A shower niche is a built-in recessed shelf designed to hold shampoo, soap, and other bath essentials. It eliminates the need for hanging caddies or corner shelves, while providing a sleek, modern look.
Standard Height: Between 36–60 inches (90–150 cm) from the floor.
Personal Comfort: Place the niche at a height where you can easily reach shampoo bottles without bending or stretching.
Multiple Niches: If different family members use the shower, consider adding more than one niche at different heights.
Interior Walls: Best option for niches because they are easier to waterproof.
Exterior Walls: Less ideal, as they may interfere with insulation. If necessary, ensure proper vapor barriers are installed.
Most niches are installed between studs (standard spacing: 16 inches).
Custom niches may require reframing or professional installation.
Place the niche on a wall away from the direct spray of the shower head to reduce constant water exposure.
This prevents pooling water and minimizes mold or mildew risk.
Keeps bottles accessible but out of the direct spray.
Clean and symmetrical look.
Convenient if you want to reach products without turning around.
Works well in corner showers.
Tall, narrow niche to store multiple bottles.
Ideal for modern, minimalist bathrooms.
One lower niche for razors or foot care items.
One higher niche for shampoo and body wash.
Too Low: Leads to bending down, making it less ergonomic.
Too High: Inconvenient and difficult to reach.
Poor Waterproofing: Can cause leaks and structural damage. Always use proper sealing and membranes.
Small Size: Make sure the niche fits tall shampoo bottles (at least 12 inches high).
Frame with Tile: Adds contrast and highlights the niche.
Use Matching Tile: For a seamless, hidden look.
Lighting: LED lighting can turn the niche into a design feature.
Sloped Bottom Shelf: Ensure water drains properly.
When deciding where to put a shower niche, consider comfort, accessibility, waterproofing, and overall bathroom design. The most common placement is between chest and shoulder height on an interior wall away from direct water spray. With careful planning, a shower niche can be both a functional storage solution and a stylish design element in your bathroom.
