Space-savvy, family-friendly and stylish solutions from the bathroom renovation Perth specialists at Joyce Kitchens.
Whether you’re upgrading a compact ensuite or refreshing a busy family bathroom, the right bathtub–shower combination can deliver the best of both worlds. Below you’ll find practical ideas tested in Australian homes, WA-focused compliance notes, and material choices that pair beautifully with custom cabinetry WA homeowners love.
Why choose a bath–shower combo?
- Maximise floor space without losing the ability to soak or take a quick rinse.
- Increase resale appeal for family buyers who expect a bath.
- Streamline waterproofing and plumbing compared with separate zones.
Bathtub Shower Combination Ideas that Work in Australia
1) Frameless or semi-frameless glass for a bigger-feel bathroom
Use a frameless shower screen in 10mm toughened glass for a clean line and easy cleaning. Semi-frameless works well if you want a slimmer budget. Ensure the glass meets AS/NZS 2208 safety standards and is installed by a licensed glazier.
2) Go for a wider bath end for elbow room
A bath with a flared showering end (usually 800–850mm) gives more shoulder room. Look for acrylic bathtub models shaped for showering stability or steel enamel tubs for durability.
3) Linear drain and tiled hob control splash
Add a low hob (80–120mm) to keep water in and include a linear drain for fast run-off. Pair with porcelain tiles and epoxy grout to reduce staining.
4) Wall niches and soft-close storage
Recessed niche shelving keeps bottles off the rim. Combine with a recessed shaving cabinet and soft-close drawers in the vanity for a clutter-free feel.
5) Curved glass screen for narrow rooms
If your bathroom is tight, a curved or pivot screen provides extra elbow room while avoiding door swing conflicts with the toilet or vanity.
6) Warm, resilient finishes
Matte black tapware, heated towel rails and underfloor heating lift comfort. Choose WELS-rated showerheads (3–4 stars) to save water without sacrificing experience.
7) Add design continuity from kitchen and laundry
Using the same engineered stone benchtop tone as your shaker kitchen or laundry design creates a cohesive whole-home look. Clients often echo a stone splashback shade, timber-look laminates, or Caesarstone finishes across rooms.
Renovation Process in WA: From Measure to Install
- Consult & measure: Our bathroom renovation Perth team assesses structure, plumbing runs, ventilation and compliance with NCC and AS 3740 waterproofing.
- Design & selections: We plan layouts, custom cabinetry WA vanity storage, screen type, tiles and tapware. Appliance-like elements (e.g., freestanding bath length) are confirmed to Australian sizes.
- Documentation: Depending on scope, you may need building approval. Engage HIA or Master Builders–aligned contractors.
- Demolition & services: Plumbing and electrical rough-in, substrate prep and fall to waste (important for linear drains).
- Waterproofing: AS 3740–compliant membranes to wet areas; pond test before tiling.
- Tiling & fixtures: Porcelain tiles, installation of bath, screen, vanity and tapware; silicone sealant to junctions.
- Quality check & handover: We confirm screen safety glazing, WELS documentation and warranty papers.
Useful references for Australian renovators (external):
Housing Industry Association (HIA),
ABCB – National Construction Code,
WELS water ratings.
Materials & Finishes for Shower-Bath Combos
Bath types
- Acrylic: Warm to touch, light, cost-effective; great for tight upstairs installs.
- Steel enamel: Tough, thinner edges, excellent scratch resistance; cooler to touch.
- Cast iron: Premium, heavy, classic; check floor structure for load capacity.
Screen options
- Fixed panel (minimal hardware; modern look)
- Pivot or sliding screen (better splash control)
- Curved fixed screen (extra elbow room)
Vanity benchtops: engineered stone vs laminate
Choosing a vanity top that stands up to daily splash is crucial. Here’s a quick comparison commonly used across bathroom and kitchen renovations Perth projects.
| Feature | Engineered Stone (e.g., Caesarstone) | High-Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative cost (installed) | $$$ (higher) | $$ (budget-friendly) |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent; low porosity | Good with proper sealing and edging |
| Heat resistance | Good for bathroom use, avoid direct heat tools | Moderate; avoid hot hair tools directly on surface |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous wipes clean | Low; avoid abrasive pads |
| Look & edge options | Premium, many profiles | Wide patterns including timber-look |
| WA notes | Popular to match shaker kitchen or stone splashback | Great value for rentals and secondary bathrooms |
Tapware & accessories
- Matte black tapware for contrast; brushed nickel for coastal homes.
