Who hasn’t banged their head or elbow on a shower soap dish or corner shelf? If you haven’t, consider yourself  very fortunate. Hair care products, soaps, gels and more need all a place in the shower. Factor in that target marketing is effective in prompting most family members to want their own particular brand making the number of shower items multiply. As the number of household shower items grew, so did the popularity of ceramic soap dishes and corner shelves that protrude from the wall tile. Then came the shower caddy. The plastic or metal shelves with a loop or hook above to attach to the shower head.

Today, a shower niche is a design consideration in almost every new bathroom or bathroom remodel. The niche is an inset in the wall within the tile area. A great product is a one-piece plastic mold with a nailing flange. The unit recesses into the wall cavity and is fastened to the wall studs. A cement wall board is typically used to cover the walls inside the tub and shower area. Then tile is glued to the wall board and also placed inside of the shower niche mold. Because of the tight area, and as an accent, a smaller sized complimentary tile is often designated for the niche.

The shower pictured was a part of a bathroom remodeling project completed by PSC of Middlesex County, New Jersey. The shower features two niches that are finished with glass tiles inside, matching the feature strip of the walls. You may also notice that the wall tile is turned around the border of the niche creating a picture framed effect.

If you own a home in New Jersey you should definitely visit our friends at Best Tile in Keyport to see all the sizes and styles of pre-fabricated niches available. While there, you will also see all the wonderful options and combinations of tile available for your next bathroom project.