Planning how to furnish a bathroom goes beyond towels and a mirror. It’s about choosing the right vanity, storage, lighting, ventilation and finishes that suit our Australian climate and standards—while looking beautiful day in, day out. As a Perth-based design-and-build team, Joyce Kitchens creates custom bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobe fit-outs across WA. This guide delivers expert, local advice to help you plan, style and renovate with confidence.
What “furnishing a bathroom” really includes
In Australia, “furnishing” your bathroom typically covers all the visible, user-facing elements layered over the structural works and waterproofing. Think:
- Vanity and storage (floating vanity, towers, mirrored cabinets, custom cabinetry WA)
- Benchtops and basins
- Tapware, shower fittings and WELS-rated toilets
- Shower screen (frameless, semi-frameless) or wet room details
- Mirrors, lighting and heated towel rails
- Accessories: shelves, hooks, bathroom accents ideas and textiles
- Decor: colour palette, tiles, feature walls, plants, artwork
Furnishing is where style meets function. The goal is a cohesive look that’s easy to clean, meets Australian Standards, and fits the way you live.
Definition: WELS Rating
WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) is Australia’s water-saving label for taps, showers and toilets. Higher stars = less water use and lower bills. See the official database at the WELS website.
Definition: IP Rating
IP ratings indicate how well lights resist moisture and dust. In bathrooms, choose appropriate IP ratings for zones near water (for example, over showers).
Definition: Waterproofing Standard
Waterproofing of bathrooms should comply with the NCC and AS/NZS 3740 (Internal Wet Areas). Always use licensed contractors and request documentation for compliance.
Definition: Engineered Stone Benchtop (Important Update)
Engineered stone was once popular for bathroom and kitchen benchtops, but from 2024–2025 Australia introduced a national ban on the manufacture, supply and new installation of engineered stone due to silica-related health risks. For new projects, consider porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, laminate or natural stone alternatives.
Renovation and furnishing process (step-by-step)
1) Brief and concept
- Clarify the scope: refresh decor only, or full bathroom renovations Perth (including layout changes and waterproofing)?
- Collect bathroom decorating ideas: mood boards, samples, inspiration. Tie into your home’s style (e.g., Shaker-profile vanity doors if you love a classic shaker kitchen).
2) Measure, plan and services
- Measure room, ceiling height, door swings and window placement.
- Confirm plumbing and electrical locations; plan GPOs, task lighting and extraction. Check IP ratings and NCC requirements.
3) Materials and selections
- Choose vanity cabinetry (soft-close drawers, handleless cabinetry for a sleek look), benchtops, basins, tiles and tapware.
- Select ventilation and heating (exhaust fan, underfloor heating, heated towel rail).
4) Quotation and approvals
- Obtain detailed quotes. If altering plumbing layouts, engage licensed trades. For structural changes or window alterations, consult your builder and local council guidelines.
- Consider guidance from HIA and Master Builders WA.
5) Build and fit-off
- Demolition and waterproofing per AS/NZS 3740.
- Tiling, then cabinetry install, benchtops, shower screen and mirrors.
- Final fit-off: tapware, lighting, accessories and styling.
Tip: If you’re coordinating with kitchen renovations Perth or laundry renovations Perth, repeat finishes for a whole-home, designer look.
Materials and finishes that last in WA
WA’s warm summers and coastal air call for durable, moisture-resistant finishes. Here’s what works well for vanity benchtops and more.
Vanity benchtops: best-practice alternatives
With engineered stone off the table for new works, these are the most popular choices for bathroom benchtops:
- Porcelain / sintered stone slabs (high heat and stain resistance, slim modern profiles)
- Solid surface (e.g., acrylic-based materials; repairable, seamless looks)
- Laminates (affordable, huge design range; modern high-pressure laminates are tough and great for family bathrooms)
- Natural stone (timeless, requires sealing and care)
- Sealed hardwoods (warmth and tactility; best away from direct and frequent soaking)
Porcelain/Sintered Stone vs Laminate (Vanity Tops)
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture & Stain Resistance | Excellent; non-porous and highly stain resistant | Very good; modern HPL resists swelling when edges are sealed |
| Heat / UV Stability | Outstanding; suitable for bright WA bathrooms | Good; avoid prolonged direct heat |
| Look & Edge Profiles | Ultra-slim, stone-like patterns; crisp edges | Vast décors (stone, timber looks); postformed or square edges |
| Maintenance | Low; simple wipe-down | Low; avoid harsh abrasives |
| Typical Cost (installed) | $$$ | $$ |
| Best For | Premium builds, minimal joints, modern aesthetics | Budget-smart projects, rentals, family bathrooms |
Cabinetry and storage
- Moisture-resistant board with 2-pack, vinyl wrap or laminate fronts.
- Soft-close drawers maximise space; drawer organisers keep cosmetics tidy.
- Mirrored shave cabinets provide extra storage without crowding the room.
Tapware and fixtures
- Choose WELS 4–5 star showerheads and mixers to save water.
- Finish trends: brushed nickel, brushed brass, matte black—pick one for consistency.
- Ensure quality ceramic cartridges and reputable brands for long-term performance.
Lighting and ventilation
- Layer task lighting (vanity LEDs or sconces) with ambient lighting (ceiling downlights).
