Make every millimetre count. Joyce Kitchens designs and renovates compact ensuites across Perth and WA—pairing clever space planning with beautiful, durable finishes. Whether you’re after a sleek modern ensuite or a tiny ensuite layout with a walk‑in shower, this guide covers the lot.
Note: While we’re best known for custom cabinetry and kitchen renovations Perth (from modern to shaker kitchen styles), our in‑house team also delivers bathrooms, laundries and wardrobe fit‑outs across WA.
What makes a great small ensuite?
Small ensuite designs succeed when you plan flow first, then layer in storage, lighting and finishes that visually expand the room. For Australian homes, we typically recommend:
- Door strategy: Use a cavity slider or barn door to free up swing space.
- Walk‑in shower: A frameless or semi‑frameless screen with a linear drain creates an airy feel and is easier to clean.
- Wall‑hung vanity: It increases visible floor area. Add a mirrored shaving cabinet for everyday storage.
- Back‑to‑wall toilet suite: Concealed cisterns reduce visual clutter and depth.
- Bright, even lighting: Combine ceiling LEDs with mirror lighting; choose warm‑neutral colour temperatures (3000–3500K).
- Ventilation: An exhaust fan vented externally; align with AS 1668 guidance via your electrician.
A shower with no hob (curb) or with a minimal threshold, usually enclosed with a frameless screen or a fixed glass panel. Great for small bathrooms with showers because it maximises openness.
Clearances that feel comfortable in small ensuites
- Shower: aim for 900 × 900 mm (we design down to 850 × 900 mm for very small ensuite bathroom scenarios).
- Toilet: ~800 mm clear in front, ~200 mm from side wall to centreline minimum (more is better).
- Circulation: target 700–800 mm clear walkway.
- Door width: 720–820 mm typical; cavity sliders are ideal in narrow small ensuite bathroom ideas.
Compliance note: Waterproofing should meet AS 3740; electrical work must comply with AS/NZS 3000, and slip resistance should reference AS 4586. We work with licensed WA trades to keep your project compliant.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
- Consult & measure: We assess your space, discuss small ensuite layout options and capture your wish list.
- Design & 3D renders: We model your tiny ensuite designs—including shower tile designs for small bathrooms—and provide a clear costed proposal.
- Selections: Tiles, tapware, vanity finishes (laminate, two‑pack polyurethane, timber veneer), lighting and accessories.
- Scheduling & HIA contract: We plan trades and timelines; we can work under HIA agreements to suit the scope.
- Build & installation: Demolition, plumbing/electrical first fix, waterproofing, tiling, custom cabinetry WA manufacture, fit‑off, glazing.
- Handover: Quality check, care instructions and warranties.
The sloped mortar layer under floor tiles that directs water to the waste. Correct falls are crucial for walk in shower small bathroom ideas to prevent ponding.
Need guidance on approvals? Internal cosmetic works often proceed without planning approval, but structural changes or new penetrations may require a building permit. Always check with your local WA council or a HIA member/builder.
Materials and finishes for tiny ensuites
In wet rooms, durability and cleanability matter. Here are proven picks for modern bathroom designs for small bathrooms:
- Vanities: Moisture‑resistant substrates (HMR board) with laminate, thermolaminate, two‑pack or timber veneer fronts; soft‑close drawers, integrated organisers.
- Tops & splashbacks: Porcelain/sintered stone, solid surface, laminate, or natural stone. Note the Australian prohibition on high‑silica engineered stone benchtop products from July 2024; ask us about compliant alternatives.
- Tiles: Large‑format porcelain on walls to reduce grout lines; mosaics or 300 × 300 mm on floors for drainage. Consider rectified edges for crisp lines.
- Shower screens: Frameless or semi‑frameless toughened glass; fixed panels suit very small ensuite bathroom ideas.
- Tapware: Brushed nickel, matte black or chrome; WELS‑rated fixtures save water.
- Lighting: IP‑rated fittings in wet zones; task lighting at mirrors; dimmable ambient lighting via LED strip under floating vanities.
A non‑porous porcelain‑like slab made by sintering minerals at high heat. Excellent for vanities and splashbacks as a durable, low‑maintenance alternative to engineered stone.
Material comparison: Porcelain/Sintered vs Laminate (for ensuite vanities)
| Feature | Porcelain / Sintered Stone | High‑Pressure Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture/heat resistance | Excellent; highly water/heat resistant | Good; avoid prolonged edge moisture/heat |
| Maintenance | Very low; impervious to staining | Low; wipe clean, protect edges |
| Aesthetics | Premium, stone or concrete looks, thin profiles | Wide range of decors at an affordable price |
| Cost (installed) | $$$ | $$ |
| Best for | High‑end modern small ensuite designs Australia‑wide | Budget‑friendly upgrades and rentals |
Regulatory note: Australia has implemented a prohibition on engineered stone (high crystalline silica) from July 2024. For guidance, see Safe Work Australia. We recommend porcelain/sintered, solid surface or natural stone alternatives.
Layouts and styles that work
Popular small ensuite layout ideas
- Galley layout: Door centred; wall‑hung vanity opposite; walk‑in shower at one end, toilet at the other. Ideal for narrow small ensuite bathroom ideas.
- Corner shower layout: 900 × 900 mm shower in the corner with a fixed panel; toilet concealed behind a nib wall; shallow vanity on the long wall.
- Wet room layout: No shower screen in micro spaces; use a flipper panel near the vanity to keep splash down.
