Hey there! I‘m Lillie Gabler, a home improvement expert with over 10 years of experience in bathroom renovations and upgrades. Adding a shower niche is a great way to add convenient storage and visual interest to your shower design. But should you add trim around the niche? That‘s an excellent question.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know about shower niche trim – the pros and cons, different materials to choose from, proper installation, costs, and alternatives if you decide to skip the trim. My goal is to provide you with all the information you need to make the best decision for your specific shower niche project. Let‘s dive in!
What is a Shower Niche?
First, let‘s quickly cover what exactly a shower niche is. A shower niche (also called a recessed soap dish) is an indentation built into the shower wall to hold shampoo, soap, razors and other bathing accessories.
Usually square or rectangular, shower niches add convenient storage space and visual interest to shower designs. Niches are typically constructed from concrete, tile, natural stone, or acrylic. The most common placement is near the shower head, though they can be installed wherever works best in your space.
Here are some quick shower niche stats:
- Average niche size is between 6 to 12 inches wide and 12 to 24 inches high.
- Niches are placed at an average height of 48 – 52 inches above the shower floor.
- The most popular niche locations are near the shower head and on the back wall.
- Over 65% of custom showers now include at least one niche.
Now that you know what a shower niche is, let‘s look at the benefits of adding trim and the options available.
Why Add Trim Around a Shower Niche?
Trim serves both aesthetic and functional purposes when installed around a shower niche:
Aesthetic Benefits
- Provides a finished, upscale look. In my experience, a niche with trim appears much more polished and built-in compared to a raw tile edge.
- Frames the niche, drawing the eye. Trim adds definition and makes the niche a focal point.
- Opportunity to add decorative details through trim shape and material. You can match your faucets, go modern with sleek metal, or carry through a wood trim look.
- Ties the niche into the overall shower design. Good trim choices will coordinate with the rest of your bathroom finishes.
- Covers and neatens niche edges. Trim conceals any rough tile cuts or uneven concrete edges.
Functional Benefits
- Protects niche edges from water damage. Trim creates a moisture barrier between the niche tiles and wall interior.
- Provides surface to apply caulk/grout for waterproofing. You need an edge to seal for watertightness.
- Creates watertight seal to prevent moisture behind niche. This moisture protection prevents mold, mildew and wall damage over time.
- Hides any imperfections or cracks around niche. Irregularities in the niche walls are covered by the trim.
In summary, trim gives the niche a polished, built-in look and also serves the critical function of moisture protection in a wet environment. Let‘s now look at the most popular trim options.
Popular Trim Options for Shower Niches
If you decide to add trim around your niche, there are several materials to choose from. Each has their own advantages depending on the look you want and your budget.
Tile Trim
- Matches existing shower tile. Provides a coordinated, seamless look.
- Many profiles like bullnose, chair rail, mosaics. Flexibility to suit your design.
- Can be cut to fit any niche size. Custom sizing to fit your exact niche dimensions.
- Grout helps bond to niche wall. Strong mechanical and chemical adhesion.
*Tile trim costs between $10-$50 per linear foot installed, depending on the tile type.
Metal Trim
- Sleek, modern look. A great match with contemporary designs.
- Many finishes like polished chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze. Match existing metals in the space.
- More water/rust resistant than wood. Holds up better to shower moisture over time.
- Thin profile. Usually under 1/2" thickness for a slimmer edge.
*Metal trim costs $15-$75 per linear foot installed.
Wood Trim
- Classic, natural look. Brings a warmth and elegance to the space.
- Many stain options to match décor. Coordinates with other wood finishes like cabinets.
- Can be painted any color. Match or contrast your color scheme.
- Intricate carved details possible. From modern straight to ornate and traditional.
*Wood trim costs $20-$100 per linear foot installed.
PVC/Plastic Trim
- Budget option under $10/foot. Great for cost savings without sacrificing style.
- Low maintenance, won‘t rot or rust. Withstands the humidity and moisture.
- Paintable, simple cleaning. Customize the look; wipes clean easily.
- Many styles replicate wood/metal trims. Get the look without the cost.
*PVC trim costs $3-$15 per foot installed.
Schluter® Edging
- Sleek, modern edge. Ideal for contemporary tile installations.
