Shower Niche vs Shower Shelf: What's Really Best?
Integrating a shower niche in your shower design, or designing your new shower with a shelf is #genius…
Simply because, they are hands down the most stylish storage solutions for bathroom showers, and equal parts — beautiful and practical.
No other shower storage comes close to a shower shelf or niche shower when it comes to functionality and versatility, and they’re undoubtedly the most seamless storage choice for storing 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 and bathrooms, and spilling the beans on what you need to know on the advantages, costs and tile considerations for both. #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 shelf that’s recessed or 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. Niche showers create clean, minimal lines and elevate bathroom designs to create that interior-designed bathroom look.
The Built In Shower Shelf
Unlike a shower niche, a shower shelf, also called a shower ledge or bathroom shelf — is a nib 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 a shower as shelves in a bathroom do not have the top section or canopy above the shelf that creates the shower niche wall recess.
Tiled shelving in a shower generally looks best when it spans the full length or width of the shower, compared to a shower niche which is more flexible, and can be any size or shape. Another important 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 niche for bathrooms can also be built in front of a structural bathroom wall instead of integrating within the structural wall.
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom Shower with Shelf
Zou Build • Curved Shower Ledge
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.
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Nailing Your Shelf For Shower 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.
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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 Shelf for Shower 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!
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