Looking for bathroom vanity ideas for small bathrooms that actually work in Australian homes? Here’s a practical, design-led guide from Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s specialists in custom cabinetry, kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes across WA.
Core space‑saving vanity ideas for small bathrooms
Small bath vanity ideas need to balance storage, cleaning ease and long‑term durability. These are the biggest wins in tight ensuites, apartments and family powder rooms.
1) Go wall‑hung (floating) to free up floor area
A floating vanity visually enlarges the room and makes mopping quick. For extra storage, choose deep, soft‑close drawers over cupboards. Finger‑pull or slimline handles reduce visual clutter.
2) Choose the right size and depth
In small Australian bathrooms, a 600–900 mm vanity width with a compact 320–460 mm depth usually works well. Keep a comfortable 700–900 mm clear walkway in front of the vanity.
Coordinating with a tub? These bathtub small bathroom ideas show how to keep clearances and storage balanced.
3) Drawers beat doors
Full extension drawers bring items to you—no crouching. Add a cut‑out around the trap for the top drawer, and use dividers for make‑up, toothbrushes and shaving gear.
4) Recess storage into the wall
A recessed mirrored shaving cabinet adds litres of storage without protruding. Pair with a slim splashback and under‑cabinet LED strip lighting for task lighting that doesn’t eat space.
5) Basin choices that save room
- Undermount basins maximise usable benchtop for daily essentials.
- Compact above‑counter vessels add style with a smaller footprint—great in powder rooms.
- Offset the basin to one side to gain extra bench space for a hair dryer or razor docking station.
6) Bright, reflective finishes
Gloss cabinetry, light engineered stone benchtops, mirrored cabinets and frameless showers bounce light around. Consider matte black or brushed nickel tapware for modern contrast.
7) Cohesive style with the rest of the home
Match your vanity door profile to other joinery—think a shaker profile to complement a shaker kitchen, or a sleek handle‑less contemporary look if your living spaces are more minimal.
Our renovation and design process (small bathroom specialists)
- In‑home or showroom consult: We measure, discuss needs and budget, and assess ventilation, waterproofing and services.
- Concept design: Layout options, 3D renders, material palettes and tapware selections. We can coordinate with your builder or manage trades.
- Custom cabinetry WA manufacturing: Moisture‑resistant materials, soft‑close hardware, and precise sizing to suit Perth homes (including older cottages and terrace houses).
- Installation and trades: Licensed professionals for plumbing and electrical, waterproofing to AS/NZS standards, and tiling.
- Final check and care guide: We make sure drawers are aligned, silicone joints are clean, and you know how to care for your finishes.
We follow best practice and recommend guidance from reputable Australian bodies such as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA. Waterproofing should align with AS 3740 and plumbing with AS/NZS 3500; your designer will advise in concert with your trades and building certifier. For code updates, see the Australian Building Codes Board.
Materials and finishes for small bathroom vanities
Cabinet carcasses and fronts
- Moisture‑resistant board (MR MDF or HMR particleboard): Cost‑effective and stable when properly edged and sealed.
- Plywood carcass: Robust and great for damp zones; popular in coastal Hamptons and Scandinavian‑inspired bathrooms.
- Doors and drawer fronts: 2‑pack polyurethane, laminates, or thermo‑laminate in shaker or flat profiles.
Benchtops for compact spaces
Below is a quick comparison to help you select a top that suits WA conditions (heat from hair tools, humidity, family use):
| Feature | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Premium, stone‑like patterns and colours | Wide decor range including realistic stone and timber looks |
| Heat resistance | Good, but avoid direct heat (hair tools) | Moderate; use a heat mat under hot tools |
| Moisture performance | Excellent when properly installed and sealed | Very good; protect edges and cut‑outs from standing water |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous, easy clean | Low; avoid abrasive cleaners |
| Indicative supply cost in WA | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Best for | Premium ensuites and long‑term durability | Budget‑friendly updates, rentals, children’s bathrooms |
Basins, tapware and hardware
- Basins: Undermount for max bench; compact above‑counter vessel for style in a tiny footprint.
- Tapware: Wall‑mounted mixers keep benchtops clearer; choose a spout reach to suit your basin.
- Hardware: Soft‑close drawers, quality runners, and moisture‑resistant edging make a big difference over time.
Local note for WA homes
Perth’s coastal climate can mean higher humidity and salt air. We recommend corrosion‑resistant hardware, well‑sealed laminates, and adequate extraction fans to protect your custom cabinetry WA‑wide.
Layouts, styles and lighting that make small bathrooms feel bigger
Compact layouts that work
- Single wall vanity (600–900 mm): Best for narrow rooms; add a recessed mirrored cabinet above.
- Corner vanity: A tailored option in awkward ensuites; curved fronts soften tight circulation.
