shower tile niche: design ideas and considerations
by clé tile | published: Nov 13, 2025
the shower niche—those built-in recessed shelves that keep your soaps, shampoos, and daily essentials neatly tucked away—may appear to be simply a storage alcove designed to make your shower more functional and organized. while these niches have long appeared in hotels and spas, homeowners are now embracing them as bathrooms shift from purely practical spaces to personal retreats. ss people rethink how their showers look and feel, it’s no surprise they’re searching for tile niche ideas that balance convenience with style.
zellige | weathered white | unmounted square. design: gachot studios; photo: nicole franzen.
what started as a basic square cubby for holding your favorite products has evolved into a true design feature. today’s niches come in all shapes and sizes—elongated vertical cavities, multi-tiered shelves, even versions with integrated lighting—turning everyday objects into part of the aesthetic. even loofahs deserve a well-considered home.
whether your vibe is minimalist, maximalist, or somewhere in between, a tile niche in the shower offers an opportunity to add personality, texture, and architectural interest to the space.
in this guide, we explore 7 inspired shower niche tile ideas to spark your imagination and help you create a space that feels beautifully your own.
clé guild | new california. design: jenni kayne; photo: sanford creative.
what to consider when building a shower niche
when planning a niche in a tile shower, start by considering what you intend to store and how much space those items require. larger bottles, multiple products, or specialty items like razors or soap dishes may call for a wider or taller niche, while minimalist routines can work with something smaller and more streamlined.
think, too, about who will be using the shower—families with children may benefit from two niches at different heights, while shared primary bathrooms might need extra shelving to keep everyone’s essentials organized.
finally, approach the design by looking at your shower’s overall layout and aesthetic: align the niche with existing tile lines, choose shapes and proportions that complement your space, and draw inspiration from materials, colors, or patterns you want to highlight. a well-planned niche should feel intentional, functional, and visually integrated with the rest of the shower.
clé slate | subway. design: project m plus for oh joy!; photo: bethany nauert.
clé carrara | plank. design: brasstacks; photo: brandon bowens.
how to use tile in your shower niche design
your niche design begins where all good things do: with tile.
aesthetically speaking, your choice of main tile for the shower is a critical step in designing a niche, as they will proudly sit and soak together for years to come.
here are three looks to consider when designing with tile in your shower niche.
cement | radar | federal blue + white | hex. design: happy vesta; photo: lindsay lewin.
keep it consistent
if you choose a strong main shower tile, such as patterned cement, an elaborate shower niche could be distracting. tile your shower alcove with the same tile as the rest of your shower, and have your niche fade seamlessly into the architecture.
draw some attention
if your main tile is a subdued standard, such as a basic white subway or a thin brick, you have the chance to create a small but bold visual statement with your niche, simply by using a patterned or brightly colored tile as the backdrop for your niche.
go for contrast
contrast can come in the form of color, texture, or pattern. if you are using a shower tile such as carrara rectangles, use the niche as an opportunity to use another tile from the same collection, like carrara hexagons or herringbone. similarly, you can use another tile of the same color for a similar effect; think black gloss modern farmhouse brick and black gloss penny rounds.
whether you make a statement or keep it minimal, your shower niche will bring architectural and design interest no matter which direction you choose.
5 shower tile niche design ideas
ready to reimagine your shower storage with style and intention? here are five shower tile niche design ideas to spark your creativity.
authentic zellige tile
our favorite shower niche design is the one that is as traditional as can be. zellige tile has been used in fountains and other wet installations in morocco for centuries. the handcrafted nature of zellige tile means its surface is beautifully textured, meaning it’s most at home in running water where droplets bring to life every dip and ridge.
subway tile
subway tile is a timeless choice for a shower niche, offering clean lines, classic proportions, and endless versatility. its rectangular shape naturally frames the niche, creating a crisp architectural outline that works with everything from traditional bathrooms to modern, minimalist spaces.
