Transform your compact bathroom or tiny ensuite into a beautiful, functional space. This expert guide from Joyce Kitchens covers small bathroom ideas, modern bathroom design ideas, materials, costs and a step-by-step renovation process that meets WA standards.
Why small bathrooms deserve big design thinking
Limited square metres don’t have to limit your comfort, storage or style. With compact bathroom design and clever small bathroom arrangements, you can fit more into less—from a wall-hung vanity that frees up floorspace, to a walk-in shower with a frameless screen that makes the room feel bigger. Whether it’s a mini bathroom in an apartment, a small ensuite bathroom, or a small toilet renovation, our Perth-based team designs to the millimetre.
Joyce Kitchens is known for custom cabinetry WA homeowners trust—across bathroom renovations Perth, kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovations and wardrobes. That whole-home perspective helps us deliver cohesive, space-savvy solutions, from a shaker-style vanity that matches your shaker kitchen to compact storage that flows with your walk-in robe.
Smart layouts for small bathrooms
Small bathroom designs start with traffic flow, door swing, and clearances. Below are proven small bathroom layout options that suit most WA homes.
Best-practice dimensions for compact bathroom design
- Toilet: 760 mm clear width minimum; 600 mm clear in front.
- Shower: 900 x 900 mm is comfortable; 1000 x 900 mm if space allows.
- Vanity: 450–500 mm deep for tight rooms; 600 mm for family bathrooms.
- Bath: 1500 mm back-to-wall bath fits many small bathrooms.
- Door: Consider a cavity slider to free up floor area.
Small bathroom layout ideas that work
- One-wall layout: Toilet, vanity and shower along one wall for maximum circulation.
- Shower-over-bath: Great bath shower ideas for small bathrooms when the family needs a tub.
- Niche plus nib wall: Hide the toilet behind a short nib wall and add a recessed shelf.
- Corner vanity or shallow wall-hung vanity: Improves movement around the room.
- Walk-in shower with a single glass panel: Less framing = larger feel; suits small bathroom designs with shower.
A short internal wall (often 900–1200 mm long, 100 mm thick) used to screen a toilet, create a shower shelf, or hide services without enclosing the room.
The slope required in the bathroom floor and shower to direct water to the drain. In Australia, waterproofing and falls are designed to meet AS 3740 (Waterproofing of domestic wet areas).
Two quick WA case examples
Subiaco apartment ensuite: We replaced a swing door with a cavity slider, added a 450 mm-deep wall-hung vanity with drawers, and a 1000 x 900 mm hobless shower with a tile-in grate. Result: a small ensuite redo that feels 30% larger.
Baldivis family bathroom: A shower-over-1500 mm bath with a fixed glass panel, recessed shaving cabinet, and mirrored storage. Durable porcelain tiles, brushed nickel tapware and bright LED strip lighting for a small modern bathroom aesthetic.
Working with a long, tight room? Our narrow bathroom ideas cover proven layouts, clearances and styling for slim spaces.
Our renovation process (WA-ready)
- Consult and measure: In-home measure and a design brief covering small bathroom ideas Australia homeowners love—storage, light, and style.
- Design and 3D: We develop small bathroom design ideas with 3D visuals and a bathroom design photo gallery reference so you can picture the space.
- Selections: Tiles, fixtures, vanity and shaving cabinet; we’ll guide bathroom furnishing ideas and bathroom decoration design for compact rooms.
- Compliance: We design and build to AS 3740 (waterproofing), AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing) and AS/NZS 3000 (electrical). Waterproofing by licensed pros; certified sparkies and plumbers.
- Build and project manage: Demolition, services rough-in, waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry, glazing, fit-off and clean.
- Handover and aftercare: Care and maintenance guidance for grout, silicone and joinery.
Tip: If you’re planning kitchen renovations Perth or laundry renovations soon, sequencing trades together can reduce costs and downtime, and deliver consistent materials (e.g., matching vanity and engineered stone benchtop alternatives across rooms).
Ingress Protection rating for light fittings and power points near water. Your electrician will select fittings suitable for each bathroom zone per AS/NZS 3000.
Want a stage-by-stage breakdown? See how to redo a bathroom for a practical, step-by-step approach in WA.
Materials and finishes that work in small spaces
Every material must handle steam, splashes and daily wear. In WA’s warm climate, UV and heat stability also matter. Below we compare popular vanity benchtop options and outline finishes that visually expand a small bathroom.
Vanity benchtop comparison (space-savvy options)
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone Slab | High-Pressure Laminate | Engineered Stone* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water & stain resistance | Excellent; non-porous; heat tolerant | Good; needs care with heat | Excellent; non-porous |
| Visual impact in small bathrooms | Large-format slabs reduce grout lines | Wide colours; thin profiles look sleek | Stone-look patterns; seamless |
| Maintenance | Easy; no sealing | Easy; avoid harsh abrasives | Easy; no sealing |
| Indicative cost (WA) | $$$ | $–$$ | $$$ |
| Notes | Great for vanities and feature walls | Budget-friendly; modern edges | *Subject to national engineered stone ban—see note below |
*Important WA/Australia note: From 2024–2025, Australian jurisdictions (including WA) have implemented a ban on the fabrication, supply and installation of engineered stone products containing crystalline silica for new projects. Check the latest rules and alternatives with your designer and fabricator. See guidance from Safe Work Australia (nofollow): Engineered stone ban.
