Planning a bathroom renovation or new build? If you’re at the stage where you’re considering how to store your shampoo, soap, and other essentials, you’ve likely encountered two stylish and functional options: the niche and the shower ledge. Both can be sleek, practical, and visually striking—but which one is right for your space?

Let’s break it down.

What is a niche?

A niche is a recessed shelf built directly into the wall of your shower or bath area. Think of it as a stylish cubbyhole that keeps your bottles tucked away but always within reach.

Why homeowners love niches:

Space-saving: Since it’s built into the wall, a niche doesn't take up any floor space.
Customizable: You can size it to suit your specific needs (with a bit of pre-planning).
Design-friendly: A niche is a great spot to incorporate feature tiles—add a splash of colour, texture, or pattern without overwhelming the entire bathroom.
Seamless storage: Everything you need is right there, without disrupting your shower’s flow or layout.

One downside: The depth of a niche is typically limited by your wall cavity—around 90mm—which means storage space is a bit more confined.

What is a shower ledge?

A shower ledge, on the other hand, is a half-height wall that juts out horizontally, usually at 1200mm height from the floor, in the shower area or behind a bath. It’s a modern twist on traditional shelving and has quickly become a designer favourite.

Why ledges are gaining popularity:

Unlimited depth: Unlike a niche, a ledge isn't restricted by wall thickness, so it can hold larger bottles and more items.
Statement-making: A ledge introduces a new surface area for tile design—blend your floor tile up the ledge, or contrast with a bold feature tile.
Easy access: With no top-side enclosure, it’s ideal for quick grabs during a shower or bath.

One downside: Ledges can take up valuable floor space, especially in smaller bathrooms, so they may not be ideal if every millimetre counts.

Finishing Touches: Edge Matters

Whether you go with a niche or ledge, how you finish the edges can dramatically affect the final look.

Tile trims (often in aluminium): A practical and affordable way to edge your niche or ledge. Match them with your tapware for a cohesive look or choose a more neutral colour to blend with the tile.
Mitred tile edges: For a more refined, seamless finish, mitre the tile edges (cut at a 45° angle). This option requires a little more time and skill but delivers a crisp, high-end result.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Go for a niche if: You’re tight on space, want a minimalist look, or love the idea of adding a tiled feature without compromising your layout.
Opt for a ledge if: You have more space to play with, prefer easy-access storage, or want to make a bold design statement.

Ultimately, it’s about what works best for your bathroom and your lifestyle.

If you’re still unsure, consider a hybrid approach - some bathrooms incorporate both a niche and a ledge for maximum functionality and style.

Tip: No matter which option you choose, involve your builder or designer early on. These features are much easier (and more cost-effective) to incorporate during the planning stage, rather than as an afterthought.

Shower Niche or Ledge? Which One’s Right for Your Renovation

What is a niche?

What is a shower ledge?

Finishing Touches: Edge Matters

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