In Perth, Australia, a wet room is typically referred to as an open-shower bathroom, where the entire space essentially functions as one large shower. This style may not be for everyone, but when designed correctly, a wet room can be extremely functional.

Below, we’ll focus on wet rooms that also include either a bath or a toilet within the open shower area. These types of renovations are technically challenging and require a high level of understanding and experience to execute properly.

Below is an example of a renovation we have completed that is your classic family bathroom from both angles converted into a wet room setup.

You may think that if you only have a small space, a wet room might not be feasible.

Think again—creating a wet room can actually make a small bathroom feel much larger, and compact wet rooms are often highly functional.

Large, bulky shower screens tend to act like walls that close in a space. In theory, the fewer screens you have, the more open and spacious your bathroom will feel.

From all the years of doing these types of bathroom renovations, especially in Perth, it’s important to note that everyone has a different tolerance for excess water.

A few drips to some may be a deal-breaker, so this is the bathroom I am most cautious about.

The bathrooms below are examples of how the wetroom renovation looks at its smallest function and functions in a space that is only 2300mm Wide x 1500mm Deep

Pros of Wet Rooms

• It has an open-plan feel
• Allows for more efficient use of the space which is often more visually appealing
• No need to have a shower bath that often is installed instead.
• Wet rooms can make small bathrooms appear larger and we all know large bathrooms tend to look more luxurious
• Great for kids, elderly, wheelchair access needs, etc as there are no recesses and shower trays or tracks to worry about stepping over

Cons of Wet Rooms

• A wet room design is generally a lot more ‘open plan’ so yes, splashes and steam can go everywhere
• Waterproofing is higher level and labor-intensive
• Drainage and tiling of the falls is crucial and something you want to be done by a professional a the top of his game
• There are some restrictions on where electrical can go i.e. powerpoints / heated towel rails.
• More plumbing moving equals a higher cost for the job.

Please Take Into Consideration

• The fall on the floor is crucial to drainage and pooling. The gradients need to be spot on to ensure the fall is correct, and the water is channeled from the shower and you have the ability to drain the entire room effectively.
• Wet rooms can have bricked baths like the example below, they are just more often freestanding due to their use by adults.

• Sufficient ventilation is even more important in a wet room to ensure the bathroom is able to dry out. Ensure windows cross-ventilate and have adequate extraction fans. Ensure the extraction vents moist air outside not in the roof space – otherwise, this will cause problems in your roof.
• Consider installing wall-hung fixtures (basin /toilet) to add to the spacious feel and free up the floor. Not only will this look more visually appealing but will make cleaning even easier.

• For the ultimate showering experience consider ceiling-mounted shower fittings, along with multi-directional body jets fixed to the wall, and if the wet room is large enough, double his/her showers are ideal.

Wet rooms look amazing, and they allow you to incorporate both a bath and a walk-in shower when space permits. For me, the key benefit is that you don’t have to settle for a shower-over-bath setup, which makes a huge difference in both style and functionality.

In Perth, many traditional bathrooms feature a shower, vanity, and bath all lined up in a row. Below is an example of how you can maximize that same space—creating a large walk-in shower and a bath that doesn’t need to sit directly in line, but instead can be arranged across the room for a more open and practical layout

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It’s important to note that all our advice is general in nature, and every bathroom is unique. For the best results, always consult a qualified local tradesperson.

At On the Ball Bathrooms, we value your feedback—so feel free to leave us a comment below. If you’re in Perth, Western Australia, and looking for a bathroom renovation quote, contact us on 0419 964 678 or email us at info@ontheballbathrooms.com.au.

This article was written by James McLoughlin, co-founder of On the Ball Bathrooms. With over 20 years of experience and more than 3,000 completed renovation projects, James brings a wealth of knowledge to every project. We hope you’ve found these tips helpful—or at the very least, enjoyed some beautiful renovation inspiration 🙂.