Designing a small bathroom shouldn’t mean compromising on comfort. A small bathtub shower combination (often called a shower-over-bath) is a practical, modern solution that maximises floor area and delivers family-friendly functionality—perfect for ensuites and secondary bathrooms across Perth and regional WA. In this expert guide, Joyce Kitchens reveals how to plan, specify, and install a shower bath combo Australia homeowners will love—plus how your bathroom choices tie in with cohesive kitchen, laundry and wardrobe design throughout the home.
Why choose a small bathtub shower combination?
A shower-over-bath balances everyday convenience (a quick shower) with the luxury and utility of a soak for kids, pets and recovery. It’s an efficient option when you’re limited to a 1.7–2.4 m long wall or need to keep plumbing concentrated for cost control.
Key advantages
- Space saving: One wet zone, more room for a wall-hung vanity or extra storage.
- Budget friendly: Less waterproofing area and fewer screens than separate shower and bath.
- Resale appeal: Families and future buyers often prefer at least one bath on the property.
- Modern aesthetic: A bathtub shower modern look with a frameless glass panel elevates the space.
Core design insights for Australian bathrooms
- Bath size: Popular compact options are 1500–1600 mm long; 1700 mm works in most standard WA builds.
- Screening: Fixed frameless glass panel (800–1000 mm) with a return or a quality hinged screen helps contain water and keep cleaning simple.
- Slip resistance: Choose floor tiles with P3–P4 slip rating; add grab rails if accessibility is a priority.
- Waterproofing: Ensure compliance with AS/NZS 3740 for wet area waterproofing, especially around the bath lip and wall junctions.
- Ventilation: Include an exhaust fan sized to the room; consider a heat-light for winter comfort in WA’s cooler months.
- Storage: Integrate a tile niche at shower height (avoid splash to the bath end) for shampoos and soaps.
A single bathtub with a mounted showerhead and screen, creating one wet zone that functions as both bath and shower.
Our renovation process
Joyce Kitchens delivers end-to-end design, custom cabinetry, and project management across bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes in Perth and WA.
1) Design consultation and measure
We assess your bathroom footprint, existing plumbing points and storage needs. We’ll also discuss whole-home finishes to align with your kitchen renovations Perth plan or future laundry renovation.
2) Concept and selections
We develop layouts and moodboards, helping you choose tiles, bath type (acrylic or steel enamel), screens, tapware, vanity style (e.g., shaker profile or flat panel), and lighting.
3) Compliance and scope
We schedule licensed trades, waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740, electrical to AS/NZS 3000, and plumbing by licensed contractors. For guidance on industry standards and consumer support, see HIA and Master Builders WA (external):
HIA,
Master Builders WA, and WA Building & Energy
Building & Energy.
4) Build and installation
We coordinate demolition, plumbing rough-in, waterproofing and tiling, glass installation, vanity and custom cabinetry WA manufacture, then final fit-off. You receive practical completion review and care instructions.
Materials and finishes
Bathtubs
- Acrylic: Warm to touch, lighter weight (easier for upstairs), cost-effective. Good for family homes.
- Steel enamel: Rigid and durable with a crisp finish; heavier and may need extra substrate support.
Shower screens
- Frameless or semi-frameless fixed panel: Clean lines, minimal hardware, easy to clean.
- Hinged bath screen: Better splash control in smaller rooms; ensure quality hinges and seals.
Tiles and grout
- Wall tiles: 600 x 600 or 300 x 600 porcelain for fewer grout lines; matte or satin on walls to minimise glare.
- Floor tiles: P3–P4 slip rating; consider smaller formats or mosaics for fall to waste.
- Grout: Epoxy or polymer-modified for stain resistance; silicone at junctions per standards.
Vanity benchtops: Engineered stone vs laminate
Whether for a bathroom vanity or to coordinate with an engineered stone benchtop in your kitchen, material choice affects budget, durability, and maintenance. Below is a quick comparison for WA homes.
| Property | Engineered Stone | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look & style | Premium stone appearance; seamless with matching splashback | Wide colour range including timber-look and solid colours |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent when sealed edges are maintained | Very good; protect cut edges and avoid standing water |
| Heat & stain | Good stain resistance; use trivets and avoid thermal shock | Good everyday performance; avoid hot items directly on surface |
| Maintenance | Low; non-abrasive cleaners | Low; gentle household cleaners |
| Typical price (vanity) | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Ideal for | Premium bathrooms; matching kitchen/laundry benchtops | Cost-conscious upgrades; investment properties |
A man-made surface of mineral/stone aggregates and resins, designed to deliver a consistent, durable finish for benchtops and splashbacks.
Layouts and styles
Compact, clever layouts
- Linear combo wall: Bath along the long wall with overhead shower on the tap end; a fixed glass panel keeps things bright.