- Use appropriate IP ratings in wet zones; consider LED strip lighting in niches.
- Powerful, quiet exhaust fan vented outside is essential in humid months.
Shower screens and wet rooms
- Frameless shower screens are elegant and easy to clean; semi-frameless offers value.
- Wet room layouts with linear drains suit step-free access and modern styling.
Layouts and styles that work
Space planning for Australian bathrooms
- Target at least 900 mm clear space in front of vanities and toilets where possible (check NCC guidance via the ABCB).
- Standard vanity heights: ~850–900 mm; depths: 450–500 mm for compact rooms, 500–550+ mm for family bathrooms.
- Shower sizes: from ~900 x 900 mm; aim larger if space allows.
Popular styles
- Modern coastal: light timbers, white or sand-toned tiles, brushed nickel tapware.
- Classic shaker: Shaker-profile vanity fronts, porcelain-look tops, framed mirrors.
- Minimalist: handleless cabinetry, floating vanity, large-format porcelain, concealed drains.
- Industrial luxe: terrazzo or concrete-look tiles, matte black tapware, warm timber accents.
Decorating for impact (home decor ideas for bathroom)
- Feature wall: mosaic or kit-kat tiles behind the vanity for texture.
- Statement mirror: arched or pill shapes amplify light in powder rooms.
- Accent metals: repeat brass or black across tapware, rails and accessories.
- Greenery: choose humidity-loving plants; add timber to soften hard surfaces.
- Textiles: invest in plush towels in one palette; rotate a bold colour seasonally.
Pro tip: If your kitchen or butler’s pantry uses a specific timber or laminate, echo it in the vanity for a cohesive, designer home.
Costs and budgeting in Perth/WA
Actual prices vary by scope, access and selections, but these indicative ranges help planning:
- Vanity (cabinetry + top + basin, installed): $1,800–$6,500+
- Shower screen (semi-frameless/frameless): $700–$1,900+
- Tapware set (quality brand): $400–$1,500+ per zone
- Tiling labour (excluding tiles): roughly $90–$140/m² in Perth
- Lighting, exhaust and minor electrical: $600–$2,000+
- Decor and bathroom accents ideas (mirrors, rails, accessories): $300–$1,500+
Furnishing refresh (no layout changes) often lands between $5,000 and $20,000+. Full bathroom renovations Perth with new waterproofing typically range from $18,000 to $40,000+, depending on size, tile choices and joinery complexity.
Real WA examples
Case 1: Subiaco ensuite makeover
A compact ensuite gained a floating vanity with soft-close drawers, a porcelain benchtop and LED strip lighting under the mirror cabinet. Brushed brass accents tied the look together, while a quiet exhaust fan solved persistent condensation.
Case 2: Fremantle family bathroom refresh
This busy family opted for laminate benchtops (value and durability), semi-frameless screen, and matt terrazzo-look tiles. The handleless cabinetry echoed their kitchen renovations Perth palette for a seamless whole-home feel.
Bathroom furnishing & styling checklist
- Decide your scope: decor refresh or full renovation with waterproofing.
- Set a budget band and must-haves (storage, lighting, heating, layout).
- Choose a style direction: modern, classic shaker, coastal, minimalist.
- Select moisture-smart materials: porcelain/sintered stone, laminate, solid surface.
- Pick one metal finish and repeat across fittings.
- Plan lighting layers: task at the mirror, ambient overhead, accent in niches.
- Confirm WELS ratings and IP ratings where required.
- Ventilate properly; vent exhaust to outside.
- Measure carefully for door swings, shower sizes and vanity depth.
- Style with mirrors, plants, art and quality towels.
- Document warranties and compliance; choose licensed trades.
FAQ
How can I decorate my bathroom on a budget?
Start with paint and textiles: fresh white or soft neutrals, plus new towels and a bath mat. Swap the mirror for a statement shape, add plants, and change hardware like robe hooks and toilet roll holders. If budget allows, upgrade the vanity top to laminate and add LED task lighting for a big lift without major works.
What bathroom accents ideas make the biggest impact?
Consistent metal finishes (brushed brass or matte black), a feature mirror, and a single statement surface—such as a textured tile behind the vanity—deliver the most visual punch. Layer with quality hand soap dispensers, a timber stool and framed art rated for humid areas.
What finishes are best for humid Australian bathrooms?
Porcelain or sintered stone tops, moisture-resistant cabinetry, quality laminates, and epoxy grout or stain-resistant grout sealers. Choose WELS-rated tapware, ensure adequate extraction, and use IP-rated lighting near wet zones. These choices handle WA’s warm summers and coastal air well.
Do I need approvals for a bathroom renovation in WA?
Cosmetic updates usually don’t need approval, but moving plumbing, changing windows or structural works may. Waterproofing must comply with the NCC and AS/NZS 3740 and be performed by qualified contractors. Check with your local council and consult recognised bodies like HIA or Master Builders WA if unsure.
Ready to furnish or renovate your bathroom? Book a design consultation with Joyce Kitchens for custom cabinetry, benchtops and full-service bathroom renovations Perth. We can also coordinate your kitchen, laundry renovations Perth and wardrobe fit-outs for a cohesive home.
