If you want to put ceiling, get the downlights that are not cone type, square type (or equivalent) is better due to the bulbs coming in from the side, and not from top. this way you lower your ceiling 6-8 inches only

panasonic nami jr, about 12 inches from ceiling only

either that or any baby fan (deka, etc) will do fine too

you need to mention how low your ceiling is then you'd get a better answer.

depends on your other work also, are you going to do tiling? if the floor isn't even, you may need to even it up, and that may add up to another 1-2 inches across your whole house.