Small Bathroom Designs with Shower That Actually Work in Melbourne Homes

Let’s face it—most Melbourne bathrooms aren’t built like spa retreats. If you’re dealing with a small footprint, you’re not alone. But with the right design, even the most compact bathrooms can feel modern, luxurious, and open—especially when you rethink the shower.

Here’s how smart Melbourne homeowners are making small bathroom + shower combos work, beautifully.

1. Ditch the Bathtub

You’re not “losing” anything by skipping the tub—you’re gaining space, movement, and visual flow. A walk-in shower (especially frameless) instantly opens up the room, removes awkward edges, and makes cleaning easier. Most modern renos in Melbourne suburbs are moving in this direction.

2. Use Clear Glass Like a Weapon

Forget frosted or framed screens. A frameless glass shower screen keeps the space open and visually uninterrupted. In tight bathrooms, every line you don’t see makes a difference.

3. Tuck It in the Corner or End Wall

Corner showers (especially 900x900mm or 1000x1000mm) or end-wall showers give you the best flow in rectangular layouts. In small bathrooms, placement matters more than you think. Shifting the shower 30cm in either direction can make or break the layout.

4. Use Large Tiles + Floor Drain Grates

Go big with tiles, even in small rooms. Large-format tiles reduce grout lines, which makes the room feel larger. Pair that with a linear drain grate to allow for a single-slope floor and seamless tiling into the shower—no step or hob needed.

5. Add a Niche (Not a Shelf)

Skip the caddy. Recessed shower niches built into the wall are sleek, practical, and space-saving. They make the whole design feel custom—not cramped.

6. Think Vertical Storage

With a small space, height is your friend. Tall shaving cabinets, floating vanities, and high towel hooks free up floor space and make everything feel more intentional.

7. Match Your Fixtures & Fittings

In small bathrooms, consistency matters. Pick a finish (brushed nickel, matte black, chrome) and stick with it throughout. Mismatched hardware makes the room feel busier than it really is.

What’s the Best Shower Layout for a Small Melbourne Bathroom?

Every home is different—but here are three proven layouts our team recommends:

• Option A: Walk-in corner shower with glass screen, wall-hung vanity beside it

• Option B: Full-width shower along the end wall with single glass panel

• Option C: Curved corner shower with sliding doors (great for tiny footprints)

Planning a Small Bathroom Reno? We’ll Make It Work

At Bluestone Build Co., we’ve helped countless Melbourne homeowners transform tight, awkward bathrooms into functional, stylish spaces—with smart shower designs that actually work.

✅ Full design + build support
✅ Precision project management
✅ Clean, reliable trades that show up on time

Book your renovation consultation today and we’ll help you make the most of your space.