Custom Tiled Ideas for Shower Niches
Advantages of Custom Niche:
Large Storage Area
One of the best ideas for shower niches is the custom built vertical shower niche because of it large storage area. If you want a lot of storage space, are you're planning to get your contractor to build you a custom SN anyways, it often makes sense the most sense to extend it vertically instead of horizontally.
Because of the way the shower wall is structured, the space between the studs presents a great opportunity to create a long, tall shower niche, since no extra structure is required to extend the niche space upwards between the studs.
Another great advantage is the ability to have as many shelves as you want for your shampoo, body wash and all your shower essentials. Your niche's height is important to think about when considering different ideas for shower niches. See my shower niche height post for more info.
Shelves
Because these shower niches extend vertically, the number and styles of shelves you choose can significantly change the functionality and visual impact of you SN. Making your custom SN a little taller is an easy way transform your limited space into an almost unlimited amount of shower storage for all your showering and bathing essentials.
Glass shelves is one of the most popular shelf ideas for shower niches because they are low profile and can be almost invisible (if you install clear glass). They visual impact of the shelves is reduced which allows the tiles on the back of the niche to be a focal point.
There's a downside to using glass as a shelving material if you're a bar soap user. It’s difficult to keep the soap from slipping off the very smooth glass surface.
Another great way to increase your niche storage is to install attractive low profile stainless steel shelves. These shelves are very subtle because they're only 1/8 inch thick but are also attractive, strong, and easy to clean so they can maximize your niche area while also increasing the aesthetic appeal of your modern shower design and your overall bathroom design. I consider this one of the best ideas for shower niches because it creates a unique visual interest and also improves the shower experience.
Feature Tiling
Many modern vertical tile shower niche tile designs include the same tile inside the niche that's installed on the surrounding shower wall. This provides a very unified and modern look look, and allows the SN to blend with surroundings instead of standing out.
Others that are interested in a more bold design statement use a contrasting tile on the back wall of the niche. This highlights the niche interior, making your shower niche into a statement piece in your bathroom.
More Subtle Bathroom Shower Niche Design
Another distinct advantage of this SN design is that it doesn't stand out like a horizontal niche would. A narrow recessed shelf creates less of a visual impact in your shower even if it does extend far up the shower wall.
Alternatively, a niche that extends horizontal, creates a very different feel as it tends to visually dominate your shower space. This can be bad thing if you are looking to create a useful shower storage area that is more subtle in appearance.
Disadvantages of Custom Niche:
Too Narrow?
After tiling the interior of this type of shower niche gets a bit too narrow for some. There are structural limitations to the width of any vertical niche because it has to fit between the wall framing.
This 14 1/2 inch limitation (standard stud cavity width) is considered the main disadvantage of this type of shower niche design, especially when the shower wall contains wall studs that are closer than the standard 16” on center (14 1/2” space between).
It means that the interior width of your niche can never be any wider than about 12.5-13 inches after tiling (assuming standard porcelain tile thickness)
Necessary Tile Edge Trim
Another disadvantage is that a custom tile border piece or tile edge trim must be installed around the opening of the niche to present a clean and finished tile edge.
Tile edge trim is difficult to install for the DIY installer and adds labour costs if you are hiring a contractor to construct your shower niche.
It must also be mentioned that this issue can be entirely avoided if a solid material like natural stone or quartz is used to cover the niche interior.
However, if you’re installing a stone tile like marble, the tile edges need to be polished which adds extra labor cost to the project.
Interior Waterproofing Required
Installation of a waterproofing membrane is also required during construction of all custom-built tiled shower niche designs, unless you’re building the niche out of a prefab foam board like Wedi Building Board.
The waterproofing step is one of the most important of all the construction steps, so if you’re building it out of regular tile backer this extra cost of waterproofing must be considered.
It must also be mentioned that this waterproofing step can never be considered as optional. If you skip it, water can get into the wall cavity, causing mold growth, structural damage, and health problems for the homeowners.
Custom Built Tiled Horizontal Shower Niche Design
Advantages of Horizontal Niche:
Statement of Luxury
The custom horizontal tiled shower niche is considered to be the boldest ideas for shower niches and is makes a statement of luxury in modern shower niche design.
It is incorporated into a shower when the homeowner wants to create a dominant design feature.
If you are simply looking for efficient storage for your shower accessories, this is definitely not the niche design for you.
Largest Storage Area
These niches are quite often the largest of all the shower niche designs, with the main shelf surface often spanning the entire shower wall.
