A well-designed shower niche keeps your bottles organized and your shower looking clean. But a poorly planned or installed niche can lead to water damage and frustration. Here is how to get it right.
Planning Your Niche
Size Considerations
Standard niches are typically 12-14 inches wide and 24-28 inches tall. Consider what you will store:
- Shampoo bottles: 9-10 inches tall
- Body wash: 8-9 inches tall
- Soap bars: 4-5 inches for a dedicated shelf
Placement
Install your niche at a comfortable reaching height — typically 48-60 inches from the floor. Avoid placing it directly in the water stream. The back wall opposite the showerhead is often ideal.
Stud Placement
Niches must fit between studs. Standard stud spacing (16 inches on center) allows for a 14-inch wide niche. For larger niches, headers and structural modifications may be required.
Waterproofing Is Critical
A niche creates multiple corners and edges that must be waterproofed perfectly. We use Schluter KERDI-BOARD to build niches that integrate seamlessly with the shower waterproofing system.
Key Waterproofing Steps
- All corners sealed with KERDI-BAND
- Slight slope on bottom shelf for drainage
- Continuous membrane coverage with no gaps
- Integration with surrounding wall waterproofing
Design Options
Single vs. Multiple Niches
One large niche is simpler to waterproof. Multiple smaller niches can create visual interest and separate items by user.
Accent Tile
The niche interior is an opportunity for accent tile — a contrasting color, metallic tile, or natural stone can make your niche a design feature.
Lighting
LED strip lighting inside the niche adds ambiance and makes finding products easier. Waterproof, low-voltage LEDs are safe for shower use.
Planning a shower renovation? Let us design the perfect niche for your space and needs.