Shower Niches and Benches: Ideas That Actually Work

Short answer: Plan niches and benches before tile goes up and they look built-in, because they are. The best niches line up with the tile layout and sit where you actually reach for shampoo.

Niche styles

There is a niche for every shower.

• Single horizontal niche
• Stacked double niche
• Tall vertical niche
• Shelf niche with a stone ledge

Line it up

A niche whose edges land on grout lines looks custom. One that cuts tiles awkwardly looks like an afterthought.

Benches

Built-in benches are great for shaving, aging in place, or just sitting under the rain head.

Waterproof them

Niches and benches are part of the wet area and get the same waterproofing.