Because of their construction, the shelf can also be deeper than the standard depth of the stud wall, allowing for storage of personal care items that would not normally fit in a standard depth niche.
However, some would say that because this shelf is such a dominant feature in your shower and your bathroom in general, that you do not want to clutter it with a mess of soaps and shampoo bottles.
This is definitely a conflict that one must come to terms with if contemplating this shower niche design idea.
Disadvantages of Horizontal Niche:
Waterproofing & Trim Installation
The disadvantages of this style of shower niche are some of those mentioned earlier in the vertical tiled shower niche design section.
Included is the requirement to apply a waterproofing membrane to the shower wall before tiling, and the need to install tile edge trim around the perimeter of the niche opening.
Affects the Wall Structure
When considering new ideas for shower niches, you need to think about wall structure if you're considering a horizontal shower niche. Horizontal SN's have one unique disadvantage compared to a vertical niche.
If your horizontal SN spans more than a few studs, and the wall you intend to install it in is a structural wall, you could be compromising the structural integrity of the wall if your contractor is not skilled in structural framing.
As such, I always strongly discourage this type of wall modification if it’s an exterior wall or an interior structural wall. You should instead build a new wall adjacent to the structural wall, where the horizontal niche can be built. If you consider a horizontal niche to be one of your favorite ideas for shower niches, you and your contractor really need to take this issue seriously.
If your contractor isn't skilled with structural framing, you're risking grout line cracking, tile de-lamination, and other serious structural problems (see my post: 7 BIG shower niche problems).The integrity of your shower assembly, as well as the structural integrity/ safety of your home depends on it!
Sacrificing Floor Space
A consequence of the construction of a parallel wall in this shower niche design, is a reduction in the floor area of your shower.
Considering the importance of every square inch of floor space in most modern bathrooms, this additional step might eliminate the horizontal niche from your consideration.
Even if there’s adequate space in your bathroom, the shower footprint would likely have to increase which effects the usable space in your bathroom as a whole.
Only One Shelf
Although the custom horizontal tiled shower niche has a large deep shelf, it generally has only one.
Significant additional structure (and addition cost) has to be applied to every new shelf in a horizontal niche design, so it is not common to see more than one.
It also defeats the aesthetic drama of the one single shelf that is part of the appeal of this minimalist shower niche design idea.
The lack of multiple shelves (compared with a vertical niche) also forces the homeowner to spread their shower products from one side of the shower to the other.
This is not very efficient in terms of access, or very aesthetically pleasing for that matter.
Highest Cost Shower Niche Design
Even with only a single shelf, the horizontal tiled shower niche is the most costly of all the shower niche designs.
The requirement of the extra wall construction and finishing of a much larger recessed area, can easily double or triple the cost compared to other shower niche options.
Tile Ready Prefab Shower Niche Insert
Schluter Kerdi Niche
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Advantages of Prefab Niche:
Easier to Install
One of the main advantages of the prefab shower niche insert, is that it is the easiest to install compared to a custom tiled niche designs and its tile-ready, which means that it's prepared for your shower niche tile ideas.
This type of shower wall niche is factory preformed out of high-density foam (see image) so it's very light, so it's easy to handle and install.
This particular niche from Schluter Systems comes in various sizes that are smaller than 14 1/2” wide, which allows them to readily mount between standard wall studs.
The perimeter mounting flange allows it to be easily attached to the framing and bonded to the shower wall waterproofing membrane as well.
Waterproof Interior
This niche is fabricated with waterproof Schluter Kerdi board and glued together with Kerdi Fix sealant creating a sealed waterproof box. This eliminates the need for the application of a waterproofing membrane within the niche interior.
It’s mounting flange also bonds to the surrounding shower wall waterproofing membrane, creating a completely waterproof assembly beneath the shower wall tiles.
Its entire surface is also coated with a material that allows tile mortar to adhere to its surface.
These features make the preformed tile ready shower niche insert the most economical tiled shower niche design options.
Disadvantages of Prefab Niche:
Limited Sizes Available
A primary disadvantage of this type of tiled shower niche is that it only comes in a limited range of sizes, and all are designed to mount between standard stud framing. This makes it quite easy to install, but may limit the aesthetic you want to achieve with your shower niche design.
As well, the range of available sizes may not be diverse enough to meet your family’s shower storage needs. The largest of these prefabricated tiling shower niches can still appear to be smaller than one might expect, especially after tiling is complete.
