Make every centimetre count in a narrow bathroom. From long, rectangular floor plans to compact ensuites, Joyce Kitchens designs and renovates bathrooms across Perth and WA that feel bigger, look sharper and work better—day in, day out.
Core insights for a narrow bathroom
- Prioritise the circulation line: keep the main walk path clear from door to vanity to shower/toilet.
- Think vertical: wall-hung vanities, tall mirrored cabinets and full-height tiles increase visual height.
- Choose a linear palette: large-format porcelain tiles, continuous LED task lighting and frameless shower glass reduce visual breaks.
- Use space-saving doors: cavity sliders/pocket doors or outward-swinging doors remove the pinch-point at entry.
- Consolidate services: line up plumbing along one wall to maximise floor area and reduce costs.
A room or zone where surfaces are intentionally exposed to water (e.g., showers). In Australia, waterproofing must meet AS 3740 requirements.
The clear floor space required for safe movement, commonly 750–900 mm in front of fixtures like vanities, showers and toilets.
A door that slides into a wall cavity, saving swing space—ideal for a long narrow bathroom layout.
Our Perth bathroom renovation process
- In-home design consult: We measure your space, discuss style (coastal, contemporary, Shaker-inspired), storage, ventilation and budget.
- Concept and layout options: You’ll see 2–3 floor plan options tailored to a narrow rectangular bathroom layout, with elevations and materials.
- Selections: Custom cabinetry WA-made, vanities, porcelain or ceramic tiles, tapware (e.g., matte black, brushed nickel), lighting and ventilation.
- Compliance and scope: We align with NCC, AS 3740 waterproofing, and AS/NZS 3500 plumbing standards. We coordinate licensed trades.
- Build and project management: Demolition, waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry install, glazing, painting and clean-up—managed to minimise downtime.
- Handover: Quality check, warranties and care guides. We also renovate kitchens, laundries and wardrobes for a cohesive home.
We’re experienced in kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes—so your vanity, shaving cabinet and even linen storage can match the bespoke joinery in your Shaker kitchen or scullery for a unified look.
Materials and finishes for small spaces
Vanities, benchtops and surfaces
- Wall-hung vanity: Creates more visible floor, making narrow bathrooms feel wider. Pair with soft-close drawers and integrated organisers.
- Benchtops: Consider porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, natural stone, or high-pressure laminate with tight-radius edges.
- Shaving cabinets: Recessed mirrored cabinets add storage without crowding. Add built-in power points for electric toothbrushes.
- Shower glass: Frameless or semi-frameless screens maintain sightlines. A fixed panel (walk-in) can work if water containment is addressed.
- Tiles: Large-format porcelain (600×1200) minimises grout lines; use anti-slip tiles (check slip resistance ratings) on the floor.
Engineered stone vs Laminate for bathroom benchtops
Note: From 1 July 2024, the manufacture, supply and installation of engineered stone has been banned Australia-wide. For new renovations, choose alternatives like porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, or natural stone. The table below is for homeowners maintaining existing engineered stone installations and comparing practical attributes only.
| Attribute | Engineered Stone (existing only) | Laminate (modern high-pressure) |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Very good; avoid harsh chemicals | Very good if edges sealed; avoid standing water at joins |
| Heat/UV in WA | Good heat tolerance; avoid direct extreme heat | Good; choose heat/UV-stable products for sunny rooms |
| Visual seams | Minimal (factory-made); new installs banned | Visible edges, now very refined with tight-radius profiles |
| Budget | N/A for new installs (ban in effect) | Most cost-effective, wide design range |
| Alternatives | Porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, natural stone | — |
Fixtures, lighting and ventilation
- Toilet: Wall-faced pans with in-wall (concealed) cisterns save space, reduce cleaning and suit a narrow small bathroom layout.
- Tapware: Wall-mounted mixers free up vanity bench space. Choose WELS 4–5 star for water-saving performance.
- Lighting: Layer ceiling LEDs with task lighting at the mirror to avoid shadows. Warm-to-neutral 3000–4000K is flattering.
- Ventilation: A quality exhaust fan ducted to exterior is essential. Consider a skylight for daylight in long internal bathrooms.
- Heating: Heated towel rails or underfloor heating add comfort without taking up precious space.
For standards and guidance, see the Australian Building Codes Board (NCC), HIA and Master Builders WA.
Layouts and styles that work in a long narrow bathroom
Floor plan: long narrow bathroom layout (typical sizes)
- Minimum workable width: 1200–1350 mm for shower/vanity combos; 1500 mm feels comfortable.
- Clearances: 750–900 mm in front of vanity and toilet; 900 mm shower is ideal, 1000–1200 mm is premium.
- Door strategy: Cavity slider or outward swing to avoid clashes with fixtures.
Three proven long narrow bathroom layout options
- Single-wall “galley” layout: Vanity, toilet and shower aligned on one wall. Easiest for plumbing; maximises walkway width.
- Wet room with fixed glass panel: Shower zone at the far end with linear drain, vanity/toilet outside splash area. Great for tight footprints.
- Split-zone layout: Short nib wall conceals toilet; vanity and shower run opposite. Adds privacy without closing the room.
Narrow rectangular bathroom layout: styling ideas
- Floating vanity + frameless glass: Enhances sightlines; choose a pale timbergrain or satin two-pack for warmth.
