Planning a bathroom layout is far more than just choosing where to put a vanity or shower. In compact or awkward Brisbane homes, smart bathroom design directly impacts how luxurious and functional the space feels.

Whether you are renovating an ensuite, main bathroom, or powder room, careful attention to window placement, door openings, and space-saving elements is critical.
Here’s how to plan a bathroom layout that works beautifully, and adds maximum value to your home.

Start with the Essentials: Layout Fundamentals

Before selecting tiles, bathtub or tapware, anchor your design around the three core functional areas:

• Shower or bath zone
• Vanity and basin area
• Toilet positioning

The goal is to create natural movement pathways between these zones without cramping or forcing awkward navigation. Always ensure at least 900mm clearance in front of major fittings like vanities, toilets, and showers for comfortable use.

When space is tight, prioritise function first and then layer in aesthetics.

Consider Window Placement Carefully

Windows are crucial for light, ventilation, and spatial openness in a bathroom.
However, poorly positioned windows can severely limit your layout options.

Key Window Planning Tips:

• Avoid placing windows directly behind toilets if possible. It feels exposed and limits privacy.
• Centre windows above bathtubs or along side walls to frame natural light beautifully.
• Use frosted, textured, or louvred glass to maximise light while maintaining privacy.
• In small bathrooms, higher clerestory windows allow wall space for vanities or mirrors without sacrificing natural light.

If repositioning a window is not possible, use it as a design feature, framing vanities or freestanding tubs beneath it for visual impact.

Doors: Openings, Types, and Smart Choices

A poorly positioned door can sabotage even the best bathroom design. Always map out door swings early to avoid doors crashing into vanities, toilets, or shower screens.

Best Door Options for Space Maximisation:

• Sliding Doors: Pocket doors that slide into the wall cavity save valuable floor space and allow more flexible layouts.
• Barn Doors: External sliding doors offer a similar space-saving effect without structural wall changes.
• Swing Doors: Traditional hinged doors work well in larger bathrooms but require full swing clearance (usually 700–900mm).
• Bifold Doors: Compact and useful in tight ensuite bathrooms but can look less sleek.

If a hinged door must be used, plan for it to swing outwards where possible to free up internal space for fixtures.

Shower Screen, Tiled Wall, or Open Plan? Choosing the Right Shower Style

A critical design decision in modern Brisbane bathrooms is whether to use a full shower screen, a partial divider, a tiled partition wall, or go fully open-plan (sometimes called a “wet room”).

Full Shower Screens:

• Keep water contained and controlled
• Create a clearly defined shower zone
• Ideal for family homes or high-use bathrooms
• Recommended when resale is a priority, as buyers often expect enclosed showers

Partial Glass Dividers (Half Panels):

• Offer splash protection while maintaining an open feel
• Well-suited to smaller bathrooms where space and sightlines matter
• Work particularly well with walk-in showers and linear drains

Tiled Partition Walls:

• Provide privacy without enclosing the space
• Create a sculptural architectural feature using tiles as a design element
• Allow greater design flexibility with curves, textures, or colour-blocking
• Eliminate the need for cleaning glass, reducing long-term maintenance
• Work beautifully in bathrooms where cohesion between surfaces is key (e.g. continuing floor tiles up the wall)

Open-Plan Wet Rooms:

• No screens or dividers; fully waterproofed, flush tiled floors
• Deliver a modern, spa-like aesthetic
• Require excellent drainage design and precise waterproofing
• Best suited to premium renovations where floor grading and tile selection are carefully managed

Ultimately, the right choice depends on how the space will be used, your maintenance preferences, and the overall design intent.
Tiled walls offer an elegant, low-maintenance alternative to glass, especially in homes focused on clean lines and cohesive material use.

Pro Layout Tip: Zone Wet and Dry Areas Thoughtfully

Segmenting wet (shower, bath) and dry (toilet, vanity) zones improves usability and longevity.

• Place showers furthest from the bathroom entrance to prevent water splashing toward the door.
• Anchor vanities near windows if possible for natural lighting during morning routines.
• Keep toilets slightly tucked away from direct sight lines to preserve visual flow.

Quick Checklist for Planning a Functional Bathroom Layout

• Confirm 900mm clearance in front of all major fixtures
• Assess door swing impact; consider sliding or barn doors for small spaces
• Position windows to maximise natural light without compromising privacy
• Choose the right shower solution: full screen, partial, or open wet room
• Zone wet and dry areas carefully to manage moisture and flow
• Consider access needs for aging-in-place or family use if planning long-term

Get Started With A Bathroom Renovation Quote

Ready to transform your bathroom with expert planning, precision tiling, and transparent pricing?
Get in touch with Brisbane’s Best Tilers and Bathroom Renovations for a detailed, obligation-free quote. Our team delivers exceptional craftsmanship, clear communication, and full project visibility from day one.

Let’s bring your vision to life — the right way.

Get a quote started today

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Layout Planning

Should bathroom doors swing in or out?

Where possible, bathroom doors should swing outwards.
An outward swing maximises usable floor space inside the bathroom, prevents conflicts with fixtures like vanities or toilets, and improves accessibility in an emergency.
In smaller bathrooms or ensuites, a sliding cavity door or barn door may be an even better solution to save space.

Are open plan wet rooms a good idea for small bathrooms?

Open plan wet rooms can work well in small bathrooms if they are designed properly.
A wet room eliminates the need for a full shower enclosure, creating an open, spacious feel.
However, proper floor grading, quality waterproofing, and careful drainage design are essential to prevent water pooling and ensure usability.
Open plan designs suit luxury renovations and contemporary homes but require a higher upfront investment in waterproofing.

How much space do you need in front of a toilet or vanity?

For comfortable use, you should allow at least 900mm of clear floor space in front of toilets and vanities.
This clearance ensures ease of movement, meets Australian Building Code recommendations, and improves the overall flow of the bathroom layout.
In very compact bathrooms, clearances as tight as 750mm may be acceptable, but anything less risks feeling cramped and difficult to use.