A 3/8” thick porcelain tile applied to its walls and top surface can result in almost a 1 inch loss of width and height inside the niche. If one of the supplied foam shelves are used, this can reduce the usable interior space even further.
When your considering different ideas for shower niches, prefab size restrictions are apretty big one, especially if you need a lot of storage. are important practical considerations with this shower niche design type.
Necessity of Tile Edge Trim
The installation of tile edge trim may also be necessary around the outside perimeter of this type of niche.
If a finished edge tile (bullnose) tile, or a solid stone/ quartz material is not used around the outside perimeter of the shower niche, some kind of tile edge trim must be installed to create a pleasing finished edge to the tile work around the niche opening.
Finished Shower Niche with Membrane Bonding (MB)
This shower niche design idea is my favorite of the bunch. because it screws solidly to the shower wall framing, integrates with the shower wall waterproofing membrane, and is constructed with 316 grade stainless steel so it's VERY corrosion resistant. As a bathroom remodel contractor that prioritizes safety and quality, this is definitely one of my favorite ideas for shower niches.
Advantages of MB Finished Shower Niche:
Easy Install
The main advantage of this type of shower niche design is that it is much easier to install than any of the tiled shower niche options.
It is a pre-finished solid waterproof fixture that is simply inserted into a hole in the tile backer board and attached to the framing during a remodel or new construction.
The installation method is similar for the few niche products out there that have a membrane bonding installation flange.
The procedure is slightly different for the finished shower wall niches that do not bond to the shower wall waterproofing membrane (discussed in the next section).
See post: How Important is Shower Membrane Waterproofing?
Less Costly
The membrane bonding shower niche can be significantly less costly than a tiled shower niche.
If you’ve ever attempted to tile a prefab Shower Niche, let alone construct a custom shower niche with waterproofing, you will certainly realize the time and skill required to do this job properly.
Alternatively, a finished shower niche fixture like the one pictured above can be installed quickly, and professionally by any DIY’er..
No Tiling Required
A key advantage of this type of niche is its finished surface. It comes from the manufacturer with an attractive brushed stainless steel surface that’s entirely waterproof.
No need to apply any tile. Just insert, attach to the shower wall, and apply the waterproofing membrane to the mounting flange.
And the surface is stainless steel, so it’s naturally resistant to bacteria growth and easy to wipe clean.
Quick and Easy Attachment to Membrane
Although the attachment of the waterproofing membrane to the shower wall does require some skill, it’s attachment to the mounting flange of these finished shower niches is actually very straightforward.
For the particular brand shown, it’s easiest if you simply apply your sheet waterproofing membrane around the niche first. After niche is attached to the wall, you can cut a piece of membrane about 3 inches wide, to cover the tiling flange (1 inch wide), and overlap the surrounding wall membrane by about 2 inches.
A thin bead of polyurethane sealant bonds it to the mounting flange.
Build in Shelf
Some of these shower niche designs include attractive built-in shelving (see the Redblock brand above).
This brand has a perforated shelf to allow everything on the shelf to dry after showering.
It also provides the added advantage of keeping your soap in place. Nobody likes their soap skidding off the shelf and getting underfoot.
No Need for Tile Edge Trim
This niche design can also help you avoid the meticulous and time consuming task of installing tile edge trim around the niche opening (only the Redblock brand).
Most tiled niches require some kind of finishing tile or tile edge trim to make the niche opening aesthetically pleasing.
The niche shown includes a stainless steel ridge around its outside perimeter that serves as an attractive trim to nicely finish the edge of the shower wall tiles surrounding the niche.
Completely Waterproof Construction
I don’t think anyone would disagree the the most compelling advantage of this type of shower niche is that it is constructed in such a way that makes it leak proof and completely vapor proof.
The box and shelves are welded into a totally sealed unibody structure.
Even if it is installed quite sloppily by an inexperienced homeowner, it is still extremely difficult for this fixture to ever cause water to leak into the stud wall.
Disadvantages of MB Finished Shower Niche:
Limited Size Options Available
There are a few disadvantages to this kind of niche compared to tiled niches in general. The biggest one is that there is a limited number of sizes available.
A homeowner buying a finished shower niche has to be happy the limited sizes and finishes that the manufacturers offer.
Some Have No Shelving
Some of the stainless steel finished niche brands offer no shelving options in their niche designs.
Shelving options are common in both ceramic and porcelain niche designs, but not the modern, low profile shelving styles that most homeowners currently prefer.
