Ceiling Fans Interior Designers Don’t Hate: Staying Cool (and Stylish) in Raleigh’s Humid Summers
Selected by the Roux MacNeill Studio Interior Design Team
If you follow our work, you know ceiling fans aren’t usually our go-to. We’d rather let a chandelier, pendant, or sculptural fixture take the stage—lighting is the “jewelry” of a space, after all. It should shine, make a statement, and add personality. More often than not, ceiling fans are just about function—and let’s be honest, many are not pretty.
Yet, design is nothing without comfort—especially in the heat and humidity of a North Carolina summer. On a warm evening or in a space that just needs better airflow, a fan often becomes necessary. The art lies in choosing one that complements, not clashes. That’s why this list highlights designer-approved ceiling fans we don’t hate—and actually stand by.
Why We Skip Light Kits
Before getting into our favorites, a quick note about lighting: we almost always avoid fans with light kits. The light they cast is usually too direct, too harsh, and rarely flattering. Instead, we rely on recessed can lights for even, ambient illumination and pair them with lamps or sconces at eye level to add warmth and texture.
When ceiling light is needed, we much prefer a chandelier or pendant to make a design statement. That said, these modern ceiling fans won’t compromise the look of a space just for practicality—and they’ll keep you cool through even the stickiest Southern summers.
Our Top Picks: Ceiling Fans Raleigh Designers Actually Love
01. Maverick 60" by Visual Comfort
With sculptural, aerodynamic blades, the Maverick is elegance in motion. The all-white version almost disappears into a white ceiling—a favorite trick to keep the design clean. If you’re aiming for subtle or bold, its multiple blade and metal finish options bring real flexibility to your design toolbox. It’s also available in an outdoor version, perfect for Raleigh’s muggy summers and humid Southern porches.
02. Haiku by Big Ass Fans
The Haiku feels more like modern tech than traditional décor. Sleek, whisper-quiet, highly efficient—and available with smart controls—it’s a fan that belongs in a modern, minimalist space. Perfect for when performance and aesthetics both matter. This one also comes in an outdoor version, ideal for humid climates like North Carolina’s.
03. Adler 60" by Visual Comfort
This is where utility meets sculptural delight. The Adler’s asymmetrical blades feel kinetic, almost like art in motion. Finish options—like pairing brass with dark wood or keeping things light—let it feel tailored to your vibe. It’s damp-rated, so feel free to use it on a covered porch or screened-in Southern patio.
04. Airewave (Wave) by Minka Aire
With blades that evoke the gentle rise and fall of ocean swells, the Wave is beautifully fluid and understated. It features LED illumination—should you need overhead light—with a sleek etched-white lens, maintaining a light and breezy aesthetic. Available in finishes like Dark Maple, Silver, or White, it can blend into the ceiling or act as a subtle design accent. A great choice for modern homes in Raleigh or coastal Carolina.
05. Leather Luxe by The Modern Fan Co.
This fan brings a touch of luxe to practicality. It’s wrapped in rich leather that feels sophisticated and tactile—more like a piece of bespoke furniture than a functional unit. We especially love it in tan leather! It’s ideal for clients who want refinement in every detail—even their airflow solutions.
Roux MacNeill Takeaway
Our mantra? If you can avoid using a ceiling fan, go for it—we’ll always choose statement lighting over practical airflow. But when a fan is essential, these picks bring clean design, thoughtful finishes, and the kind of subtle sophistication we can stand behind.
Pro Tip: Want your fan to disappear? Opt for an all-white finish to let it blend seamlessly into a white ceiling. Want it to make an intentional statement? Lean into the blade finish or metal detail and make it part of the décor story.
Ceiling fans don’t have to be the eyesore they often are—with the right design, they can even enhance the room. And for those of us living in Raleigh and across the South, where heat and humidity are part of the design challenge, that’s good news.
