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

By Zephyr and Stone

Looking for a stylish storage solution for your shower?

An integrated shower shelf or niche are practical, versatile and stylish options that provide seamless storage for all your go-to bathroom products. So, which design is right for your space? And what are the benefits of each? Let’s take a closer look...

Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite Shower Niche in Shower

Niche in Shower

To put it simply, a 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.

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The Shower Shelf

Unlike the shower niche, a shower shelf is a ledge that’s built in front of a shower wall. It differs from a niche as it doesn’t have a top section or canopy above the storage shelf. A shower storage shelf tends to look great 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

Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite Shower Niche

How much does a Shower Niche or 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 Shower Storage 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 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, make sure to note down the height and depth of any 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. For more shower niche dimensions, download our Bathroom Niche Step-by-Step Design Guide.

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 and with your other finishes.

Zephyr and Stone • Coral House Ensuite Shower Shelf with Feature Tile used from the same range as Floor and Wall Tiles

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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