As far as I know, the only manufacturer that offers an attractive low-profile shelf built into their shower niche is Redblock.
Finished Overlap Shower Niche (no Membrane Bonding)
Typical Overlap Niche
The last Shower Niche Design we will cover is the finished shower niche that does not have a membrane bonding feature. I call this type an “overlap niche”. This is one of the more compelling ideas for shower niches since it does not need to be tiled, has waterproof construction, and seems like it must be easy to install.
Advantages of Overlap Niche:
Simple Installation… not really.
Because your contractor must create a hole in your shower wall exactly the right size during a complete shower remodel, I would be lying if I told you that this type of niche is easy to install, but this is what is suggested in the promotional materials of every manufacturer of these niches. Quite deceptive, if I am honest.
After the hole is complete, and the wall has been tiled and grouted, the niche is simply placed into the hole and attached to the tile with a bead of silicone. So at this stage, it is actually quite simple to install, so I will leave it up to you to decide.
Least Costly Niche Design
A compelling advantage of this type of finished shower niche is its price. There are several companies selling these niches online for less than $200.
This includes the porcelain, ceramic or stainless steel versions of this finished shower niche design.
Finished Surface Means No Tiling Required
The main reason many people purchase these niches is because of their finished surface, which means no tiling or finishing of any sort is required.
If you choose the stainless steel version, it offers a shiny finish that suits the modern aesthetic many people are looking for today.
The ceramic or porcelain “no membrane bonding” shower niches are also purchased for their no-fuss finished surface. They are easy to wipe clean and fairly abrasion resistant because of the baked on glazing on their surface.
Disadvantages of Overlap Niche:
No Bonding to Waterproofing Membrane
The most important disadvantage of this shower niche design is that a large majority of the brands do not have the ability to bond to the shower wall waterproofing membrane.
Although their interior surface and corners are protected from leaks, the point where it attaches to the shower wall is not. This is a significant issue if you’re concerned about water leaking into your stud walls.
The only protection that these niches provide against water leaks around their perimeter is a bead of silicon that attaches them to the face of the tile.
No Shelves
None of the overlap stainless steel shower niches include a shelf in their design. This is a distinct disadvantage of this type compared with the ceramic and porcelain overlap shower niches.
Unpopular Styling
Although most of the ceramic and porcelain shower niche designs have a shelf feature, their styling is their most distinct disadvantage.
They tend to have gently rounded edges and corners (high radius) which gives them a more dated look, which has significantly reduced their popularity in recent years.
Limited Sizes, Finishes and Styles
Since these shower niches belong in the category of “finished” shower niches, they also carry the same disadvantage of limited sizes, finishes and styles.
FAQ
How do I choose the right location for a shower niche?
Niche location should provide easy access, but you also need to avoid utilities that may be running through the wall cavity. Before tearing a whole in the wall, you can often check the location of electrical and plumbing utilities with a sensitive infrared thermal camera (available for rent).
What are some easy shower niche ideas for small bathrooms?
Recessed shower wall niches are the best for small bathrooms because they're recessed in the wall cavity so they're completely out of your way. Corner shelves are also a great option because the shower corner is always an under utilized space. Both of these options have a very minimalist look as well so they are often compatible with modern interior design ideas.
Can you suggest tile options for creating a beautiful shower niche?
One popular option is to tile the inside of your niche with the same tile as your shower walls. This option allows your niche to blend in. Another popular option is to choose a feature tile for the back wall of your tiled shower niche. This can make your niche really stand out become an integral part of your bathroom design. Popular tile options are penny mosaic tiles or a tile color and/or design that contrasts your shower wall tile.
How can I incorporate lighting into my shower niche design?
Yes, it's certainly possible for you to incorporate an LED strip light into your niche, but you should leave this up to a qualified electrician. You must be sure that your contractor seals any wire holes that get drilled into the niche box. You must also be sure to buy a low voltage niche light that is approved for use in a wet environment. This installation can be risky if not done correctly.
Wrap Up
Hopefully this article gave you a few ideas for shower niches by going over some aesthetic and practical advantages and disadvantages of the five main types of SN's.
Whether your goal is to create a beautiful showpiece of modern shower niche design, or you just want a little more storage in your shower, hopefully this post has provided you with some clarity to make a more informed decision.
The best ideas for shower niches are always the ones that suite
This post is for information purposes only and should NOT be interpreted as professional advice. You should always consult a licensed local contractor before undertaking any remodelling work in your home. Click here for my full Personal / Professional Disclosure.
