Your bathroom might be one of the smallest rooms in your home, but when it comes to everyday comfort, it makes a big impact. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading an older space, a modern bathroom can offer more than just aesthetics—it can deliver energy efficiency, smart design, and practical luxury.
Today’s must-have bathroom features are about more than tiles and tapware. From solar-powered hot water systems to custom glass shower screens, there’s a growing emphasis on maximising functionality and sustainability without compromising on style.
Here’s a look at the essential upgrades that can take your bathroom from standard to standout.
1. Solar Hot Water Systems: Sustainable Comfort Year-Round
If you’re still relying on electric or gas hot water, you could be missing out on one of the best energy-saving opportunities in your home. Solar hot water systems use rooftop solar collectors to heat water, significantly reducing your reliance on the grid—and slashing your utility bills in the process.
More than just an eco-friendly choice, solar hot water gives you:
- Consistent hot water supply, especially in sunny climates
- Lower energy costs, often by 50–80%
- Government incentives and rebates
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
Systems can be boosted by electricity or gas for cloudy days, meaning you’ll never be left without hot water. Providers like Eurosun specialise in high-performance solar hot water systems designed specifically for Australian conditions, offering options to suit households of every size.
Installing solar hot water isn’t just a win for the planet—it’s a smart long-term investment in your home’s comfort and efficiency.
2. Custom Shower Screens: Seamless, Stylish, and Functional
No modern bathroom is complete without a sleek, frameless or semi-frameless shower screen. Gone are the days of bulky metal frames and plastic curtains—today’s bathrooms demand clean lines, clear glass, and clever use of space.
Custom shower screens offer several advantages:
- Tailored fit for any layout, including awkward corners or tight en-suites
- Improved light flow for a more open, spacious feel
- Easy cleaning with minimal joins or seals
- Durability thanks to high-quality safety glass
Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist aesthetic or looking to add a luxurious touch, a made-to-measure shower screen can completely transform your bathroom’s appearance.
Trusted local experts like Glazewell Glaziers can design, supply, and install custom glass solutions that elevate your space while meeting Australian safety standards. Their experience across residential and commercial glazing ensures you get a finish that’s both practical and beautiful.
3. Wall Niches and Built-In Storage
If you’ve ever stepped into a cluttered shower filled with bottles and soaps, you’ll appreciate this one. Wall niches built into the shower or above the vanity offer clean, accessible storage without sacrificing floor space.
Niches can be tiled to match your walls for a seamless look or finished with a contrasting trim to make a subtle design statement. They’re practical, stylish, and especially useful in smaller bathrooms where every centimetre counts.
Consider pairing them with other in-wall features like:
- Recessed mirrored cabinets
- Wall-mounted vanities
- Slimline towel rails or shelves
These integrated storage solutions help keep your bathroom tidy and functional while maintaining a modern, minimal appearance.
4. Underfloor Heating: The Quiet Luxury You Didn’t Know You Needed
Underfloor heating might sound like a luxury, but it’s increasingly popular in new builds and high-end renovations—and for good reason.
With radiant heating beneath your tiles, you’ll enjoy:
- Warm floors during winter mornings
- Even heat distribution without noisy fans
- A dry, mould-resistant environment
Under-tile heating is energy efficient and can be set on timers for specific times of day, reducing unnecessary usage. It’s especially beneficial for homes in colder regions or bathrooms with poor ventilation where moisture tends to linger.
While it adds to your upfront cost, underfloor heating is one of those features that delivers ongoing comfort—and a real “wow” factor during resale.
5. Smart Fixtures and Tapware
Technology has made its way into every room of the house—including the bathroom. Smart plumbing fixtures are now a must-have in modern homes, offering both convenience and water-saving benefits.
Look for:
- Touchless taps for improved hygiene
- Digital thermostatic mixers for precise temperature control
- Water-saving showerheads with WELS ratings of 4 stars or higher
- Smart toilets with bidet functionality, heated seats, and auto flush
These upgrades don’t just add modern appeal—they often lead to long-term water and energy savings, especially in busy households.
6. Large-Format Tiles and Seamless Finishes
Contemporary bathrooms lean toward a clean, cohesive look, and large-format tiles are a huge part of that trend. Fewer grout lines mean:
- Easier cleaning
- A smoother, more spacious feel
- A sleek, hotel-style aesthetic
Combine this with concealed drainage, floating vanities, and frameless glass for a truly seamless finish.
Pro tip: Stick to neutral tones and textural surfaces (like matte stone-look tiles) to create a timeless design that won’t date quickly.
7. Efficient Lighting and Ventilation
Good lighting and ventilation don’t always get the attention they deserve—but they make all the difference in how your bathroom feels and functions.
Lighting tips:
- Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting for flexibility
- Install LED strip lighting under vanities or behind mirrors for a soft glow
- Choose dimmable fixtures to transition from morning prep to evening relaxation
Ventilation tips:
- Opt for a quiet, high-extraction fan to reduce moisture and prevent mould
- Include operable windows if possible for passive airflow
- Consider humidity-sensing fans for automatic operation
A bathroom that’s well-lit and well-ventilated isn’t just more pleasant—it also protects your finishes and keeps everything in better condition over time.
The Smarter Way to Build Your Bathroom
Modern bathrooms are more than a place to shower and brush your teeth—they’re your personal retreat, a space where smart design and efficient technology come together to improve your daily life.
Whether it’s investing in solar hot water for long-term savings, upgrading to custom shower screens for a refined finish, or incorporating heating, lighting, and storage solutions that make life easier, today’s must-have bathroom features deliver on both form and function.
For a home that performs as beautifully as it looks, don’t overlook the power of a well-designed bathroom. Start with a smart plan, choose quality providers, and focus on long-term value—not just visual appeal.