- Dual-rail or handset showers to suit varying heights.
- Heated towel rail for faster drying and less moisture.
Layouts & Styles: From Classic to Contemporary
Best layouts for small bathrooms
- End-wall shower-over-bath: Screen the wet end; place the vanity opposite for flow.
- L-shaped or wider shower end bath: More foot room without extra length.
- Sliding screen: Maximises circulation where swing doors clash.
Style ideas to mirror your home
- Coastal Scandi: Light porcelain tiles, timber-look laminate cabinetry, white acrylic bath, matte black tapware.
- Modern Luxe: Large-format stone-look tiles, frameless shower screen, engineered stone benchtop, brushed brass accents.
- Classic Hamptons: Shaker-style vanity fronts, soft-close drawers, subway tiles, polished chrome tapware.
Two quick case examples in WA
City Beach family refresh: We replaced a tight corner tub with a straight acrylic bath, added a frameless screen and linear drain, matched the vanity’s engineered stone to the client’s shaker kitchen island, and used niche shelving. Result: safer for kids, easier cleaning, cohesive look.
Fremantle terrace upgrade: In a 1.8m-wide room, we used a curved semi-frameless screen, steel enamel tub and compact vanity with soft-close drawers. The Caesarstone top echoed the client’s scullery finish for whole-home continuity.
Costs: Shower Bath Combination Australia and Perth Guide
- Supply of bath: $350–$2,500+ (acrylic to cast iron)
- Screen: $450–$1,800 (semi-frameless to frameless)
- Plumbing & waterproofing: $1,200–$3,000+
- Tiling (incl. rectification and grout): $1,500–$5,000+ depending on size and tile format
- Vanity & tops: $1,200–$4,500+ (laminate to engineered stone)
- Typical Perth full bathroom with shower-over-bath: $12,000–$28,000+ turnkey, scope-dependent
Note: Pricing varies by site access, substrate condition, plumbing moves and finish level. We’ll provide a detailed quote after on-site assessment.
Practical Pre‑Install Checklist
- Confirm bath length (usually 1500–1700mm) suits the room and door swings.
- Select screen type and check compliance with AS/NZS 2208 safety glazing.
- Choose WELS 3–4 star showerhead and compatible mixers.
- Decide on vanity storage (soft-close drawers vs doors) and benchtop (laminate or engineered stone).
- Confirm fall to waste and linear drain position with your tiler.
- Specify tile slip rating for wet zones and grout type (epoxy recommended).
- Plan niches, towel rail positions and mirror demister if required.
- Schedule waterproofing cure time before tiling (per manufacturer guidelines).
Ready to design your bath–shower combo?
From concept to completion, Joyce Kitchens designs, manufactures and installs bathroom, kitchen, laundry and wardrobe solutions that fit your space and lifestyle. Talk to our Perth design team about bathtub shower combination designs tailored to your home.
FAQ
What is the best bathtub shower combination for small bathrooms in Australia?
For small rooms, choose a straight acrylic bath with a fixed or sliding semi-frameless screen, a wider showering end (around 800–850mm), a linear drain and a wall niche. Keep tiles large-format porcelain to reduce grout lines and use a WELS 3–4 star dual-rail shower for flexibility.
Do I need special waterproofing or permits in WA for a shower-over-bath?
All wet areas must be waterproofed to AS 3740 and comply with the NCC. Some renovations require building approval; your designer or builder should advise. Always use licensed trades and keep product warranties and membrane data sheets.
What glass is compliant for bath shower screens in Australia?
Shower screens must use Grade A safety glazing that complies with AS/NZS 2208. Frameless panels are typically 10mm toughened glass; semi-frameless systems vary by manufacturer—ensure documentation is provided at handover.
How much does a shower bath combination cost in Perth?
As a guide, expect $12,000–$28,000+ for a full bathroom renovation with a shower-over-bath in Perth, depending on finishes, plumbing changes, tiling complexity and cabinetry selections.
Can I use an engineered stone benchtop on my bathroom vanity?
Yes. Engineered stone is popular for vanities thanks to low porosity and easy maintenance. Avoid placing hot hair tools directly on the surface and follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines.