling fan.
The Investment: How Much Will the Bellhaven Set You Back?
Let’s talk about everyone’s primary concern: cost. The Harbor Breeze Bellhaven typically retails between $149 and $199, depending on the finish you choose and where you purchase it. I initially hesitated at this price point—after all, you can find basic ceiling fans for under $100.
However, after comparing features with other models in the $200-300 range, I realized the Bellhaven offers exceptional value. The build quality, motor performance, and included features (which I’ll detail below) make this a mid-range fan with high-end performance.
During my research, I discovered that ceiling fans aren’t an area where you want to pinch pennies. Cheaper models often use lower-quality motors that consume more electricity, create more noise, and fail more quickly. When you factor in the potential energy savings from an efficient model like the Bellhaven, the higher initial investment makes financial sense in the long run.
Where to Purchase Your Harbor Breeze Bellhaven
After deciding on the Bellhaven, my next challenge was finding the best place to purchase it. Harbor Breeze is a house brand exclusive to Lowe’s Home Improvement stores, so that’s your primary retail option for buying new. I visited my local Lowe’s where I could see the display model in action, which I highly recommend doing if possible.
The Bellhaven is also available through Lowe’s online store, which occasionally offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount. I monitored the website for several weeks and noticed they run periodic sales—I eventually purchased mine during a 15% off home improvement event, which brought the price down considerably.
If you’re on a tighter budget, it’s worth checking:
- Clearance sections at local Lowe’s stores
- Open-box or returned items (usually with full warranty)
- Seasonal sales (fans often go on sale toward the end of summer)
- Holiday weekend promotions (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday)
While you might find used Bellhaven fans on marketplace sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, I’d caution against this route unless you’re very comfortable assessing used electrical appliances.
The Impressive Feature Set of the Harbor Breeze Bellhaven
What really sold me on the Bellhaven was its comprehensive feature set. Let me break down what makes this model stand out from the crowd:
Motor and Performance
At the heart of the Bellhaven is a powerful yet quiet AC motor rated at 65 watts. This energy-efficient motor provides three speed settings, allowing you to adjust the airflow based on the season and your comfort needs.
The fan moves an impressive amount of air—approximately 4,545 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at its highest setting. This puts it well above average for fans in its price range. I’ve found the medium setting provides comfortable airflow for most days, while the high setting delivers noticeable relief during particularly hot afternoons.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the reversible motor. With a simple switch, you can change the direction of the blades—clockwise for winter to gently circulate warm air that rises to the ceiling, and counterclockwise for summer to create a direct cooling breeze. This versatility makes the Bellhaven a year-round comfort solution, not just a summer cooling aid.
Blade Design and Airflow
The Bellhaven features five blades with a 52-inch span, which puts it in the sweet spot for medium to large rooms (12′ x 12′ to 20′ x 20′). The blades have a 14-degree pitch—the angle at which they’re tilted—which I’ve found provides an excellent balance between moving air efficiently and maintaining whisper-quiet operation.
Each blade is crafted from engineered wood with a veneer finish that matches the fan’s overall aesthetic. The weight of these blades is carefully calibrated with the motor’s torque to eliminate wobbling, a common issue with lower-quality fans.
Lighting Capabilities
One of my requirements was integrated lighting, and the Bellhaven doesn’t disappoint. It comes with a frosted glass bowl light fixture that houses three candelabra (E12) bulbs with a maximum wattage of 40W each. The light provides ample illumination for a medium-sized room, with a warm glow that’s perfect for creating ambiance.
What I particularly appreciate is that the light kit is dimmable when used with dimmable bulbs and a compatible wall control (sold separately). This flexibility allows me to adjust the lighting based on the time of day and activity—brighter for reading or crafts, softer for relaxing evenings.
Control Options
The standard Bellhaven comes with a pull chain operation for both the fan speeds and the light. While functional, I opted to upgrade to the remote control kit (sold separately for about $25). This handheld remote allows me to control fan speeds, light dimming, and even set a timer function—all from the comfort of my couch.
If you’re integrating your fan into a smart home setup, there are aftermarket solutions like Bond or smart switches that can bring the Bellhaven into your voice-controlled ecosystem. I recently added mine to my smart home setup using a Bond controller, and being able to say “Hey Google, turn on the living room fan” still feels like living in the future.
