Freestanding bathtub with pendant lights and Andy Warhol inspired wall tiles.
Are you aware of the standard bathroom measurements and heights in Australia?
Bathroom measurements and heights are some of the most often asked questions by my clients.
Getting the measurements right is crucial to a practical and well-functioning room.
If you are making some bathroom upgrades and adjustments then use these measurements as a generalised guide. But also consider adapting them slightly to fit in with you and your family.
Just keep in mind not to customise them too much in order to suit your body height and shape as it may be difficult to sell your home in the future.
You don’t want to install a high vanity because you are on the tall side, only to find that most people find it difficult to wash their hands. You want your main features to be practical and a comfortable fit for all.
So, let’s start with standard measurements for vanities
A typical height for a bathroom vanity is between 850mm and 900mm. However, this measurement is influenced by the type of basin used.
If you are considering using a basin sink (which sits on top of the vanity) as opposed to an inset sink, then you will need to lower your vanity in order to compensate for the extra height.
A standard vanity depth is generally 450mm to 500mm, or 320mm if semi-recessed.
The length varies depending upon bench space required and/or whether one or to bowls are being installed.
Wall hung tap ware should have the spout sitting approximately 100mm to 150mm above the basin.
When choosing a vanity select one that naturally complements it surroundings while being practical and functional. In smaller bathrooms opting for a wall hung vanity will give the illusion of spaciousness.
Mirror heights
Like artwork, the position a mirror is hung should be based on an average height of eye levels.
A generalised height is 1600mm to 1750mm. However, this may vary in your household depending on the height of the family members using it.
Overlapping the bottom edge of the mirror with the tap ware is visually pleasing and promotes a sense of belonging.
Placing a large mirror opposite the doorway of a small bathroom will create a feeling of spaciousness upon entering. Bigger is almost always better when it comes to mirrors in a bathroom.
A his and hers double shower
What about measurements for showers?
A standard bathroom will have a shower size of 900mm by 900mm.
Of course, there are variations up to 1800mm long by 800mm wide, depending on square or rectangle shape and single head or double head showers.
Shower heads shouldn’t be placed too high (where the water feels like it’s hammering down on you) or placed too low (where you have to bend underneath it to get wet).
Generally, a shower head situated at around 2000mm is a good height suitable for most people with the taps around 1000mm to 1200mm from the floor.
Positioning the taps away from the shower head will allow you to turn the water on without getting wet while you wait for the water to warm up.
If you have chosen to have a rain shower, make sure you include a hand held one also. This will be good for the days you don’t want to wash your hair and will provide the added advantage of making it easier to clean the shower.
Everyone loves a hot bubble bath!
When allocating space for a standard size bath you should allow a width of 750mm by a length of either 1500mm or 1650mm. Tapware should be situated approximately 100mm to 150mm above the top of the rim.
Other standard bathroom measurements and heights…
If incorporating a niche into your shower it should sit around 1200mm and for a bath just above the rim. Niches are practical and will reduce the need for storage items in the shower or beside the bath.
The height of your towel rail can be flexible but a standard height for it to sit above the floor is 1200mm.
A dressing gown hook can also be adjusted to suit your height but 1500mm is typical. A toilet roll holder’s standard height is about 650mm (up to 800mm) from the floor. A measurement of 900mm wide is standard for toilet space.
Having enough electrical outlets for hair dryers, shavers and straighteners is something to consider. Try to conceal them next to or on the side of your vanity, if possible.
Also having good air circulation and enough ventilation to prevent mould growth is an important factor for good bathroom design.
We hope that our blog on standard bathroom measurements and heights in Australia has helped you design your new bathroom.
Do you need some inspiration for your home renovation? Have a look at our kitchen and bathroom ideas
You can also get your own printable copy of the Bathroom Design Guidelines for free.
Hi, l have a question in regards of using niches in shower? Using a 900 x 900 shower base, tile size is 600×300 what size niche is better to use for this size shower, it is also having semi frameless frame. I purchased internal dimensions 604x304x90 now thinking it is too big. Also have purchased a corona steel bath thing of sitting on a frame after tiles are layed using as a drop in is that advisable or place a hob instead? Thankyou looking forward to your response. Regards John
Hi John
size of niche should be ok as this allows you to fit an entire tile inside without have to have a grout join, looks much better. Not quite sure of question re bath, assume you mean Caroma steel bath. To me using the bath as a drop in requires a hob. Sorry if I have misinterpreted your question
Hi John,
We are installing a back to wall bath and will be including a tiled shelf along the length of the wall behind the bath. How high should this be above the bath?
