How to Choose the Best Bathroom Layout for Your Renovation Project

Posted on November 6, 2024 by Wale
Categories: Bathroom Renovations

The best bathroom layout is the one that suits who uses the room, the space you have and where the plumbing already sits. Measure the room, map the existing plumbing, then choose a three-piece, full bathroom, wet room or ensuite layout. Storage, lighting and finishes follow from that decision, and keeping plumbing in place keeps the job simpler.

Step 1: work out who will use the bathroom

Bathroom type	Recommended layout features
Family bathroom	Bath plus shower, plenty of storage, durable finishes
Guest bathroom	Simple three-piece: toilet, basin and shower
Ensuite	Double vanity, walk-in shower, premium finishes

A mistake we often see is overdesigning a small space. Function comes first, especially in compact homes and apartments.

Step 2: measure the space properly

• Measure walls, doors and windows, including ceiling height
• Mark where the existing drains, water points and fan sit
• Note which way the door swings and where natural light comes in
• Allow clearance to move: many designers work to around 700 to 900mm in front of the toilet and vanity

Your builder will confirm clearances and fixture positions against the building code for your specific room.

Step 3: choose the best bathroom layout for your renovation

Layout	What it includes	Best for	Why it works
Three-piece	Toilet, basin and shower along one or two walls	Guest bathrooms, tighter budgets	Fewer plumbing runs, efficient use of space
Full bathroom	Toilet, basin, shower and bath	Families	Bath for kids, strong resale appeal
Wet room	Open, fully waterproofed shower zone	Small rooms, modern homes, accessibility	Easy to clean, feels spacious, step-free
Ensuite with double vanity	Two basins, walk-in shower, optional freestanding bath	Couples, main bedrooms	No queues in the morning, a retreat feel

See how these layouts come together in finished rooms in our projects gallery.

Step 4: place fixtures smartly

• Toilet: out of the direct line of sight from the door where possible
• Shower and bath: on opposite walls in larger rooms, combined in smaller ones
• Vanity: a double vanity for shared use, wall-hung in small bathrooms
• Mirror and lighting: where light falls evenly on your face, not behind you

Wall-hung vanities are popular in Queensland homes because they look modern, let air move under the cabinet and make the floor easy to clean.

Step 5: build in storage that works

Storage type	Best use
Recessed shower niche	Shampoo and toiletries
Floating shelves	Towels and decor
Drawer vanity	Daily essentials
Mirror or wall cabinet	Hidden storage at eye level

Step 6: plan for accessibility and the future

Planning ahead now avoids a second renovation later. Features worth considering:

• A step-free walk-in shower
• A wider doorway
• Slip-resistant floor tiles
• Blocking in the walls for grab rails, even if you add them later

These suit families with young children, long-term owners and anyone planning to age in place.

Step 7: get lighting and ventilation right

Queensland humidity makes ventilation critical. Plan it at layout stage, not as an afterthought.

• Lighting layers: ambient ceiling light, task lighting at the mirror, accent lighting for mood
• Ventilation: an exhaust fan sized for the room and ducted outside, plus a window if you have one
• Materials: moisture-resistant cabinetry and finishes throughout

Bathroom layout ideas by size

Small bathroom (shower only)

• Frameless glass shower screen
• Compact wall-hung vanity
• Wall-mounted storage and a recessed niche

Family bathroom (shower and bath)

• Bath along one wall
• Vanity and toilet opposite
• Durable, easy-clean surfaces

Luxury ensuite

• Freestanding bath near a window
• Double vanity
• Walk-in shower

Your bathroom renovation plan checklist

1. List who uses the room and what they need
2. Measure and photograph the space, including plumbing points
3. Choose a layout type and decide if plumbing moves
4. Place fixtures, storage and lighting on the plan
5. Choose finishes that suit wet areas (see our bathroom tiles guide)
6. Get an on-site quote from a licensed builder

For design ideas suited to coastal homes, read Gold Coast bathroom design made simple, or see our bathroom renovations Gold Coast guide for the full process.

Work with bathroom renovation specialists

HEW Projects helps homeowners plan layouts, choose materials and build bathrooms that work every day. Explore our bathroom renovations, or see local work in the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane.

Ready to talk about your bathroom? HEW Projects is a QBCC-licensed builder (licence 15267396) and Master Builders Queensland member based in Slacks Creek. Book a free on-site quote or call 0420 266 652 and we will walk through your space, your ideas and your options.