Planning a compact bathroom or ensuite refresh? The right tile size, colour and layout can make a tiny room feel bigger, lighter and easier to clean. As Perth bathroom renovation designers, Joyce Kitchens helps WA homeowners choose tiles, grout and finishes that balance style, safety and budget—then integrate them seamlessly with custom cabinetry and fixtures.
Tiling ideas for small bathrooms that really work
These tiny bathroom tile ideas are proven in snug ensuites, powder rooms and apartment bathrooms across Perth and regional WA.
1) Use larger tiles to minimise grout lines
Counterintuitive but true: large-format porcelain tiles (e.g., 600×600 or 600×1200) create fewer grout lines and a calmer, more expansive look. Consider rectified tiles with very fine joints for a near-seamless finish.
A ceramic or porcelain tile that’s precisely cut so edges are very straight, allowing tighter grout joints and a sleek, modern look.
2) Light, low‑contrast palettes lift the room
Soft whites, warm greys and stone‑look porcelain reflect light. Match grout to tile for walls to reduce visual clutter. Save contrast for a feature wall, niche shelf or vanity splashback.
3) Go vertical to “raise” the ceiling
Run subway tiles in a vertical stack, or choose a tall 300×900 wall tile to elongate the room. A frameless shower screen keeps sightlines open.
4) Small tiles in small bathroom areas—use sparingly
Mosaic tiles add texture and grip on shower floors and curves, but in large areas they increase grout and cleaning. Balance small tiles with adjacent larger tiles to keep maintenance low.
Australian slip resistance testing rates tiles P0–P5 (wet pendulum). For bathroom floors, P3–P4 is common; showers typically benefit from P4. Always verify the rating for wet zones.
5) Use continuous flooring lines
Carry the same tile from bathroom entry into the shower (with correct falls) to visually expand the footprint. A walk-in shower without a hob improves accessibility and the sense of space.
6) Herringbone and chevron for movement
Diagonal patterns guide the eye across the room. Try a herringbone feature on the floor or a single wall. Keep the rest simple to avoid visual noise.
Perth‑ready bathroom renovation process
Here’s how we approach small bathroom renovations in Perth—from design to handover—so you get a tidy, water‑tight finish that complies with Australian Standards.
- Measure & plan: Site measure, layout, ventilation and lighting review. We coordinate tiles with custom cabinetry WA solutions (e.g., wall‑hung vanity, floating shelves).
- Selections: Porcelain tiles (low porosity), grout colour, tapware, and a frameless shower screen. We also consider a matching engineered stone benchtop for the vanity.
- Compliance & waterproofing: Prepare substrate and falls to waste, then apply a waterproofing membrane in line with AS 3740 (Waterproofing of domestic wet areas). Consider engaging HIA/Master Builders WA member contractors for peace of mind.
- Tiling & fit‑off: Set out patterns, confirm grout joint thickness, complete tiling, then install vanity, back-to-wall toilet, mirrors and accessories.
- Quality checks: Verify slip rating selection, falls, and silicone joints. Provide cleaning and care instructions for tiles and epoxy grout where used.
Useful authorities: Housing Industry Association (HIA) and Master Builders WA. For slip resistance and wet area guidance see Standards Australia (AS 4586, AS 3740).
A liquid or sheet barrier applied to floors and walls in wet areas to stop water ingress. Mandatory in Australian bathrooms; must be installed by qualified applicators.
Materials, finishes and grout choices for compact bathrooms
Best tile types
- Porcelain tiles: Dense, durable, low water absorption—ideal for bathroom floors and walls.
- Ceramic tiles: Great for walls; lightweight and cost‑effective.
- Mosaic tiles: Excellent grip in showers and curves; use selectively to limit grout.
- Terrazzo or stone‑look porcelain: Achieves a premium look without sealing maintenance.
- Subway tiles: Classic; try vertical stack or herringbone to add height or movement.
Grout, colour and maintenance
- Colour: Match grout to tile to visually expand walls; use darker grout on floors to hide traffic.
- Epoxy grout: Highly stain‑resistant and low maintenance—perfect for showers and light‑coloured tiles.
- Joint widths: Narrow joints with rectified tiles keep lines sleek in small spaces.
A two‑part resin grout that’s highly resistant to staining, cracking and mould—excellent for wet areas and light‑coloured tiles.
Vanity benchtops in small bathrooms: Engineered Stone vs Laminate
| Feature | Engineered Stone Benchtop | Laminate Benchtop |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost (vanity size) | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent | Good (avoid pooling water on joints) |
| Heat/UV resistance (Aussie conditions) | High, but avoid direct high heat | Moderate; can fade or blister with heat |
| Maintenance | Low; non‑porous | Very low; wipe‑clean |
| Style range | Stone‑look, terrazzo‑look, concrete‑look | Vast decor choices incl. timber‑look |
| Best for | Premium ensuites, cohesive look with engineered stone kitchen | Budget‑friendly family bathrooms and rentals |
Our designers coordinate vanity tops with tiles and custom cabinetry so your bathroom aligns with your shaker kitchen, laundry renovations or broader kitchen renovations Perth projects for a cohesive home.
