Just because your bathroom is small doesn’t mean you can skip the fan. In fact, small spaces often have bigger ventilation problems than larger ones. Steam builds up faster, there’s less airflow, and moisture has nowhere to go. Whether it’s a powder room, ensuite, or under-stairs bathroom, proper ventilation is just as important here as it is in a main family bathroom.

Smaller bathrooms tend to have fewer windows, and many don’t open at all. That means natural ventilation is limited or non-existent. Add in a hot shower, a closed door, and limited airflow, and suddenly the walls, mirror and ceiling are all dripping with condensation. Without a way to extract that humid air, you’re left with a damp room and a growing risk of mould.

The challenge is finding a solution that suits the space. You might not have room for a large fan unit, and a wall vent might not be an option. That is where compact or low-profile extractor fans come in. These are designed to work efficiently in tight spaces without making a visual impact. Some options have remote motors installed outside the bathroom, which reduces noise and saves wall or ceiling space.

Vent placement is just as critical. In a small bathroom, every square metre counts. The fan should be as close as possible to the main source of steam, usually above the shower or toilet. And like any extractor, it should vent to the outside, not into the ceiling. A timer or sensor adds extra peace of mind, keeping the air moving even after the room looks dry.

Don’t let the size of the room fool you. Small bathrooms can still cause big problems if moisture is left to build up. With the right ventilation, even the tiniest space can stay fresh, dry and easy to maintain.

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