A shower niche is also known as a shower cubby or a shower recess. It is a hollowed-out area of the shower wall that is waterproofed and typically tiled over, creating a perfect shelf and storage nook for you to house your soap, shampoo, and razor.
Despite the name, these are also popularly used on the outer housing of bathtubs, creating a neat storage space where no storage previously existed. Learn below the specific sizes of a shower niche.
Shower Niche Size
Shower niches can vary in size depending on your preferences and the number of items you store in your shower. It is essential to consider both the width and the height of the niche for optimal storage space.
You can buy prefabricated shower niches that can be installed and then tiled over with your chosen tiles, or you can create a custom-sized DIY shower niche. Here is a typical pre-fabricated shower niche sizes:
- Width: 12 to 24 inches
- Height: between 12 and 16 inches
- Depth: between 2.5 and 3.5 inches
The width measurement is the most important in terms of thinking about the types of items you are going to be able to store in the niche since this is the measurement that will dictate how many bottles you can line up in a row.
Having a wider shower niche allows you to store more items. For example, a 12-inch wide niche could fit three large-sized bottles (33.8 fluid ounces or 1000 ml), while a 24-inch wide niche could fit seven. Smaller bottles, such as average shower gels, have a base diameter of 2 inches, allowing for even more to be stored in a 12-inch niche.
If you prefer a custom DIY shower niche, remember to maintain proportionality with the size of the shower, especially if you have a large or small bathroom.
Shower Niche Height
The height of a shower niche should be convenient for anyone who uses the shower, so the bottle of shampoo or shower gel can be easily grabbed without having to reach up high or bend down low.
In most shower cubicles, the area between the showerhead and the shower taps is going to be taken up by pipes, so this isn’t an ideal area for a shower niche.
You could choose the space to the right or left of the shower pipes or install a shower niche on the alternate wall.
The ideal shower niche height is chest level for easy access to shampoo, shower gel, and other items. Generally, a height of 40 to 60 inches above the ground works well for adult bathrooms. However, you should consider lowering the height if children will also use the shower.
Benefits of a Shower Niche
Declutter
A shower niche is a great solution for keeping your shower area organized and clutter-free. Unlike traditional shower caddies, niches provide a neat, well-designed storage space for your shower essentials.
Gone are the days of balancing shampoo bottles on the floor or dealing with messy caddies; a shower niche offers a clean, hotel-like aesthetic for your bathroom.
Won’t rust
Unlike typical metal shower caddies, which are prone to rust due to constant exposure to moisture, shower niches are made from the same material as the rest of your shower walls.
This means you can enjoy a long-lasting, wear-and-tear-free storage solution without the frustration of rusting fixtures.
Inexpensive
Affordability is an unexpected bonus when it comes to shower niches. If you plan to install one during a bathroom renovation, this stylish upgrade won’t break the bank. As a modern and inexpensive option, it’s a pleasant surprise for any homeowner.
Easy cleaning
Cleaning is a breeze with a shower niche. Simply wipe it down with your favorite bathroom spray cleaner, just as you would with the rest of your bathroom tiles. Say goodbye to the hassle of cleaning clunky caddies and hard-to-reach crevices, and hello to a convenient, low-maintenance storage solution.
Takes up no space
For those with limited bathroom space, a shower niche is an ingenious way to create extra storage without sacrificing precious square footage. Since a niche is essentially carved into the wall, it doesn’t take up any additional space within your shower area. This allows for a more spacious and functional shower experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard dimensions for a shower niche?
The standard dimensions for a shower niche are usually 12 inches wide and 28 inches high. However, you can choose other sizes based on your needs and taste. Some popular alternatives include:
- 12″ x 12″
- 16″ x 20″
- 14″ x 18″
How deep should a shower niche be?
A shower niche should typically be 3.5 inches deep for homes with wood studs. If you live in a high-rise building with steel studs, your shower niche might be around 2.5 inches deep.
Should a shower niche be placed vertically or horizontally?
Your shower niche can be placed either vertically or horizontally, depending on your preference and storage needs. Vertically oriented niches may have multiple shelves, while horizontal niches often have one long ledge for shower items. Think about your shower design and storage requirements when making your decision.
Is a corner shower shelf height different from a niche height?
Corner shower shelves are often installed at a similar height as a shower niche, typically around 40-48 inches above the floor. However, you may have more flexibility in shelf placement, depending on your shower’s specific design and your personal needs.
