Shower Niche Storage

A shower niche is a recessed shelf built directly into the wall of a shower or tub surround, creating a sleek, integrated storage alcove for toiletries that sits flush with or slightly inset from the surrounding tile. Unlike caddies and hanging organizers that are added after construction, shower niches are planned during the building or remodeling phase and become a permanent architectural feature that provides waterproof, low-maintenance storage without protruding into the shower space. The design of a shower niche requires careful planning during the construction phase. The niche must be positioned between wall studs, properly waterproofed with membrane materials, and sloped slightly toward the shower to prevent water from pooling on the shelf surface. Standard niche dimensions are typically 12 to 14 inches wide and 24 to 28 inches tall for a single compartment, though double and triple niches with horizontal dividers are popular for separating different users' products or organizing by product type. The niche interior provides an opportunity for a design accent—using a contrasting tile, natural stone, or mosaic creates a focal point in the shower that elevates the entire bathroom aesthetic. Integrated LED lighting behind or above the niche adds a spa-like ambiance while making products easy to identify. Premium installations include glass shelves within the niche that divide the space while allowing visual openness.