Best Bathroom Layouts for Small NZ Homes
Meta description: Designing a small bathroom? Use these tested layouts and styling tricks that work in real Kiwi homes.
Small bathrooms can be surprisingly difficult to design. Every centimetre matters—and when done wrong, they can feel cramped, awkward, and outdated.
At Key Interiors, we renovate dozens of compact bathrooms across Auckland every year. Here are our best small bathroom layout ideas NZ homeowners are using, along with smart styling tips and before/after inspiration that actually works.
🔹 Top Small Bathroom Layouts for NZ Homes
Whether you’re working with a 3m² powder room or a 6m² family bathroom, these proven layouts maximise space, flow, and functionality.
1. The Wall-to-Wall Layout (Shower, Toilet, Vanity)
✔ Great for bathrooms under 4m²
✔ Ideal for long, narrow rooms
Layout:
Walk-in shower at the back
Wall-hung toilet in the centre
Compact vanity near the door
Clean lines and a single wet zone keep it feeling open.
2. Corner Shower with Floating Vanity
✔ Works in square rooms around 5m²
✔ Popular in older villas and bungalows
Layout:
Corner shower with frameless glass
Floating vanity along the longest wall
Toilet tucked beside or opposite
Floating elements create more visible floor space—key for making small rooms feel larger.
3. Shower-Over-Bath with Recessed Storage
✔ Perfect for family bathrooms
✔ Great when you need a tub but have limited space
Layout:
Bath and shower combo along one wall
Vanity with recessed mirror cabinet
Compact toilet opposite
Recessed niches and mirrored cabinets double your storage without adding bulk.
4. Wet Room Style (Fully Tiled)
✔ Great for ultra-small bathrooms or ensuites
✔ Easy-clean, minimalist vibe
Layout:
Fully tiled floor and walls
Open shower area with linear drain
Wall-hung basin and toilet
A frameless design gives a sleek, uninterrupted feel.
📸 Before & After: Small Bathroom Transformations
From poky and impractical to calm and curated—see how we’ve renovated real Auckland bathrooms using the layouts above.
👉 Gallery coming soon
🎁 Free Download: Our Small Bathroom Layout Guide
Want to visualise your options?
📥 Download our free PDF guide with layout plans
Includes:
4 professional floor plans
NZ-standard fixture sizes
Tips for layout vs plumbing placement
✨ Styling Tips for Small Bathrooms
Use wall-hung vanities to open up floor space
Install large-format tiles to reduce grout lines and create visual flow
Add recessed niches instead of shelves or ledges
Stick to light, cool neutrals like soft white, stone, and sage
Choose minimal tapware in brass, chrome, or matte black
Use mirrored cabinets to reflect light and double your storage
🛠️ Renovating a Small Bathroom?
We’ll help you design the ideal layout, recommend storage solutions, and manage the full project from demo to styling.
👉 See our full bathroom renovation services
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best layout for a small NZ bathroom?
The wall-to-wall layout (shower, toilet, vanity) is the most space-efficient for narrow rooms. Corner showers and floating vanities also work well for tighter spaces.
How small can a bathroom be in NZ?
A full bathroom (with shower, toilet, and vanity) can fit comfortably into 3–4m² with clever planning and the right fixtures.
Can I fit a bath in a small bathroom?
Yes, if you’re open to a shower-over-bath combo. There are compact bath models under 1500mm designed for tight spaces.
What type of tiles make a small bathroom feel bigger?
Large-format matte tiles, laid vertically or in stacked patterns, help open up the room. Use similar tones across walls and floors for flow.
Can I customise my layout with Key Interiors?
Absolutely. We’ll tailor the layout to your space, budget, and style—whether you're renovating a villa, unit, or modern townhouse.