Why Niches Are the Smartest Little Upgrade You Can Make

When most people picture a remodel, their minds go straight to the showstoppers — new cabinets, sleek countertops, walk-in showers, maybe a kitchen island big enough to land a plane. But talk to anyone who remodels homes for a living (hi, that’s us), and they’ll tell you a little secret: it’s often the smallest details that make a home feel truly custom.

One of our favorite “small but mighty” upgrades? The niche.

A niche is a simple recessed space built into a wall — but its impact is anything but simple. A niche combines form and function beautifully, adding storage, personality, and polish without taking up a single inch of floor space. Whether it’s holding your favorite shampoo in the shower, showcasing art in the hallway, or tucking away spices above the stove, niches are the unsung heroes of home design.

“Shower niche with marble shelf, aqua glass accent tile, and neutral stone wall tile in bathroom remodel.”
A custom shower niche adds both function and style. This recessed shelf keeps the shower uncluttered and creates a design moment with its aqua accent strip.

A custom shower niche adds both function and style. This recessed shelf provides the perfect spot for soaps or décor while keeping the shower uncluttered. Paired with a bold aqua accent strip, it turns practical storage into a design statement. 

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What Makes Niches So Smart

1. They Save Space Without Sacrifice

One of the biggest complaints we hear during remodel consultations is: “I just don’t have enough storage.” Not every home has room for a bigger closet or additional cabinetry. That’s where niches shine.

They take advantage of “found space” inside your walls, offering clever storage that doesn’t intrude on your layout.

• In the bathroom: No more hanging shower caddies or bottles perched precariously on the tub edge.

• In hallways or living rooms: Display décor without crowding the floor with tables or shelves.

• In mudrooms: A niche can act as a mini landing zone for keys, mail, or sunglasses.

It’s small, smart, and efficient — the ultimate triple threat.

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2. They Add Personality

Niches may be subtle, but they’re big on style. By playing with tile, paint, or trim, you can transform a recess into a little work of art.

Imagine a shower niche lined with bold glass tile that pops against a soft neutral wall, or a powder-room alcove painted in a rich accent color to make guests say “wow.”

Want to take it up a notch? Add a small spotlight or LED strip to your niche. Suddenly, your wall becomes a built-in art display.

See how small details can add style on a budget in Budget-Friendly Remodeling: Big Style, Smart Spending.

Niches aren’t just for inside the shower — they can be built into bathroom walls and benches to maximize storage. This clever design creates a tucked-away space for towels or baskets, keeping essentials close at hand without cluttering the floor. 

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3. They Work Everywhere

While most people first think of bathroom niches, these recessed beauties can elevate almost any room in the house:

• Bathrooms: For shampoo, soap, towels, or décor.

• Kitchens: Perfect for spices, oils, or even cookbooks. (One of our favorite installs is a backsplash niche above the stove!)

• Hallways & Living Rooms: A sculptural spot for art, books, or collectibles.

• Mudrooms: A practical perch for daily essentials.

The best part? Niches don’t require a massive budget. Planned early, they can be incorporated with minimal extra cost during construction — but deliver a high-impact custom look.

“Built-in bathroom niche with basket storage beneath tiled shower bench in remodel.”
Niches aren’t just for showers — they can tuck into bathroom walls or benches for extra storage without adding clutter.

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Real-Life Examples from Our Projects

If you’ve browsed our project galleries, you’ve probably noticed niches showing up again and again — we just can’t help ourselves.

• The Full-Width Shower Niche: In a recent Bay Area bathroom remodel, we built a niche that ran the entire wall length. The homeowner chose a mosaic tile accent inside that instantly elevated the space from “nice” to “designer.”

• The Living Room Alcove: A curved wall niche transformed into a statement piece with rich paint and glass shelving. Instead of a bulky bookshelf, the homeowner got a streamlined, built-in display.

• The Kitchen Spice Niche: In a Walnut Creek remodel, we recessed a small niche above the stove, lined it in matching backsplash tile, and added under-cabinet lighting. It’s beautiful and functional — the kind of feature that makes guests ask, “Where’d you get that idea?”

These projects show that niches aren’t just about practicality — they’re about making your remodel feel thoughtful and intentional.

