Making a small bathroom work harder is a classic Perth challenge. A short shower bath solves the “shower vs bath” question in one compact, family‑friendly footprint—ideal for apartments, ensuites and tight heritage homes. As a full-service design and renovation team, Joyce Kitchens brings the same award‑winning approach we use for kitchen renovations Perth to bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes—combining custom cabinetry WA, durable finishes and smart space planning that looks great and lasts.
What is a short shower bath?
Short shower baths combine bathing comfort with the day‑to‑day practicality of a shower. They’re popular in narrow 1700 mm and under bathrooms, investment properties, and family homes where bathing small children is a priority. We specify models with generous internal depth and a flatter standing zone for safer showering.
Core insights: pros, cons and when to choose one
Benefits
- Space‑efficient: Fits where a separate shower and bath won’t.
- Renovation‑friendly: Minimises plumbing changes and waterproofing complexity.
- Family practicality: Great for bathing kids without losing a proper shower.
- Resale value: Buyers often expect a bath in 2+ bedroom homes in Perth.
Trade‑offs
- Access: A higher step‑over compared to a walk‑in shower.
- Slip risk: Needs quality slip‑rated tiles and a well‑positioned grab point.
- Screen choices: Curved or L‑shaped screens can limit curtain use; choose carefully.
When to choose a small bath shower
- Room length under ~1800 mm where a standard 1700 mm bath feels tight.
- Rental upgrades seeking durable, low‑maintenance fixtures.
- Renovations where moving the waste is impractical (concrete slab or multi‑storey).
WA case examples
Subiaco ensuite refresh: We replaced a tired corner spa with a 1500 mm acrylic short shower bath, wall‑hung vanity and frameless screen. Result: 20% more storage via custom cabinetry, improved light with a larger splashback mirror, and a safer, flatter standing area.
Fremantle apartment: In a 1500 mm alcove we integrated a small modern bathtub and semi‑frameless screen, added LED strip lighting to a shower niche, and specified R10 slip‑rated porcelain tiles for peace of mind.
Our renovation process
- Design consult: We measure up, discuss family needs and style (from coastal to shaker kitchen cues for cohesive whole‑home design).
- Concept & selections: Tapware, tiles, vanity tops (engineered stone benchtop or laminate), shower screen type, storage and lighting.
- Compliance planning: Waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 and plumbing by licensed trades. We design clearances for screens, doors and the toilet set‑out.
- Build & project management: Demolition, first‑fix, tiling, cabinetry installation with soft‑close drawers and quality hardware, fit‑off, and final clean.
- Aftercare: Practical maintenance guide and warranty information.
Note for WA homes: Many 1970s–90s slabs limit waste relocation. Our designers plan around existing falls and integrate nib walls, shower niches and wall‑hung vanities to maximise function without costly plumbing moves.
Materials and finishes that work in small bathrooms
Bath materials for a short shower bath
- Acrylic: Warm to touch, light, easy to install, excellent for rental or family use.
- Steel enamel (vitreous enamel on steel): Very durable and rigid; cooler initially, superb longevity.
- Cast stone/resin: Premium look and feel with weight considerations; often better for ground floors.
Finishes that boost durability and cleaning
- Porcelain tiles: Dense, low‑porosity; specify R10 or higher slip rating for shower floors.
- Grout: Epoxy or premium cement grout for better stain resistance.
- Tapware: Brushed nickel or matte black with PVD coating; pair with a WELS‑rated rail shower and diverter.
- Cabinetry: Moisture‑resistant board with 2‑pack paint or high‑pressure laminate doors; soft‑close drawers; integrated laundry hampers where space allows.
- Benchtops: Engineered stone for longevity, or laminate for value—see comparison below.
Engineered stone vs laminate for vanity and kitchen benchtops
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Premium stone look with consistent patterning; great with a shaker kitchen or modern coastal. | Wide range of finishes imitating stone/timber at a lower cost. |
| Durability | Excellent scratch and stain resistance; suited to high‑use vanities and kitchens. | Good everyday durability; can chip at edges; excellent value. |
| Heat resistance | Good but not for hot pots straight off the cooktop. | Moderate; avoid direct heat. Use trivets. |
| Maintenance | Low; wipe with neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh abrasives. | Low; gentle cleaners only; avoid saturated seams. |
| Cost (WA guide) | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
We specify benchtops across bathrooms, kitchens and laundries for a cohesive, whole‑home palette—from splashback tiles to undermount sinks and integrated appliances.
