6 Shower Niche Ideas to Maximise Space and Style

Say goodbye to that precarious corner pile of shampoo bottles. A built-in niche not only gives each item a proper home but also plays a significant role in reducing clutter within the bathroom. You can separate everyday essentials from occasional products or even give each family member their own shelf. It’s tidier, safer, and far less annoying.

Unlike baskets or caddies that collect grime and rust, niches are part of the wall. That means fewer awkward crevices and no metal hooks to scrub. A quick wipe of the niche, and you’re done.

A shower niche can break up a wall of tiles in the best way. Think of it as a mini feature and focal point - whether you match it seamlessly or highlight it with contrast tiles, it draws the eye without overpowering the space.

In smaller bathrooms or minimalist bathroom designs, every inch counts. A space-saving niche gives you storage without the bulk of shelves or wall units. It’s flush with the wall, so it won’t intrude into your showering space.

Whether you’re using metro tiles, natural stone, concrete-effect slabs, or bold patterns, a niche fits right in. You can go sleek and subtle or bold and eye-catching. You could even tile the niche with the same wall tile as the shower to blend it in seamlessly. The design flexibility is a huge part of the appeal.

Whether you’re working with a compact en-suite or a roomy family bathroom, there’s a shower niche design that’ll fit the space perfectly and cater to a variety of styles and personal preferences.

If wall space is limited in a small space, think upwards. A tall, narrow niche makes great use of vertical space. It’s perfect for stacking bottles neatly, and it adds a touch of height to the room, making ceilings feel taller. This is a clever way to enhance both functionality and aesthetics in your bathroom.

Top tip: Add two shelves to keep items grouped and tidy.

Wider niches are ideal if you want a more linear, modern look. They work well in a large walk-in shower or along long walls and can be placed at eye level for easy access.

Try matching the niche width with other lines in your bathroom - like tile edges or the shower screen - for a clean, balanced look that contributes to the overall aesthetic.

Want the niche to blend in? Frameless niches within a tiled shower, tiled right to the edge, create a seamless look. They work particularly well with large-format tiles or stone-effect walls.

Keep things tonal with neutral colours if you’re aiming for a calm, modern finish - or contrast the tile inside the niche for a pop of interest. Using the same tiles as the rest of the bathroom can also enhance the minimalist and cohesive design.

If your bathroom needs a splash of personality, the niche is the place to do it.

Use bold patterned mosaic tiles or ceramic tiles in a different colour inside a classic shower niche to make it stand out. Adding an unexpected pop, such as a thick, black border, can further enhance the visual appeal.

It’s a subtle way to add visual detail without overwhelming the space.

For those who want a more luxurious shower experience, add waterproof LED lighting to your shower niche as an attractive feature. It provides soft, practical illumination - handy for early mornings - and looks great in low light.

Incorporating a well-designed niche can also help organise your shower essentials, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Just make sure it’s installed properly by a professional to keep everything safe and watertight.