What is Compare My Build?

An interactive comparison platform for home buyers to evaluate builders, plans, and inclusions in their region side-by-side.

Can I add a shower niche after construction?

No — a shower niche is built into the wall frame before waterproofing and tiling. It can't be added after construction without breaking through the wall, removing tiles, modifying the frame, re-waterproofing and re-tiling. If you want a niche, it must be planned during pre-construction.

How high should a shower niche be?

Typically 900–1200mm from the shower floor. This is high enough to reach comfortably without bending, but not so high that it's awkward. If children will use the shower, consider a lower position (700–900mm). The niche should be on a wall that's visible and accessible from the shower entry.

Can I have two shower niches?

Yes — if you have a large shower or a shared shower, two niches provide separate storage for each person. Some buyers also add a lower niche for foot washing or shaving. Each additional niche costs approximately $100–$300.

Free for home$Spot costly upgradesCompare real builder

Free for home buyers$Spot costly upgradesCompare real builder inclusions

Home›Build Knowledge Hub›Bathroom & Plumbing

Bathroom & Plumbing

Shower Niches: Sizing, Positioning, Feature Tiles & Cost

A recessed shelf in the shower — sizing, positioning, feature tiles and why this small detail matters.

4 min read·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated July 2026

Cost estimates only: Any building or upgrade figures in this guide are indicative, not fixed prices or quotes. Costs and inclusions vary by project, supplier, location and time. Confirm current written prices and specifications directly with your builder, suppliers and relevant trades.

Key Takeaways

A shower niche is a recessed shelf built into the shower wall for shampoo, soap and razors
It's cleaner and more permanent than a hanging shower caddy or corner shelf
Size and positioning matter — too small and bottles don't fit; too high and it's hard to reach
Feature tiles inside the niche add a premium design detail
The niche must be planned during pre-construction — it's built into the wall frame

A shower niche is a recessed shelf built into the shower wall, providing storage for shampoo, conditioner, soap and razors. It's a small detail that adds both function and style — and it's much cleaner and more permanent than a hanging shower caddy or corner shelf. Planning the niche size, position and tiles during pre-construction ensures it works for your needs.

Why Choose a Shower Niche?

Cleaner look — no hanging caddies, wire racks or suction shelves
Permanent storage — built into the wall; doesn't fall off or rust
Easy cleaning — one smooth surface to wipe down; no grime-collecting fixtures
Design feature — a feature tile inside the niche adds a premium detail
Standard in display homes — most display bathrooms showcase shower niches

Sizing

The size of the niche matters for functionality. Too small and large shampoo bottles won't fit; too large and it looks awkward and may compromise the wall structure. Common sizes:

Single niche — typically 300–400mm wide × 200–300mm high × 100–120mm deep; fits 2–3 bottles
Double niche — two compartments side by side; more storage; good for shared showers
Full-width niche — spans the full shower wall; premium look; more storage; requires structural consideration
Depth — 100–120mm is standard; deep enough for most bottles but not so deep it compromises the wall

Positioning

Height — typically 900–1200mm from the shower floor; high enough to reach comfortably but not so high it's awkward
Wall — usually on the back wall or side wall of the shower, opposite the shower head
Avoid the wall directly under the shower head — water pools on the niche shelf
Consider the user — if children will use the shower, position the niche lower
Ensure it's visible from outside the shower — feature tiles inside are a design detail worth seeing

Tip

Consider using a feature tile inside the niche — a contrasting colour, patterned tile or mosaic. Because the niche area is small (typically 0.1–0.2m²), even a premium feature tile is affordable. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to add a premium design detail to your bathroom.

Cost

Example Shower Niche Costs

Item	Example Cost
Shower niche (per shower)	$150–$400
Feature tile inside niche	$20–$100 (small area)
Additional niche (per extra)	$100–$300

Real-world examples only. Some builders include one niche as standard. Costs vary by builder and specification.

Some builders include one shower niche as standard in each bathroom. Check your standard inclusions — you may already have one. If not, it's a relatively affordable upgrade ($150–$400) that adds daily convenience and a premium design opportunity.

Questions to Ask Your Builder

Does the builder include a shower niche as standard in each bathroom?
What size and position does the builder recommend for the niche?
Can I add a feature tile inside the niche, and what's the cost?
Can I have two niches if the shower is shared?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting the shower niche — can't be added after construction without breaking through the wall
Positioning the niche too high or too low — 900–1200mm from the floor is the sweet spot
Placing the niche directly under the shower head — water pools on the shelf
Making the niche too small — standard shampoo bottles won't fit

Builder Tips

A shower niche must be planned during pre-construction — it's built into the wall frame
Use a feature tile inside the niche — a small area, so even a premium tile is affordable
Position the niche at 900–1200mm from the shower floor — comfortable reaching height
Place the niche on a wall visible from outside the shower — feature tiles are worth seeing

Best Bathroom Tiles Guide

Choose the right tiles for your shower and niche.

Read the Guide