Planning a small tub shower combo is one of the most effective ways to make a compact bathroom do double duty without feeling cramped. As a Perth-based design and renovation team, Joyce Kitchens creates space-savvy bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and wardrobes across WA—bringing custom cabinetry, smart layouts and durable finishes together so your home works better every day.
Core design insights for small tub shower combos
Whether you call it a small tub shower combo, small bathtub shower combo, or are exploring contemporary tub shower combinations, the key is to balance footprint, water-proofing and storage. Here’s how we approach it for WA homes:
- Measure the cavity: The most common bath recess is 1500–1700 mm long by 750 mm wide. An alcove bath-shower suits this perfectly.
- Prioritise shoulder and elbow room: A 900 mm clear width inside the shower zone feels comfortable even when the bath is 1500 mm long.
- Use wall-hung fittings: Floating vanities, in-wall cisterns and recessed niches create visual space and easier cleaning.
- Choose a clear glass screen: A frameless or semi-frameless screen with minimal hardware keeps sightlines open and maximises light.
- Ventilation matters: In humid Perth summers and cool winters, a good exhaust fan (sized to the room) helps protect paint, grout and cabinetry.
Our WA renovation process (design to handover)
Joyce Kitchens delivers end-to-end bathroom renovation services across Perth and regional WA—from design consult to project management and installation.
- Free design consultation: We discuss goals, budget and style (Hamptons, modern minimalist, or to align with your shaker kitchen or contemporary kitchen).
- Site measure and 3D design: We confirm clearances for your small tub shower combo, vanity, storage and door swing. We model tiles, grout lines, lighting and niches.
- Selections: Tapware, tiles, shower screen, bath, vanity benchtop (see comparison below), and custom cabinetry WA-made with soft-close drawers.
- Compliance and scheduling: Waterproofing to AS 3740; plumbing to AS/NZS 3500; WELS-rated tapware for water efficiency; HIA or MBA-style contract terms.
- Demolition, prep and trades: Strip-out, plumbing and electrical rough-in, wall straightening, waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry install, glazing, fit-off and silicone.
- Quality check and handover: Final inspection, maintenance guidance and care instructions.
For renovation governance and consumer advice we recommend reviewing guidelines from the Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA. WA building and licensing information is maintained by Building and Energy (WA).
Materials and finishes that last in WA
Small bathroom combos work hardest when surfaces are water-resistant, easy to clean and light-reflective.
Bath types
- 1500 mm built-in bath: The classic “small” length for family and rental bathrooms. Pair with a straight fixed glass panel and swing panel for splash control.
- P-shaped shower bath: Curves out at the shower end for more elbow room—great for contemporary tub shower combinations.
- Steel enamel or acrylic: Acrylic is warmer and lighter; steel enamel is highly durable and scratch resistant.
Shower screens
- Frameless fixed panel + hinged return: Lightweight look with great splash protection.
- Semi-frameless slider: Ideal when clearance for a swing door is tight.
- Quality seals and fall to waste: Critical to keep water inside the wet zone.
Tiles and waterproofing
- Full-height tiling in the bath-shower zone with an anti-slip (P3–P4) floor tile.
- Waterproofing: To AS 3740 by a qualified waterproofer; request a compliance certificate for your records.
Vanity benchtops: engineered stone vs laminate
Benchtop choice affects look, budget and maintenance—especially near a shower.
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Water resistance | Excellent at surface level; require sealed cut-outs and good silicone detailing | Good if edges are sealed; vulnerable at joins and around basins if not detailed well |
| Look and feel | Premium, stone-like appearance; wide colour range | Vast decor range (stone, timber-look); modern square-edge profiles available |
| Maintenance | Low; avoid harsh chemicals | Low; avoid standing water at joins |
| Budget | $$$ | $$ |
| WA note | From 1 July 2024, the supply and installation of engineered stone with crystalline silica has been prohibited in WA. Consider porcelain/sintered stone or natural stone alternatives with compliant fabrication. | Cost-effective and widely available; ensure water-resistant substrate and sealing |
We also design kitchen renovations Perth-wide using durable surfaces like laminate benchtops, porcelain/sintered stone and compact laminate. Coordinating bathroom and kitchen finishes can create a cohesive, whole-home look.
Tapware and accessories
- Rail shower + bath spout combo: Adjustable height suits kids and guests; add a water-efficient (WELS 3–4 star) hand shower.
- Recessed shampoo niche: Keeps bottles off the edge; consider LED strip lighting for a contemporary touch.
- Heated towel ladder: A slimline ladder doubles as visual verticality in a compact room.
Finish it right: discover tiling ideas for small bathrooms—patterns, sizes and grout strategies that enlarge the feel.
