Love this fan.  Installation was a breeze for my electrician.  Had to change from using a FAN type Lutron dimmer to a plain neutral-wire switch as speed is controlled from the fan itself via the included remote control.

This things is 99% dead silent.  No background hum (if wired up with a neutral wire), and the motor itself is inaudible on speed 1 unless you put your ear next to it.  Absolutely no issues sleeping with it on - lowest fan speed generates just the right 'light breeze' to keep air moving in a  15'x20' bedroom.

Plastic fan blades don't look too plasticky, although you wouldn't likely confuse them for metal due to the slightly satiny matte finish.