- Powder room console: A slim floating shelf with a petite vessel basin—perfect for guests.
Styles to suit your home
- Hamptons/Shaker: Shaker doors in soft whites or coastal greys; pair with a porcelain undermount and chrome or brushed nickel tapware.
- Contemporary minimal: Flat panels, push‑to‑open or integrated pulls, matte finishes and a slim engineered stone benchtop.
- Natural/Scandi: Plywood edges, warm timber‑look laminates, and soft white lighting.
Lighting and mirrors
- Layered lighting: Overhead ambient + under‑cabinet or mirror‑integrated task lighting (warm white 3000–3500K).
- Large, tall mirrors: Stretch vertically to add perceived height; consider demister pads for fog‑free grooming.
Two quick WA case examples
Subiaco ensuite: We replaced a bulky 900 mm floor vanity with a 750 mm wall‑hung unit, undermount basin and recessed shaving cabinet. Net storage increased 18% while the room felt wider.
Fremantle terrace powder room: A 600 mm laminate top with a compact vessel basin, black wall mixer and a narrow drawer unit. Easy to clean, perfect for a high‑traffic zone.
Costs: small vanity and bathroom upgrades in Perth & WA
Budgets vary by size, materials and scope. Indicative ranges (inc. GST) to help plan:
- Off‑the‑shelf small vanity (supply only): $400–$1,200
- Custom vanity (600–900 mm): $1,800–$4,500+ depending on finish and hardware
- Laminate benchtop (vanity size): from $300–$600+
- Engineered stone benchtop (vanity size): from $700–$1,500+
- Plumbing (swap like‑for‑like): $350–$900
- Electrical and lighting: $250–$650
- Waterproofing (AS 3740 aligned) & tiling: $35–$60/m² and $80–$150/m² respectively
- Full small bathroom refresh: $8,000–$20,000+ depending on reconfiguration
Note: These are guide figures for Perth and regional WA. We’ll tailor a fixed proposal once we’ve measured and confirmed selections and scope.
Practical planning checklist
- Confirm vanity width and depth to maintain a 700–900 mm walkway.
- Decide wall‑hung vs floor‑mounted early (affects plumbing heights and bracing).
- Select basin type first; match mixer height/reach accordingly.
- Choose benchtop (engineered stone benchtop vs laminate) and splashback material.
- Plan storage: deep drawers, dividers and a recessed shaving cabinet.
- Specify lighting: IP‑rated task lighting, warm white, consider dimming.
- Ventilation: Confirm an effective exhaust fan and door undercut.
- Compliance: Waterproofing to AS 3740, plumbing to AS/NZS 3500, licenced trades.
- Style cohesion: Tie in with your kitchen, laundry renovation or wardrobe fitout.
Why Joyce Kitchens for small bathroom vanities?
We design and build custom vanities that maximise storage and suit your home’s style—whether that’s coastal Hamptons, shaker, or contemporary minimal. Our team coordinates cabinetry with tiling, lighting, and compliant waterproofing, creating a streamlined renovation experience across kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
Ready to transform your small bathroom? Book a consult with Joyce Kitchens for tailored small bath vanity ideas that work beautifully in Perth and across WA.
Comparing suppliers in SE QLD? Our bathroom warehouse brendale guide offers practical shopping insights.
FAQ
What size vanity suits a small Australian bathroom?
In most small bathrooms, a 600–900 mm wide vanity with a 320–460 mm depth works well and still leaves a 700–900 mm walkway. If your room is very narrow, consider a 500–600 mm width or a custom corner vanity to keep circulation clear.
Is a floating vanity better than a floor‑mounted vanity for small bathrooms?
Yes for most spaces. A floating vanity makes the room feel larger and speeds up cleaning. It does require solid wall fixing and planning for plumbing heights. If you need maximum storage or have very uneven walls, a floor‑mounted option can still work with deep drawers and a minimal kickboard.
Which benchtop is best for a small vanity: engineered stone or laminate?
Both are excellent. Engineered stone delivers a premium, durable feel and is very moisture resistant. Laminate offers strong value, a huge design range and easy care. For family bathrooms or rentals, laminate is budget‑friendly; for premium ensuites, engineered stone is a popular upgrade.
How much does a small bathroom vanity renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, a custom 600–900 mm vanity installed typically lands between $2,500 and $6,000, depending on materials, basin and tapware. If you’re updating waterproofing, tiling and lighting as well, expect $8,000–$20,000+ for a full small bathroom refresh.
Can Joyce Kitchens coordinate trades and compliance?
Yes. We can coordinate licenced plumbers, electricians and waterproofers, align works to AS 3740 and AS/NZS 3500 where applicable, and provide a clear program and documentation in line with HIA and Master Builders WA guidance.
