Shower Niche vs Shower Shelf — What's Really Best?
Looking for a stylish storage solution for your bathroom or shower design?
You cannot go past an integrated shower shelf or shower niche. Not only are they practical and versatile, they’re also arguably the most seamless storage choice that will easily hold a plethora of bathroom products. And they’re not just for showers, you can integrate a bathroom niche or shelf anywhere in your bathroom design or remodel.
But which shower ledge design is right for your space? And what are the benefits of shelves in showers? We’ve integrated plenty of shelves and niches in showers bathroom designs and building projects, and this is what you need to know on the advantages, costs and tile considerations for each. #letsgo
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite Niche in Shower
Niche in Shower
To put it simply, a niche in a shower or shower niche is a recessed shelf built into a bathroom shower wall. It’s the ideal solution for small bathroom designs as it provides ample storage without encroaching on the shower footprint. A shower niche can run either vertically or horizontally and can consist of single or multiple niches or openings.
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite Niche in Shower
California Daydreams • Modern Herringbone Tile Shower Niche
The Built In Shower Shelf
Unlike a shower niche, a shower shelf is a half wall that’s built in front of a structural shower wall, to create as shower ledge or shelf. A shelf for showers differs from a niche in showers as they do not have a top section or canopy above the storage shelf that creates the storage cavity or shower niche.
A tiled shower shelf generally looks best when it spans the full length or width of your shower, compared to a shower niche which is more flexible, and can be any size or shape. One thing to note is that a shower shelf requires more space than integrating a niche as it actually sits inside the shower footprint rather than being integrated into the structural shower wall. That being said, a shower niche can be built in front of a structural bathroom wall too.
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom Built-in Shelf in Shower
Zou Build • Curved Shower Shelf Design
How much does a Shower Niche vs Shelf cost?
The cost of your shower niche or shelf depends on a number of factors, especially its size. Generally, the bigger it is, the more it will cost in trades such as carpentry, waterproofing and bathroom tiling. Another cost to consider is if your niche is integrated into a load-bearing or structural wall. In this case, a beam or lintel may also be required to support the wall above the niche opening.
As well as the size, the external corner finish of your tile cuts will also affect the price. A mitred tile finish typically costs more and is charged per lineal meter for labour. Installing butt joint tiles or using a tile trim is more cost-effective, however, these options don’t generally provide as seamless of a finish as mitring does.
Bathroom Design Cheat Sheets for planning your dream bathroom
Nailing Your Shelf Dimensions
When designing a niche or shelf for your shower, it’s vital to plan dimensions to suit your shower accessories and storage needs. Besides the usual shower storage like shampoo, conditioner and bathroom toiletries, you may also want to store an indoor plant or other decorative items.
To figure out exactly how much space you’ll need, first check the height and depth of your bathroom products - especially any larger pump packs. Then allow a little extra room so nothing looks cramped, and to accommodate slightly taller products in case your self-care staples change down the track!
The benefit of a shower shelf is he open top means there’s no restriction in the height of products that will fit in the shower storage design.
Psttt… We’ve taken 20 years of creating designer bathrooms and bottled it up to create the Ultimate Bathroom Design Bundle . It’s like a mini bathroom course, but at the fraction of the price AND also includes digital tools like a Budget Tracker and Template for organising all your bathroom products + colours. #yesway
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite Shower Niche with Mitred Tile finish
Zephyr and Stone • Contemporary Coastal Ensuite Shower Niche
The Perfect Tile
Now, the fun stuff — Choosing bathroom tiles! For a tiled niche or shelf that spans the full length of your shower, this could be the perfect spot to use a feature tile. For a shower niche, continuing the same tile above and below the niche opening ensures a bathroom design that’s seamless, understated and stands the test of time.
On the other hand, opting for a contrasting tile for your shower niche or shelf can add punch and visual interest to the space.
Z+S TIP • when using contrasting feature tiles opt for a patterned or textured tile in the same tile colour and range as your wall and/or floor tile, for a timeless bathroom colour scheme. If opting for tiles in varying colours, ensure they’re a good colour match by comparing them together along with your other bathroom samples and finishes.
Zephyr and Stone • Coral House Ensuite Shower Shelf with Feature Tile
Darren James Interiors • Neutral Green Bathroom Feature Tile
Have we inspired you to install a shower shelf or niche in your new bathroom? Make sure to tag us in your completed project pics at @zephyr_and_stone or #zephyrandstone. We’d love to see your new space!
Download the Bathroom Planning Guide that users have referred to as their Bathroom Design Bible!
