Shower Niche Ideas: Built-In Storage That Looks Premium
Shower Niche Ideas: Built-In Storage That Looks Premium
A shower niche is one of those design details that separates a thoughtful bathroom remodel from a basic one. Instead of hanging a wire caddy over your shower head or balancing bottles on the shower floor, a recessed niche gives you permanent, built-in storage that looks like it belongs.
Here's everything Raleigh-Durham homeowners need to know about planning the perfect shower niche.
What Is a Shower Niche?
A shower niche (also called a shower shelf, recessed shelf, or shower cubby) is a rectangular opening built into the shower wall between the studs. It's waterproofed, tiled, and finished to match or complement the rest of your shower tile.
Unlike surface-mounted shelves or suction-cup organizers, a niche is a permanent architectural feature. It won't fall, rust, or trap mildew behind it.
Standard Niche Sizes
Single Niche
The most common niche size fits between two wall studs, giving you an opening of approximately 12 inches wide by 24 inches tall by 3.5 inches deep. This is large enough to hold several bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
Double-Stacked Niche
A double-stacked niche uses the same wall cavity but adds a horizontal tile shelf in the middle, creating two separate compartments. The upper section works well for bottles, while the lower section is perfect for soap, razors, and smaller items.
Horizontal Niche
A horizontal niche runs parallel to the floor and is wider than it is tall, typically about 24 to 36 inches wide by 8 to 12 inches tall. These work especially well with large-format wall tile because they span across studs (with proper header framing) and create a dramatic design element.
Niche Placement: Where to Install
Eye Level
The most practical placement is at eye level on the main shower wall (the wall you face when using the shower head). Center the niche at approximately 48 to 60 inches from the shower floor for easy reach.
Below the Shower Head
Placing a niche on the same wall as the shower head, below the fixture, keeps your products accessible while you're under the water. Just make sure the niche is positioned to avoid the water stream hitting it directly.
Opposite the Shower Head
A niche on the wall facing the shower head stays drier and is a good choice for items you don't use every shower, like specialty products or decorative elements.
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Book a Free ConsultFoot Level
A small niche installed about 12 to 18 inches from the floor creates a dedicated spot for a foot-wash soap or shaving cream. This is a popular add-on for homeowners who shave in the shower.
Design Ideas for Shower Niches
Accent Tile Inside the Niche
One of the most popular design approaches is to use a different tile inside the niche than on the surrounding wall. For example, if your shower walls are large white subway tile, filling the niche with a mosaic or marble-look tile creates an eye-catching focal point.
Matching Tile for a Seamless Look
For a more subtle, modern approach, use the same tile inside the niche as on the surrounding walls. This creates a clean, recessed effect that doesn't compete with other design elements.
LED Lighting in the Niche
Adding a waterproof LED strip light above or inside the niche transforms it from a functional shelf into a design feature. The soft glow highlights your tile selection and adds a spa-like ambiance.
Metal Edge Trim
The edges of a shower niche can be finished with Schluter JOLLY or RONDEC metal trim in finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or chrome. This trim protects the tile edges and adds a polished, professional look.
Waterproofing Your Shower Niche
Why Niche Waterproofing Is Critical
A shower niche cuts into the wall cavity, creating multiple corners, edges, and joints where water can infiltrate. Improper waterproofing at the niche is one of the most common causes of hidden water damage in shower remodels.
How Showerly Waterproofs Niches
We use the Schluter KERDI waterproofing system for every niche installation:
- •KERDI membrane lines the entire interior of the niche
- •All inside corners receive pre-formed KERDI corner pieces
- •The membrane extends past the niche opening and bonds to the surrounding wall membrane
- •Every seam is overlapped and sealed according to Schluter specifications
This approach ensures your niche is as waterproof as the rest of the shower, with a lifetime warranty from Schluter Systems.
Common Niche Mistakes to Avoid
- •Placing the niche on an exterior wall: Exterior walls have insulation that complicates niche installation and can create condensation issues
- •Skipping waterproofing inside the niche: The niche interior needs the same level of waterproofing as the shower walls
- •Wrong height for your household: Consider who uses the shower and at what height they comfortably reach
- •Making the niche too shallow: A depth of at least 3.5 inches ensures standard bottles fit without hanging over the edge
Shower Niches in Showerly Packages
Every Showerly package includes niche options:
- •Essential ($6K): One standard recessed niche with matching tile
- •Signature ($9K): One or two niches with accent tile and metal edge trim options
- •Masterpiece ($12K): Multiple niches, accent tile, LED lighting option, and custom sizing