Bath–Shower Design Perth: Smart Combos for Small Bathrooms

Why choose a bath–shower combo?

A modern bath–shower design gives you the flexibility of a full bath with the convenience of a walk‑in shower, all in the footprint of a single tub. It’s an excellent solution for growing families, investors and small homes where every millimetre matters.

• Versatile: bathe toddlers and pets, enjoy a relaxing soak, or take a quick shower.
• Space‑smart: a shower tub combo for small spaces can free up room for a bigger vanity or extra storage.
• Resale appeal: highly desirable in one‑bathroom homes across Perth.
• Budget‑friendly: one waterproofed zone, one screen, one drainage point.

Core design insights (what actually works)

Get the sizes right (and to Australian standards)

• Bath length: 1500–1700 mm is typical; compact baths start around 1400 mm.
• Bath width: 700–820 mm; aim 750–800 mm for showering comfort.
• Shower head height: 2000–2100 mm above finished floor level.
• Screen panel: 900–1000 mm fixed panel gives best splash control.
• Clearances: 700 mm minimum in front of the bath edge; 850 mm feels generous.

Safety and comfort first

• Choose floor tiles with a wet‑area slip rating (aim for P3 or higher) and add grab point options (towel rail or discrete grab rail).
• Specify a flat‑top bath rim (50–70 mm) to step onto and a non‑slip base.
• Thermostatic mixers reduce scald risk and help kids bath time run smoother.
• Ventilation: a quiet, ducted exhaust (ceiling or inline) helps prevent mould.

Storage you’ll actually use

• Tall recessed wall niche (300–350 mm wide, two shelves) for shampoo and toys.
• Vanity drawers with soft‑close runners and Blum hardware for reliability.
• Custom joinery to the ceiling increases storage and reduces dust—our custom cabinetry WA team measures and builds to fit.

Our WA renovation process

1. Design consult and site measure: We review your space, family needs and budget. If you’re also planning kitchen renovations Perth, laundry renovation Perth or wardrobe design Perth, we can coordinate everything.
2. Concepts and selections: Layout options, bath style (alcove, L‑ or P‑shaped), screens, tiles, vanity, lighting and finishes.
3. Compliance and documentation: We design to AS/NZS 3740 and relevant glazing and electrical standards, and recommend HIA‑based contracts and schedules.
   (See HIA and Master Builders WA for guidance.)
4. Build sequence: Demolition and make‑safe → plumbing and electrical rough‑in → carpentry/levelling → waterproofing → tiling → glazing → fit‑off → clean.
5. Quality assurance: Waterproofing certificate, fall to wastes, silicone detailing, and final WELS and product warranties handed over.

Note: Australia has introduced restrictions on high‑silica engineered stone. We recommend compliant, low‑silica or alternative materials and safe work practices. See Safe Work Australia.

Materials and finishes that last

Baths: acrylic vs steel

• Acrylic: Warm to touch, lighter (easier install), good value. Choose reinforced bases for durability.
• Pressed steel with enamel: Rigid, excellent scratch resistance, cooler to touch, typically thinner rim profile.
• Shapes for a bathtub shower combo for small spaces: straight alcove, gentle L‑shaped (extra elbow room), or P‑shaped (curved screen).

Shower glass and hardware

• 8–10 mm toughened safety glass to Australian standards for strength and stability.
• Frames: frameless or semi‑frameless for minimal visual bulk.
• Hardware finishes: chrome, brushed nickel, matte black or brass to suit modern, coastal or Hamptons style schemes.

Tiles and wall panels

• Floor: porcelain tiles with P3+ slip rating; consider stone‑look porcelain for luxe with low maintenance.
• Walls: porcelain or ceramic; large format reduces grout lines; epoxy grout in wet zones improves stain resistance.
• Alternative: quality waterproof wall panels for faster installs with fewer joints.

Vanity benchtops: porcelain (sintered stone) vs laminate

With changes to engineered stone regulations, many Perth homeowners are selecting porcelain/sintered slabs or high‑pressure laminate for bathroom vanities. Here’s a quick comparison:

We can also match your bathroom vanity profile to a shaker kitchen or contemporary kitchen for whole‑home cohesion, and we still commonly field requests that reference the term engineered stone benchtop—we’ll guide you to compliant, look‑alike alternatives that suit Perth conditions.

Layouts and styles for small and large bathrooms

Layouts for small spaces

• Alcove bath with fixed glass panel: Clean and cost‑effective, best for 1500–1700 mm walls.
• L‑shaped or P‑shaped bath: Flared showering end adds elbow room without lengthening the tub.
• Wet‑room with screen and compact bath: Ideal where a simple shower over bath still oversprays; creates a single drain zone.