Dimensions and Room Suitability
Before purchasing any ceiling fan, measuring your space is crucial. The Bellhaven has a 52-inch blade span, which makes it well-suited for rooms between 175 and 350 square feet. The fan hangs 14 inches from the ceiling with the included downrod, though extended downrods are available separately for higher ceilings.
For optimal performance, the blades should be at least 7 feet above the floor and 18 inches from any walls or obstructions. In my living room with 9-foot ceilings, the standard downrod places the fan at a perfect height.
I was initially concerned about the fan’s weight (approximately 20 pounds) requiring special ceiling reinforcement, but the Bellhaven can be mounted to a standard ceiling electrical box rated for ceiling fans. Just be sure your box is properly secured to a joist or has a fan-rated brace.
Installation: Easier Than I Expected
I consider myself moderately handy—I can assemble furniture and handle basic repairs, but electrical work usually makes me nervous. After reading through the installation manual for the Bellhaven, I decided to tackle it myself rather than hiring a professional.
The entire process took about two hours, including removing my old fan. The Bellhaven comes with a comprehensive installation guide that includes clear diagrams for each step. Here’s how the installation process went:
- I turned off the power at the circuit breaker (an essential safety step).
- After removing my old fan, I checked that the ceiling electrical box was fan-rated.
- I assembled the mounting bracket to the ceiling box.
- Next came attaching the downrod to the motor housing, which was straightforward.
- The most challenging part was hanging the motor assembly to the mounting bracket while connecting the wiring—I recommend having a helper for this step.
- After securing the canopy, I attached the blades to the motor.
- Finally, I installed the light kit and bulbs.
The instructions recommend testing the fan operation after installation, so I restored power and verified that all functions worked correctly. To my delight, there was no wobble and the operation was whisper-quiet from the start.
If you’re less confident in your DIY skills, professional installation typically runs between $100-$150, depending on your location and whether you need additional electrical work.
Remote Control: Worth the Extra Investment
While the Bellhaven functions perfectly well with its included pull chains, adding the remote control was one of the best decisions I made. The Harbor Breeze Universal Ceiling Fan Remote (sold separately) integrates seamlessly with the Bellhaven.
Installation of the remote receiver was simple—it fits neatly in the space between the mounting bracket and the canopy. The remote itself is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons for:
- Three fan speeds
- Light on/off with dimming capability
- Fan on/off
- Comfort setting (automatically varies the fan speed)
- 1, 2, 4, and 8-hour timer options
The convenience of adjusting the fan from anywhere in the room cannot be overstated, especially for bedrooms where you don’t want to get out of bed to adjust settings. The timer function has also proven useful for energy savings, as I can set the fan to turn off automatically after I fall asleep.
Energy Efficiency: Lower Bills in the Long Run
One of my primary motivations for upgrading to the Bellhaven was improving energy efficiency. After a full summer of use, I’ve been pleased with the results. On average, the Bellhaven consumes about 65 watts on high speed without the lights, which is significantly less than older fan models.
When used strategically, ceiling fans can reduce the need for air conditioning by creating a “wind chill” effect that makes you feel cooler without actually lowering the temperature. I’ve been able to raise my thermostat setting by about 4 degrees when the fan is running, which has translated to noticeable savings on my summer electricity bills.
The Bellhaven doesn’t have an Energy Star certification, but its efficiency metrics are comparable to many that do. The motor’s design prioritizes air movement per watt consumed, delivering excellent airflow efficiency.
Airflow Metrics: How the Bellhaven Performs
For those who appreciate technical specifications, let’s look at the Bellhaven’s airflow metrics:
- Airflow: Approximately 4,545 CFM (cubic feet per minute)
- Airflow Efficiency: About 70 CFM per watt
- RPM (Rotations Per Minute): Varies by speed setting, with approximately 165 RPM on high
While these numbers are impressive on paper, what matters is real-world performance. In my 16′ x 18′ living room, the Bellhaven creates a comfortable, consistent airflow that can be felt throughout the space, even on the medium setting. There are no “dead zones” where the air movement isn’t noticeable.
Mounting Options for Various Ceiling Types
My home has standard flat ceilings, but I was pleased to discover the Bellhaven’s versatility for various ceiling types. The fan comes with a 4-inch downrod for standard installation, but it’s compatible with:
- Flush mounting for low ceilings (under 8 feet)
- Extended downrods for high ceilings (available in lengths from 12 to 72 inches)
- Angled ceiling mounting up to 30 degrees with the included adapter
For my sister’s vaulted ceiling, we purchased a separate angled ceiling adapter kit that allowed installation on her 45-degree slope. The fan looks elegant even on her dramatically angled ceiling, proving the Bellhaven’s design versatility.
