A niche behind a freestanding bath can hold toiletries, towels or decorative objects and give the wall a deliberate architectural rhythm. It must be designed as part of the wet-area construction, not cut into a finished wall because the space looks empty.
Reach determines the useful height
The niche should be reachable from the bath without leaning dangerously over the rim or relying on the filler as support. Its size should suit the products that will actually be stored.
Waterproofing is essential where water can reach
The niche needs correct falls, corners, penetrations, membrane compatibility and finished edges. A pretty shelf does not replace a properly waterproofed wall detail.
Coordinate the bath and filler
The niche should not sit where the spout, hand shower or overflow makes access awkward. Its centreline can relate to the bath, window, mirror or wall tile pattern.
Lighting needs service access
An illuminated niche adds drama but introduces a driver, cable route and electrical coordination. The components should remain serviceable and installed by appropriately qualified professionals.
Read about waterproofing niches and benches, or see why bath-side storage needs planning.