Maximising Small Bathroom Spaces: Sydney Renovation Tips

Making the Most of Small Bathrooms

Small bathrooms are common in Sydney homes, but limited space does not mean limited functionality or style. Whether you're planning a small bathroom renovation in Sydney or simply looking for ways to improve your current space, strategic plumbing choices and clever design can transform a cramped bathroom into an efficient, comfortable room you'll enjoy using every day.

With over 10 years of experience renovating bathrooms across Sydney, our team has helped hundreds of homeowners maximise their small bathroom spaces. Here's everything you need to know.

Space-Saving Plumbing Fixtures

1. Wall-Hung Toilets

Wall-mounted toilets are one of the most effective ways to free up floor space and create a sleek, modern look. The cistern is concealed within the wall cavity, giving the room a clean, uncluttered feel. Floor space appears larger and is significantly easier to clean underneath. You can also adjust the mounting height for optimal comfort — a real advantage for households with mixed needs.

Keep in mind that wall-hung toilets require in-wall framing and structural support, so professional toilet installation is essential. An access panel is also needed for cistern maintenance down the track.

2. Corner Basins and Toilets

Corner-mounted fixtures utilise often-wasted corner spaces, freeing central areas for movement. This is particularly effective in narrow or awkwardly shaped bathrooms common in older Sydney terraces and apartments.

3. Compact Vanities

Narrow-depth vanities (400-450mm instead of standard 600mm) provide storage without protruding into the room. Wall-hung vanities create a floating effect that makes the floor area appear larger. Corner vanities maximise awkward spaces, and integrated sink-vanity units minimise overall depth.

4. Shower Over Bath

If you need both a shower and a bath, combining them saves significant space compared to separate installations. This is a popular choice in Sydney family homes where space is at a premium.

5. Walk-In and Frameless Showers

For shower-only bathrooms, walk-in or frameless glass showers eliminate visual barriers, making the space feel substantially larger. They remove bulky shower curtains or frames and allow natural light to flow throughout the room. Pair with wall-mounted tap and mixer installations to eliminate basin clutter and allow for smaller, more streamlined fittings.

6. Slim-Profile Taps and Mixers

Wall-mounted taps free up bench space on your vanity and allow for smaller basin sizes. Modern slim-profile mixers look elegant whilst taking up minimal room.

Smart Storage Solutions

Recessed Shelving

Building shelves into wall cavities (between studs) provides storage without any protrusion into the room. Shower niches for toiletries, recessed medicine cabinets, and toilet paper holder recesses are all excellent options that keep surfaces clear.

Under-Sink and Vertical Storage

Maximise your vanity space with pull-out drawers instead of doors and organised dividers. Use vertical space with tall, narrow cabinets reaching the ceiling, over-toilet storage units, and ladder-style towel racks. In small bathrooms, every centimetre counts.

Layout Optimisation

Door and Fixture Placement

Consider relocating the door or changing its swing direction to improve layout efficiency. Pocket doors that slide into walls are an excellent space saver. For fixture placement, position the toilet in a corner to free central space, place the basin opposite the shower rather than beside it, and cluster wet areas together to simplify plumbing runs.

Shower Dimensions

The minimum comfortable shower size is 900mm x 900mm. Consider 900mm x 1200mm for more comfort without excessive space consumption. Going below the minimum creates a cramped, unpleasant experience.

Popular Small Bathroom Trends in 2026

Sydney homeowners are embracing several key trends for small bathroom renovations this year:

• Matte black fixtures: Tapware, shower heads, and towel rails in matte black create a bold, contemporary contrast against light tiles and walls
• Frameless glass shower screens: Maximise the visual sense of space whilst keeping water contained
• Floating vanities: Wall-mounted vanities with clean lines make the floor area appear larger and simplify cleaning
• Large-format tiles: Fewer grout lines create a seamless, spacious feel — even in small rooms, 600x600mm or larger tiles work beautifully
• Smart mirrors: Illuminated mirrors with built-in LED lighting, demisting pads, and even Bluetooth speakers combine functionality with style

These trends work particularly well in compact spaces because they prioritise clean lines and visual simplicity over ornate detail.

