To add style, depth, and practicality to a home interior, consider creating tile niches. These little "pockets" or "shelves" are elegant, built-in storage solutions. They give homes bespoke vibes that are stylish, modern, and functional.
Where To Use Tile Niches
Rooms with sinks are ideal choices for tile niches, so adding a tile niche (or two) to a bathroom will help you to make that room a spa-like sanctuary. A shower stall tile niche can hold scented soap from France, a votive candle, or a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. It can be anything you want it to be. The only limitation is your own imagination.
Another option is a niche surrounding the tub, where you can stash shampoo, conditioner, razors, and more. Kitchens are also great places for tile niches, and some are large enough to become, as they say in the interior design business, "appliance garages." An appliance garage holds a cluster of small appliances that might otherwise take up precious counter space.
Large, midsized, or compact tile niches offer so many benefits to homeowners. They look great, as they can be seamlessly integrated into tiled walls or other design elements. They'll look like they've always been there. LED strip lighting can even be added.
Choosing Tile for Your Niche
Wayne Tile offers gorgeous, glamorous tiles, from minimalist white subway tile in high-quality porcelain, to artsy glass "sticks" that create a textured effect, to faux-marble ceramic tiles. This just scratches the surface. Natural stone, high-end vinyl, and porcelain slabs are also available.
For a clean look in a white bathroom, choose small rectangular tiles or geometric tiles. They'll add some texture without standing out too much. Classic subway tile is an ideal and trendy choice for kitchen backsplashes. However, you might want something more unique, such as patterned tile that creates a mosaic effect.
For a seamless look, you can't go wrong with monochromatic palettes that match surrounding walls or bathroom features, such as tub surrounds. So, all-white is a traditional option for many washrooms. If you want contrast, use this tile pairing tip: choose a darker or brighter color, which will pop against an existing white tile background.
Tile Depth Advice
Most homeowners use tiles with a depth of 3.5 inches to create tile niches; you can do the same. However, it's possible to get good results with thicker tiles, such as 4.5 or 6 inches.
Installation Details
In high-moisture areas, tiles should be naturally water-resistant, and then be installed carefully to ensure that their grout and penetrative sealing keep moisture out. An epoxy grout that's designed for wetter places will be a great choice.
Porcelain tiles offer the highest degree of water resistance while looking clean and smooth.
To add extra waterproofing, some installers add membranes under tiles. These membranes are a waterproof barrier. See Canadian home improvement guru Mike Holmes waterproof an entire bathroom, using one of these membranes, via his Facebook video post.
Book a design consult for a personalized niche layout. You may contact us via our website or visit us at a Wayne Tile retail location.
Start Your Tile Project With Wayne Tile Company
Our experts at Wayne Tile Company can help you select the right edge profile for the room, purpose, and type of tile you want. Browse our full product catalog or visit your nearest showroom to explore them in person.