Materials and Build Quality
The quality of materials used in the Bellhaven impressed me from the moment I opened the box. The motor housing is constructed from heavy-duty metal with a high-quality finish that shows no signs of wear after a year of operation.
The five blades are made from engineered wood with a veneer finish that perfectly matches the overall color scheme. Unlike some fans with flimsy plastic blades, these have a substantial feel that contributes to the fan’s stability and quiet operation.
The canopy and light fixture feature die-cast metal components rather than plastic, adding to the fan’s premium look and durability. Even small details like the pull chains have metal finials rather than plastic, demonstrating Harbor Breeze’s attention to quality.
Available Finishes to Match Your Décor
The Bellhaven is available in three sophisticated finishes, each designed to complement different interior styles:
- Brushed Nickel: This versatile metallic finish works beautifully with contemporary, modern, and transitional décor. The subtle sheen catches light without being overpowering.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze: Perfect for traditional, rustic, or Tuscan-inspired interiors, this rich, dark finish has depth and character. I chose this version for my living room to complement my dark wood furniture.
- White: The crisp white finish is ideal for coastal, cottage, or contemporary spaces where a lighter touch is desired. It’s particularly effective in rooms with white trim or ceilings.
Each finish is consistently applied throughout all components of the fan, creating a cohesive look. The blade finishes are selected to coordinate perfectly with each housing color, demonstrating thoughtful design.
Noise Level: Whisper Quiet Operation
One of my primary complaints about my previous ceiling fan was the noise—an annoying wobble and persistent hum that became the soundtrack to summer nights. The Bellhaven’s whisper-quiet operation was therefore a revelation.
At its lowest speed, the fan is virtually silent—you have to look up to confirm it’s running. The medium setting produces only a gentle whoosh of air movement rather than motor noise. Even at the highest speed, the sound is a pleasant background white noise rather than a mechanical disturbance.
This quiet operation is achieved through:
- Precision-balanced blades that eliminate wobble
- A rubber-isolated motor that prevents vibration transfer
- High-quality bearings that reduce operational friction
For light sleepers or those sensitive to noise, the Bellhaven’s quiet performance is one of its most appealing features.
Real User Experiences: What Others Are Saying
While my experience with the Bellhaven has been overwhelmingly positive, I wanted to ensure I wasn’t just lucky with my particular unit. I’ve spent time reading other users’ reviews and talking to friends who’ve installed the same model.
The consensus opinion matches my own experience—the Bellhaven receives consistently high ratings for its performance, appearance, and value. Common praise points include:
- Elegant appearance that elevates room aesthetics
- Powerful airflow even on lower settings
- Simple installation process with clear instructions
- Quiet, wobble-free operation
- Excellent light output from the integrated fixture
The few criticisms I’ve encountered typically involve:
- Some users wished for a brighter light kit
- A small number reported minor quality control issues
- A few mentioned difficulty with angled ceiling installation
It’s worth noting that Harbor Breeze’s customer service receives generally positive reviews for addressing the rare issues that do arise.
Warranty Coverage and Support
The Bellhaven comes with a limited lifetime motor warranty and a one-year warranty on all other parts. This coverage is on par with other ceiling fans in its price range and reflects Harbor Breeze’s confidence in their product.
I haven’t needed to use the warranty service, but the process involves contacting Harbor Breeze’s customer service department with your proof of purchase and a description of the issue. They typically offer replacement parts or, in case of significant defects, a complete unit replacement.
The warranty documentation comes packaged with the fan and should be kept with your home maintenance records. I made a digital copy of mine for easy reference, just in case.
Comparison with Other Harbor Breeze Models
Harbor Breeze offers several fan models that might be considered alongside the Bellhaven. Here’s how it compares to some popular alternatives:
Harbor Breeze Mazon
The Mazon is a flush-mount, 44-inch fan designed for smaller spaces. While more compact and modern in appearance, it doesn’t move as much air as the Bellhaven. If you have a small bedroom or office under 175 square feet, the Mazon might be preferable, but for medium to large spaces, the Bellhaven is superior.
