This Shower Storage Idea Shows Bigger Isn’t Always Better

A few weeks ago, a video about shower niches took over social media, in which the design account @studio_74_decor advocated extending them by setting up a complete shower shelf along a wall.

Instead of cutting a small square into your shower wall (which would typically take up the space of a single tile), this designer recommended creating a much longer niche—with the expected height, but spanning the length of an entire shower wall.

In theory, it's a genius idea – not only does it make your shower look bigger, more elegant and more like the luxurious spa bath that everyone is currently raving about, but you also get tons of extra storage space in your shower. And if you're a hair and skincare fanatic, that's a huge bonus for you.

But as good as this feature looks, people in the comments weren't entirely convinced.

“One must [a] “To achieve this look, there must be a 4-inch deep blank wall,” advises a top comment on the post. “The walls are crammed with 2×4 boards, plumbing, and electrical conduits.”

The main problem with shower alcoves in general (and the reason they're usually so small) is that the plumbing for your shower is generally hidden behind the walls, so if you're already planning on building a DIY shower anyway, think again before you start planning any major renovations.

Also, shower walls often come with 2″ x 4″ studs. Another flaw with this design idea mentioned in the comments was that the shower wall could be load-bearing, supporting the structural integrity of your shower or bathroom. As you can probably imagine, if you randomly knock out a few of those tiles, it could be devastating. “It's not that easy to do with a 2″ x 4″ construction,” agrees another top comment on this post.

For showers with longer niches, there is no plumbing behind the wall that the shelf is built into, so you would need to find a completely empty shower wall to add a longer niche.

However, many commentators still believe that the luxury shower shelf is worth it.

“I wish I had done this. Upscale look, higher cost too, but the finished product is worth it,” wrote one user.

Since installing a longer shower niche can be complicated, you will need to hire a professional to do it. But if you really want to make your dream of a wellness oasis come true, it could be worth it for you.

“I have one,” reads another comment. “Best decision I ever made… I wouldn't change it for the world.”

This user also added that they did not face the same plumbing or stress issues that others may experience when tearing out part of a wall to create the niche.

If you're lucky enough to have a shower that can already be easily converted into a long shelf, go for it. The luxury trend doesn't seem to be dying out anytime soon – and who wouldn't love a little extra space for their products?

Make sure you have a professional double check the structure of your shower before you take on this project. This is definitely not a weekend DIY renovation – unless you want to flood your entire bathroom.