Bathrooms collect moisture quickly creating a breeding ground for harmful mould, which is exacerbated by poor airflow that traps harsh chemical pollutants from cleaning products. Over time, trapped humidity can damage surfaces, harm air quality and shorten the life of a bathroom. However, small adjustments at roof level can transform air quality while guiding more natural light into the room.

Kristy Ryan, VELUX Managing Director for Australia, New Zealand and Japan, says that homeowners often overlook how useful ceiling height openings can be for ventilation.

“Warm air rises, so when you give it a clear path out of the room, it leaves faster and takes moisture and air pollution with it. Openable skylights can dramatically improve the look of a bathroom and given they can cost as little as $1,300, they can be a surprisingly accessible upgrade in both renovations and new builds,” she says.

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Four ways to get the most out of skylights in bathrooms:

Use the skylight as a passive ventilation path

Warm, moist air rises, so cracking an openable skylight during and after showers gives steam a direct escape route. This can work more effectively than relying on a wall window because moist air naturally moves towards the highest point in the room.

Pair the skylight with an exhaust fan for crossflow

A skylight performs best when air can enter low and leave high. Running an exhaust fan while the skylight is partly open creates a pressure difference that pulls humid air out faster. Even a small gap under the bathroom door can help air move more freely and reduce the chance of lingering condensation.

Improve thermal insulation around the skylight

If the area around a skylight loses heat, cold surfaces can encourage condensation. Ensuring the skylight is double glazed, well-sealed and free of gaps helps maintain surface temperature and limit moisture build-up. Review the frame seals, glazing quality and any signs of moisture collecting at the edges.

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Shine a light on your best asset

Creating passive ventilation also creates an opportunity to guide the eye toward the most calming parts of the bathroom. Place skylights above a bath or shower so the brightest part of the room sits where people tend to relax rather than near sinks or toilets. Unlike a regular window, this maintains privacy while providing enough daylight to support indoor plants, which can add softness to the space and contribute to better air quality.

“Bathrooms are one of the most moisture-affected spaces in the home, but also one of the most rewarding to get right,” says Ryan. “By combining ventilation and daylight at roof level, homeowners can transform dark, mould-prone rooms into healthier, more enjoyable spaces,” she concludes.

For more information about VELUX and its range of skylights and roof window products, visit their website.

Architecture & Design Team

VELUX (Australia)

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