Living in a Brisbane apartment often means dealing with a tiny bathroom. The good news? Even the smallest bathroom can be transformed with smart renovation ideas. Let’s explore how you can make the most of your limited bathroom space.
The right fixtures can free up valuable floor space in your apartment bathroom:
Fixture
Space-Saving Benefit
Cost Range
Wall-hung toilet
Frees up 20-30cm of floor space
$600-$2,000
Floating vanity
Creates storage underneath while making the floor look bigger
$500-$2,500
Corner shower
Utilises often wasted corner space
$800-$2,200
Semi-frameless shower screen
Creates visual openness
$650-$1,550
“We replaced our bulky vanity with a wall-hung one in our New Farm apartment. The bathroom instantly felt twice as big, and we gained storage space we never had before.” – Lisa M., New Farm
Clever Storage Ideas for Tiny Bathrooms
Finding storage in a small bathroom is tricky but not impossible:
Recessed wall niches: Create storage without taking up floor space
Vertical storage: Install tall, narrow cabinets that use height instead of width
Magnetic strips: Hold metal items like tweezers and scissors on walls
Behind-the-door racks: Use this often forgotten space for towels and toiletries
Shower caddies: Keep shower essentials off the edges of your bath or shower
Beating Brisbane’s Humidity in Small Spaces
Our subtropical climate creates unique challenges in small bathrooms:
Install an extraction fan with humidity sensor that runs until moisture levels drop
Choose mould-resistant paint for ceiling and walls
Select tiles with low porosity that resist mould growth
Consider a small dehumidifier for bathrooms with poor ventilation
Making Your Bathroom Look Bigger
These visual tricks can make your small bathroom feel much larger:
Color and Light
Light colors make spaces feel bigger and brighter
Large mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space
Good lighting eliminates shadows that make spaces feel cramped
Smart Tiling
Large-format tiles mean fewer grout lines, creating a more seamless look
Running floor tiles into the shower area creates a continuous effect
Vertical tile patterns draw the eye upward, making ceilings feel higher
Real-Life Brisbane Apartment Transformation
Sarah and Tom’s Fortitude Valley apartment bathroom was just 3.2 square metres. Their challenges included:
No storage space
Dark, cramped shower
Outdated fixtures taking up too much room
We transformed their space with:
Wall-hung toilet and vanity to free up floor space
Large mirror with built-in cabinet for storage
Semi-frameless shower screen to open up the visual space
Vertical subway tiles to make the ceiling feel higher
Improved ventilation to handle Brisbane’s humidity
“Our tiny bathroom now feels modern, functional and surprisingly spacious. We can actually move around without bumping into things!” – Sarah, Fortitude Valley
Budget-Friendly Tips for Brisbane Apartment Bathrooms
You don’t need to spend a fortune to improve your bathroom:
Keep plumbing where it is: Moving plumbing is expensive and often requires body corporate approval
Refresh rather than replace: Sometimes new tapware and a fresh coat of paint is enough
Focus on high-impact changes: Upgrade the things you notice most (like the vanity or shower screen)
Shop end-of-financial-year sales: June is a great time for bathroom fixture bargains in Brisbane
Consider DIY for simple jobs: Painting and installing accessories can save on labour costs
Working With Your Body Corporate
Before renovating your Brisbane apartment bathroom:
Check your building’s by-laws about renovation approvals
Get written permission before making structural changes
Inform neighbours about potential noise and disruption
Use only licensed tradespeople (required by most body corporates)
Schedule deliveries during approved hours
Professional Help vs. DIY
Some jobs need professionals, while others you might tackle yourself:
Leave to the professionals:
Waterproofing
Plumbing changes
Electrical work
Tile installation
Possible DIY projects:
Painting
Installing towel rails and toilet roll holders
Replacing tapware
Basic vanity assembly
Before You Start
Ask yourself these questions:
What bothers you most about your current bathroom?
What’s your realistic budget?
How long can you manage without a fully functional bathroom?
Do you have body corporate approval if needed?
Next Steps
Ready to transform your small Brisbane apartment bathroom? Start by:
Measuring your space accurately
Creating a wish list of must-have features
Setting a realistic budget
Contacting professionals for quotes
Checking body corporate requirements
With smart planning and clever design, even the smallest Brisbane apartment bathroom can become a functional, beautiful space that feels much bigger than it really is.