Layouts and styles that fit the space
Space-smart layouts
- Alcove bath-shower left or right: Tuck the tub into the full width of the room; position the shower at the window-less end.
- Corner P-shaped bath: Gently flared shower end creates more stance room without increasing length.
- Narrow rooms: Wall-hung vanity opposite the bath, with mirrored cabinet storage to bounce light.
- Laundry-bath combo: In apartments and small WA homes, combine a compact tub-shower with tall linen and a European laundry behind bifolds.
Style cues
- Contemporary tub shower combinations: Large-format tiles, matte black or brushed nickel tapware, frameless glass and a wall-hung vanity.
- Hamptons or shaker style: Shaker-profile cabinet doors, soft greys/whites, and brushed brass accents to complement a shaker kitchen elsewhere in the home.
- Coastal Perth: Textured white tiles, oak-look cabinetry and a soft curve on the bath front for a relaxed, bright feel.
Our custom cabinetry WA team can echo details across your bathroom, kitchen and laundry renovation so everything feels tailored and unified.
Working in a near-square room? These square bathroom layouts show smart bath-shower placements that still flow.
Costs and timelines in Perth/WA
- Design and documentation: $990–$2,200 depending on scope and 3D renders.
- Small tub shower combo renovation (typical): $15,000–$28,000 including waterproofing, tiles, screens, vanity, tapware and trades.
- Premium package with porcelain/sintered stone, custom glazing and feature lighting: $28,000–$40,000.
- Timeline: 2–4 weeks on site after approvals and lead times for custom pieces.
Costs vary with tile selection, plumbing changes, glazing style and whether we’re coordinating related works such as kitchen renovations Perth or a laundry renovation.
Real WA examples
Case 1: Subiaco ensuite (1.9 m × 2.3 m)
- Brief: Add shower-over-bath without closing in the room.
- Solution: 1500 mm acrylic bath, frameless fixed panel + swing, wall-hung 750 mm vanity with soft-close drawers, porcelain benchtop, full-height white satin tiles.
- Result: Light, low-maintenance space with excellent storage and a comfortable shower zone.
Case 2: Fremantle family bathroom (2.2 m × 2.4 m)
- Brief: Family-friendly small bathtub shower combo with vintage nod.
- Solution: P-shaped shower bath, semi-frameless slider, niche with feature finger tiles, shaker profile vanity doors, brushed nickel tapware.
- Result: Contemporary performance with classic detail to suit the home’s era.
Pre-renovation checklist for a small tub shower combo
- Confirm bath length (1500–1700 mm) and door clearances.
- Decide on screen type: fixed + swing or sliding.
- Select tile slip rating (P3–P4) and grout colour.
- Choose vanity top material and ensure compliant supply/fabrication in WA.
- Plan storage: mirrored cabinet, wall niches, towel ladder.
- Specify ventilation: ducted exhaust sized to room volume.
- Insist on AS 3740 waterproofing and AS/NZS 3500 plumbing compliance.
- Book qualified trades and request certificates/warranties at handover.
Need help turning a tight bathroom into a beautiful, functional space? Talk to Joyce Kitchens about bathroom, kitchen and laundry design today. We handle design, custom cabinetry, and full project delivery across Perth and WA.
FAQ
What is a small tub shower combo and who is it best for?
A small tub shower combo is a shower-over-bath layout that fits a compact room (often a 1500–1700 mm bath). It’s ideal for families, guests and rentals where you want both bathing and showering without dedicating floor space to separate fixtures.
How much does a small bathtub shower combo cost in Perth?
As a guide, a quality small bathtub shower combo renovation in Perth ranges from $15,000–$28,000 for standard selections, and $28,000–$40,000 with premium tiles, custom glazing and porcelain/sintered stone. Final pricing depends on layout changes, plumbing, tiling area and fixtures.
What size tub fits in a small bathroom?
The most common compact size is a 1500 × 700–750 mm built-in tub. If you have a touch more length, 1600–1700 mm improves comfort. A P-shaped bath adds elbow room at the shower end without stealing extra length.
Is engineered stone or laminate better for vanity tops near a shower?
Both can perform well if detailed correctly. Engineered stone historically offered a premium, water-resistant surface, but in WA the supply and installation of engineered stone containing crystalline silica is now prohibited. Many homeowners choose porcelain/sintered stone for a similar look or opt for modern laminate for a budget-friendly finish. In all cases, insist on sealed edges and quality silicone work.
Do I need waterproofing certification in WA for a shower over bath?
Yes. Bathrooms must be waterproofed to AS 3740 by a qualified installer. Ask for a waterproofing certificate, and ensure plumbing complies with AS/NZS 3500. This protects your home and is often required for warranty and insurance.
