I'm not a pro but just finished a remodel which included a new shower with a niche.

In my experience, and also from reading this forum, the niche has to be done prior to the actual tiling because the waterproofing system needs to be fully integrated. Once you disturb the tiles - especially if you also knock out part of the backing to actually inset the niche, you would impact the integrity of the waterproofing.

There are storage solutions that aren't unattractive. I have a niche but I also added this large Kohler's corner basket in oil rubbed bronze to match the finishes of my shower. It also comes in other finishes.

Kohler Shower Basket

If you do not want to re-tile your whole shower, at the very least - I would just add in some corner baskets or maybe a teak corner shelf unit?

If this were a new project: the niche area would be framed in, and then covered with the cement board and waterproofing, then tiled. Adding one in after the tiling is complete is not an option.

OK, so technically, it IS possible to add one after the fact in some instances, but not easily, and only by a real Pro with lots of experience (we've done it). First, you'd need said Pro and then you'd need to pay for that. I won't go into technical challenges because I agree with others that a very acceptable storage solution is baskets, but of good quality like the Kohler shower baskets (as Helen shared). Most of our clients prefer two of the large size. Be careful to follow all installation instructions including the silicone seal at screws. It really is best to have a pro install them. You want to be sure that you don't end up with cracked tiles. https://www.us.kohler.com/us/Large-shower-basket/productDetail/baskets/426409.htm?skuId=401229&brandId=785110

Yes, but your inspiration photo is more difficult because of the size. You have to cut it into the existing tile and notch it in. A better approach would be a corner seat. And consider placement (other side of shower if possible). Important to think about how you would actually use it. To sit on? To use for shaving? Catch all for products?

Yes it is doable. There is a technique. Ideally you would use a solid surface already existing in your bathroom. Send me a direct message with a photo of your current bath surfaces. I'll send you a diagram with more info (may take a few days). Or email it to: dragonflytile@wi.rr.com

Is it possible the OP could add a solid surface caddy in the corner? It is not a niche, but it has the same purpose. They are added to the surface of the solid surface panels. It looks like there would be some way to glue them to the tile if you could find one that matched the tile. They also have small soap dishes/foot rests, and corner shelves. Flip soap dish upside down to install it as a foot rest.

http://www.onyxcollection.com/pdf/InstallBench-Kit_LRG.pdf

The bench is separate from the Onyx shower base. I guess it would take up some room in your shower, so the small corner seat would be better.

http://www.onyxcollection.com/pdf/corner-shower-seats.pdf

I am not sure if you would want to drill into your tile though. It may leak in the future.

http://www.onyxcollection.com/pdf/corner-caddy-install.pdf

The caddy gets attached to the corner. It is not recessed, but if you put it on the wall away from most of the water spray, or if you put it high enough, it might work for you.

http://www.onyxcollection.com/pdf/InstallCornerShelves.pdf

Other solid surface companies have the same kind of shelves. Look for a color that will go with your tile.

No, do not cut into your tiles at all, not for a niche and not for a seat. The same answer that you accepted above applies to seats that require you to disturb tile as well as it does to niches that get inset into the tile. Do not disturb your tile. A few small holes for screws may be okay if sealed right, but that may not even be necessary. Have you considered a teak shower seat with shelf? Teak shower seats at Grandin Road

Teak shower shelves and seats at Frontgate

Bamboo corner stool with shelf at Wayfair

I like that teak seat idea Nancy.

Here are some baskets and shelves that would be on the outside of the tile since it is too late for a niche. If you put them high enough away from water, they should work with your tile.

Innovate Building Solutions has these.

@Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc. - Q - I have a couple questions re: tile for shower/tub surround + design of shower niche/shaving ledge. I am having a bit of a tile ”emergency” (in quotes b/c it does only concern tiling a shower/tub surround - but it is a big problem that I need to address ASAP) and would like to be able to engage someone I know (odd to say but I’ve read so many of your comments that I feel like I sort of know you! LOL).

FYI - I have engaged a designer - but she is one of my daughter’s best friends, and doesn’t have much experience yet. I’m trying to help her build her portfolio. I don’t want to engage another design professional because I don’t want to hurt her feelings. Also, I am over budget on this project (scope expanded a bit after we started - oops!) - my SO is going to have a difficult time understanding why we are paying for design services twice. I don’t know if I can hire someone to answer just a couple questions.

Let me know - thanks!

why why not try adhesive ones like these? https://www.yigii.com/product-category/for-bathroom/shower-shelf/

hi! i just bought a town house and i would like to add a shower niche to the bathroom shower. it is not tiled but i plan on tiling it afterward. is it possible to add a shower niche to an established un-tiled shower? I looked at the ones on amazon and they mention that the shower niche needs to be built into the studs or the tiles/grout will crack, is that true??? I cant see the studs. has anyone else added a niche to an already built shower?

We have a teak shower seat that folds up and I love it. I think it’s by Koehler.

You "should" be able to add the niche when you have gutted the existing shower for the tile prep work.

@dani_m08, I know your post was months ago but just want to apologize for not responding as we never saw it. Hope your worked it out.

what did u guys end up doing? my wife and I are in this same situation, what happened was my wife and I told the builder we didn't want it having no idea what that was. After learning what it was we asked the builder to add it but it was too late.

Have a look at Schluter Shelves. They go in at horizontal grout joins. Super easy. Many colors so they can blend or contrast - whichever you prefer. Here are mine.

Thank you, I like this, it’s very neat looking

Yes it can. I've done it with absolutely no problem. However, I would not recommend it as a first-time job for someone who has never framed walls, laid cement board, or tiled before. That being said, a professional can do it for you. First, remove the tile, cement board, and wall board to expose two studs. Then you will frame between these studs a cave just slightly larger than the part of the niche that goes into the wall. This can be done to existing studs in a wall most easily with L-brackets. You would connect two (2x4 or 2x6 - depending on the existing stud size) as top and bottom cross beams across the two studs. Then you will run two vertical studs left and right from those cross beams. This is your cave, which should be just slightly larger than the part of the niche that goes into the wall. Next, caulk all gaps in your cave and membrane the cave. Once membraned, the cave is virtually waterproof. Next, reapply wall board and cement board to where you removed the existing board and tile to access the beams (where the niche will not go). The wall board can be replaced with drywall screws, tape, and mud. Then paint the wallboard with liquid membrane. Apply thin set to the replaced wall board and screw your cement board on top of that with cement board screws into the studs. Use thin set to fill the gaps between the new and old cement board. Then apply thin set to the surface of the newly replaced cement board, place your tiles, and subsequently grout them. Finally, insert your niche using silicon adhesive around the lip. If the seal in the niche fails, the membraned cave will not allow the water to run into your wall and ruin your subfloor/foundation.