Say goodbye to shower caddies and messy stacks of bottles by adding a bathroom niche to your shower. Not only are niches beautifying and functional, they add an eye-catching design element that sets your bathroom apart. Careful planning is key to creating a flawless niche, here are some considerations for you to keep in mind during your remodel.
Here's a checklist on how to plan for your bathroom niche:
1. What wall is best for the niche?
There are a few elements to consider when picking your wall for the niche. You should also consider where to place your shower niche. Number one: before you get attached to any layout, ensure that your plan does not interact with any plumbing or electrical. If you're in a cold weather climate, it's best to avoid the outside wall. Consider where the water from your shower head will fall, placing your niche away from the stream of water. 
Large Moroccan Fish Scales - 1015E Caribbean Blue.
2. Where should I position my niche on the wall?
When finding the perfect spot for your niche, think about how the space will function in use. Positioning your niche at chest to eye-level is a good standard. This translates to a height of about 48 to 60 inches. Ideally, you'll want to position your niche to fit between the studs which are usually located 16 inches apart. But many contractors can help you with planning the space for a more custom look.
3. How does the tile fit into your niche?
To create a crisp and clean look, we recommend deciding the tile you'd like first, then adjusting your niche size so that it works well with the tile dimensions. Consider this for not only the back, but the sides of the niche. In the example below, construction2style perfectly sized the back to have centered Moroccan Fish Scales, rather than continuing them to the sides, they framed the accented Moroccan Fish Scales with Subway Tile that is flush with the depth to create a perfect install.
Large Moroccan Fish Scales - 1017E Sea Mist.
4. Do you have a waterproofing plan for the niche?
Ensure that you have an air-tight waterproofing plan for your niche. A little bit of water leaking can add up to a lot of damage over time. Using RedGuard Waterproofing or a waterproofing membrane, Laticrete with fiberglass tape is a great way to ensure no leaks. We enjoy Michal Mroczko's step-by-step guide here!
3″x8″ Subway Tile – 12W Blue Bell.
5. What type of trim do you want?
The choice of trim can make a big difference in the overall effect of the niche. Do you want tile or metal? Rounded or sharp edges? Would you like the color to blend with the wall or pop? We can create a variety of ceramic edging to suit your needs, for a custom shower like below, we're happy to mock-up your project to see what it looks like before it gets made!
Large Moroccan Fish Scales - 1017E Sea Mist. Small Moroccan Fish Scales - 1017E Sea Mist, 214 Coastal Breeze.
6. Why should I invest in a custom niche?
Simply put, a well-executed niche looks really good and a poorly planned niche can look really bad. Since this project will last for years to come, it's important that you're happy with the look.
Large Moroccan Fish Scales - 1017E Sea Mist.
7. How should I style my niche?
Now that you have a beautiful niche, you'll find that it's easier to keep the space intentional and organized. If you're feeling like everything you put on your niche looks messy, we have two styling ideas to keep it inspirational. Transfer products into dispensers for a perfectly curated look. Add a plant to freshen the space up and add a floral aroma to your bathroom. Below are more niche projects for inspiration!
3″x8″ Subway Tile – 12W Blue Bell.
Pops of Color
This bathroom project proves just how classy and timeless a shower can be with a pop of color. For those who like a more traditional look, having a classic color, like a darker blue, is a great way to incorporate color without being too bold. By keeping the niche tile in the Subway tile family, it creates a sleek and uniform look.
3”x3” Subway Tile - 1013 Denim
Interior Design - Emily Pueringer
Installation - Quality Cut Design Remodel
Photography - Rubinski Visual
Ombre Niche
Want a statement piece in your bathroom but not sure where to put it? Go with your shower niche! Choosing an ombre design is a great way to dress your shower up and add a splash of personality to a smaller area. This blue ombre niche is a stunning example of how this design can look!
Medium Moroccan Fish Scales - 33 Vivid Blue, 1015E Caribbean Blue, 60 Silver Lining, 77E Grey, Custom Color
Interior Design - Katie Roos Design
Photography - Andrea Rugg Photography
Floor to Wall Tile
If you love all things tile and want a space full of it, your shower will be your best bet! Adding tile to not only the walls but the floor creates a beautiful waterproof area that is easy to clean and a showstopper. We love how this shower has traditional Subway tile on the walls and in the niche, then a fun tiled pattern for the floor. Plus, the tile is non-slip!
3”x8” Subway Tile & V-Caps – 23 Sapphire Blue
Hexagon Flower Pattern – 130 White, 45W My Blue Heaven, 23 Sapphire Blue
Photography – Pencil Shavings Studio
Monochromatic Moment
Monochromatic tile is a fabulous way to shine the spotlight on one color. When tiling a shower, continuing the same tile shape and color into the niche creates a put together and seamless look that we adore. If you want to tile only one or two walls, then carrying that same tile into the niche is a great way to tie everything together and keep a monochromatic look.
Large Moroccan Fish Scales – 1017E Sea Mist
Interior Design – Tree Frog Design
Photography – Snowberry Lane Photography
Order tile samples to see, touch, and fall in love with our handmade tiles in person. We would also love to hear what inspires you! Did our checklist help you figure out how to plan for your bathroom niche? Tell us more about your future project and get the ball rolling.
The post How to Plan for Your Bathroom Niche appeared first on Artisan Tile Company: Handmade Ceramic Tiles by Mercury Mosaics.
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