- Thin sizes from 1/8" – 1/2” for minimal overhang. Nearly flush with the tile face.
- Integrated drip edge for water runoff. Designed for shower environments.
- Range of metal finishes like chrome, bronze, and brass. Match your décor.
*Schluter edging costs $10-$25 per foot installed.
Bullnose Tile
- No additional trim needed. Bullnose finish is built into the tile.
- Rounded "bullnose" edge finishes niche. A completely seamless look.
- Tile material matches rest of shower. Perfect color and texture continuity.
- Grout lines align perfectly. Corner niche grout lines are continuous.
*Bullnose tiles average $5-$15 per square foot.
As you can see, there are lots of trim options ranging from affordable plastic to high-end metal and ornate carved wood. In my opinion, choosing a material that coordinates with your overall design is key for a cohesive look.
Now that we‘ve covered the benefits of trim and the most popular options, let‘s look at how to install it properly.
How to Install Shower Niche Trim
Installing trim properly ensures it looks beautiful while also serving its important functional purpose. Here is an overview of the trim installation process:
1. Measure and Cut Trim
- Carefully measure the niche opening width and height. Transfer measurements to the trim material.
- Cut trim pieces 1/4 – 1/2" longer than measurements to allow room for adjustments.
- Use a miter saw for straight cuts and 45 degree edge cuts for a seamless fit.
2. Prepare the Surface
- Clean niche edges thoroughly – remove all debris, soap scum, dust, etc.
- File down any large bumps or uneven areas for a smooth surface.
- Prime very porous surfaces like concrete to prevent bonding issues.
3. Test Fit the Trim
- Do a dry fit without adhesive to ensure the trim fits tightly around the niche.
- Make any final adjustments to the trim size if needed.
4. Apply Adhesive
- Run a thin bead of flexible tile adhesive along the back side of the trim. Ideal choices are silicone or polyurethane adhesives.
5. Press into Place
- Press trim firmly into place aligning with niche edges and corners.
- Use painter‘s tape triangles to hold the trim secure as the adhesive dries.
6. Seal With Caulk or Grout
- Once completely dry, seal all seams and edges with flexible, waterproof caulk or grout.
- Wet finger smooth for a consistent application. Remove any excess.
7. Allow to Cure
- Allow adhesive and caulk/grout to fully cure as specified before use.
- The trim should now be fully secured and waterproofed around the niche.
With the right products and careful precision, you can install shower niche trim to give a professional finished look. I‘d recommend setting aside at least 2-3 hours for the installation. Having an extra set of hands can also be helpful!
Now let‘s chat about alternatives if you decide to forego the trim.
Alternatives If Skipping the Trim
While trim around a niche is recommended for aesthetics and waterproofing, here are some alternatives to consider:
Bullnose Tiles
- Bullnose tile edges eliminate the need for trim. Just ensure grout lines align.
- Matching bullnose tiles offer a beautifully seamless look.
Beveled Tiles
- Beveled tile edges create a smooth, sloped transition between walls.
- Miters the edge slightly for a subtle finished appearance.
Extra Caulking
- Generously caulk around niche edges and smooth carefully with a wet finger or tool.
- Choose a mold-resistant, flexible silicone caulk rated for wet areas.
Grout Border
- Build up and shape grout around the niche edges to create a smooth border.
- Match grout color to tile or choose a contrasting shade.
Tile Border
- Border the niche with a decorative row of mosaic tiles, brick tiles, or other design.
- Coordinate border tiles with the rest of the shower design.
However, skipping trim does remove the design framing it provides and can sometimes look a little incomplete or “tacked on” in my opinion.
Conclusion
I hope this gives you a comprehensive overview of shower niche trim – from the benefits of adding trim to the different material options to proper installation.
Here are my key takeaways:
- Trim provides an elegant finish and frames the niche beautifully.
- It serves important moisture protection functionality.
- Many materials like tile, wood, and metal are available to match your design.
- Accurate measurement, precision cutting, and careful installation are critical.
- Alternatives like bullnose tile or caulking can also work if you prefer a trimless look.
Adding a niche is a great way to enhance your shower’s functionality and appearance. Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions as you explore trim options for your niche project!
Lillie Gabler
Home Improvement Expert and Contributor at 33rdsquare.com
