The Niche vs. The Ledge: A Design Dilemma Explored
As a bathroom designer, I’ve had the opportunity to ponder the age-old question: shower niche or shower ledge? It’s a conundrum that has kept me up at night, contemplating the virtues and vices of each option. You see, I have a love-hate relationship with the traditional shower niche.
The Niche Dilemma
I’ll admit, there was a time when I didn’t even bother putting a niche in our previous master bathroom. I figured a simple shelf at one end of the tub would suffice. But alas, functionality won out, and I found myself wishing for waist-high access to my precious hair potions, instead of constantly bending down and reaching for them. [1]
So in our current master, I did include niches, and I don’t necessarily regret that decision. But in general, I’m not a huge fan of niches – mostly because they have a tendency to break up fields of beautiful tile with their unsightly labels and, well, soap scum. (Literal soap scum, not just a metaphorical one.)
Now, don’t get me wrong, niches can absolutely be fine, and even beautiful in the right context. But having designed what feels like dozens of bathrooms, I’ve had ample opportunity to contemplate the niche and what other solutions might work better. The possibility of designing a “good” version of the thing I didn’t love was an attractive challenge. What could we do to create storage without having that pesky box break up the tile? Or if it was going to break up the tile, could we do it in a more modern way?
Rethinking the Niche
First, let’s take a closer look at the traditional shower niche. When you do a Google search for “shower niche,” 92% of the results feature a contrasting tile inset – and in my opinion, that’s the ticket to a somewhat dated look. As a general rule, I’d recommend staying away from alternative or “accent” tiles in the niche. Yes, it can be done well, but it’s like wearing a pair of wet jeans – it’s just harder to pull off. [2]
Instead, I prefer a niche that is almost invisible to the eye – one that uses the exact same tile as the rest of the shower surround, so it blends seamlessly into the background. Or, you could keep the niche’s background super neutral, letting the products themselves become the focal point.
In my own master bath, the niches are simple, clean, and functional, without drawing too much attention to themselves. [1] And in this hotel (or fancy home) bathroom, each showerhead gets its own designated niche – a practical solution, though the niches are a bit larger than I typically recommend. The key is to ensure the niche is tall enough to accommodate your larger bath products, without feeling cramped.
Enter the Ledge
So, if the niche isn’t your cup of tea, what’s the alternative? Well, my friends, I present to you the shower ledge. I first started contemplating this idea while staying in a Portland hotel, mid-shower, when I found myself wondering, “Why aren’t we doing more of these?”
The ledge just looked so sleek, so modern (in a fresh, not necessarily contemporary, kind of way), and it didn’t break up any of the beautiful tile lines. Frankly, it just looked cool. [1]
At first glance, this bathroom might appear to have a ledge, but upon closer inspection, it might actually be more of a nook or a “ledge-niche” hybrid. The change in materials makes it look a bit like a pony wall, which we actually considered doing in the mountain house upstairs guest bath. But the overall feeling is still one of simplicity and freshness.
One of the great things about a ledge is the continuous line of storage it provides, stretching from the shower area all the way to the vanity. This is especially handy in a free-standing tub scenario, where you typically don’t have much surface area for product placement. The ledge gives you that functional storage without visually interrupting the luxurious design moment. [1]
And let’s talk about the practicality of a ledge versus a niche. With a niche, you run the risk of having products that are just out of reach, or too tall to fit comfortably. But a ledge allows you to place your items at the perfect height for easy access, whether you’re standing or sitting (for those of you who like to shave your legs in the shower – no shame!).
Striking the Right Balance
Ultimately, I think both the niche and the ledge have their merits. The niche feels a bit more contained and intentional, while the ledge exudes a sleek, modern vibe. The key is finding the right balance for your space and your needs.
If you’re working with a smaller bathroom, the floor space required for a ledge might be a dealbreaker. But in a larger, more open layout, the continuous line of the ledge can be a real showstopper. And let’s not forget the importance of proper placement – a niche hidden from view can be just as practical and visually appealing as a statement-making ledge.
At the end of the day, the choice between a niche and a ledge is a highly personal one. But whichever route you choose, I encourage you to think beyond the traditional contrasting-tile niche and explore the fresh, modern possibilities that are out there. Your bathroom (and your sanity) will thank you.
[1] Knowledge from https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/rethinking-the-shower-niche
[2] Knowledge from https://jennaburger.com/2014/08/14/triple-feature-kitchen-bath-makeovers-magazine/
[3] Knowledge from https://www.tamifaulknerdesign.com/blog/improving/bathroom/floor/plans/design/consultation
[4] Knowledge from https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2023-06-07/finland-models-sustainable-toilets-that-use-less-water-create-compost
[5] Knowledge from https://sdra.com/gender-neutral-bathrooms-in-schools-balancing-privacy-safety-and-functionality/
[6] Knowledge from https://specialtyhomeimprovement.com/blog/rethinking-contemporary-bathroom-design-does-it-have-to-be-so-sterile-linear/
[7] Knowledge from https://slate.com/technology/2014/04/toto-washlet-s350e-the-incredible-japanese-wonder-toilet-that-will-change-your-views-on-butt-cleaning.html
[8] Knowledge from https://www.bathbarnshowroom.com/blog/design-ideas/does-a-bathroom-remodel-increase-home-value