The phrase ‘the devil is in the detail’ couldn’t be truer when it comes to shower niches. Often an overlooked feature of a bathroom remodel or new build, the shower niche is a clever little invention that adds a functional and stylish addition to your shower experience. Essentially, a niche is a recessed shelf built into the wall of your shower, which provides the ultimate convenience for storing necessary products like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
What are the benefits of installing a shower niche in your bathroom?
Maximised Space: In a small bathroom, every inch counts. Shower niches provide valuable storage space without taking up any additional room. This is particularly beneficial in smaller showers where traditional shelves or caddies might make the space feel cramped.
Organisation: With a shower niche, you can keep all your bathing essentials neatly organised and within arm's reach. No more knocking over bottles or dealing with cluttered shower floors. It can be especially helpful to store products that would ordinarily end up on the bathroom vanity (like a face wash), resulting in a bathroom free of clutter!
Overall Bathroom Aesthetic: Shower niches have the ability to be totally customised to your liking – as you can tile the space in line with the rest of the space. For those who love to splurge on bougie bathroom products, they frame your goodies centre stage and can give your space a hotel-like feeling.
Easy to Clean: Unlike traditional shower caddies that can accumulate grime and mildew, shower niches are easy to clean. Their recessed design minimises the accumulation of soap scum and water spots, making it super easy to give them once over with spray and wipe.
Designing Your Shower Niche
When planning your shower niche, consider the following design aspects to ensure it meets your needs and complements your bathroom's overall aesthetic.
Size and Placement: The size and placement of your shower niche should be determined by your storage needs and the layout of your shower. Typically, niches are placed at chest or eye level for easy access. If you’re designing homes with little ones in mind, it might be helpful to install your niche a little lower than usual. It’s all about customising the space exactly as you need.
Materials: Use the same tiles as the rest of your shower for a cohesive look or opt for a contrasting material to make the niche stand out. For example, a marble niche can add a touch of luxury, while a mosaic tile can create a vibrant focal point. If you’re interested in the contrasting material route, we suggest matching the shower niche with the same colour or material as the bathroom vanity to keep some level of coherence.
Shelving: If you need additional storage, consider adding a shelf or two within the niche. Glass shelves are a popular choice because they are durable and don’t obstruct the view of the niche’s back tile. However, keep in mind this creates additional surface area which requires cleaning.
Waterproofing: Proper waterproofing is crucial to prevent water damage. Ensure you or your tradie uses waterproof materials and techniques to protect the integrity of your shower walls.
Installation Tips
Installing a shower niche requires precision and planning. Here are some key tips to keep in mind.
Plan Ahead: Decide on the location and size of your niche before you start tiling. Retrofitting a niche after tiling is not impossible but can be more challenging and costly.
Use a Template: Create a template of your niche using cardboard or another material. This will help you visualise the final look and ensure accurate placement.
Professional Help: If you're not confident in your DIY skills, it's wise to hire a professional. Proper installation is crucial to avoid leaks and ensure the niche is both functional and attractive.
Installing a shower niche in your home is such an easy yet effective way to elevate your space. Just like your bathroom vanity, it's both a functional and aesthetic improvement that’ll improve your daily routine and add value to your home.
View our full range of shower niches online here, and full our full product range here.