Harbor Breeze Saratoga
The Saratoga features a similar blade span to the Bellhaven but with a more rustic, traditional aesthetic. It has comparable airflow but lacks some of the Bellhaven’s refined details. The Saratoga typically costs about $30 less, making it a budget-friendly alternative if the transitional style of the Bellhaven doesn’t match your décor.
Harbor Breeze Armitage
The Armitage is Harbor Breeze’s premium offering, with a more powerful motor and designer features. While it delivers slightly better performance, the approximately $70 price difference wasn’t justified for my needs. The Bellhaven hits the sweet spot of performance and value that the Armitage doesn’t quite achieve.
After comparing these options, the Bellhaven remained my top choice for its ideal combination of size, style, performance, and price point.
Finding the Best Deals on the Harbor Breeze Bellhaven
If you’re convinced the Bellhaven is right for your home, you’ll want to get the best possible price. Through my research and purchase experience, I’ve discovered several money-saving strategies:
- Seasonal sales: Ceiling fans are typically discounted in late fall and winter when demand is lower. I’ve seen the Bellhaven marked down by 20-25% during these periods.
- Holiday promotions: Major shopping holidays like Black Friday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day often feature home improvement sales that include ceiling fans.
- Lowe’s MVP rewards: If you’re a frequent Lowe’s shopper, their loyalty program offers periodic discounts and rewards that can be applied to the Bellhaven.
- Military discount: Lowe’s offers a 10% military discount that applies to most items, including the Bellhaven.
- Bundle offers: Occasionally, Lowe’s offers bundle deals where purchasing multiple fans or adding accessories like remote controls results in additional savings.
- Floor models: If you’re not concerned about having the original packaging, ask about purchasing the display model. These are often discounted by 10-15% and still carry the full warranty.
By combining these strategies, I was able to purchase my Bellhaven for about $40 less than the standard retail price.
Living with the Harbor Breeze Bellhaven: Long-Term Impressions
After more than a year with the Bellhaven, I can confidently say it has exceeded my expectations. Beyond the technical specifications and features, here are some real-life observations from daily use:
The airflow distribution is remarkably even throughout my living room. Unlike my previous fan that created a concentrated breeze directly below it, the Bellhaven’s blade design disperses air throughout the space, creating consistent comfort.
The reversible operation has proven more useful than I anticipated. During winter, running the fan on low speed in the clockwise direction has noticeably improved heating efficiency by circulating warm air that would otherwise stay near the ceiling.
The light fixture’s warm glow has become an essential part of our evening ambiance. While bright enough for general use, it creates a cozy atmosphere that overhead can lights simply can’t match.
Maintenance has been minimal—just occasional dusting of the blades. The quality finishes have resisted fingerprints and tarnishing, keeping the fan looking new with little effort.
Perhaps most tellingly, we’ve installed a second Bellhaven in our master bedroom after being so pleased with the first one. The consistent gentle white noise has actually improved our sleep quality during hot summer nights.
Final Thoughts: Is the Harbor Breeze Bellhaven Right for You?
After living with the Harbor Breeze Bellhaven and researching extensively for this guide, I believe it represents exceptional value for most homeowners. Its combination of attractive design, powerful performance, and reasonable price point makes it a smart investment for improving both comfort and energy efficiency.
The Bellhaven is particularly well-suited for:
- Medium to large rooms (175-350 square feet)
- Homes with transitional or contemporary décor
- Homeowners who value quiet operation
- Those looking for integrated lighting and fan functionality
- People seeking energy-efficient cooling solutions
You might want to consider alternatives if:
- You have a very small room (under 100 square feet)
- Your ceiling height is extremely low (under 8 feet)
- You’re seeking ultra-modern or highly traditional styling
- You need specialized features like humidity sensors or smart home integration without additional equipment
For the vast majority of homeowners, however, the Bellhaven strikes an ideal balance that will provide years of comfortable, efficient, and attractive service. The Harbor Breeze Bellhaven ceiling fan combines powerful airflow with designer aesthetics at a price point that won’t break your renovation budget—making it my top recommendation for anyone in the market for a new ceiling fan.
Whether you’re replacing an aging fan like I was or installing ceiling fans for the first time, the Bellhaven deserves a place at the top of your consideration list. It’s transformed my home’s comfort level year-round, and I’m confident it can do the same for yours.