Bathroom Shelving Ideas: From Built-In Niches to Budget-Friendly Fixtures
Smart storage is the secret to a clutter-free and beautiful bathroom. The right shelving choice blends practicality with design and works seamlessly with the rest of your renovation.
In this guide, we will cover popular built-in options such as recessed niches, shelf walls, and ledges, as well as affordable off-the-shelf fixtures for quick and easy storage solutions.
1. Recessed Shower Niches
A recessed niche is built into the wall cavity and tiled for a seamless finish. They are popular in modern bathrooms because they do not protrude into the space, keeping the shower area clean and open.
Benefits:
Streamlined, integrated look
Keeps bottles off the floor and edges of the shower
Fully customisable in size, tile finish, and even lighting
Things to consider:
Must be planned early so wall framing can accommodate the recess
Match niche dimensions to tile sizes to avoid awkward cuts
Waterproofing must be precise to prevent future leaks
2. Shelf Walls
A shelf wall is created by building out a section of the wall to provide horizontal storage space. This is useful in showers where a full-height niche is not possible because of plumbing or structural restrictions.
Benefits:
Adds extra storage without requiring a deep recess
Suitable for holding decor, plants, or extra towels outside the shower
Can be tiled or finished in stone for a feature element
Things to consider:
Occupies more physical space than a recessed niche
Works best when included in the original design plans
3. Ledges
Ledges are a popular choice for continuous storage along the back wall of a shower or behind a bath. They are created by slightly raising part of the wall to form a shelf surface.
Benefits:
Provides a long, uninterrupted space for bottles and accessories
Minimalist and hotel-style aesthetic
Easier to waterproof than a recessed niche
Things to consider:
Requires floor space to build out the wall
Height must be carefully considered to make access comfortable
4. Freestanding and Wall-Mounted Shelving Fixtures
If you are working within an existing bathroom or a smaller budget, wall-mounted or freestanding shelves can be a practical solution.
Options include:
Corner shelves that fit neatly into shower spaces
Glass shelves above vanities for a clean look
Metal soap and bottle holders for inside showers
Over-the-door racks for towel or product storage
Benefits:
Quick and simple to install
No structural changes required
Cost-effective way to improve storage
Things to consider:
May not blend seamlessly with tiled-in designs
Always choose rust-resistant materials for wet areas
For a full renovation, recessed niches or ledges provide the most integrated and high-end result. If you are updating an existing bathroom without major construction, quality wall-mounted shelves or soap holders can still offer effective and stylish storage.
When choosing shelving, think about how you use your bathroom daily. Minimal users might only need a small niche, while families or shared bathrooms may benefit from a longer ledge or multiple storage points.
💻 Book our Bathroom Layout & Design Service here to get expert guidance, floor plan feedback, and help figuring out whether a hob-free shower is the right move for your home.
Our premium design package (50% off SALE!) includes tap heights and measurements being marked out for you as well as a selection list of all items. Reach out anytime or check out our design services if you’re feeling stuck in the decision overwhelm.
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