It’s hard to ever have too much bathroom storage. The far more common dilemma is lacking space to store all your cosmetics, hair tools, and personal hygiene supplies. That’s why a shower niche is a must when remodeling your bathroom. This sleek alternative to a cumbersome plastic or metal shower caddy comes in many forms. Choosing the right one for you comes down to your storage needs and installation restrictions.
What is a Shower Niche?
Other names for a shower niche include a bathroom niche, recessed shower shelf, shower cubby, or shower nook. Whatever you call it, a shower niche is a convenient, attractive storage space built into your tiled shower wall. You can use the area to store soap, shampoo, conditioner, and other shower items. Niches aren’t just for walk-in showers, either—you can install them in bathtub surrounds as well.
Benefits of Shower Niches
If you’re looking for a permanent solution to your bathroom storage dilemma, a shower niche could be a good investment. Add one during your upcoming bathroom remodel, and you’ll benefit in the following ways:
- Keep your shower or tub aesthetically pleasing and clutter-free.
- Throw away your rusty, moldy shower organizer and enjoy a built-in space to hold your everyday bathroom essentials.
- Customize the niche to either blend in with the surrounding tile or stand out as a design feature.
- Install one or multiple niches in almost any size.
- Add optional shelves to increase storage capacity.
- Install niches at any height to suit your needs.
Types of Built-In Shower Storage
You have a few options for adding built-in storage to your tiled shower or tub surround:
- Custom niche: A custom tiled niche is made from scratch by constructing a framed box between the wall studs. The box is then covered in wallboard, waterproofed, and tiled. This type of shower storage offers the most customization options.
- Prefabricated niche: A prefab or preformed shower niche is easier to install than a custom one, but you only have a few standard sizes to choose from. These niches can be made of foam board, porcelain, plastic, or stainless steel and are designed to be tiled once installed.
- Shower shelf: Sometimes, a recessed niche is impractical or even impossible. For instance, if the shower is on an exterior wall, you’ll sacrifice insulation value if you install a niche. And if plumbing or heating lines are in the way, moving them might be cost-prohibitive. In cases like these, a built-out shower shelf or ledge is a viable alternative.
If you like the idea of adding a shower niche or other type of built-in bathroom storage, My Kitchen & Bath can help. We have nearly three decades of experience providing bathroom remodeling services in Herndon, VA, and the wider DC Metro area. Our team promises to listen to your needs as we turn your vision into a beautiful, polished reality. To request your free bathroom remodeling estimate, please contact us at 703-537-0857 today.
