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Why We Love the New Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE

By Sherry Holmes

Mike’s Advice / Bathroom Renovation

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 @ 9:59am

When it comes to designing a shower that’s both beautiful and functional, small details can make a big difference. Bathroom organization is important. We always try to find storage solutions for our clients as we upgrade their bathrooms.

One of my favorite upgrades for any modern bathroom is including a niche in the shower or tub area. The new Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE is prefab with adjustability options, and we always make sure the connection to the niche is waterproof. We don’t want any water getting to the wall assembly.

I am excited about the new Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE. The Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE is a prefabricated, waterproof, ready-to-tile wall niche designed for use in showers, tub surrounds, and other tiled wall areas. What I love about this is I don’t need to tile the niche.

Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE

Not only does it give you stylish, built-in storage, but it’s also engineered to be durable, waterproof, and easy to install. This means you get a shower that looks great and lasts for years.

Plus, they seamlessly integrate with the Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing system and their main purpose is to provide a built-in storage for shampoos, soaps, razors etc. while ensuring the wall assembly remains fully protected from moisture.

 

 

RELATED: Benefits of a pre-fabricated niche

 

Here are 5 reasons why we love the Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE:

 


 

1. Fully waterproof right out of the box

No fussing with building a niche from scratch or hoping it was sealed properly. The Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE comes pre-waterproofed. This helps prevent the number one bathroom problem: moisture getting behind the walls. Because the waterproofing is built into the structure, the risk of trapped moisture, mold growth, or long-term rot is eliminated.

 

2. No Need For Tiling

I have to say, tiling inside a niche is probably my least favorite thing to do during a reno. The Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE has an aluminum finish, so there is NO need to tile. Just pick your color and size. Easy for a contractor!

Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE open

 

3. They save time — and time is money

Everything you need to install the niche is in the packaging already. As a contractor, this is very helpful because I don’t have to source different materials.

The Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE kit includes everything needed for a secure, watertight installation:

  • Aluminum Niche: Durable, powder-coated aluminum for a sleek, corrosion-resistant finish.
  • Adjustable Frame: Customize the fit flush with tile or with a reveal edge for a framed effect.
  • KERDI-BAND Frame: Ensures a watertight connection to surrounding surfaces.
  • Adjustable Nuts: Fine-tune the fit for a secure, stable installation.
  • Foam Spacers: Keep everything aligned and perfectly positioned.
  • KERDI-FIX: A high-performance adhesive that locks in waterproofing integrity.

Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE install

 

4. They integrate seamlessly with the Schluter® waterproofing system

Everything works together — the niche, the membrane, the thin-set, the tile. This is the best way to build durability into a bathroom.

 

5. The Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE looks great and offers customization options

The new Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE is available in different sizes, shapes, and configurations. As a homeowner, you get that modern, built-in look while giving contractors flexibility with tile layout. It’s a win for both form and function.


 

For me, it’s about making smart choices that simplify the renovation or new build and elevate the finished space. The Schluter®-DESIGN-NICHE does both. They’re reliable, easy to work with, and they look beautiful once installed — which means less stress during the project and a bathroom you can feel good about for years to come. I love that!

 

RELATED: 11 Stylish Shower Niches from Holmes on Homes

 

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