According to an article published by the website Homedit, an apparently discreet detail has been drawing attention in bathroom photos on Instagram, TikTok, and in recent renovation projects.
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When you enter the bathroom, it may even look like a second, poorly positioned shower niche: too low for products like shampoo and too refined to be a construction mistake.
But once you understand its function, you start noticing this element practically everywhere.
It is the shaving niche in the shower — and it is exactly what it looks like.
What the shaving niche in the shower is for
According to Homedit, this niche was not created to store objects. In practice, it works as a built-in footrest in the shower wall, offering a firm and secure spot to rest your foot while shaving your legs.
No dangerous balancing acts, improvised stools, or slipping while trying to keep your balance. The niche is recessed directly into the shower wall covering and is usually positioned between 45 and 60 centimeters from the floor, exactly at the height where the foot naturally lifts.
After using one, its usefulness becomes immediately obvious.
Why this detail is appearing in so many bathrooms now
Homedit points to a clear reason: bathrooms are becoming increasingly intentional. Instead of adding accessories after the space is already finished, designers and architects are incorporating functional solutions directly into the build.
The shaving niche keeps the shower visually and aesthetically clean, without the need for benches or extra supports, while also solving a real everyday problem. It also fits perfectly into the current trend of integrated minimalism, which prioritizes discreet, built-in solutions rather than items added later.
Why it works better than a shower bench
According to Homedit’s analysis, this small detail offers clear advantages:
- Saves space, especially in narrow shower enclosures
- Does not disrupt the visual flow of the wall covering
- Is always available, exactly where you need it
- Reduces the risk of slipping or losing balance
In small bathrooms, this type of choice makes far more difference than adding another shelf or accessory.
How designers are incorporating this feature
What makes the shaving niche even more interesting is its visual discretion. Some projects use simple rectangular recesses; others integrate the footrest into a larger shampoo niche, creating an effect of overlapping shelves.
There are also versions with a slight edge or ledge, all clad in the same material as the walls, making the element almost “disappear” into the design. When done well, it does not look like a decorative feature — it looks like smart planning.
Is it worth including this detail in your bathroom?
According to Homedit, if you are already renovating the shower enclosure, this is one of those details that cost little but significantly enhance daily comfort. It is practical, discreet, and conveys the feeling of a well-thought-out, customized project, without any excess.
A small adjustment that completely changes the experience.
Source: Homedit. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
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