Why to Invest in Bathroom Skylights

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct from the Designers

If you’re like most people, you probably think of skylights as a fixture for main living spaces or upstairs bonus areas, but they can be a great asset anywhere in the house! Skylights make a wonderful addition to bathrooms in particular, given what they have to offer. Here are the main reasons why installing bathroom skylights is a good investment!

Natural Lighting

The main function of skylights is to provide natural light inside. They’re much better equipped for this task than windows because they’re installed on the roof, which receives more consistent sun than a wall on one side. Skylights in the bathroom brighten the space as they would anywhere else, but they also offer a few practical advantages that are especially helpful here. First, sunlight naturally inhibits mold and bacteria growth, so it can help keep your bathroom fresher. Light fills space better when it shines from above, and that creates better conditions for applying makeup than fixtures than shine directly at you. Getting ready for the day in natural light will also ensure you look as good out in the world—lighting affects how you see colors, so what you see in the mirror while getting dressed and primped beneath an artificial light won’t align with the view once you leave the house. Whether your main concerns are practical or aesthetic, a skylight or two can optimize your bathroom!

Passive Ventilation

Bathrooms get hot and humid with regular use—these conditions are uncomfortable and promote mold growth, so you need to address the issue for your own health and to keep the bathroom in good shape. A ventilation fan can help move heat and steam out, but there is a lower tech option that’s even more effective—opening up the ceiling. Venting skylights can be opened manually, with a remote control, through an app, or even automatically in response to rising temperatures and humidity in the room, so you can install whatever works best for you. In any case, when the skylight is opened, hot air will naturally rise up and out, taking moisture away with it. You’ll feel the difference immediately—it’s faster and more efficient than relying on a fan!

Comfortable Ambiance

There’s no substitution for fresh air and natural daylight, but given modern lifestyles, too many of us feel the effects of being cooped up inside. That’s why it’s a great idea to improve the look and feel of your whole interior! Bathrooms are often overlooked when designing, but you shouldn’t disregard their aesthetics just because they primarily serve a utilitarian role. The fact is, nobody enjoys a dark, dreary, or damp bathroom, and you’ll feel better in a bathroom that is brighter and more refreshing. So, don’t be afraid to introduce the uplifting effects of the great outdoors inside with skylights—you’ll be better for it!

If you’d like to add skylights to your bathrooms or anywhere else in the house, VELUX® has you covered with a full range of products to suit all needs. In addition to fixed, manual, electric, and solar-powered skylights, they offer super cost-effective Sun Tunnel® skylights and multi-functional roof windows that count as a means of egress. Whether you’re building new or renovating, schedule a virtual consultation for expert help choosing the best skylight solution for your home!