Design and renovate your bathroom with the same award-winning care we bring to kitchen renovations Perth-wide. From compact ensuites to statement wet rooms, here’s how to choose a bathtub that looks beautiful, feels luxurious, and fits your WA lifestyle.
Core insights: today’s best modern bathtub ideas
Whether you’re refreshing an ensuite or completing a full bathroom renovation Perth homeowners can rely on, the right tub sets the tone. Below are the most effective ideas our designers use across WA homes.
1) Freestanding statements without the fuss
Back-to-wall freestanding baths give you the sculptural look of a freestanding bath while saving valuable space and simplifying cleaning. They sit tight to the wall, reducing dust traps and plumbing complexity.
2) Space-savvy solutions for small bathrooms
- Alcove baths (three-wall) with a frameless shower screen maximise function in family bathrooms.
- Compact 1500–1600 mm tubs suit many Australian bathrooms without feeling cramped.
- Japanese-style soaking tubs provide depth over length, perfect for tight floor plans.
3) Family-friendly durability and warmth
Acrylic baths are warmer to the touch and lighter for upper-storey installs, while stone resin baths add premium weight and a matte, stone-like feel. Choose slip-resistant bases when pairing with a shower.
4) Accessible, future-ready design
- Consider shallow entry heights and integrated grab rails for multigenerational homes.
- Opt for back-to-wall models to simplify transfer and cleaning.
- Plan reinforcement behind tiles for future rail installation (meets accessibility best practice).
5) Finishes that work in WA
- Matte white stone resin pairs with terrazzo tiles for a coastal Perth palette.
- Brushed nickel or matte black tapware coordinates with shaker kitchen and vanity detailing.
- Textured porcelain floors offer slip resistance in hot WA summers when windows are open and floors may be damp.
Tip: Keep continuity across your home with complementary materials—think an engineered stone benchtop on your vanity to echo your kitchen island, soft-close drawers in custom cabinetry WA made, and cohesive tapware finishes throughout.
Our renovation process (bathrooms, kitchens, laundries)
Joyce Kitchens delivers joined-up design across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes Perth homeowners trust for quality. Here’s how we handle your bathroom with bath installation:
- Consult & measure: We assess plumbing, windows, ventilation and access. We’ll discuss tub size, material, and how you bathe (soak vs quick rinse).
- Concept & 3D design: See the bath in your space with finishes, lighting and storage planned—including niches, ledges and vanity layouts.
- Technical compliance: We coordinate licensed trades to meet AS/NZS 3740 (waterproofing) and AS/NZS 3500 (plumbing and drainage), and align with the National Construction Code.
- Custom cabinetry fabrication: Locally made vanities and shaving cabinets, from shaker profiles to sleek, handleless lines.
- Delivery & installation: Sequenced works for minimal downtime, including waterproofing, tiling, bath setting, and final fit-off with WELS-rated mixers.
- Quality assurance: We work to HIA-aligned contracts and timelines, keeping you informed at every step.
Planning a broader upgrade? We can align your kitchen renovations Perth-wide, your laundry renovation, and bathroom design so finishes and hardware feel consistent—right down to the walk-in pantry and robes.
Materials & finishes: what to choose in WA
Choosing your bathtub material
| Material | Pros | Considerations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic bath | Lightweight; warm to touch; budget-friendly; many shapes/sizes. | Can scratch; quality varies—choose reinforced acrylic. | Upstairs installs, families, bath-shower combos. |
| Stone resin bath | Premium matte look; solid feel; good heat retention. | Heavier; higher cost; needs robust floor support. | Luxury ensuites, design-led wet rooms. |
| Cast iron bath | Exceptional durability; classic aesthetic; high heat retention. | Very heavy; expensive; careful install required. | Heritage homes, hero pieces with claw feet. |
Vanity tops, tiles and tapware
- Vanities: Pair your bath with an engineered stone benchtop or timber veneer for warmth. Match profiles to your style—shaker kitchen cues work beautifully in bathrooms.
- Tiles: Terrazzo on the floor, fine subway tiles or large-format porcelain on walls for fewer grout lines. Consider underfloor heating.
- Tapware: Matte black or brushed nickel tapware offsets white baths; wall mixers reduce clutter around the rim.
Standards note: Waterproofing must be installed and tested to AS/NZS 3740. Plumbing should meet AS/NZS 3500. Ask your designer about compliant falls, puddle flanges and membrane upturns behind the bath.
Layouts & styles for Australian bathrooms
Small bathrooms and apartments
- Alcove bath-shower combo with a frameless shower screen to keep lines clean and light flowing.
- Wall-hung vanity with drawers to extend sightlines and storage.
- Skylight or high window for privacy and natural light in WA sun.
Family bathrooms
- 1600–1700 mm acrylic baths with integrated shelves for toys and shampoos.
- Hardwearing porcelain tiles and easy-clean grout.
