Adding a niche to your shower creates useful storage space and provides an opportunity to inject style. A shower niche is a recessed area built into the wall of a shower enclosed with tile, glass, or another material. This guide will cover the benefits of shower niches and provide 10 niche ideas to consider.
What is a Shower Niche?
A shower niche is a built-in recess or nook in the wall of a shower, typically around chest height. The niche provides storage space for shampoo, soap and other shower essentials. Niches are enclosed with a material like tile, natural stone, or glass. The enclosure chosen matches or complements the rest of the shower design.
Shower niches are also called wet niches when they contain plumbing for features like a shower head. A dry niche does not have plumbing. Most shower niches blend storage and aesthetic appeal.
Benefits of Adding a Shower Niche
There are several advantages to incorporating a niche in your shower design:
- Creates easily accessible storage space for toiletries right in the shower.
- Streamlines your bathing space by moving items off the floor and into the niche.
- Adds visual interest and decorative style to your shower walls.
- Provides the opportunity to add useful features like shelving, racks, lighting and more.
- Allows you to create a unified look by matching niche tile to overall shower tile.
In short, a shower niche improves both form and function.
10 Shower Niche Ideas
Here are 10 great niche ideas to enhance your shower’s storage, features and style:
1. Niche with Built-In Shampoo and Conditioner Dispensers
Install dispensers right inside your niche to neatly store and dispense hair products.
One of the most practical shower niche ideas is to install built-in shampoo and conditioner dispensers directly into the niche. This eliminates the need for separate bottles cluttering your shower floor and ensures that your favorite hair products are always within reach.
2. Niche with Shelf for Storing Toiletries
Add a slim shelf to your niche for neatly stacking products. Opt for glass for easy cleaning.
A simple yet effective idea is to incorporate a shelf within the shower niche. This provides additional storage space for your various toiletries, such as body wash, loofahs, and shaving creams. Choose a waterproof material for the shelf to ensure durability.
3. Niche with Built-In Soap Dish
Etching a soap dish directly into your niche adds convenience while maximizing space.
A classic and timeless option is to add a built-in soap dish to your shower niche. This eliminates the need for a separate soap holder and keeps your soap conveniently located in the niche.
4. Niche with Towel Rack
Incorporate a handy towel rack or bar under your niche for easy access getting out of the shower.
If you have limited wall space in your bathroom, consider adding a towel rack to your shower niche. This allows you to hang your towels within arm’s reach, keeping them dry and easily accessible after a refreshing shower.
5. Niche with Built-In Lighting
Install subtle lighting inside your niche to illuminate your products for easy use while bathing.
For a touch of luxury and ambiance, consider incorporating built-in lighting into your shower niche. LED lights or waterproof light fixtures can be installed, creating a soothing and spa-like atmosphere during your showers.
6. Niche with Custom Tile Design
Use intricate tile shapes, patterns or colors to make your niche a true focal point.
Make a bold statement by using custom tile designs within your shower niche. Opt for intricate patterns or contrasting colors that complement the rest of your bathroom decor, making the niche a focal point of your shower area.
7. Niche with Glass Doors
Install glass doors on your niche to create a polished, spa-like look and protect contents from moisture.
For an elegant and modern look, consider adding glass doors to your shower niche. The transparent doors not only showcase your shower essentials but also give the bathroom an open and spacious feel.
8. Niche with a Plant
Add a waterproof planter box to your niche to bring nature into your bathing space.
Introduce a touch of nature into your shower space by placing a small plant inside the niche. Choose a low-maintenance, water-loving plant like a pothos or aloe vera to add a refreshing and green element to your shower.
9. Niche with a Mirror
Install a fog-free mirror on your niche to make grooming in the shower easier.
If your bathroom lacks sufficient mirror space, consider integrating a mirror into your shower niche. This allows you to have a mirror conveniently placed inside the shower area, making shaving or facial treatments more manageable.
10. Niche with Multiple Sections
Divide your niche into compartments for optimized organization of shower supplies.
These multi-compartment niches come with two or more shelves, allowing you to categorize and arrange your shower essentials with ease. This niche design works especially well for families or individuals with an extensive collection of bath products.
Laying Out Your Shower Niche
Proper planning is key when laying out your niche size, height and depth:
- Measure the shower walls and identify the best location for the niche. Corner placement works very well.
- Standard niche dimensions are 12-15 inches deep, 12-24 inches wide and 40-48 inches high.
- Make sure the niche is easily reachable. Install around chest height for most access.
- Size the niche depth and width based on the items that will be stored inside.
Edging Material Options for Your Niche
The edging of your shower niche is as crucial as its interior design. It not only adds a finishing touch but also prevents water from seeping into the wall.
Popular edging options include:
- Ceramic tile – Matches existing tile or creates contrast. Grout around edges.
- Natural stone – Granite, marble and travertine add luxury. Seal surfaces.
- Glass tile – Sleek and modern. Use clear, colored or patterned glass tile.
- Solid surface – Durable acrylic-based material like Corian. Easy to clean.
Whatever edging type you choose, apply waterproof caulk around all edges to prevent water leakage.
Installing a well-designed shower niche really takes your bathing space to the next level, both aesthetically and functionally. Take advantage of this key area by incorporating storage, features and design elements that make your daily shower experience more enjoyable.