Styling cues that work in Perth

• Hamptons style: Shaker‑profile vanity, pale stone‑look tops, brushed nickel tapware.
• Coastal contemporary: Timber‑look laminates, white kit‑kat tiles, matte black or chrome mixers.
• Modern minimal: Large‑format porcelain, frameless screen, wall‑hung vanity with underglow LED.

Our designers balance aesthetics with practicality—think frameless shower screen for a light feel, a recessed wall niche, and a freestanding bath only where space allows. Where space is tight, a high‑quality alcove bath–shower often beats a small freestanding bath on usability.

Costs and timelines in Perth

Every project is unique, but these guide ranges help with planning:

• Refresh (keep layout): $12,000–$25,000 — new bath, screen, vanity, taps, tiles and paint.
• Mid‑range redesign: $25,000–$40,000 — layout tweaks, premium tiles, custom vanity, lighting upgrades.
• Premium: $40,000+ — full re‑plumb, porcelain slab tops, feature tiling, heated floors/towel rails.

Typical timelines: 2–4 weeks for planning/selections; 2–4 weeks for fabrication/ordering; 2–3 weeks on site (longer if moving services or doing multiple rooms).

We scope to current WA standards and can work under HIA/MBA contract frameworks for transparency. For standards detail, see Standards Australia.

Two quick Perth case examples

Case 1 — Fremantle cottage family bath

Brief: Keep the bath for kids but create a better shower experience in a 1650 mm alcove.

Solution: L‑shaped acrylic bath, 1000 mm frameless fixed panel, P3 porcelain floor tile, wall niche, wall‑hung vanity with stone‑look porcelain top and soft‑close drawers.

Result: Splash control improved, more elbow room, easy clean. Works with the home’s coastal palette.

Case 2 — Joondalup apartment ensuite

Brief: Compact main bath to serve as guest shower and occasional soak.

Solution: 1500 mm straight bath with semi‑frameless panel, matte black tapware, large‑format satin tiles, quiet ducted exhaust. Joinery in a shaker profile to match the client’s new kitchen.

Result: A small but high‑function bath–shower zone; consistent finishes across kitchen and bathroom for resale appeal.

Bath–Shower Design Checklist (save this)

• [ ] Measure wall‑to‑wall length and ceiling height accurately.
• [ ] Select bath length (1500/1600/1700 mm) and width (aim 750–800 mm).
• [ ] Confirm screen type/length and door swing clearances.
• [ ] Choose non‑slip floor tile (P3+) and grout strategy (epoxy in wet zones).
• [ ] Plan storage: wall niche positions, vanity drawer layout.
• [ ] Pick tapware finish (chrome, black, nickel, brass) and WELS rating.
• [ ] Decide on vanity top: porcelain/sintered or laminate.
• [ ] Ventilation: specify ducted exhaust and timer control.
• [ ] Lighting: task over vanity, ambient, and niche/under‑vanity LED.
• [ ] Waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740 with compliance certificate.
• [ ] Child‑safe and accessible features (thermostatic mixer, grab point).
• [ ] Book trades sequencing and confirm lead times for custom joinery.

Talk to Joyce Kitchens

From compact bath–shower combos to full bathroom, laundry and kitchen renovations, our Perth designers create spaces that look great and work hard. Book a free design consultation and we’ll tailor layouts, materials and costs to your home.

FAQ

Is a bath–shower combo right for a small bathroom?

Yes—done well, a shower tub combo for small spaces gives you a proper bath and a comfortable shower in one footprint. Choose a straight 1500–1700 mm bath or an L/P‑shaped model for extra elbow room, add a 900–1000 mm fixed glass panel and specify non‑slip floor tiles and good ventilation.

What size bath–shower do I need?

For most Australians, a 1600–1700 x 750–800 mm bath is ideal; compact layouts can work with 1500 x 750 mm. Set shower head height at 2000–2100 mm and use a 900–1000 mm fixed panel for splash control. Aim for at least 700 mm clear space in front of the bath edge.

How much does a bath–shower renovation cost in Perth?

Allow $12,000–$25,000 for a refresh (keep layout), $25,000–$40,000 for a mid‑range redesign, and $40,000+ for premium finishes or layout moves. Costs reflect WA labour, waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740, quality tiles, screen, vanity and WELS‑rated tapware.

Do I need approvals or waterproofing certificates?

If you’re not changing structure, most bath–shower updates don’t need council approval. However, waterproofing must comply with AS/NZS 3740 and you should receive a compliance certificate. Discuss contracts and scope with your builder—HIA and Master Builders WA provide good guidance.

Which glass and tiles are best for a family‑friendly bath–shower?

Use 8–10 mm toughened safety glass for the screen and floor tiles with a wet‑area slip rating (P3 or higher). Large‑format wall tiles or waterproof panels reduce grout lines. Pair with a WELS 4–5 star shower head and a thermostatic mixer for comfort and safety.