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Designing with Depth:Recessed Spaces that Redefine Modern Bathrooms
Recesses are one of the most understated but transformative features you can add to a bathroom. Whether you’re designing a new space or upgrading your existing one, recesses combine smart functionality with sleek aesthetics. From elegant shower storage to illuminated feature walls, there’s a recess design to suit every taste and layout. In this post, our team explains how to use recesses effectively, the best design ideas, and the key considerations before installation.
What is a Bathroom Recess? 
A recess is a hollowed-out section built directly into your bathroom wall. It’s commonly used for storage or display purposes and eliminates the need for protruding shelves or bulky furniture. By tucking your essentials into the wall, you maintain a clean, open feel, ideal for modern bathrooms where minimalism and space-saving are key.
Recesses are usually tiled to match or complement the surrounding wall, offering a seamless and integrated finish. Their popularity has grown not just because they’re practical, but because they elevate the entire design with a touch of bespoke elegance.
Where Can You Add One?
Recesses are incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into almost any area of your bathroom. From practical storage in the shower to stylish displays above the bath, their placement can transform how your space looks and functions. Here are the most popular locations to consider.
Shower Walls
This is the most popular placement for recesses. A shower niche keeps shampoo bottles, soaps, razors, and other essentials neatly stored and easy to reach — without cluttering the floor or relying on caddies. A well-placed shower recess also avoids the water stream, so items stay dry and tidy.
Above the Bath
Installing a recess above a freestanding or built-in bath creates a beautiful focal point. This is the perfect place to display candles, bath salts, or decorative elements that enhance a relaxing atmosphere. For balance, some people opt for a symmetrical double recess, while others prefer a wide, single niche spanning the bath.
Beside or Behind Vanity Mirrors
Small recesses beside or even behind mirrors offer a clever way to store frequently used items like skincare products or toothbrushes. These are especially effective in narrow bathrooms where countertop space is limited.
Full Wall Features
In larger bathrooms, a full-length recessed wall panel — sometimes illuminated — can create an impressive statement. These are often placed behind the bath or along a main feature wall and can be tiled in a contrasting material or used purely for visual impact.
Inspiring Design Ideas 
Recesses aren’t just practical, they’re a brilliant design opportunity. Whether you want to add visual interest, enhance your lighting scheme, or create a luxurious spa-like feel, there are countless ways to style a niche. Below are some of our favourite design ideas to inspire your own space.
✓ Contrasting Tiles for Impact
Lining your recess with a different colour, texture, or pattern than the main wall tiles adds instant depth and drama. Think geometric tiles in a neutral bathroom or a splash of bold colour in a monochrome space.
✓ Frameless Glass Shelves
Adding a glass shelf or two inside the recess is ideal for storing smaller items. It also allows light to pass through, preserving the open feel of the space while keeping things organised.
✓ LED Lighting for Ambience
Integrated LED strips can turn your recess into a feature in its own right. Soft backlighting creates a warm glow in the evenings and adds a touch of spa-like luxury. Perfect for recessed panels above the bath or as an accent in your shower.
✓ Multiple or Layered Niches
Installing more than one recess, either side by side or in a vertical stack, adds design interest and increases functionality. This approach works well in shared bathrooms where each person can have their own section.
✓ Recessed Cabinets
For a deeper installation, a recessed cabinet can be fitted with a flush or mirrored door, providing discreet storage without intruding into the space — especially useful in en-suites or smaller bathrooms.
Key Considerations Before Installing a Recess 
While recesses can elevate both function and style in a bathroom, they need to be planned carefully. From structural requirements to waterproofing and lighting, there are a few important factors to keep in mind before you build. Here's what to consider to ensure a flawless result.
Wall Structure and Depth
Before adding a recess, it's essential to confirm whether the wall can accommodate one. Stud walls are usually ideal as they can be easily adjusted, while solid walls may require building out slightly or careful cutting. A minimum depth of 100mm–120mm is typically required for practical storage.
Waterproofing and Sealing
For recesses in wet areas, such as showers or above the bath, waterproof tanking and correct sealing are non-negotiable. Moisture getting behind the tiles can lead to costly damage. At Ripples, we ensure all our installations meet the highest waterproofing standards.
Tile Layout and Planning
A poorly placed recess can disrupt the symmetry of your tile layout. It’s important to consider tile size, grout lines, and placement early in the design phase so that your recess feels purposeful and aligned with the rest of the room.
Ideal Height and Depth
Think about who will be using the space and what they’ll be storing. For instance, shampoo bottles vary in height, so you’ll want to measure beforehand to avoid awkward sizing. Position the recess where it’s easy to reach but not constantly in the direct water stream.
Lighting and Electrical Planning
If you want lighting inside the recess, be sure to plan for wiring at the construction stage. Waterproof LED lighting should be IP-rated for bathroom use and installed by a qualified electrician.
Why We Recommend Recess Designs 
We believe every element of a bathroom should serve both form and function, and recesses are the perfect example of this. Over the years, we’ve incorporated recess designs into hundreds of projects, from compact en-suites to sprawling master bathrooms, and we’ve seen firsthand the impact they make.
Here’s why we consistently recommend including them in your bathroom renovation:
Space-Saving Without Compromise
In many Irish homes, bathrooms are among the smallest rooms in the house. Recesses are a clever way to gain valuable storage space without adding clutter. Because they’re built into the wall, they don’t intrude into the usable floor area — a huge bonus for compact bathrooms or narrow shower enclosures.
Adds a High-End, Custom Look
Recesses instantly elevate the overall design. Whether it’s a clean-lined niche in the shower or a tiled feature wall with subtle lighting, these built-in elements look like they belong in a luxury spa or high-end hotel. They show thoughtfulness in design and give the impression of a bespoke, tailored space.
Reduces Clutter and Improves Flow
One of the main reasons bathrooms look untidy is surface clutter. Bottles, razors, and products lined along the bath edge or piled in caddies disrupt the visual flow. A well-placed recess removes the need for makeshift storage and helps maintain a sense of order and calm, especially important in modern, minimalist interiors.
Flexible in Style and Placement
Whether your bathroom style is contemporary, traditional, or somewhere in between, recesses can be designed to complement it perfectly. Use the same tiles for a subtle, integrated look, or contrast them to create a striking visual statement. You can choose the size, shape, layout and even lighting — every aspect is customisable.
A Subtle Way to Introduce Personality
Want to inject some personality into your bathroom without going overboard? A recess offers the perfect opportunity. Use it to display a favourite candle, a small piece of art, or even a pop of colour in your tiling. It’s a refined way to personalise your space without overwhelming it.
Easier to Clean and Maintain
Because they are flush with the wall, recesses eliminate awkward corners where dust and soap scum can collect. Compared to external shelving or wire racks, they’re easier to wipe down and maintain, small details that make a big difference in day-to-day life.
Enhances Lighting Possibilities
Integrated lighting in recesses is not only functional, helping you see what you’re reaching for, but it also contributes to a warm, ambient atmosphere. In larger bathrooms or those used at night, softly lit recesses act as a gentle nightlight or an accent feature that enhances the mood of the room.
Create Your Own Beautiful Bathroom Recess 
When thoughtfully designed, a recess does more than store your shower gel; it adds a sense of purpose, style, and serenity to your space. Whether you’re updating a tired bathroom or planning a luxury renovation, we’ll help you make the most of every inch.
Speak to our expert team today by calling 01-969 6705 or visiting ripplesbathrooms.ie/booking Let Ripples Bathrooms guide you to a design that’s both functional and beautifully finished, down to the smallest detail.