Kitchen Views' Blog

Even small bathrooms can benefit from multiple levels of lighting. For example, a main light with built-in fan, specific lighting such as over the shower or tub, and task lighting typically over the vanity for grooming purposes. In your particular bathroom, consult with an experienced designer to learn how the proper lighting can improve your use of the room. In a larger bathroom, you may wish to consult a lighting expert.

Every bathroom needs good ventilation. Opening a window is usually not the best solution. A ceiling fan is a more effective solution. Often this ventilation fan is built into a ceiling light fixture. If you are given a choice of having both the light and fan always come on together, or having the option of turning them on and off separately, you might find the latter to be preferable. Common thinking is that making both work on one switch ensures that the bathroom is ventilated constantly as the room is used. However, in practice one might find this combination fixture to actually be counter-productive.

Three examples of ceiling lights with fans

We all know that ventilation is especially important when the shower is being used. All that humid air needs to be removed from the room to avoid mold and mildew problems. However, some individuals may not want the ceiling light jarring them awake when they take a shower in the morning. Given a choice between the brightness of the ceiling light and the benefit of the ventilation of the fan, the light stays off. If a window is providing sufficient daylight in the room, you would also only want the fan not the light.

Bathroom exhaust fans are rated for their capacity to move air in cubic feet per minute (CFM).  In simplest terms, the higher the CFM rating, the more powerful the fan.  To quickly estimate the minimum amount of CFM needed, 1 CFM of air is recommended for every square foot of floor space.  A 100 sq ft bathroom would therefore require a fan which can move at least 100 CFM. Other factors like high humidity and long lengths of ducting will require higher CFM fans.

There are an amazing number of styles for such fixtures. You are sure to find the one that best suits your ventilation needs and your aesthetic. With thoughtful planning, your lighting and ventilation will be more effective and energy-efficient.