12 small bathroom basin ideas for Australian homes

While homeownership involves regular maintenance, it also offers the freedom to personalise your space. If your bathroom is due for an upgrade, making the right choice on tapware is essential. With that in mind and 2025 right around the corner, we’ve selected 13 of the best bathroom taps in Australia.

Bathrooms with raw elements can be stylistically luxurious and comforting. Including concrete accents, in this instance, by choosing a concrete basin, can help elevate a small bathroom into something less ordinary. This inclusion of raw material complements unpretentious styling, something many find appealing and worth considering in small bathroom designs.

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A wall-mounted basin (or floating basin) is one of the easiest and most versatile space-saving ideas for small bathrooms. This is because almost any basin can be fixed to the wall with a vast range made specifically for that purpose. When combined with a floating vanity unit, this cannot only create storage space but also create an illusion of space, with the floor visible in the space underneath.

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A slim vanity is a skinnier version of the traditional bathroom sink. The average vanity width is 53cm compared to a slim vanity, which is about 38cm. This style can still include all the traditional features, including a bathroom sink, a mirror, vanity lights, and storage, sacrificing only a bit of countertop space. However, in a small bathroom, that space can make a big difference.

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Vessel basins are beautiful options to consider, and they are available in various sizes and styles. This flexibility gives you the opportunity to create a bit more counter space than you might ordinarily have when using a traditional inset sink. For instance, with a bowl-shaped vessel sink, only the bottom of the sink connects with the counter (as opposed to the entire outer rim), giving you more counter space to work with.

Contrary to popular belief, using dark colours in your bathroom doesn't make it appear smaller. Dark colours can add warmth and depth to your small bathroom, especially in contrast to brighter colours, giving it greater dimension. A black basin against brightly coloured wall or floor tiles is a great example of this, but there are many others that you can experiment with in much the same way.

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Bathroom taps can take up a lot of space around a basin which is why you should seriously consider the option of wall-hung faucets. Essentially, these are faucets that are attached to the adjacent wall above the basin instead of on the countertop. Not only does this save you counter space, but it also creates a floating effect that is modern and luxurious. The plumbing may be slightly more complicated to set up, but the results are often well worth the effort.

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Like concrete, natural stone is a way to make your basin the centre of attention in your bathroom, and there are so many natural materials to pick from. Quartz, limestone and marble are just a few of the beautiful natural materials that can be used to make your basin. Again, the aim when incorporating natural elements is to soothe and relax the mood in a bathroom, which is vital when working with small spaces.

An undermount is one that is installed from below your countertop. This keeps the basin completely concealed and virtually unnoticeable as you enter your bathroom. They are extremely easy to clean and maintain, and if you’re one who is aggravated by clutter, an undermount sink will stay out of sight and out of mind.

Tiered bathroom shelving is one of the easiest ways to add storage depth to your bathroom. The space underneath your basin is the perfect place for this, as it will remain otherwise unused. A small bathroom vanity or built-in cabinets is another solution to consider, both of which have the added advantage of concealing your bathroom items and accessories from plain view. If space allows, add a small towel bar to the side, which will come in handy.

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This option is great for a tiny bathroom where your hands outstretched can almost touch both walls. Side faucets to many as counter-mounted options for those who like to keep the space behind their basins free. You can even consider floor-mounted faucets from the side in combination with a freestanding basin, an incredibly stylish solution for those interested in making a design statement of note.

Modern bathroom design is never complete without due consideration given to lighting. You can follow all the tricks above to maximise your bathroom space, but if you disregard your lighting, leaving it bleak and flat, all your hard work will be diminished. Layering your light with ambient and task lighting will help create depth while enhancing whatever natural light you get by using mirrors or otherwise, which will keep your bathroom feeling bright and spacious. Again, the options here are plentiful, so you’ll have no excuses for finding a solution that works for you.

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Consider basin units that incorporate storage or feature integrated elements like towel rails, hooks, or shelving. These multi-functional designs are ideal for maximising utility in small bathrooms, helping to keep the space tidy and organised. By combining practical storage with essential fixtures, they reduce the need for additional furniture, freeing up valuable floor space. Such designs not only enhance convenience but also contribute to a more streamlined and efficient bathroom layout.

With so many small bathroom basin ideas at your disposal, you have the opportunity to be creative and find solutions that work for you. Your bathroom is a sanctuary in your home and deserves to be considered with care. The more thoughtful your choices and decisions, the more you’ll enjoy the end results of them.