“Kitchen backsplash niche with decorative tile surround, glass candle holder, and ceramic pear above stove.”
A kitchen niche can add charm and functionality, turning your backsplash into both a statement and a storage zone.

Niches aren’t limited to bathrooms — they can be built into kitchens too. This backsplash niche doubles as both storage and décor space, adding dimension to the wall while keeping essentials within easy reach. It’s a creative way to make your backsplash functional and beautiful. 

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Design Tips for Adding Niches

Thinking about adding a niche to your next remodel? Here are a few pro tips from our team at Toupin Construction:

1. Plan Early

Niches need to be framed into the wall, so they should be part of the design phase, not an afterthought.

2. Mind the Height

In showers, set niches around chest or shoulder height for easy access. For display niches, consider eye level or align them with furniture or trim lines for balance.

3. Play with Materials

Contrast your niche with bold tile, paint, or texture to make it stand out — or use a matching finish for a subtle, built-in look.

4. Add Lighting

LED strips or small spotlights make display niches feel custom (and they’re great for ambiance).

5. Keep It Proportional

Oversized niches can overwhelm; undersized ones can feel like an afterthought. Your remodeler will help scale it to your wall layout.

For even more bathroom design details, explore Elevate Your Bathroom Design with a Pedestal Sink — another small upgrade with big design payoff.

“Illuminated shower niche with mosaic tile accent, built-in light, and decorative coral piece in tiled bathroom remodel.”
A niche can be more than storage — built-in lighting turns it into a spa-like focal point.

A niche can be more than storage — it can be a design centerpiece. This illuminated shower niche adds depth and drama, with mosaic accent tile and built-in lighting that highlights decorative elements. It turns a practical feature into a spa-like focal point. 

Why Homeowners Love Them

After every project, we ask homeowners what features they love most — and niches often top the list.

• They’re easy to clean.

• They keep clutter under control.

• They look like something you’d see in a custom home magazine.

From a builder’s perspective, we love them because they make good design practical. From a homeowner’s perspective, they make daily routines easier and prettier.

Want more ideas like this? See Remodeling for Accessibility: Creating a Home That Welcomes Everyone — another example of how functional design can be beautiful.

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The Bottom Line

Remodeling isn’t just about making your home look better — it’s about making it work better. Niches check both boxes. They’re versatile, affordable, and impactful, and they instantly make your remodel feel intentional and custom.

So next time you plan a project, think beyond the big-ticket upgrades. A niche might just be the smartest little detail you ever add.

“Bathroom remodel with horizontal shower niche and vertical multi-shelf niche featuring geometric accent tile and grab bars.”
Why stop at one? This bathroom pairs a wide niche with a vertical multi-shelf version for maximum storage and style.

 Why stop at one niche? This bathroom combines a wide horizontal niche with a vertical multi-shelf niche for maximum storage and style. The geometric accent tile ties the look together, while grab bars ensure the shower is both beautiful and functional. 

Key Takeaways

• A niche is a recessed wall space that adds storage without taking up room.

• Works in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways, mudrooms, and living areas.

• Plan early, choose bold materials, and add lighting for impact.

• Low-cost upgrade with high visual return.

• Waterproof properly in wet areas and keep dimensions proportional.

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FAQ

Q: How much does it cost to add a niche during a remodel?
A: A basic niche adds only a small line item for framing, waterproofing, and finishing. It’s a budget-friendly upgrade when planned during design.

Q: What’s the best height for a shower niche?
A: Around chest or shoulder height (typically 42–48 inches). Align with grout lines for a seamless look.

Q: Do niches need waterproofing?
A: Absolutely. Use proper waterproof membranes behind tile and slope the shelf slightly (1–2%) toward the shower to prevent pooling.

Q: Can you add a niche to an existing wall?
A: Sometimes. A contractor can scan the wall to confirm there’s no plumbing or electrical blocking the cavity before cutting between studs.

Q: Where do niches make the biggest impact?
A: Showers, kitchens, and mudrooms. Lighted display niches also elevate hallways and living rooms.

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Ready to Plan Your Perfect Niche?

Let’s design a remodel that feels custom from every angle — big and small.
Start with our step-by-step guide:
???? The Complete Bathroom Remodel Guide for Bay Area Homes