A recessed shower niche keeps shampoo bottles off the floor and the edge of the tub, and a well-placed one looks like part of the design. Placed badly, it becomes the thing you notice first. Here is what to know before your shower is built.
What is a shower niche?
A shower niche is a shelf recessed into the shower wall between the studs, waterproofed and tiled to match the shower. Because it sits inside the wall, it holds bottles and soap without anything sticking out.
How big should a shower niche be?
Most niches are about 12 to 14 inches wide, because standard wall studs are 16 inches apart and leave about 14.5 inches of open space. Heights from 12 to 24 inches are common, and taller niches can have a glass or tile shelf in the middle. Wider niches are possible but need extra framing.
How high should a shower niche be?
The bottom of the niche usually sits about 48 to 60 inches above the shower floor, around chest height, so you can reach it without bending. Over a bathtub, a lower niche about 24 inches above the tub rim is easier to reach while sitting.
Which wall should the niche go on?
Interior walls are best. A niche on an exterior wall cuts into the insulation and can collect condensation in cold weather. We also keep niches out of direct view from the bathroom door when we can, or make them a feature with an accent tile, like the fluted wall in our tile shower photos.
How do you keep a shower niche from leaking?
The niche gets the same waterproofing as the rest of the shower. We use Schluter-KERDI membrane and pre-formed corners so every inside edge is sealed, and the bottom shelf is set with a slight slope toward the shower so water never sits in it. Read more in our shower waterproofing FAQ.
Should the niche line up with the tile?
Yes. A niche sized and placed to land on the tile grout lines looks built-in instead of cut in. We plan the niche during layout, before the wall is framed or waterproofed.
How many niches do I need?
One tall niche with a shelf is enough for most showers. Shared showers often get a second niche or a longer horizontal one. A small niche near the floor is handy for shaving.
Can a niche be added to an existing tile shower?
Not cleanly. Cutting into finished tile breaks the waterproofing behind it. Niches are best built during a new shower or a tub-to-shower conversion. We include them in your free shower quote.