- Continuous floor tile: Run the same tile into the shower with a level entry to create a seamless, bigger feel.
- Feature wall in the shower: Vertical subway tiles or fluted-look porcelain draw the eye to the end wall, elongating the space.
- Mirrored cabinetry: Full-width mirror or shaving cabinet increases light bounce and perception of width.
- Concealed storage: Recessed niches for shampoos; pull-out laundry hamper inside the vanity for tight laundrette-bath combos.
Bathroom ideas for a long narrow bathroom
- Use a 1200 mm vanity with a centred basin to keep 300–400 mm set-down areas either side.
- Opt for a frameless fixed glass panel instead of a hinged shower door to avoid swing issues.
- Consider a 1500 mm back-to-wall bath only if width is 1500+ mm; otherwise a generous shower feels more luxurious and functional.
- Choose light, low-contrast tones, then add depth with matte black tapware or brushed brass accents.
- Install niche lighting and toe-kick LED strips for soft night lighting in ensuites.
Small vanity bathroom ideas (when every centimetre matters)
- Wall-mounted mixer + off-centre basin to free counter space for daily essentials.
- 250–300 mm deep vanity with semi-recessed basin keeps walk path wider.
- Shallow drawers with custom organisers beat open shelves for storage capacity and neatness.
- Recess or slim-profile mirrored cabinets for extra storage without bulk.
Where a tub is non‑negotiable, a short shower bath can fit narrow footprints—see dimensions and layout tips here.
WA case examples
Case 1: Narrow ensuite in Scarborough (1.2 × 3.1 m)
We installed a wall-hung 900 mm vanity with a semi-recessed basin, a cavity slider door and a 1000 mm walk-in shower with fixed glass. Large-format porcelain tiles (600×1200) were run floor-to-ceiling behind the shower to stretch the space visually. Result: more storage, no door clashes, and a brighter, airier ensuite.
Case 2: Long family bathroom in Fremantle (1.6 × 3.4 m)
A wet-room concept with a linear drain at the back wall allowed a 1200 mm vanity, a concealed cistern toilet and a generous 1100 mm shower. We echoed the clients’ Shaker kitchen profiles in the vanity doors and used brushed nickel tapware for cohesion across the renovation.
Perth/WA cost guide
- Cosmetic refresh: $8,000–$15,000 (tapware, vanity swap, new shower screen, paint/light refresh).
- Mid-range renovation: $15,000–$30,000 (new layout within existing plumbing wall, full waterproofing/tiling, custom vanity, lighting/ventilation upgrades).
- Premium reconfiguration: $30,000–$50,000+ (structural tweaks, skylight, porcelain/sintered stone, underfloor heating, bespoke joinery).
Allow for compliance items like waterproofing to AS 3740, licensed plumbing/electrical (AS/NZS 3500), and adequate ventilation. Approvals vary; check if your scope triggers building or strata consent. For guidance, see the Master Builders WA and HIA.
Need clearances and typical sizes? Visit our small bathroom dimensions guide for Australian measurements that work.
Practical planning checklist
- Decide your priority: larger shower vs. include a compact bath.
- Confirm door strategy: cavity slider or outward swing.
- Target clearances: 750–900 mm in front of vanity and WC.
- Choose wall-hung vanity and mirrored storage to free floor space.
- Pick slip-resistant floor tiles and a walk-in shower with linear drain.
- Layer lighting: ceiling + mirror/task + soft night lighting.
- Ventilation: ducted exhaust sized to room volume; consider a skylight.
- Materials: porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface or laminate for benchtops; avoid new engineered stone (ban in effect).
- Match finishes with the rest of the home (e.g., Shaker profiles, hardware tones).
- Engage licensed trades; waterproof to AS 3740; plan for NCC compliance.
Ready to transform your narrow bathroom?
Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens. Our Perth team designs, manufactures and installs custom cabinetry and bespoke joinery for bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes—creating cohesive, space-smart homes.
FAQ
What is the best layout for a long narrow bathroom?
For most WA homes, a single-wall “galley” layout or a wet-room with a fixed glass panel works best. Align the vanity, toilet and shower on one side to keep a clear walkway, use a cavity slider door, and aim for at least 750–900 mm clearance in front of fixtures.
How wide should a narrow small bathroom be?
A workable minimum internal width is around 1200–1350 mm for a shower and vanity combo, with 1500 mm feeling comfortable. Plan for a 900 mm shower where possible and maintain code-compliant clearances for safe movement.
Can I fit a bath in a long narrow bathroom?
Yes, if the room is at least ~1500 mm wide and long enough to accommodate a 1500–1700 mm bath. In tighter rooms, a generous walk-in shower often delivers a better day-to-day experience and frees more storage and circulation space.
What materials suit Perth bathrooms in narrow spaces?
Choose durable, bright finishes: large-format porcelain tiles, wall-hung vanities, and porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface or laminate benchtops. New engineered stone installations are banned in Australia; consider these alternatives instead.
Do I need approval for a bathroom renovation in WA?
Cosmetic changes often don’t require approval, but reconfigurations, strata properties or structural work may. Always use licensed trades, meet AS 3740 waterproofing and NCC requirements, and check with your local council or strata manager before starting.