The tap ware will be 100mm to 150mm above the rim as recommended.
Thank you
Hi
This is dependent on a number of variables, location of plumbing in wall, studs etc but as a general rule I would suggest the ledge starts around 850 mm off the floor
Hi,
Why is the recommendation of tap height above a basin or bath rim 100mm-150mm.
If we installed the tap at 75mm above the top rim of the bath, what issues would this create?
Thanks and regards,
Jim
Hi Jim
As with everything, there are so many variables in the equation – how long is the spout as this can impact where the water hits the bath. Aesthetically 75mm will not look as pleasing as higher but if there are limitations re the build then it should be oK. Sorry I cannot give a more definitive answer
Hi,
Are you able to advise where I could find info regarding installation of handheld showers. My plumber is saying it needs to be a certain height/ distance from the toilet but not really understanding what he means. there is an enclosed shower that the toilet sits next to. so he has mounted the handheld shower at 1800h.
Could he not have just reduced the hose length?
Hi Joanne
Look at this link https://ncc.abcb.gov.au/. It is the National Construction Code and their is a large section on plumbing. This is the first time I have heard of this new rules are constantly coming out all the time for different trades
Hi Joanna,
I have the same problem 🙁
My plumber/builder installed the hand-held next to the rain shower head, so I can’t even reach it! Not sure how that’s to standard…
How did you go around it?
Would really appreciate some advice before I talk to the builder. Thanks
Hi,
If installing a shower/ bath all in one what height should it be?
Hi Simone
Assume you are talking about the height of the bath. In reality you can have it any height but the taller it is the harder to get out of and more likely to cause slips and falls. A drop in bath is generally easier to get in and out of but have seen free standing baths work just as well.
I have a 1200 vanity & having trouble deciding on height of mirror. The vanity is beside the shower screen which is 1200 cm as is the height of windows. I cannot decide whether to finish the mirror on the top of a tile or to extend half way up the tile to be level with shower screen. Is there any rule of symmetry that looks best. If I finish on the top of a tile the mirror sits below the level of shower screen by 110mm.
If I go up to the shower screen the mirror is 1200 x 950. If I go to top of tile it will be 1200 x 84. The height above the floor is around 1940. any help is appreciated. It is a good size bathroom.
Hi Annette
Apologies, just saw your question – if you still require assistance can you clarify what you mean by “the vanity is beside the shower screen which is 1200 cm as is the height of windows.” Are you saying your vanity is 1200 high, which sounds wrong. Let me known
Hi Robyn,
I’m finding it difficult to find height placement info for rain shower heads. What is the ideal height to install a rain shower head? (ABI Dana Round 250mm shower head). The shower screen H = 2100mm. Also important to note that I’m tall – 6’1 height. And I’ll be the only household member… no kids. Thanks 🙂
Hi Marie
For my tall clients I get them to stand in the shower and hold shower head in place to ensure it is at a satisfactory height. As you are tall I suggest you employ this process. Starting with having the top of the rain shower head at 2070 mm and adjust from here. There are no strict rules, just do what is going to give you the best functionality.
Hi there,
Just wondering if there are any regulations regarding having a window above a bath tub?
Chantel, no regulations, people often have the window there so they can look out if they have a great view
Hi Robyn,
I urgently need some advice as I’m about to finalise my house build plans and I’m stressing about the bath shelf. In the main bathroom there is a tiled shelf behind the freestanding bath. Bath Width = 1500mm and Bath Height = 600mm. Initially I wanted a wider shelf than what the builder proposed so it would be more functional (I think the builder proposed 70mm). At the time I ended up going wider and the bath shelf diameter = 140mm. But now I’m second guessing this decision – is this ‘too’ wide? Your thoughts? The height of the tiled shelf is 900mm – Do you think this is okay? The bath tapware will be centred between the top of the bath and the top of the shelf. Might be worth mentioning the freestanding bath is placed along the length of the shorter bathroom wall (wall width is 1750mm).
