Shower Niche vs Shower Shelf — What's Really Best?

Looking for a stylish storage solution for your shower? An integrated shower shelf or shower niche are practical, versatile and stylish options that provide seamless storage for all your go-to 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 in our designs and building projects, and are spilling the beans 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 your shower wall. It’s the ideal solution for small bathroom design 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 shower shelf wall with or shower ledge, that’s built in front of a strcutural shower wall. A shelf for shower differs from niches in showers as they do not have a top section or canopy above the storage shelf that creates the 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 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 within a wall.

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.

Nailing Your Dimensions

When you’re designing any niche or shelf for your shower, it’s vital that the dimensions are correct for whatever you’re planning to store. 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 to allow, check the height and depth of any bathroom products you want to showcase and allow a little bit of extra room so that nothing looks cramped.

The benefit of a shower shelf is that the open top means you aren’t restricted to storing items of a certain height should you decide to change your bathroom products down the track.

Planning a bathroom projects? Download the Z+S Ultimate Bathroom Design Bundle which includes a step-by step guide for planning your own shower niche or shelf, 11 interior designed Bathroom Designs, our Bathroom Design + Layout Planner, plus digital tools to plan and track your bathroom project.

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 — bathroom tile selections! If opting for a 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. Our top tip when using contrasting feature tiles is to opt for a patterned or textured tile within the same range as your wall and/or floor tile. If opting for tiles in varying colours, ensure they’re a good colour match by comparing them together to your other 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!