Helping you decide which storage option is the right fit for your shower…

Shower storage, o shower storage, wherefore art thou shower storage? The process of most bathroom remodels actually begin over the frustration of where to place your shampoo bottles… Ok that is not true, however it is another little thing that needs to be kept in mind when designing your shower. So which is best? Corner shelf or niche shelf? What is a niche shelf? Today we break down which of the most popular shower storage options is right for your next bathroom project.   

Why Shower Storage matters?

Before we dive into our matchup and the pros and cons, Lets start by discussing the reason to consider shower storage. 

Shower storage is, as mentioned above, a place for shampoo bottles, lotions, loofas, and all other personal care needs you may have. The different types will affect your showers design from how installation is done, to cost, to the finished look of the shower. Also certain showers and home layouts will restrict your options to what is even possible for your bathroom. This is why it is dire to convey the full image of your design to your designer. 

Shower Niches:

A shower Niche is a built in storage space/shelf in the wall.

Pros:

Niches are neater: In an aesthetic sense, Niches have a fluid look to them. The styling options with Niches are far greater by allowing either the continuity of the tile, or contrast by adding a different tile as the backsplash.

Space Savers: Impressive space savers (specifically in smaller showers), these indents in the wall are a practical way to store personal hygienics if space is limited. 

An Easy Addition: If possible, A shower niche is a nice change to standard shelfs. And a relatively affordable addition that can be easily included with any design. 

Cons: 

Too Small: Wall Niches are often very limiting in their space options and can only house so many hygiene products at once. Like buying value sized shampoo bottles? Probably going to have stop because the space can only allow for so many items. 

WaterProofing: If you are fabricating the shower niche yourself, waterproofing is a multi step process where each surface and corner has to get covered by whatever system you use. Even if you are looking at a prefabricated shower niche such as a Schluter offering, you still have to use KERDI-BAND, or some other kind of polyethylene band for waterproofing the niche to the rest of the shower. 

Not always an option: Unlike a Corner Shelf, Niches are not always a possibility. If the shower sits on an outside block wall, Niches cannot be cut into the block. 

Corner Shelf

A Corner shelf is a shelf in the corner of the shower… obviously. Usually made of the same tile as the shower walls, the shelf and tile blend seamlessly together. 

Pros:

Aesthetic: Most of the time, being made of the same tile, the shelf will blend right in with the shower walls giving a clean look to your shower. In some cases Corner Shelves are made of stainless steel and incorporated after installation is completed. 

Maintenance: Corner shelves are MUCH easier to keep clean, waterproof, and tile. 

An Easier Addition: Planning for a shower niche has to start at the framing. Installing a corner shower shelf starts during one of the last steps: the tile install.  

Cons:

Minimizes Shower Space: Corner Shelves protruding out of the wall cut down on useable space within the shower itself. For large showers this isn’t an issue however if trying to maximize every square inch, this may not be the option. 

Bruiting look: While made of the same tile and matching, that does not change the fact that corner shelves just aren’t as sleek in appearance as Niches are. 

Longevity: Lacking the same support as Wall Niches, which are built into the frame, there is the possibility that corner shelves can loosen and become weaker overtime. 

In Conclusion…

You know, if you follow this blog I feel like it always ends the same way. 

Whether it be Niche or Corner Shelfs the choice is yours! Remember each has their limitations, some bathrooms a niche may not be possible. Corner shelves are never going to be as sturdy as wall supported Niches. But of course the biggest take away is it all depends on your taste. 

A niche is super practical in maximizing shower space and can be refreshing in a stylish fashion. A corner shelf allows for more range of possibilities with storage while matching the tile in a convenient and affordable style. 

And As always…Be sure to consult with your designer about what options are possible and suitable for your next bathroom remodel.