Shower Niche vs Shower Shelves (Which Should You Choose?)

JUMP TO SECTION

Shower niche vs shower shelf
Considerations when choosing shower storage
Which should you choose?
Need help choosing the right shower storage?
FAQs

Not sure whether to go with a built-in niche or just add a bathroom shelf? You’re not alone. This guide breaks down the differences, pros and cons, and real-life use cases, so you can figure out what works for your bathroom, your budget, and your style.

What is the difference between a shower niche and a shower shelf?

A shower niche is a recessed storage space built into your shower wall, it’s tiled over and sits flush, almost like a permanent cubby.

A shower shelf is mounted on top of the wall (often in the corner or along the back) and can be made of metal, glass, or stone. It’s visible, removable, and much easier to install.

Feature	Shower Niche	Shower Shelf
Installation	Built-in during reno	Mounted afterward
Aesthetic	Seamless, minimal	Adds contrast
Cost	More expensive	More affordable
Maintenance	Easier if tiled well	Needs more cleaning
Flexibility	Customisable	Moveable or replaceable

Is it better to get a shower niche or a shelf?

It depends on how you’re using your shower, and whether you’re renovating or just upgrading.

Choose a niche if:

You’re already renovating or building
You want a sleek, clutter-free look
You have deep wall cavities to recess into

Choose a shelf if:

You need a quick storage fix
You’re in a rental or on a budget
You want to match it to your tapware finish (like matte black or brass)

Can I use both a shower niche and a shelf?

Yes, and many people do. A niche is great for bulkier bottles, while a small corner shelf can hold razors or soap. Just don’t overdo it. Keep things practical and symmetrical. In a smaller space, less is usually more.

What should I consider when choosing shower storage?

This is where layout and lifestyle come into play. Ask yourself:

Do you need storage for tall bottles?
Will multiple people be using the shower?
Do you want the storage to be hidden or visible?
Are you updating an existing space or starting from scratch?

A niche is a long-term choice. A shower shelf is a flexible one.

How do I install a shower niche?

Niches need to be planned early, ideally during framing and waterproofing. A proper niche:

Has a slight tilt for drainage
Is fully waterproofed
Fits your bottle sizes (usually 300mm+ high)

If you're retrofitting into an existing wall, you'll need a professional.

Can I add a shower niche after tiling?

Technically, yes, but it’s not simple. You’ll have to:

Remove the bathroom tiles and some backer board
Reframe and waterproof the space
Re-tile and reseal the area

In most cases, it’s easier to stick with a bathroom shelf unless you’re already pulling the tiles off.

Are shower shelves easier to install?

Definitely. Most shelves mount with adhesive or screws, don’t require any waterproofing changes and can be installed in under 30 minutes. Just make sure to follow the weight limit, especially for glass shower shelves or stone shelves.

Top Shower Shelves Brands Australia

Caroma Shower Shelves

Caroma is known for thoughtful, Aussie-designed bathroom solutions — and their shower shelves are no exception. Built to match their broader bathroom collections like Urbane II and Liano, Caroma’s shelves are ideal if you’re already using their mixers or accessories. You’ll get solid materials, clean lines, and finishes like chrome, matte black or brushed brass that work across modern and classic styles.

Pairs well with:

Nero Shower Shelves

Nero is big on bold finishes, think brushed gold, gunmetal, and brushed copper, so their shower shelves are made for people who want a cohesive, high-impact bathroom. They often pair beautifully with Nero’s Mecca or Bianca tapware ranges, which feature matching curves and detailing. These shelves are usually wall-mounted with clean, open designs that let the finish shine.

Pairs well with:

Nero air shower range

Oliveri Shower Shelves

Oliveri is best known for its kitchen sinks, but their bathroom shelves are all about streamlined design and stainless steel quality. They tend to be practical, rust-resistant, and suit both bathrooms and laundries where you need utility without compromising on finish. Great for homes that already feature Oliveri sinks or tapware.

Pairs well with:

Phoenix Shower Shelves

Phoenix makes some of the most design-forward bathroom fittings in Australia, and their shower shelves match the aesthetic. If you’re using a Phoenix shower head, their shelves carry through that same level of refinement. Think architectural lines, on-trend finishes, and high attention to detail. They're a go-to if you want your accessories to feel like part of the design, not just an add-on.

Pairs well with:

ADP Shower Shelves

ADP focuses on stylish, Australian-made bathroom furniture, and their bathroom shelves are no different. If you're already using an ADP vanity or basin, their shower shelves help you keep the look consistent. They also do well with small space layouts and built-in combinations.

Pairs well with:

Final verdict: Which one should you choose?

Go with a shower niche if:

You’re renovating or building
You want a minimalist, built-in look
You’re thinking long-term

Go with a shower shelf if:

You’re working with an existing space
You want flexibility or a quick fix
You’re not ready to re-tile or waterproof

And if you’re still not sure? It’s perfectly fine to use both, just keep it simple and functional.

Need help choosing the right shower storage?

Check out:

FAQs

Can I install a shower niche in an existing bathroom?

Yes, but it’s more complicated than adding a shelf. You’ll need to cut into the wall, reframe, waterproof, and re-tile, so it’s best done during a renovation or by a professional.

Do shower niches cause leaks?

They can, but only if poorly waterproofed. A properly installed niche should be fully sealed and sloped to drain. This is why correct prep work is so important.

What height should a shower niche be installed at?

Most niches are placed around 1.2 to 1.4 metres high, roughly chest level. But think about who’s using the shower and what products you’re storing. You want easy reach and enough clearance for tall bottles.

Are shower shelves safe for glass showers?

Yes, just make sure the shelf is wall-mounted and not putting pressure on the glass itself. Avoid overloading shelves, especially in frameless showers.

Which is easier to clean: a niche or a shelf?

Both can be easy to clean, but niches tend to stay cleaner when tiled well with minimal grout. Shelves with joins or seams may collect soap scum if not wiped down regularly.

Should I get a corner shelf or a flat wall shelf?

Corner shelves save space and are less intrusive. Wall shelves offer more room for storage but take up more visual space. It depends on your layout and how much storage you need.

Is a niche more expensive than a shelf?

Yes. A niche requires more labour, waterproofing, and tiling. A shelf can be installed quickly and costs less, especially for off-the-shelf options.