Renovating a bathroom in Coburg, Brunswick and Pascoe Vale: making small rooms work

From narrow terraces in Brunswick and Coburg to postwar brick homes in Pascoe Vale, Fawkner and Glenroy, many bathrooms in this part of Melbourne share one challenge: space. A well planned small bathroom can feel generous, and most of the gains come from layout and product choice rather than knocking down walls. Here is how to approach it, with links to see products at our showroom serving Coburg, Brunswick and Pascoe Vale.

Start with the layout

In a narrow room, the order of fixtures along the long wall matters. A common arrangement is vanity near the door, toilet in the middle and shower at the far end, which keeps the wet area away from the entry. If the room has a bath, a shower over bath with a fixed screen can be the most space efficient family layout.

• Keep at least a comfortable walkway in front of the vanity and toilet. Your trades can confirm clearances.
• Consider a sliding or outward opening door if the door swing eats into the room.
• Keeping plumbing in the same positions usually reduces work.

Products that save space

• Slim vanities: space saving vanities and wall hung vanities keep the floor visible.
• Semi recessed basins: a semi recessed basin projects past a shallow vanity so you gain bowl size without losing floor.
• Wall mixers: wall mixers free up benchtop space.
• Mirror cabinets: shaving cabinets add storage without taking floor area.
• Rail showers: a rail shower gives an adjustable head and a hand shower in one fitting.

Tiles that open up the room

Pale tiles and fewer grout lines make a small room feel larger. A matt 600x600mm floor tile with matching or lighter walls is a safe base. Laying 300x600mm wall tiles vertically draws the eye up, which suits the tall ceilings of many period homes. Add character with a mosaic feature on one wall or in the shower niche.

Period terraces versus postwar homes

Terraces and older homes

Brunswick and Coburg terraces often have a bathroom at the rear, sometimes in an extension. Gloss wall tiles, hexagon floors and brushed gold or chrome tapware suit the character. Watch for uneven walls and floors, which may need preparation before tiling.

Postwar homes and units

Pascoe Vale, Fawkner and Glenroy have many postwar houses and units with square, compact bathrooms. Brightening them with large format tiles, a frameless screen and a LED mirror makes a big difference.

Laundries and second toilets

Many homes here combine the laundry with the bathroom or squeeze a second toilet into a small space. A compact laundry sink and a slim toilet suite help. Think about ventilation too, because small rooms hold moisture.

Moisture and ventilation in small rooms

Small bathrooms fill with steam quickly, and older homes often have little ventilation. A ducted exhaust fan, ideally vented outside rather than into the roof space, helps protect grout, silicone and paint. Matt tiles and brushed tapware hide water marks better in rooms that stay damp. A heated towel rail also helps towels dry and adds a little warmth.

Storage without clutter

In a compact bathroom, storage has to be clever. A shaving cabinet above the basin keeps daily items out of sight, a shower niche replaces corner caddies, and a wall hung vanity with drawers uses depth well. Keep benchtops clear and the room will feel bigger.

Free measure and quote

We offer a free measure across Coburg, Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Fawkner and Glenroy. After choosing products at our Reservoir showroom, about 15 to 20 minutes away for most of these suburbs, you can order products only, or ask us to quote installation by our qualified trades. See the renovation checklist to plan the sequence.

Common questions

What is the best vanity for a narrow bathroom?

A space saving or wall hung vanity with a semi recessed basin gives a usable bowl in a shallow depth.

Do large tiles work in small bathrooms?

Often yes, because fewer grout lines make the room feel bigger. Very small or irregular rooms may suit smaller tiles to reduce cuts.

Do you service Glenroy and Fawkner?

Yes. We offer a free measure and delivery across Glenroy and Fawkner, and pickup from Reservoir is usually ready in 2 to 4 days.

Shopping from the inner north?

Customers from Preston, Thornbury and Northcote can reach our Reservoir showroom in minutes. Each local page covers drive times, product advice and a free measure. See all areas we serve.

Visit us or shop online

See the range in person at our showrooms: Geelong at 35A Ryrie St, Geelong VIC 3220, phone (03) 5223 2765, and Reservoir at 214 Broadway, Reservoir VIC 3073, phone (03) 9867 5051. Both are open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:00pm, Saturday 9:30am to 3:00pm, and Sunday by appointment only.

Planning a renovation? Request a quote and a free measure, and ask us to include installation by our qualified trades if you would like it quoted. Prefer to shop from home? Order online with Australia-wide delivery, or pick up from either showroom, usually ready in 2 to 4 days.