Advise for an integrated shower downlight and exhaust fan

last month

I am working on lighting/exhaust for a dual shower - dimensions 6'10" x 3'. I'd like for it to look as minimal as possible, so I like the idea of an integrated shower light and exhaust, but I'm having a hard time finding anything that looks attractive! Ideally it would look like a recessed downlight, with the added functionality of the exhaust. Any recommendations?

I think I would need a 150 CFM unit due to the size of the shower, but I could do 2 units, if they could operate on the same switch.

Featured Answer

kl23

last month

Hi @Caroline P i was told it was against code.

In my first bathroom renovation the toilet is just on the other side of the wall between it and the shower, so the contractor suggested a light/vent above the toilet. Now I am renovating three at once along with everything else on my upper level. In the largest bathroom the shower and toilet are on opposite ends so I have a light/vent above the toilet and a vent without light just outside the shower. In the mid-sized bathroom I have a light/vent in the center of the room which is close to the shower and the light shines just behind me as I stand at the mirror (hairstyling). In the smallest bathroom, there are no partition walls or compartments except the glass shower doors, so I just have a vent lined up with the toilet and just outside the shower. In each case there are separate switches for the vent and light.

If it is light you want in the shower, I asked for two wafer lights in each shower and live being able to see, but I asked to have them on a dimmer and separate from the other lights so I can dim them and shower in "moonlight" after a hard day.

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Comments (11)

kl23
last month
I was told I could not have a fan in my shower and had to put it just outside my shower. Depending on the size of the bathroom you can have more than one fan. You can get a fan with or without a light. In some bathrooms I chose them with a light. In others, I chose them without a light. One bathroom has one of each. The key for me is to have a quiet fan with a switch separate from the lights so the fan can run all night after my shower to make sure the floor and grout dry completely between wettings.
Caroline P
Original Author
last month
Great tip about having the lights and fan on a separate switch - thank you!! Interesting that you were told you could not have a fan in your shower. Wondering if I will be told the same.... do you remember why?
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PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last month
Fantech has a combination recessed light and fan with remote motor. I have them in my master bathroom, one in the shower and one in the toilet room. They are awesome-quiet and efficient. No odors or steam build up . I recommend them highly
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last month
I’ve also recommended them to clients
Caroline P
Original Author
last month
@kl23 - thanks for putting on my radar about code! I will connect with the contractors to see if this is a factor in my area.

@Diana Bier Interiors, LLC Thanks so much for the recommendation! Is this the Fantech one you have used and liked? https://www.fantech.net/en-us/products/fans-and-accessories/bathroom-fans/bathfan?sku=484304
Caroline P
Original Author
last month
@Diana Bier Interiors, LLC Curious if you are able to run the fan and the light on separate switches with this unit, as kl23 recommended?
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last month
Hi @Caroline P, the fan/light I have is this one, the PB line: https://www.fantech.net/en-us/products/fans-and-accessories/bathroom-fans/pb

There are several options--mine is a fan/light that is on one switch. Both go on and off at the same time, since they are the same unit. I think you can have them on separate switches, but you may need to verify that. They also have the motor in a remote area--mine are in the attic, so they are super quiet.
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last month
Just to clarify--each fan/light is on one switch, so when it is turned on, both the fan and the light come on. The reasoning was that if you need the light in the shower or toilet room, you would presumably also need the fan. Neither of mine are on dimmers, but I think that is an option. You should talk to your electrician to select the one that best meets your needs.
Caroline P
Original Author
last month
@Diana Bier Interiors, LLC fantastic - thank you so much!
PRO
Diana Bier Interiors, LLC
last month
You're welcome--good luck with the project!