Wall Niches in Bathrooms: Worth It or Overrated?
You’ve seen them on Pinterest. You’ve spotted them in new builds. And chances are, you’ve already imagined one in your dream bathroom. We’re talking about wall niches — the sleek, recessed shelves that blend beautifully into your shower or bath wall.
But are they actually worth the hype? Or are they just another renovation trend destined to fade?
Let’s break it down.
✅ Why People Love Wall Niches
Clean Aesthetic: No clunky caddies or corner shelves. Niches blend seamlessly into the wall for a minimalist look.
Space Saver: Especially handy in smaller Melbourne bathrooms where every centimetre counts.
Customisable: You can tile it to match or contrast the rest of your bathroom for a standout feature.
Adds Value: A small detail that gives your renovation that high-end, magazine-worthy touch.
🚫 The Downsides (No One Talks About)
Extra Labour & Cost: Niches require precise waterproofing, framing, and tiling. It’s not a simple DIY add-on.
Can Leak If Poorly Done: A poorly constructed niche can lead to serious water damage.
Not Always in the Right Spot: Sometimes, they’re placed too high, too low, or too shallow — making them awkward to use.
Can Date Quickly: Like all trends, if every bathroom has one now, will it feel overdone in 5 years?
So… Are They Worth It?
In the right hands — absolutely.
At Bluestone, we only recommend wall niches when:
The layout makes sense
The wall is deep enough
The waterproofing can be done properly
And it aligns with your long-term vision for the space
Otherwise? A beautiful tiled shelf or corner ledge might be a smarter, simpler choice.
Final Verdict
Wall niches aren’t overrated — they’re just often overdone or poorly planned.
Want one done right? Let’s chat.
