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Every shower needs space for toiletries — you need somewhere to put your shampoo, conditioner, body wash and razors. Built-in shower storage can look better and last longer than over-the-door shower racks and caddies. It also adds value to your bathroom as a permanent feature. Two common options are shower niches and shower ledges. This article will explain what each is and the differences between the two.
A shower niche is a storage space cut into your shower wall. It's usually a box-shaped hollow carved between the wall studs usually lined with the same tiles as the rest of the shower.
A shower niche needs careful planning. You'll need to check the wall cavity depth and make sure there's enough room for your toiletries. You’ll also need to think about how many niches you might need depending on how many products you keep in your shower.
A shower ledge is a half-height wall in your shower area. It creates a flat surface for your bathroom items without needing to cut into the wall. The ledge extends out from the wall rather than being recessed into it.
Shower ledges are a newer storage option. They give you flexibility with bottle heights since you won't have a top section limiting how tall your items can be.
These two storage options differ in several key areas, from how they're built to how you'll use them day-to-day. Here are the main things that separate the two:
Niches sit flush with your wall and don't take up any floor space. This is great for smaller bathrooms and showers. Ledges jut out from the wall and take up a little bit of floor space.
Building a niche means working within your existing wall. Your builder needs to look at the wall cavity, figure out where the studs are and waterproof it.
A ledge has different construction needs — you need to plan your floor space and build a new wall section. Your builder will have to figure out how best to install a ledge without it looking awkward in your space.
Lots of things will affect the final price of your shower storage build. Labour costs can change based on your design and the builder's rates. Material choices like tiles also play a part in the total.
How you clean and maintain your ledge or niche depends on its design.
Niches usually collect less soap scum because of their recessed design, but their edges and corners need attention to prevent mould. Ledges have a flat surface that may dry out easier depending on your design.
Niches and ledges come with different design opportunities.
Niches can be more vertical, especially where you stack a few. You can also curve the internal corners for a different look.
Ledges work better with wide layouts. You can also use the ledge as a divider and use different tiles above and below that line.
Most bathroom designs follow standard measurements that work well for the average person. These sizes are starting points you can adjust based on your needs.
A standard single niche is usually 90mm deep. Most are 600mm to 900mm wide and 300mm to 400mm high. Family bathrooms can go for wider niches with internal shelves.
Standard ledges are 1000mm to 1200mm off the ground and 100mm to 200mm deep. They can span one wall or wrap around corners. You can also build a wall above the ledge for a niche-like effect.
Shower niches and ledges are both great alternatives to shower caddies that are hard to clean and eventually rust. If you’re still undecided, speak to a local builder who can run you through your options.
Looking for something a little easier to install? Shower shelves mount directly onto your tiles. These shelves come in styles and colours that match your tapware.