- WELS-rated showerheads for efficient water use.
Ensuites and retreats
- Freestanding or stone resin tubs as hero pieces in wet rooms.
- Feature walls in stone-look porcelain; niches for candles and bath salts.
- Brushed nickel tapware and warm LED lighting for a spa feel.
Costs: supplying and installing a bath in Perth
Indicative Perth/WA pricing (ex-GST where applicable; subject to site, access and selections):
- Acrylic bath supply: $500–$1,500
- Stone resin bath supply: $1,500–$3,500+
- Cast iron bath supply: $2,500–$5,000+
- Bath installation and plumbing: $800–$2,000
- Waterproofing (room): $800–$1,500
- Tiling labour: $80–$140 per m² plus tiles
- Frameless screen for bath/shower combo: $700–$1,400
Full bathroom renovations that include a new bath typically range from $15,000–$35,000+ in Perth, depending on scope, relocations, and finishes. We’ll provide a transparent HIA-aligned quote and schedule before works commence.
Bathtub ideas pictures: photo briefs you can use
Planning a shoot list or Pinterest board? Try these combinations to brief your designer or photographer:
- Stone resin freestanding bath + matte black tapware + terrazzo floor + white kit-kat feature wall.
- Back-to-wall bath + brushed nickel wall mixers + large-format stone-look tiles + floating vanity.
- Compact alcove bath-shower combo + frameless screen + engineered stone benchtop + shaker vanity doors.
- Heritage cast iron bath + patterned encaustic floor + timber veneer vanity + brass hardware.
- Japanese soaking tub + wet room layout + skylight + cedar feature ceiling.
Quick case-style examples from WA homes
Case 1 — Fremantle cottage ensuite
Challenge: Tight 1800 mm wall and heritage detailing. Solution: 1500 mm back-to-wall bath in matte white stone resin, shaker-profile vanity with engineered stone benchtop, and brushed nickel tapware. Outcome: Period charm with modern comfort, compliant waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740.
Case 2 — Joondalup family bathroom
Challenge: Busy family needed a robust bath-shower combo. Solution: Reinforced acrylic alcove bath with a frameless shower screen, slip-resistant floor tile, soft-close drawers in custom cabinetry WA made. Outcome: Durable, easy to clean, and stylish enough to echo the nearby kitchen’s finishes.
Practical bathtub renovation checklist
- Measure your room, doorways and stair access; confirm bath weight and floor capacity.
- Choose a layout: freestanding, back-to-wall, built-in/alcove, or Japanese soaking tub.
- Select a material: acrylic, stone resin or cast iron (see comparison above).
- Confirm compliance: AS/NZS 3740 waterproofing and AS/NZS 3500 plumbing.
- Specify tapware (WELS-rated), spout location and mixer heights.
- Plan storage: niches, ledges, vanity drawers; consider soft-close hardware.
- Ventilation: upgrade exhaust fan sizing to suit wet rooms; consider a window or skylight.
- Finishes: coordinate tiles, vanity top and bath colour/finish with your home’s kitchen/laundry palette.
- Timeline: allow for lead times on baths, screens, and custom cabinetry.
- Quote & contract: request an HIA-aligned scope with allowances and a realistic program.
Why Joyce Kitchens for bathroom bathtub design?
We bring decades of design and manufacturing experience across Perth and WA, uniting bathrooms with your kitchen, laundry and wardrobes for a cohesive home. From custom cabinetry WA to compliant construction, we manage the details so you can relax and enjoy the soak.
Ready to explore modern bathtub ideas for your home? Book a design consultation and we’ll create a tailored plan that fits your space, budget and style.
Trusted Australian resources
- Housing Industry Association (HIA) – contracts, guidance and member standards.
- Master Builders Association WA – WA building and renovation resources.
- WELS water rating – choose efficient tapware and showerheads.
FAQ
What is the best bathtub for small bathrooms in Australia?
For compact rooms, an alcove bath-shower combo or a 1500–1600 mm back-to-wall freestanding bath saves space while staying comfortable. Japanese soaking tubs also work well where depth beats length.
Are freestanding baths practical for families?
Yes—choose a back-to-wall freestanding design for easier cleaning and safer access. Pair with a handheld shower and slip-resistant flooring for kids.
How much does it cost to add a bath in Perth?
Supply and install typically ranges from $1,500–$5,000+ depending on the bath type and plumbing. A full bathroom renovation with a new bath often sits between $15,000–$35,000+ in Perth.
Do I need waterproofing under Australian Standards?
Yes. Bathrooms must be waterproofed to AS/NZS 3740 with compliant membranes, upturns and falls. Plumbing work must meet AS/NZS 3500.
Can Joyce Kitchens coordinate bathroom, laundry and kitchen renovations together?
Absolutely. We design and manage kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes together so finishes align and the program is streamlined across your whole home.