Bathroom floor tile patterns that open up compact spaces
- Stacked bond (straight lay): Clean, contemporary—great with large-format tiles to reduce visual clutter.
- Offset/brick bond: Traditional; use moderate offsets (1/3) on long tiles to minimise lipping.
- Herringbone or chevron: Adds movement and width—works beautifully with timber‑look porcelain planks.
- Diagonal/45° lay: Increases perceived width; check set‑out to avoid slivers at walls.
- Continuous shower floor: Same tile into the shower with correct falls for a larger feel and better accessibility.
If you’re hands‑on, read diy bathroom renovation for scope limits, safety and when to bring in licensed trades.
Layouts and styles for small bathrooms
Layout moves that win
- Wall‑hung vanity: Exposes more floor for a lighter look; easier cleaning.
- Back‑to‑wall toilet: Saves space and simplifies cleaning.
- Recessed niche shelf: Storage without protrusion; ideal for showers.
- Frameless shower screen: Minimises visual breaks; perfect for tiny rooms.
- Underfloor heating: Adds comfort, helps drying in cooler WA regions.
Style notes that suit small rooms
- Scandi/minimal: Pale stone‑look tiles, light timber cabinetry, matte black or brushed nickel tapware.
- Coastal WA: White walls, sandy‑tone floor, soft blue or green feature tiles, brushed brass accents.
- Modern classic: Vertical subway tiles, marble‑look porcelain, shaker‑style vanity doors for a subtle link to a shaker kitchen.
Costs and budgeting for small bathroom tiling in WA
Prices vary with tile choice, prep and complexity. Typical Perth ranges (incl. GST, guide only):
- Tiles: $25–$120+ per m² (ceramic to premium porcelain/terrazzo‑look)
- Tiling labour: $70–$120 per m² (pattern complexity and rectified edges add time)
- Waterproofing: $600–$1,200 (size and detail dependent)
- Shower screen (frameless): $900–$1,800
- Vanity & top: $900–$3,500+ (laminate to engineered stone benchtop)
- Total small bathroom refresh: Often $9,000–$25,000 depending on scope
We’ll itemise your quote and propose value‑driven swaps (e.g., ceramic wall tiles + porcelain floors) to meet budget without sacrificing durability.
Planning an extension? Our cost to add a bathroom guide covers budgets, approvals and sequencing.
WA case examples
Fremantle apartment ensuite
We used 600×600 stone‑look porcelain on floors and walls with matching grout, plus a vertical stack of slim subway tiles as a single feature behind the mirror. A wall‑hung vanity and frameless screen delivered a roomier feel without changing plumbing.
Mt Lawley family bathroom
Timber‑look porcelain in herringbone on the floor (P4) with light ceramic walls. A recessed niche shelf, back‑to‑wall toilet and engineered stone vanity top balanced function and style. The same palette echoed the nearby kitchen splashback for a cohesive renovation across rooms.
Practical small‑bathroom tiling checklist
- Confirm layout and falls to waste before choosing tile sizes.
- Select slip rating: aim P3–P4 for wet floors; check AS 4586 data sheet.
- Decide on pattern: stacked, herringbone, chevron or diagonal—mock up with tape.
- Choose grout colour; upgrade to epoxy grout in showers for longevity.
- Minimise transitions: run the same floor tile into the shower where possible.
- Pick a wall‑hung vanity and frameless shower screen to keep the room open.
- Book professional waterproofing to AS 3740 before tiling.
- Plan lighting and ventilation early (steam management preserves grout and silicone).
- Coordinate selections with kitchen renovations Perth or laundry renovations for whole‑home flow.
Ready to start?
From tile selection to custom vanity cabinetry and installation, Joyce Kitchens designs compact bathrooms that feel bigger and work harder. Book a design consult in our Perth showroom or an in‑home visit, and we’ll tailor a bathroom renovation plan that fits your space, style and budget.
FAQ
What tile size is best for a small bathroom in Australia?
Large‑format porcelain tiles (e.g., 600×600 or 600×1200) reduce grout lines and make walls and floors feel more seamless. Use mosaics in the shower floor for grip, and consider rectified tiles with narrow joints for a clean look.
How do I make a tiny bathroom look bigger with tiles?
Choose light, low‑contrast tiles and matching grout, run floor tiles continuously into the shower, and use vertical stacking or tall wall tiles to lift the eye. A frameless shower screen and wall‑hung vanity also keep sightlines open.
Are small tiles in small bathrooms harder to clean?
Yes—more grout means more maintenance. Keep mosaics to shower floors or feature areas, and use larger tiles elsewhere. Epoxy grout helps minimise staining and mould in wet zones.
What bathroom floor tile patterns work best in compact spaces?
Stacked bond with large‑format tiles creates a calm, open feel. Herringbone or chevron adds movement and can visually widen the room. A continuous floor into the shower (with correct falls) also makes the space feel bigger.