whether you choose glossy white for a spa-like feel, bold colors for contrast, or a complementary grout tone to subtly emphasize the pattern, a subway tile shower adds structure and polish while seamlessly blending into the surrounding room design.
micro mosaic lapidary
looking to bring intricate texture and artistry to a shower niche? micro mosaic lapidary tile transforms a simple storage recess into a standout design element. made from tiny stone pieces arranged in organic, gem-like patterns, these mosaics add depth, shimmer, and a handcrafted feel that elevates even the most understated showers.
their small scale makes them ideal for niches, allowing the pattern to read clearly within a compact area while providing natural slip resistance and durability. with micro mosaics, your niche becomes both functional and exquisitely decorative.
brick
brick is an unexpected yet striking choice for a shower niche, bringing warmth, texture, and architectural character to a space that’s often overlooked. our modern farmhouse brick, with its softened edges and subtle tonal variation, adds a cozy, lived-in feel that pairs beautifully with everything from rustic farmhouse bathrooms to sleek, modern spaces craving contrast.
in a niche, brick creates a focal point that feels both sturdy and stylish, offering a tactile backdrop for everyday essentials while infusing the shower with timeless charm.
dual color cement
here’s an idea that makes a shower niche instantly feel intentional and artful, offering a way to introduce pattern or punchy contrast. by using two complementary hues of cement tile—whether soft neutrals or bold, saturated tones—you can highlight the niche as a design moment that ties together the room’s palette. the inherent movement and handcrafted variation of cement tile add depth and personality, turning a purely functional shelf into a standout architectural accent.
look through these walk-in shower ideas to help you think about how to design a niche for that specific shower layout.
how to install your shower niche tile
here are general steps for how to tile a niche in a shower:
1. plan the layout to ensure clean lines and symmetrical cuts, aligning the niche tile with the surrounding wall tile.
2. prepare the niche surface with proper waterproofing (such as a waterproof membrane or backer board).
3. dry-fit tiles to confirm sizing, cuts, and pattern direction before applying adhesive.
4. apply thinset mortar evenly to the niche surfaces, starting with the back wall, then the sides, and finally the top and bottom.
5. set the tiles carefully, using spacers to maintain consistent grout lines and checking for level.
6. cut edge tiles precisely using a wet saw for clean, accurate fits around corners and borders.
7. allow thinset to cure fully as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. grout the niche, wiping away excess and smoothing the joints for a clean finish.
9. seal tile and grout (if needed) based on material requirements to protect against moisture and staining.
importantly, when installing the niche, there are several approaches for corners and edges: clad the niche with the same tile, mitering the edges, or use a piece of stone such as carrara to create an instant shelf and build around the corners.
make sure to read about our trim solutions to drench your niche in a seamless look.
designing a shower niche is a small decision with major impact, offering both practical storage and a chance to express your personal style. in considering what you’ll store, who will use the space, and how the niche integrates with your overall tile design, you can create a feature that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
frequently asked questions
what’s a shower niche?
a shower niche is a recessed shelf built into the wall of a shower to store essentials like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and skincare products. unlike add-on caddies or corner shelves, a niche sits flush with the wall for a clean, seamless look. it can be tiled to match or contrast with the surrounding walls and is often designed as a functional focal point within the shower.
where not to put a shower niche?
avoid placing a niche on an exterior wall, where insulation and moisture concerns can lead to temperature fluctuations and potential leaks. steer clear of areas directly hit by heavy water spray if you want to reduce constant exposure and wear. also avoid walls with major plumbing runs or structural elements unless your contractor confirms they can be safely modified. proper placement is key to longevity and performance.
what are the pros and cons of adding a shower niche?
a shower niche offers built-in storage, eliminates clutter, and creates a clean, architectural detail that enhances your shower’s design. it can be customized in size, shape, tile choice, and layout, making it both practical and visually meaningful.
however, tile in a shower niche requires precise waterproofing, careful placement, and sometimes higher installation costs. they also limit wall flexibility later if you plan to reconfigure the space. when done well, though, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for most bathrooms.