Other materials that maximise space
- Wall-hung vanities and toilets: Elevate sightlines and make cleaning easier.
- Large-format porcelain tiles: Fewer grout lines = visually bigger room.
- Light, warm neutrals: Think warm white, light greige; add timber accents.
- Mirrored storage: Recessed shaving cabinets double as mirrors and storage.
- Clear frameless screens: Keep the room open; tilt to bathroom designs with shower.
- Drawer-based vanities: Organised, space-efficient storage compared to doors.
Taps, lighting and ventilation
- Tapware: Brushed nickel, chrome or matt black; stick to one finish for calm, modern small bathroom designs.
- Lighting: Layer downlights with sconces or LED strip under the shaving cabinet for soft, shadow-free light.
- Ventilation: An effective exhaust fan is non-negotiable in small bathroom renovations; consider humidity sensors.
Styles and small bathroom design ideas
From contemporary to classic, here are small bathroom renovation ideas that work in Aussie homes.
Small modern bathroom ideas
- Wall-hung vanity, rimless toilet, walk-in shower with a linear drain.
- Textured wall tile (kit-kat or vertical subway) to add height.
- Minimalist profiles and soft-close drawers for quiet luxury.
Classic and coastal touches
- Shaker-style vanity fronts to echo a shaker kitchen in an adjacent space.
- V-groove panelling (moisture-rated) and brushed nickel tapware.
- Stone-look porcelain and sandy neutrals for a WA coastal vibe.
Tiny ensuite ideas
- Corner basin, mirrored shaving cabinet, and a single glass shower panel.
- Use pocket doors; hide laundry hampers in vanity drawers.
- Recessed niches for shampoo; tile-in shower grates to streamline the floor.
Explore our bathroom design pictures gallery and bathroom design photo gallery when planning your small bathroom redo. We’ll tailor small bathroom designs Australia-wide trends for Perth’s conditions.
What does a small bathroom renovation cost in Perth?
Costs vary with scope, selections and access. These typical ranges assume a like-for-like layout, licensed trades and compliance with AS 3740 waterproofing. Pricing is indicative and in AUD.
- Cosmetic refresh: $8,000–$15,000 (paint, fittings, minor tiling, new vanity).
- Mid-range small bath renovation: $18,000–$35,000 (full retile, custom vanity, frameless screen, quality tapware, lighting).
- Premium compact bathroom: $35,000–$60,000+ (porcelain slab features, underfloor heating, bespoke joinery, major layout changes).
Combining projects (e.g., small bathroom remodel plus laundry) can unlock savings on trades and transport. Our team coordinates with your kitchen, laundry or wardrobe design for an integrated look.
Joinery designed and built to your exact dimensions and storage needs—common in Joyce Kitchens projects across WA to maximise every millimetre.
Small bathroom renovation checklist
- Measure everything (including window heights and existing set-outs).
- Pick your layout early (shower size, bath or no bath, door type).
- Choose moisture-suitable materials and confirm current engineered stone rules.
- Plan storage first: drawers, shaving cabinet, niches and towel hooks.
- Confirm waterproofing scope and falls to waste per AS 3740.
- Select IP-rated lighting and an exhaust fan suited to room size.
- Book licensed plumber and electrician; coordinate rough-ins.
- Schedule lead times for tiles, screens and custom vanity.
- Set a contingency (10–15%) for hidden issues in older bathrooms.
- Photograph stages (pre-tiling) for records and future maintenance.
Local links and standards
- See Safe Work Australia on engineered stone (nofollow): Engineered stone ban
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) resources (nofollow): hia.com.au
- Master Builders WA (nofollow): mbawa.com
Your designer will reference the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant AS/NZS standards during planning.
Ready to plan your small bathroom renovation?
Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens. We’ll bring small bathroom layout expertise, custom cabinetry WA craftsmanship and project management to your home—so your compact space works beautifully.
FAQ
What is the best layout for a small bathroom?
The most reliable layouts are one-wall (toilet, vanity and shower aligned), a walk-in shower with a single glass panel, or a shower-over-1500 mm bath if you need a tub. Aim for a 900 x 900 mm shower, 450–500 mm-deep wall-hung vanity, and use a cavity slider to free floor space. Add recessed storage (shaving cabinet, niches) to reduce clutter.
How much does a small bathroom renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, budget $8,000–$15,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $18,000–$35,000 for a full small bathroom renovation with quality finishes, and $35,000–$60,000+ for premium selections or layout changes. Site conditions, access and selections can move the needle.
Can I fit a bath and shower in a small bathroom?
Yes—use a shower-over-bath with a fixed glass panel, or a compact 1500 mm back-to-wall bath paired with a narrow walk-in shower. A short nib wall can screen the toilet while adding shelf space. Keep screens frameless and finishes light to maintain a spacious feel.
What materials are best for small bathrooms in WA?
Choose moisture-ready options: porcelain or sintered stone for benchtops and feature walls, high-pressure laminate for budget vanities, large-format porcelain tiles, and quality ventilation. Note Australia’s ban on new engineered stone fabrication/supply/installation—confirm current rules and consider porcelain or solid-surface alternatives.
Do I need approvals or specific standards for a bathroom renovation?
Most like-for-like renovations won’t need council approval, but structural changes may require a building permit. Waterproofing must meet AS 3740, plumbing AS/NZS 3500, and electrical AS/NZS 3000 with licensed trades. Refer to HIA or Master Builders WA for guidance and always check local requirements.