Layouts and styles for small modern bathtubs
Popular configurations
- Alcove bath with L‑shaped screen: Efficient for 1500–1600 mm baths; clean and contemporary.
- Straight bath with pivot or sliding screen: Pivot needs 700–750 mm clearance; sliding suits tight rooms.
- Nib wall and niche: A half‑height wall protects the vanity; a tiled niche keeps bottles off the rim.
Style notes to make small rooms feel larger
- Run large‑format porcelain tiles floor‑to‑ceiling to reduce grout lines.
- Use a wall‑hung vanity to open floor area and improve cleaning.
- Carry kitchen palette cues—shaker doors, brushed metal hardware, or a signature splashback colour—for whole‑home continuity.
- Layer lighting: downlights plus LED strip lighting under the vanity and in niches.
Planning a compact private bathroom? Explore small ensuite designs for walk‑in showers, storage and material ideas.
Small bath shower sizes in Australia
- Common lengths: 1400, 1500 and 1600 mm; width 700–820 mm; depth 380–450 mm.
- Allow a minimum 600 mm clear path in front of the bath for safe access.
- Screen height commonly 1950–2000 mm; confirm with ceiling and door swings.
Check small bathroom dimensions to confirm clearances for shower‑over‑bath configurations in tight rooms.
Costs in Perth and WA: what to budget
- Short shower bath (supply only): Acrylic $450–$1,300; steel enamel $900–$2,200; screen $450–$1,200.
- Install & waterproofing: $2,000–$4,500 depending on substrate, plumbing moves and tiling scope.
- Full small bathroom renovation: From $15,000–$28,000+ in Perth (cabinetry, tiling, fixtures, electrical, plumbing, waterproofing, project management).
Indicative only; site conditions, selections and trades availability affect pricing. Our team provides a fixed, itemised quote after design finalisation.
Small bathroom + short shower bath renovation checklist
- Choose bath length (1400/1500/1600 mm) and confirm screen type.
- Confirm waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 and drainage falls before tiling.
- Specify slip‑rated floor tiles and a safe standing zone in the bath.
- Pick WELS‑rated rail shower with a practical diverter and easy‑clean finishes.
- Plan storage: wall‑hung vanity with soft‑close drawers, mirrored shaving cabinet, and a shower niche.
- Coordinate benchtops (engineered stone or laminate) with kitchen and laundry finishes for a consistent look.
- Ventilation: adequate extraction to prevent mould; consider underfloor heating if tiling from scratch.
- Book licensed trades and confirm compliance certificates on completion.
Why Joyce Kitchens
From bathroom renovations Perth to custom kitchens, laundries and wardrobe design, we deliver cohesive spaces with premium hardware and project management under one roof. Our designers balance aesthetics and everyday function—whether that’s a walk‑in shower, a small modern bathtub, or a family kitchen with a durable engineered stone benchtop and splashback that ties the whole home together.
Industry guidance worth knowing: See the Housing Industry Association and the Australian Building Codes Board for general building and waterproofing guidance, and check WELS for water‑efficient fixtures.
- Housing Industry Association (HIA)
- Australian Building Codes Board (waterproofing/BCA)
- WELS water ratings
Ready to plan your bathroom, kitchen or laundry? Book a design consult with Joyce Kitchens and see how a short shower bath can be seamlessly integrated with custom cabinetry WA, quality tiling and a style that suits your home.
FAQ
What is a short shower bath and who is it best for?
A short shower bath is a compact bathtub (around 1400–1600 mm long) with a shower above. It suits small bathrooms, apartments and family homes that need both a bath and a proper shower in one footprint.
How long is a short bath in Australia?
Most short baths are 1400, 1500 or 1600 mm long, with widths from 700 to 820 mm. We help you choose the size that fits your room and allows safe access and screen clearance.
Is a small bath shower practical for families?
Yes. A small bath shower is excellent for bathing kids while keeping a full‑height shower for daily use. We specify flatter standing zones, slip‑rated tiles and sturdy screens for safety.
What materials are best for a small modern bathtub?
Acrylic is warm, light and affordable; steel enamel is rigid and very durable; cast stone offers a premium feel but is heavy. We select based on floor structure, budget and maintenance preferences.
How much does a short shower bath renovation cost in Perth?
Expect from $2,000–$4,500 for supply and install of the bath and screen, and $15,000–$28,000+ for a full small bathroom renovation depending on selections and site conditions.
