Small Bathroom Renovation Ideas for Australian Homes

I grew up in an older Australian house, which means I’m no stranger to small bathrooms. But I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. In fact, some of my favourite bathrooms, whether they’re on The Block, in a magazine or at a friend’s place, are tiny. The best small bathroom renovation ideas manage to pack a punch despite their compact dimensions.
I recently renovated my own small bathroom. It took about twice as long as expected (don’t they always?), but the end result was worth it. The trick to a successful small bathroom renovation is prioritising. Don’t jump straight into scrolling through tiles or vanities on Pinterest; take some time to plan ahead. Here are some of the top small bathroom ideas Australia is using right now, to help you make the most of the space you have.

Why Small Bathrooms Deserve Big Attention

If you live in a house that was built before the ’90s, there’s a good chance your bathroom is on the smaller side. Three square metres was a standard size for many years, and sometimes it was even less. Even in modern apartments, bathroom floor space comes at a premium.
Fortunately, bathroom manufacturers have cottoned on. Reece, ABI Interiors and even Bunnings now offer a range of products designed specifically for small bathrooms. You can find wall-hung vanities, slimline basins and tapware, all intended to save space in the bathroom. You don’t have to compromise on design, just because you have a small bathroom.

Smart Layout Changes That Make a Real Difference

Before you start browsing for tiles or a new vanity unit (okay, I know, that’s the exciting part), consider the layout of your bathroom. In a small bathroom design, it’s everything.
Replacing a floor-mounted vanity unit with a wall-hung one is a simple way to create the illusion of more floor space. A corner basin is another great option for small bathrooms, it fits into a dead space and still provides a basin. If your bathroom door opens inwards and encroaches on your floor space, consider replacing it with a pocket door or barn door. It’s a simple change, but it makes a big difference.
It’s also worth asking your plumber if it’s possible to move the location of fixtures. Sometimes moving a toilet by as little as 200mm can provide enough space for a shower.

Choosing the Right Bath for a Compact Space

Should you include a bath in a small bathroom? In my opinion, it depends. If you have kids or you’re renovating to sell, a bath can be a big selling point. But if it’s an ensuite for the adults, you might prefer to forget the bath and opt for a large shower instead.
If you do want to include a bath, the standard bath size Australia works with is usually around 1700mm in length and 730mm in width. So that’s the benchmark, but it doesn’t always suit a small bathroom.
If you have a very small bathroom, compact baths at 1500mm or even 1300mm are now available, and some of them are absolutely beautiful (look for Japanese style deep soaking options that are shorter but deeper to enable you to lie back and soak). If you’re after something compact, small baths australia retailers stock are a great place to start. If you do have the length, 1700mm Baths are the most popular choice — they suit most body types and are easy to find.

Storage Solutions That Actually Work

You will need storage in a small bathroom. Somewhere to store towels, toiletries, cleaning products and all those bottles that seem to breed when you’re not looking.
A recessed wall niche in the shower is a great way to add storage without encroaching on floor space and it looks great. A mirrored cabinet above the vanity provides hidden storage behind the mirror, which is one of my top tips for small bathroom design.
Tall vertical shelving units and ladder style towel rails also help draw the eye up and utilise the dead wall space. If you need something more substantial, consider proper bathroom cabinets — either wall mounted or beside the vanity. They provide serious storage without impacting on your footprint.

Finishing Touches: Tiles, Colour and Light

And now we get to the fun part. Light colours make a small bathroom feel bigger — whites, soft greys and pale timbers will all help reflect light and make the space feel larger. Having said that, I have seen some stunning small bathrooms with a darker, moodier colour scheme. It’s all about balance and light.
Large format tiles with minimal grout joints will help create the illusion of more space. And don’t forget a mirror (or two). Natural light is always the best option, but where this isn’t possible, try combining recessed downlights with a backlit mirror to help create a sense of warmth and welcome even in a windowless bathroom.
None of these small bathroom renovation ideas have to break the bank. They’re just smart choices that will help you create a beautiful bathroom in a small footprint.