Help & advice
Where and how high do I put my shower niche?*
'So, where's the niche going?' Don't sweat it. We've got your shower niche cheat sheet with all the answers to those burning shower niche questions like how high, how deep, and where on earth to put it so you can move forward with confidence (well, at least confident in the new home of those shampoo bottles!).
* A shower niche is that built-in shelf in your shower wall where you store all your essentials - shampoo, body wash, razor, maybe even a candle. It's sleek, space-saving, and infinitely better than a mouldy / rusty shower caddy.
How high, tall, wide and deep should my shower niche be?
The golden rule for niche height? Make it practical. Stand in your shower, or where it is going to be, close your eyes, and reach for where your products naturally “live.” That's your sweet spot. If you need some dimensions for confidence here are the ballpark ranges you'll be looking at:
- About 1200 mm from the floor is your standard height - this puts it at chest-to-eye level for most adults, perfect for grabbing your shampoo mid-lather
- Around 80 - 100 mm deep - the depth of a standard stud wall cavity. This is deep enough to fit your largest bottles comfortably
- And as tall as you need it to be - to fit your biggest shampoo bottle with a hands space above it! We'd say 300mm is the minimum
If you have a lot to store / display, you can always consider adding a taller niche with a shelf in the middle to maximise storage without making the niche too wide.
Where to put the shower niche
- Away from water spray - position your niche on a wall that's out of direct water flow. This keeps your products dry, reduces grime build-up, and minimises the risk of leaks
- At eye level and out of sight - place your niche where it's easy to grab but doesn't dominate the design. For example, niches on sidewalls are a great way to keep things functional yet discreet
- Between studs - standard stud spacing is 400 or 600 mm apart. Don't go cutting through studs without a professional's advice so as to avoid affecting the wall's structural integrity!
- In line with your tiling plan - don't install your niche without considering your tile layout. Aim for full tiles around the niche edges to avoid awkward cuts, and think about your tile edging. Choose mitred edges on your tiles (the neatest looking in our opinion) or metal trim to finish your niche edges
Can it go on an external / outside wall?
In most cases, no. Exterior walls are usually packed with insulation, and carving into them for a niche can compromise both insulation and waterproofing. Or it's just solid brick, so nowhere for that niche to go. If you're determined, you'd need to build the wall out - a choice that eats into precious bathroom space.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring tile layout - misaligned tiles around the niche scream 'bad planning'
- Forcing placement - don't let studs dictate your niche location without verifying if it fits your tile and design plan
- Overthinking symmetry - it's okay if your niche isn't perfectly centred, as long as it feels right functionally and visually
Pro tips for a stress-free install
- Wait to commit - don't finalise your niche location until you've started tiling. This allows you to align the niche perfectly with your grout lines and tile courses
- Mock it up - create a to-scale plan (hello, Reno!) but also mock it up in real life with a bottle of shampoo and an assistant to figure out the best place for that niche to go
Frequently asked questions
What is a shower niche, and why do I need one?
A shower niche is that genius little recessed shelf in your shower wall where all your essentials live - shampoo, body wash, razor, soap. It's sleek, space-saving, and infinitely better than a rusty caddy dangling off your showerhead.
How high should my shower niche be?
The golden rule? Whatever is practical for you. Stand in your shower, close your eyes, and reach for where you naturally keep your shampoo. For reference: Standard height: 1200 mm from the floor (chest to eye level for most adults). And the height of the recess itself is up to you and your tallest shampoo bottle - leaving room for your hand to grab it easily. 300mm should be considered the minimum.
How deep should my shower niche be?
8-10 cm is the sweet spot - determined by standard stud depth. Just deep enough to fit even the chunkiest body wash bottle without looking clunky.
How big should my shower niche be?
Minimum height: 300 mm but measure your oversized shampoo bottle. Width: Fit what you need, but don't go wild - wider isn't always better. Bonus: Add a shelf to double your storage without needing more width.
Where should I put my shower niche?
Out of the water spray to keep your bottles dry and cut down on grime. Half wall / sidewalls are a win, you could hide your niche from view. Between studs is a classic choice, using the gaps in your wall frame (and leave those studs alone unless a pro gives the green light). And finally, be tiling friendly - plan around your tile layout to avoid unsightly cuts.
Can I put a shower niche on an outside wall?
Usually, no. Exterior walls are packed with insulation and cutting into them will compromise both warmth and waterproofing. Or, if you are in a Victorian property it's probably just straight brick, so don't cut into that! Unless you're ready to build the wall out (at the cost of space), keep your niche on an interior wall.
What are common shower niche mistakes?
Tile drama: Misaligned tiles around your niche are the opposite of chic. Ignoring room layout: Letting studs be the only thing to dictate niche placement is a fast track to regret. Symmetry over function: A slightly off-centre niche is completely fine if it works better.
How can I make installing a shower niche easier?
Wait it out. Don't commit to the location until tiling starts - you'll thank yourself. Mock it up! Use a bottle of shampoo (or two!) and test spots before cutting into the wall.
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