- Offset vanity: Place a wall-hung vanity opposite the bath to create a broader walkway and easy towel reach.
- Stacked utilities: In a combined bathroom-laundry, stack washer/dryer in a tall cabinet and use a slimline trough to free space for the shower bath combo.
Style tips for a bathtub shower modern aesthetic
- Choose a frameless screen and matte black or brushed nickel tapware for a contemporary, low-clutter look.
- Wall-hung vanities with soft-close drawers keep the floor clear, making the room seem larger.
- Neutral large-format tiles with a textured feature wall at the bath end add depth without busyness.
- Consider LED task lighting under mirrors and in niches; dimmers for late-night baths.
A timeless cabinet door with a recessed centre panel. While popular in a shaker kitchen, it also suits classic bathroom vanities.
Costs and budgeting in WA
Prices vary with size, selections and site conditions. As a guide for Perth and surrounding areas:
- Install a shower bath combo (like-for-like): $4,500–$9,000 including bath, screen, tapware and tiling updates.
- Bathroom refresh (partial): $9,000–$18,000 with new vanity, tiles to wet areas, and fittings.
- Full bathroom renovation: $18,000–$35,000+ depending on relocation of plumbing, premium tiles, underfloor heating and custom cabinetry WA.
Keeping plumbing on the same wall and choosing mid-range fixtures helps control costs. Our team prepares a transparent scope, schedule, and allowance selections before work begins.
Whole-of-home design continuity
Joyce Kitchens specialises in cohesive interiors—so your bathroom flows with your kitchen, laundry, and wardrobes:
- Kitchen: Coordinate your bathroom vanity with your engineered stone benchtop, splashback, and a shaker kitchen or contemporary flat-panel door style. We design everything from compact city apartments to larger family homes with a butler’s pantry. Typical WA appliances are 600 mm or 900 mm wide cookers; we refine cabinet spacing accordingly.
- Laundry renovation: Durable benchtops, tall storage for brooms, and integrated hampers that echo bathroom finishes.
- Wardrobes: Walk-in robe systems with lighting and drawer inserts in the same colourways for a seamless result.
If you’re seeking a cabinet maker Perth homeowners recommend, our in-house team delivers kitchen renovations Perth, bathroom upgrades, laundries and custom cabinetry WA, all project-managed by one point of contact.
Practical checklist: Planning your shower-over-bath
- Confirm wall length (aim for 1500–1700 mm bath); measure door swings and clearances.
- Decide on bath type (acrylic vs steel enamel) and screen (fixed vs hinged).
- Specify slip-rated floor tiles (P3–P4) and niche placement away from direct spray.
- Plan mixer/rail height for both standing shower and seated bath users.
- Ensure waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740; request photos and producer statements.
- Lock in vanity storage: soft-close drawers, internal power, integrated bins.
- Ventilation and heating: exhaust fan capacity, optional underfloor heating.
- Coordinate finishes with your kitchen/laundry for whole-home harmony.
Quick case examples (WA)
Cottesloe Ensuite Refresh
A 1600 mm acrylic shower bath combo with a 900 mm fixed frameless panel, terrazzo-look floor tiles (P3), and a wall-hung vanity in coastal oak. The client gained storage and light without moving plumbing—completed in 3 weeks.
Joondalup Family Bathroom
Steel enamel bath with hinged panel for splash control, matte black tapware, and a stone-look laminate vanity top to match the home’s new kitchen splashback and cabinetry. Kid-friendly, easy to clean, under budget.
Ready to explore your options? Book a free design consultation with Joyce Kitchens and bring smart, beautiful functionality to every room.
FAQ
What size bathroom suits a small bathtub shower combination?
Most bathrooms with a 1.7–2.4 m wall can accommodate a 1500–1700 mm bath with an overhead shower. We optimise layout to keep clear walkways, door swings, and storage access.
Is a shower-over-bath safe for kids and seniors?
Yes—choose a slip-rated floor tile (P3–P4), add a grab rail at the shower end, and consider a wider fixed or hinged screen for stability and splash control. A rail shower with a mixer at 1050–1100 mm height suits seated and standing users.
What is the best screen type for a shower bath combo in Australia?
A frameless fixed glass panel (800–1000 mm) offers a clean look and simple cleaning. For tighter spaces or more splash control, a quality hinged bath screen with proper seals works well.
How much does a shower bath combo cost in Perth?
Allow $4,500–$9,000 for a like-for-like swap including bath, screen, tapware and tiling updates. Full bathroom renovations typically range from $18,000–$35,000+ depending on scope and selections.
Can Joyce Kitchens coordinate waterproofing and compliance?
Absolutely. We manage licensed trades, waterproofing to AS/NZS 3740, electrical to AS/NZS 3000, and plumbing compliance, supplying documentation at completion for your records.
