What Is a Bathroom Niche? Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

A bathroom niche is one of those clever design features that makes a space both practical and stylish. It’s a simple idea, a built-in shelf or recess within your wall, but it can completely transform how your bathroom looks and functions. Whether you want to keep your shampoo bottles tidy in the shower or add a modern design feature beside your bath, a bathroom niche does it all.

What Is a Bathroom Niche?

A bathroom niche (also called a shower niche or wall recess) is a small, built-in shelf that’s set into the wall. Instead of using extra shelving that sticks out, a niche keeps your bathroom clutter-free and sleek. You’ll often see them in showers, but they also look great above baths or beside sinks.

The main benefit is that they’re waterproof, easy to clean, and give your bathroom a custom-built feel without taking up extra room.

If you’re after a seamless design, a tileable bathroom niche blends perfectly into tiled walls ,  ideal if you’re already fitting new bathroom wall panels or tiles.

Why Add a Niche to Your Bathroom or Shower?

A bathroom niche is more than just a fancy shelf ,  it’s a smart use of space. Here’s why they’re becoming so popular in UK homes:

• Tidy and clutter-free: Keep bottles, razors, and soaps neatly stored.
• Adds a modern touch: A sleek niche looks high-end and custom-built.
• Easy to clean: No corner shelves or racks to trap water or grime.
• Works with any wall style: From tiled walls to wall panels, there’s a niche for every finish.
• Lighting options: Choose an illuminated niche for added ambience.

For extra style, you can match your niche to your brassware ,  think black, brushed brass, or gunmetal fittings.

Take a look at our Illuminated Niches for shower lighting ideas.

Different Types of Bathroom Niches

At Rubberduck Bathrooms, we stock several types of niches, each with its own benefits.

Tileable Niches

A tileable niche is built ready for you to tile over, so it matches your wall perfectly. It’s waterproof, preformed, and simple to fit. Tileable niches are ideal for anyone who wants a seamless, built-in finish that blends with existing tiles or wall panels.

Explore our full range of Tileable Niches

Steel Niches

Steel niches are strong, ready-made, and stylish. They’re pre-formed from durable steel and come in beautiful finishes such as brushed brass, gunmetal, and black. Because they’re already sealed, installation is quick and easy. They’re also scratch-resistant and built to last ,  perfect for modern family bathrooms.

See our Steel Niches

Illuminated Niches

For a little luxury, an illuminated niche adds LED lighting to your shower or wall space. Most are IP65 or IP67 rated, meaning they’re safe to use in wet areas. They can be wired to a fused spur or standard socket and look incredible when paired with LED mirrors or modern brass taps.

Browse Illuminated Niches

Matching Your Niche to Your Brassware

If you’re updating your shower, why not match your niche to your brassware for a coordinated look? For example:

• A brushed brass niche pairs beautifully with brass taps and shower valves.
• A black niche complements matte black taps and shower kits.
• A gunmetal or bronze niche adds warmth and works well with darker tiles.

Matching your fittings is an easy way to make your bathroom look designer without spending a fortune.

Explore our Brass Taps and matching brass showers to complete your look.

Where Should You Fit a Bathroom Niche?

Placement matters. Most niches are fitted at about 1.2 metres from the floor, which is ideal for easy reach in the shower. However, you can add more than one if you want space for both tall and small bottles.

For baths, a niche works best just above the edge of the tub ,  perfect for candles, soaps, or decorations. Illuminated niches also create a spa-like glow in evening light.

FAQs About Bathroom Niches

Are bathroom niches waterproof?

Yes, all Rubberduck Bathrooms niches are fully waterproof when installed correctly. Our steel and illuminated niches are sealed units, while tileable options are designed to be tiled and sealed with waterproof adhesives.

Can I install a niche myself?

Most niches are simple to fit for a competent DIYer. Tileable niches fit between wall studs, while steel niches can be surface-mounted or recessed. Always follow the fitting instructions or use a qualified installer.

What size bathroom niche do I need?

That depends on your space. A single large niche can fit all your toiletries, while smaller ones are great for decorative touches. We offer a range of bathroom niche sizes to suit different layouts.

Can I add lighting to a niche later?

Yes, some niches can be upgraded with LED strip lighting, but it’s easier to install a pre-lit model if you’re renovating.

A bathroom niche is one of those upgrades that instantly makes your space feel more stylish and functional. Whether you prefer a tileable, steel, or illuminated option, you’ll find the perfect fit at Rubberduck Bathrooms.

At Rubberduck Bathrooms, we stock a wide range of bathroom niches, including tileable niches, steel niches, and illuminated niches, so you can find one that suits your space perfectly.

Explore our full Bathroom Niche Collection to find your perfect match today.