- Compact ensuite layout with cavity door: Sliding door opens to a 450–500 mm deep vanity; 850–900 mm shower; back‑to‑wall toilet.
- Small ensuite with bath: If essential, a 1500 mm inset bath with shower‑over‑bath can work; otherwise consider a Japanese‑style deep tub.
Small bathroom and shower ideas that visually enlarge the room
- Continuous floor tile: Run the same tile into the shower for a seamless look.
- Vertical lines: Vertical subway or fluted tile draws the eye up.
- Light palette: Warm whites, pale greys, or sandy neutrals suit WA light and coastal style.
- Recessed storage: Shower niches and recessed shaving cabinets keep benchtops clear.
- Glass everywhere: Fixed panels and frameless screens maximise openness.
Case examples (Perth)
City Beach, 1.6 m × 2.1 m: We swapped the swing door for a cavity slider, added a 900 × 900 mm walk‑in shower with a linear drain, and a 900 mm wall‑hung vanity in two‑pack. Result: an airy, modern small ensuite with shower and toilet—no wasted space.
Fremantle terrace, 1.4 m × 2.0 m: Tiny ensuite bathroom ideas in action: a corner shower with a single fixed panel, 450 mm deep vanity in timber veneer, and a concealed‑cistern toilet behind a nib. Bright LED mirror, matte black tapware for contrast.
Style cues
- Modern coastal: White/neutral tiles, light timber cabinetry, brushed nickel tapware.
- Minimal luxe: Porcelain terrazzo floor, micro‑bevel wall tiles, champagne tapware.
- Classic: Herringbone or subway feature wall pairs well with shaker‑style vanity fronts, tying into a shaker kitchen elsewhere in the home.
Elevate your ensuite with small luxury modern bathroom ideas—from porcelain slabs to statement lighting.
Costs: what to budget in WA
Costs vary by scope, access and selections. For a small ensuite bathroom in Perth (2–4 m²):
- Refresh (keep plumbing in place): $9,000–$14,000
- Mid‑range renovation: $14,000–$24,000
- Premium (custom, porcelain/sintered, niche lighting): $24,000–$32,000+
Typical line items:
- Custom vanity, tops and mirror storage: $2,500–$6,500
- Tiling (incl. waterproofing): $3,500–$9,500
- Shower screen: $800–$1,800
- Tapware & accessories: $800–$2,500
- Trades (plumbing, electrical, carpentry, plaster/paint): $4,000–$10,000
Tip: Keeping the toilet, shower and vanity in their current positions significantly reduces cost in small bathroom designs with shower and toilet. Ask us to price both “as‑is” and “relocate” options.
For regulations and consumer guidance, see WA Building and Energy or Master Builders WA.
Coordinating other compact spaces? Our small renovations guide covers kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and more across WA.
Small Ensuite Planning Checklist
- Decide: ensuite designs no bath or include a compact bath?
- Choose door type: cavity slider or outward swing to increase usable space.
- Confirm layout with minimum clearances and a walk‑in or corner shower.
- Pick a vanity depth (450–500 mm is compact) and wall‑hung if possible.
- Select tiles: large‑format walls, slip‑rated floor (AS 4586 P3–P4), mosaic to shower floor.
- Plan storage: recessed niche, mirrored cabinet, vanity drawers with organisers.
- Lighting/ventilation: IP‑rated lights, heat/vent combos, external ducting.
- Materials: porcelain or solid surface tops; HMR cabinetry; durable hardware.
- Compliance: AS 3740 waterproofing, licensed trades, certificates on completion.
- Timeline and contingency: allow 2–4 weeks on site; 10–15% budget buffer.
Ready to make your small ensuite feel big?
From tiny ensuite layout tweaks to full bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovations, Joyce Kitchens delivers custom cabinetry WA homeowners love—on time and on budget. Ask us for designs that integrate your ensuite with your broader home style, from modern bathroom designs for small bathrooms to classic looks that match a shaker kitchen.
FAQ
What is the best small ensuite layout?
For most Australian homes, a 1.6–2.2 m wide room works well with a cavity slider, a wall‑hung vanity on the long wall, a walk‑in shower at one end and a back‑to‑wall toilet at the other. Aim for a 900 × 900 mm shower, ~800 mm in front of the toilet and ~700–800 mm circulation. Keep sightlines clear with frameless glass and a mirrored cabinet.
Can you fit a bath in a small ensuite?
Yes, but consider whether it’s needed—many ensuites skip the bath. If you must include one, choose a 1500 mm inset bath or a shower‑over‑bath, or a compact Japanese‑style deep tub. Ensure waterproofing meets AS 3740 and use a slip‑rated floor tile.
How much does a small ensuite renovation cost in Perth?
As a guide, budget $14,000–$32,000 for a 2–4 m² small ensuite renovation in Perth, depending on layout changes and finishes. A light refresh that keeps plumbing in place may start around $9,000–$14,000, while premium porcelain/sintered tops, custom cabinetry and feature lighting can push $24,000–$32,000+.
What tiles are best for tiny ensuites?
Use large‑format porcelain on walls to reduce grout lines, and 300 × 300 mm (or mosaics) on floors to create proper falls to waste. Choose a P3–P4 slip rating under AS 4586, lighter colours to bounce light, and consider vertical subway or a single feature wall in the shower.
Do I need council approval for an ensuite renovation in WA?
Internal, non‑structural updates typically don’t require planning approval. A building permit may be needed for structural changes, new windows or new plumbing points. Always waterproof to AS 3740 and use licensed trades; check with your local council or a HIA builder before starting.