Cost Guide for Small Bathroom Renovations in Sydney

Understanding the costs involved helps you plan and budget effectively. Here are typical price ranges for small bathroom renovations across Sydney in 2026:

• Budget renovation ($10,000-$15,000): New fixtures and fittings with existing layout retained. Includes replacement toilet, vanity, tapware, shower screen, and basic tiling. Ideal when the plumbing doesn't need relocating.
• Mid-range renovation ($15,000-$25,000): Layout changes, quality fixtures, floor-to-ceiling tiling, frameless glass shower, wall-hung vanity, and updated plumbing. This is the most popular range for Sydney homeowners.
• Premium renovation ($25,000+): Complete redesign with high-end fixtures, underfloor heating, custom joinery, designer tapware, smart features, and full plumbing relocation. Suited to those wanting a luxurious finish.

Keep in mind that costs vary based on the extent of plumbing relocation, structural work required, fixture selections, and tiling choices. We always provide detailed upfront quotes so you know exactly what to expect.

When to Hire a Professional

Whilst cosmetic upgrades like painting and accessories can be DIY projects, any work involving plumbing relocation requires a licensed plumber. In New South Wales, it's a legal requirement that plumbing work is carried out by a licensed professional.

You'll need a qualified plumber for:

• Relocating drain lines, water supply pipes, or gas connections
• Installing wall-hung toilets (requires in-wall cistern framing)
• Moving or adding shower, bath, or basin connections
• Ensuring adequate water pressure for new or relocated fixtures
• Verifying your hot water system can handle additional or relocated fixtures
• Compliance with Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia

Attempting plumbing work without proper licensing risks leaks, water damage, non-compliance fines, and voiding your home insurance.

Plumbing Considerations for Renovations

Pipe Relocation

Moving plumbing to optimise your layout requires professional assessment. Drain lines need proper slope — not all relocations are feasible. Structural considerations for in-wall plumbing, compliance with building codes, and access for future maintenance all need to be evaluated.

Water Pressure and Ventilation

Ensure adequate pressure for all fixtures, especially if adding new ones. This may require pipe size upgrades, pressure regulator adjustment, or pump installation for upper floors. Proper ventilation is equally important — install or upgrade exhaust fans and ensure they vent outside, not into the roof cavity. Good ventilation prevents mould and moisture damage that can quickly ruin a new renovation.

Water Efficiency

Small bathrooms are perfect for water-efficient fixtures that save money and resources. Look for WELS-rated products: dual-flush toilets (3/4.5L instead of older 11L models), low-flow showerheads (7-9L/min with excellent pressure), and efficient taps with 6L/min aerators. These upgrades often pay for themselves within a couple of years through reduced water bills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Undersized shower: Below 900mm x 900mm feels cramped and uncomfortable
• No ventilation: Leads to mould and moisture damage that ruins finishes
• Inadequate lighting: Makes a small space feel even smaller
• Too many colours or patterns: Creates visual clutter — keep it simple
• Ignoring storage: Clutter makes small bathrooms feel chaotic
• DIY plumbing: Mistakes cause leaks, costly repairs, and compliance issues

Professional Bathroom Plumbing Services

Our team specialises in small bathroom renovations and optimisations across Sydney:

• Space planning and fixture selection advice
• Complete bathroom plumbing installation
• Fixture relocation and pipe rerouting
• Wall-hung toilet and vanity installation
• Tap, mixer, and showerhead installation
• Water efficiency upgrades
• Compliance with building codes and Australian Standards

With over 10 years of experience and a 12-month workmanship warranty on all installations, we'll help you get the most out of your small bathroom space.

Planning a small bathroom renovation? Call 0404 939 121 for expert plumbing advice and professional installation across Sydney.