Thanks in advance 🙂
Apologies Marie,
I did not get notification re this inquiry, let me know if you still require assistance
Hi I have a shallow depth vanity which is 880mm wide and 350mm deep. I’m wanting to put an above counter basin but there’s not much room. If I get a round or rectangular basin which narrows a little towards the base, I could place the bowl near the front edge of the vanity top and the top of the bowl would protrude past the front edge of the vanity top, similar to how a semi-recessed bowl would look. This enables me to fit a little bit larger bowl and still have some room behind the bowl for cleaning. Do you think this is ok to do? I mean having a above counter basin protrude out from the front edge like semi-recessed. Someone told me it’s weird but I think it’s practical. Would love to know if you think this idea is acceptable? Thanks.
Hi Terry
Think it will look wrong, need to use a semi recessed one
Hi what is the required height to take tiles to behind a bathroom vanity basin? It is a basin moulded into the vanity top, so essentially flush with the top, the tap is 150mm high. It is in a corner so it butts up to a wall obviously behind (900mm) and also on one return (450mm). I can’t find any ref’s but I’m sure there are, just not sure how much I have to tile thanks
It is basically a person thing, I would take it at least 80mm above the tap but could be even higher. Work with your tile, for eg if you have a 300 x600 tile, make it one tile high, less cuts and looks so much neater
I am renovating my bathroom. Have a long vanity 2.3m x .5m & am hoping to put an oval underbench basin towards one end. Placement is restricted by an old shaving cabinet with mirror door which cannot be moved.
My concern now is, I want the basin mixer tap, being placed to one side rather than centred, be striking as it is the only thing on vanity. What height should the tap be. How high above the top of basin should end of spout be. Also , how high should tap be. Am looking at one that is 163mm tall. Am I going to have to find something else?
Hi Marie,
The height you have mentioned should be ok. See a recent bathroom we have just completed which is similar to what you have outlined. https://www.inspiredspaces.com.au/wp-content/uploads/clean-bathroom-with-mirror.jpg
Hi, my builder put rain shower head on the height of 2 m 20 cm above the floor. When I mentioned to him that it is too high for Australian standards, it should be 2 m.
He replied me that 2m 20 cm is Australian standards.
What is Australian standards for Shower head height?
Thanks
To the best of my knowledge there is no Australian Standard for shower head heights. We usually base it on the user of the space and actually get the client to stand in the shower and determine the ideal height for them. I personally don’t think 2.2m is a standard for a height, as a bathroom can have have a ceiling height of 2.1m and still be to code. This is the current room height requirements
Part 3.8.2 Room heights
3.8.2.2 Height of rooms and other spaces
Heights of rooms and other spaces (see Figure 3.8.2.1) must be not less than—
(a)
in a habitable room excluding a kitchen — 2.4 m; and
(b)
in a kitchen — 2.1 m; and
(c)
in a corridor, passageway or the like — 2.1 m; and
(d)
in a bathroom, shower room, laundry, sanitary compartment, airlock, pantry, storeroom, garage, car parking area or the like — 2.1 m;
Hi Robyn, what would be the minimum length of a vanity required to install 2 vanity basins? Would it make a difference if basins are above or below vanity bench..thanks 😊
I personally think you require min 1500mm for a double vanity, any smaller and you have no bench space. Visually it will look less crowded if the basins are not above for smaller units. The size of the actual basins make a difference as well. If you can only fit in a 1500 then ensure you do not do oversized ones
How far away from the bath should the spout extend? We have an inset bath in a tiled surround and standard spout appears too short.
Hi Bayla
So many variables to this answer. How big is the hob that the bath is inset into, the type of bath, etc. What you need to do is to confirm where the actual bath will be in conjunction to the wall, measure from the wall and note where the spout will just miss the side of the bath. If too short the water will splash everywhere. Don’t make it too long as it will get in the way of your enjoyment of a bath, as you will be constantly hitting it
Hi there,
I am wondering what the ideal length of tap spout would be to fit a vanity with a 400mm round inset sink (centred in a 450mm vanity). The ‘Omvivo Neo Solid Surface Wall Basin Centre Bowl No Taphole 1000mm White’.
We are considering a 220mm spout but think it may protrude into the bowl too far?
Thank you!
Personally think this is too big as the spout will be longer than the radius of the sink, somewhere around the 170 mm mark would be better
Thank you for your reply! There is a 160mm spout in the same tap we have chosen. That would be the better choice, in your opinion?
Many thanks x
yes, that would be much better. Just mock up the basin and wall and do a check measure before ordering