Shower storage is one of those things you don’t think about—until you’re constantly knocking over bottles or dealing with a niche so small it barely fits a bar of soap. After multiple bathroom remodels (and making more than a few frustrating mistakes), I’ve learned one thing: a well-designed shower niche makes all the difference.
If you’re planning a bathroom upgrade, here are 19 shower niche ideas (plus a few lessons I learned the hard way) to help you get it right the first time.
1. The Double-Stacked Niche
One of my first mistakes? A single, too-small niche that barely fit anything.
Now, I always go for a double-stacked niche:
✔ The top is tall enough for oversized shampoo and conditioner bottles.
✔ The bottom is smaller for razors, face wash, and soap.
It’s simple, practical, and eliminates shower clutter.
2. The Full-Length Vertical Niche
For a sleek, spa-like look, go with a floor-to-ceiling vertical niche.
✔ Fits ALL your shower essentials.
✔ Works great in narrow showers where horizontal niches don’t fit.
✔ Looks modern and high-end.
Just make sure it’s properly waterproofed—longer niches mean more potential for leaks!
3. The Hidden Side Niche
Not a fan of seeing all your shower products on display? I get it.
A hidden side niche is tucked into a side wall, keeping everything within reach but out of sight. Perfect for a minimalist, clutter-free look.
4. The Corner Niche
If you’re working with a small shower, corner niches are a space-saving lifesaver.
✔ Uses space that would otherwise go to waste.
✔ Keeps bottles within reach without taking up a main wall.
✔ Works well in tight shower stalls.
Just make sure it’s deep enough—shallow corner niches are useless.
5. The Extra-Wide Niche
Standard niches are way too narrow for multiple bottles. If you share a shower (or just have a lot of products), go wider!
✔ A 36-inch or 48-inch niche gives plenty of space.
✔ Looks sleek and modern.
✔ No more balancing bottles on the tub edge.
6. The Bench-Integrated Niche
If your shower includes a bench, consider adding a niche right above it.
✔ Keeps products within easy reach while sitting.
✔ Eliminates awkward stretching for shampoo.
Trust me—this is so much more convenient than putting bottles on the bench itself.
7. The LED-Lit Niche
Okay, this one might sound extra, but hear me out. LED lighting inside your niche is both functional and fancy.
✔ Helps you actually see your products (especially in dim showers).
✔ Creates a spa-like ambiance.
✔ Looks ridiculously cool.
Just make sure the lights are properly waterproofed.
8. The Glass Shelf Niche
Most niches have a tiled shelf, but glass shelves make a niche feel more open and airy.
✔ Easier to clean (no grout lines!).
✔ Keeps the space from feeling too boxed-in.
✔ Works great in modern bathrooms.
9. The Mosaic-Tiled Accent Niche
Want to add a pop of personality? Use a different tile inside the niche.
✔ Contrasting mosaic tiles create a stylish focal point.
✔ Adds texture and interest to the shower.
✔ Works great if your main tiles are neutral.
This is an easy way to make your niche stand out without overpowering the space.
10. The Recessed, Flush-Fit Niche
For a super sleek, modern look, make your niche completely flush with the wall—no protruding edges or trim.
✔ Creates a seamless, built-in feel.
✔ Works beautifully in contemporary bathrooms.
✔ Just make sure the edges are perfectly finished (sloppy tile work will ruin the effect).
11. The Shower-Tub Combo Niche
If your shower is above a bathtub, don’t make the mistake I did—plan your niche placement carefully!
✔ Make sure it’s high enough so it’s usable while standing.
✔ But also low enough that you can reach it while taking a bath.
I once placed a niche way too high, and it was completely useless when I wanted to soak in the tub. Learn from my mistakes!
12. The Window Niche Hybrid
If your shower has a window, why not build a niche around it?
✔ Saves space by using an existing recessed area.
✔ Lets natural light highlight your shower products.
✔ Looks incredibly unique and custom.
Just be mindful of waterproofing—windows in showers can be tricky.
13. The Kid-Friendly Lower Niche
If you have kids, consider adding a lower niche they can reach.
✔ No more tossing bottles onto the tub floor.
✔ Helps kids grab their own soap and shampoo.
✔ Saves your back from constantly bending down.
Even if you don’t have kids, this can double as a footrest for shaving!
14. The Multi-Wall Niche Setup
Who says you have to stick to just one niche?
✔ One niche for shampoo and conditioner.
✔ Another for body wash and razors.
✔ Maybe even a tiny one for bar soap.
This is especially great if multiple people use the same shower and need separate storage.
15. The Open Shelf + Niche Combo
If you have a large shower, combining a built-in niche with an open shelf gives you the best of both worlds.
✔ The niche keeps everyday essentials tucked away.
✔ The open shelf adds extra storage for things like candles, plants, or decorative bottles.
Bonus: It makes your shower look intentional and high-end.
16. The Diagonal Niche
For something a little different, try installing your niche at an angle.
✔ Adds a unique design element.
✔ Can help with water runoff (less chance of water pooling inside).
✔ Works well in modern, geometric-style bathrooms.
17. The Frameless Glass Niche
Instead of a traditional tiled niche, opt for a frameless glass cutout.
✔ Creates a clean, ultra-modern look.
✔ Makes the niche feel invisible (great for minimalistic designs).
✔ Easy to clean—no grout lines!
18. The Wide & Shallow Niche
If you don’t want a deep niche, go for a wide and shallow one.
✔ Works well for bar soap, razors, and smaller products.
✔ Keeps items accessible without taking up much space.
✔ Prevents bottles from tipping over.
19. The Freestanding Shower Wall Niche
If your shower has a half-wall or freestanding partition, consider integrating a niche into it.
✔ Uses space that would otherwise be wasted.
✔ Looks sleek and custom.
✔ Works great for open-concept showers.
Final Thoughts
If I could go back and redo my first shower remodel, I’d plan my niche way more carefully. A bad niche (too small, awkwardly placed, or poorly waterproofed) is a nightmare—but a well-designed one? Game changer.
So, if you’re renovating, take the time to get your niche right. Size, placement, and materials matter more than you think!
Which one of these ideas is your favorite? Or do you have a shower niche horror story? Let me know—I’d love to hear it! 🚿✨