15 Stylish Shower Niche Ideas
We installed a shower niche when we remodeled the kids' bathroom, and I love the simple style and functionality it added.
A bathroom shower niche is a cleverly designed recessed shelf that provide convenient storage for shower essentials like shampoo and soaps while keeping the area clutter-free.
But beyond function, shower niches also break up a large expanse of bathroom tile by bringing a small but important decorative focal point. Many people like to splurge a bit on the shower niche because you can make it a special artistic statement without having to spend a ton of money on the entire bathroom.
Let's explore some creative shower niche ideas that combine functionality with style, plus some tips for choosing the right height, size, placement and tile selection.
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Choosing The Right Shower Niche
1. Figure out where to place the shower niche
The best shower niche height is typically at eye level and within easy reach. You want it to be accessible without bending down or stretching too far.
If possible, place the niche near the shower head on the same for a cohesive design that's pleasing to the eye. Avoid splash zones or exterior walls to prevent moisture issues.
Pro Tip: Mock up your shower layout with painter’s tape to visualize where the niche will look best before committing.
2. Choose the size and dimensions
Before you start tiling, measure the available wall space to ensure it fits proportionally and doesn't overpower the space. Always check behind the wall for plumbing and electrical and make sure the niche won't interfere with them. Also think through what you'll store in the niche and select a size that can accommodate them comfortably.
Common shower niche sizes are 12 inches wide x 28 inches high and a 12 inch square shower niche insert. If you have larger bottles or want a shared shower, go for a double or extended niche.
3. Select the materials and finishes
Here's where you'll want to coordinate your shower niche tile and accent trim with your overall bathroom design. Matching your trim or accent tile with your faucet finish (like brushed nickel or matte black) ties the look together. Choose waterproof and durable materials like natural stone and ceramic or porcelain tile. (If you need help choosing tile, check out my easy tips for choosing bathroom tile.)
Pro tip: If you’re drawn to contrast, try using a different tile inside the niche than the rest of the shower – it’s an easy way to make it pop without going over budget.
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Shower Niche Design Ideas
Once you've narrowed down the basics, you can move toward picking out the design that appeals to you both visually and functionally. Let's showcase some awesome shower niche ideas to get you started.
Minimalist shower niche designs
A minimalist shower niche is all about simplicity and decluttering. Opt for clean lines and a neutral color palette for a modern style and incorporate shower niche shelf or metal accents. Avoid any complex designs or protrusions.
This vertical marble shower niche on Decoholic maximizes storage by extending the entire height of the shower. By utilizing the same marble material as the wall along with glass shelves, the niche blends seamlessly into the shower wall.
Rosanna of Memmo Interiors chose a muted hexagon pattern niche with glass shelves. The shelves keep it light and provide a place for decor items which soften the room and infuse it with serenity.
This vertical mosaic shower niche features a style chosen by Kelley Nan for her bathroom remodel. The creamy neutral tones amplify the modern vibe, and the stacked horizontal tile on the shower wall offers a subtle yet interesting statement.
Peaceful is the word for this horizontal niche designed by GIA Renovations. It quietly provides storage without fuss, letting the peach subway tile be the star of the show.
This monochromatic space features a subway tile shower niche. The gray tiles are the same size and color as the shower walls, allowing this niche to fade into the tile
Contrasting tile shower niche ideas
Want your niche to stand out? Create contrast with tile, color, or text to create a small but striking design moment - especially in a bathroom with neutral walls.
This bold and vibrant fish scale tile breaks up the neutral background with a burst of color and brightness. Bathroom remodel by Construction 2 Style.
Love, Create, Celebrate chose a timeless black and white bathroom combination for their master bath remodel. The black hexagon tiled shower niche imparts a bold modern look.
This wide horizontal shower niche shown on Better Homes & Gardens cleverly echoes the primary elongated tile pattern, becoming an eye-catching design of coordinating color and shape.
If your bathroom is small and lacks storage, carve out space in the shower wall like this design by Carla Aston. Tiny glass mosaic tile inserts add interest with ample room for storage.
Unique Shower Niche Ideas
When we tiled the tub surround in our kid's bathroom, we used a classic recessed shower niche design. But you're not limited to just one niche, nor the typical square shape. There are endless ways to personalize your niche design.
By expanding the shower niche sections either vertically or horizontally you can easily double your storage space without losing aesthetic appeal. This also helps if more than one person wants to store stuff separately or people of different heights use the same shower.
If you choose to go wider than normal, just know it could increase your costs as structural reinforcement of the shower wall may be needed.
Rather than installing one tall shower niche, Jennifer at Dimples and Tangles stacked two niches vertically for his and hers storage. Small geometric tiles provide a subtler contrast and repeat the shower floor pattern.
His and her shower niches wear the same vertical tile in this beautifully designed aqua bathroom. Blending the shower niches into the wall creates the visual illusion of a larger room.
Emily Henderson stacked double square niches in this discreet recessed design of solid white tile. The top niche features simple decor touches and the bottom one holds shower supplies.
Adding decorative LED light brings a gentle spa-like illumination to a shower that might otherwise look gray and cold in this contemporary bathroom by Allchin Builders.
The graceful arched shower niche offers increased storage and a touch of elegance in this bathroom by Caroline Andreoni. Keep in mind the arch style may be more complicated to install than the square or rectangle niche, which could affect your overall costs.
Final Thoughts
A shower niche might seem like a small detail but it adds both beauty and practicality to any bathroom. You have an amazing variety of styles to choose from and there really aren't any rules so let your imagination soar.
Whether you choose a minimalist design that blends in or go bold with color and pattern, your niche can enhance your shower's overall look and make daily routines easier.
If you're not totally sure what style to choose (so you can make a choice with confidence), check out Home Decor Styles 101. It'll help you pinpoint your look so every decor decision - big or small - feels a whole lot easier.
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